Epico Wireless Charging Base
Epico charging station with MagSafe support, meaning it was designed for iPhones in the 12 and 13 series, which have magnets built right into the body. If you do not own an iPhone from the 12 or 13 series, you can utilize charging pads from the same brand.
Epico has more to offer, and today we'll look at two of them: the Epico Wireless Charging Base 2IN1 and 3IN1. They differ not only in terms of the number of devices that can be charged simultaneously but also in terms of design and processing. Of course, depending on today's review, you may get a better idea of which pad is appropriate for you based on the pricing.
Epico Wireless Charging Base 2IN1 and 3IN1: Adapter included
In both cases, the box contains both the pad and the USB-A – USB-C supply cable, which is 1.2 meters long for the more expensive 3IN1 pad and 1 meter long for the cheaper 2IN1 pad. In both cases, there is also a network adaptor, which Epico deserves credit for. In the case of a more expensive model, a 30W adapter is also included in the packaging; in the case of a less expensive variant, an 18W adapter will serve. So, at first, you have everything you need to get started; there is no need to acquire anything.
Design
Rechargeable pads differ not only in terms of the number of devices that may be recharged but also in terms of design. The Epico Wireless Charging Base 2IN1 is made of white plastic (ABS and fireproof PC), but the Epico Wireless Charging Base 3IN1 is made of aluminum and leather, with the chassis of the station being made of aluminum and the upper half being made of leatherette. The sleek black leatherette and traditional gray metal will also appeal, resulting in a sumptuous color combination.
Both stations are also distinct in size. 2IN1 is 18 9.2 1.25 cm long and weighs less than 110 grams; 3IN1 is 23 10.5 1.3 cm long and weighs more than twice as much as the principal components utilized.
Both stations, in addition to the Qi pad (s), contain a tilting stand with induction charging for the Apple Watch. This stand can be compared to a pad, or you can tilt it to charge Apple Watches with straps that cannot be placed conventionally, which is practical. Because of inductive charging, it is not possible to charge other watches with this stand, including those that use Qi technology.
The lowest section of both pads is rubberized and contains short legs, which prevents the stations from sliding about on the table, for example. The back of the base has a USB-C port, while the front has an elongated LED that gently pulses and indicates that the device is charging. Unfortunately, the 2IN1 diode is a little more obvious, and it also lights blue, which may annoy more sensitive folks. The diode in the 3IN1 variant is softer, whiter, and more recessed, which we prefer.
Are you wondering which pad to buy? Choose Epico Wireless Charging Base 3IN1 based on design, regardless of whether you will charge three devices at once. If you want to save money, go with Epico Wireless Charging Base 2IN1, which does not offend but falls short in a direct comparison. However, they are both exquisite enough that you won't feel embarrassed to have them on your desk, let alone on the bedside table next to your bed.
Charging: ideal for the night
The MagSafe stand might enable rapid 15W charging on (chosen) iPhones; however, without this standard, Apple's charging speed is limited to 7.5 W, despite both pads boasting a maximum power of 10 W. (5, 7.5, and 10 W). So it's not so much an Epic constraint as it is an Apple limitation. So, if you need to charge quickly, you'll still need to use a wire or, alternatively, MagSafe.
Of course, we put both pads through their paces with the Apple Watch 7 and the iPhone, in this case, the iPhone 12 Pro Max. We started by charging both fully charged items with the Epico Wireless Charging Base 2IN1, which can charge the iPhone with 7.5 W and the watch with a maximum of 2.5 W. (although the documentation "promises" only 2 W). The charging station's overall maximum power is 12.5 W.
In around 12 minutes, the completely charged iPhone and Apple Watch turned on for the first time. The iPhone 12 Pro Max took 4 hours and 9 minutes to charge to 100%, while the watch took 2 hours and 45 minutes. In 1 hour and 45 minutes, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is recharged to 50% capacity. During the same time frame, Apple Watch 7 increased by 63 percent.
Epico Wireless Charging Base 3IN1 is a step forward. The watch can supply up to 5 W, while the station's overall power is 25 W. So we repeated the test, and while charging the iPhone took the same amount of time, the watch charged to 100 percent in 1 hour and 45 minutes, while an hour was sufficient for 68 percent. As a result, this station is far superior for charging the watch.
However, in both circumstances, these are not outcomes that would surprise anyone twice, at least not favorably. On the other hand, this is primarily due to Apple's constraints, for which Epico bears no responsibility. However, if you want to charge wirelessly during the day or overnight, the pads work flawlessly. Simply turn it off and charge it.
Conclusion: elegant helpers
These are useful aids that look excellent and deliver on their promise of charging two or three gadgets at the same time. Unfortunately, the manufacturer is experiencing issues that are primarily the fault of Apple. It made available maximum power of 7.5 W for wireless charging (other than MagSafe) in 2022, which is pitifully low. Apple's method is a shame at a time when competitor brands can be charged wirelessly in a matter of minutes. However, in the Apple ecosystem, you have no choice.
