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Belkin BOOST UP, test the fast and stylish charger

Belkin BOOST UP, test the fast and stylish charger

Home Hi-Tech Android World ,,,,,Building on the success of the first models, Belkin tries again with the new BOOST UP Bold and Stand, both Wireless and fast charging.

Elegance, functionality, attention to detail and some interesting ideas characterize them in an increasingly competitive market that currently only sees the latest iPhones and some top Android models, but which could later expand compatibility to some tablet models as well.

  • 1 Belkin BOOST UP, the review
  • 1.1 Qi: for a few, but not much
  • 1.2 BOOST UP Bold, quick and easy
  • 1.3 BOOST UP Stand, double position
  • 1.4 Performance and attention
  • 1.5 Conclusions
  • Belkin BOOST UP, the review

    Qi: for a few, but not much

    The new battery chargers of the Belkin BOOST UP line differ essentially from each other for some construction details but the part dedicated to charging appears identical both aesthetically and looking at the technical specifications.

    Recall that both charging bases are designed for devices compatible with Qi charging: we are therefore talking about Galaxy Note5, Galaxy Note8, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8 +, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9 +, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, LG G6, LG V30, Microsoft Lumia 950 and Microsoft Lumia 950XL.

    All the other models, including the iPhone 7 and earlier, cannot natively exploit this particular technology: some covers are on the market that enable wireless charging via an adapter, although we recommend caution.

    Belkin BOOST UP, in prova il caricabatterie veloce e con stile

    BOOST UP Bold, quick and easy

    The new BOOST UP line, as we have said, is divided into two models: the first, Bold, is basically the heart, a small round luminaire of 9.5 cm in diameter and something less than two in height, with a small LED in the opposite to the connector for the power supply which indicates its operation.

    A sensor “notices” when a device is placed on the charging surface and reacts with a white light if the charging is done correctly or yellow if the device is not compatible (or if we support something else).

    Belkin BOOST UP, in prova il caricabatterie veloce e con stile

    The light is very small and does not disturb when the device is, for example, in the bedroom in the evening (even if it is perceptible).

    The device, as far as we know, is fanless, even with fast charging, which allows it to be used in the bedroom. During charging, however, the temperature of the base rises significantly (but it could not be otherwise).

    1 of 3 Belkin BOOST UP, in prova il caricabatterie veloce e con stile Belkin BOOST UP, in prova il caricabatterie veloce e con stile Belkin BOOST UP, in prova il caricabatterie veloce e con stile

    BOOST UP Stand, double position

    The Stand model recharges its brother Bold for functions and results, but unlike this it offers a vertical stand with some more solutions.

    The charging base is raised by a front foot and a rear support, with an inclination angle of approximately 23 °.

    This allows a correct position of the smartphone, which during charging can be viewed correctly by a person sitting with their hands resting on the same table.

    But in particular, the shape of the front foot allows the positioning of the smartphone both vertically and horizontally (which is very suitable for viewing, for example, football world cup matches) while always remaining in charge.

    Precisely for this feature, BOOST UP Stand offers two LEDs, one at three o'clock and a second at six o'clock, so that one of the two is always visible in any position you leave the smartphone.

    1 of 3 Belkin BOOST UP, in prova il caricabatterie veloce e con stile Belkin BOOST UP, in prova il caricabatterie veloce e con stile Belkin BOOST UP, in prova il caricabatterie veloce e con stile

    Performance and attention

    For both products, these are fast charging chargers up to 10W, theoretically capable of halving the normal charging times even if, as mentioned, the products heat up a little during this phase.

    Both are powered directly and not via the classic USB connectors, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on the sockets you have nearby.

    For both we carried out tests with an iPhone 8 with a soft rubber cover without any problem: indeed, a quick test with a Samsung Galaxy S9 with a hard plastic cover gave positive results. However, we do not recommend using covers made of metal or difficult materials such as marble.

    In our tests, the charger reported a variable charge from 33% to 36% in one hour (from 60 to 64 minutes): remember that for fast charging in the latest iPhones you need to update iOS

    However, we must underline that the declared charging power of 10W is not fully exploitable by an iPhone, which stops at 7.5W or by a Samsung Galaxy (9W) but only by some more powerful Android models.

    An exchange of views with Belkin's technical department taught us that a permanent statistics on this type of device is very difficult, because the disturbing factors can be different: from the position of the phone, to the internal temperature up to interference from third-party devices. nearby parts, such as a Wi-Fi signal.

    Not to mention that there are limits imposed: iPhone for example is programmed to slow the charge over 60% to preserve the integrity of the battery and on this no manufacturer can impose its own rules.

    Belkin BOOST UP, in prova il caricabatterie veloce e con stile Also excellent as a resource in the office to see the world cup

    Conclusions

    BOOST UP Stand and BOOST UP Bold are products that combine a convincing and attention to detail design with correct functioning and in line with expectations: we liked the Stand more, if only for the original shape and for the greater versatility. , but we leave the judgment to the readers.

    The only real flaw, to be honest, is the price: a bit high considering the competition and despite the performance, which together with the design offer a solution that is currently unique, especially for the Stand model.

    BOOST UP Stand and BOOST UP Bold are products distributed by Attiva and therefore available in the main Apple Premium Resellers of the peninsula, but they can also be found online.

    Pro

    • Elegant design • Fanless fast charging • Stand model offers dual positioning

    Against

    • The price is a bit high • Charges only from an energy source (no USB)

    Price

    64.99 Euros (for the Bold model) and 74.99 Euros (for the Stand model)

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