At a glance

Expert's Rating

Pros

• Large battery capacity





• Built-in USB-C cable





• 25W wireless or 35W wired charging





• Kickstand





• Digital display

Cons

• Built-in USB-C cable is geared to iPhone 15/16/17 users

Our Verdict

Safe and durable semi-solid-state battery, 25W wireless charging speed, built-in USB-C cable, kickstand. The Kuxiu S3 Power Bank has it all.

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Best Prices Today: Kuxiu S3 25W 10K Solid-State Power Bank

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The big news in wireless power banks is all about two technologies these days: super-speedy Qi2 25W charging; and semi-solid-state batteries.

The Kuxiu S3 is not the first semi-sold-state magnetic wireless power bank we’ve tested—that honor goes to stablemate Kuxiu S2. Nor is it the first 25W battery pack: that was the Ugreen MagFlow.

However, the Kuxiu S3 is the first—and surely not the last—semi-solid-state 25W magnetic wireless power bank to enter the Macworld Labs.

Indeed, not only does it tick those boxes but its also boasts three other top-end features: a built-in USB-C cable, integrated kickstand, and digital battery display.

In terms of a magnetic wireless power bank it has it all.

• Capacity: 39.5Wh (10000mAh)





• Input charger: USB-C (30W)





• Output charger: Wireless (25W) & USB-C (30W)





• On test charged iPhone to: 177%





• Weight: 8.65oz (245g)





• Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches (10.7 x 7.1 x 2.2cm)





• Colors: Black

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Simon Jary

Qi2 25W for some, Qi2 for the rest

Elsewhere (in Which wireless tech is best for your iPhone) I’ve written more about the various wireless power outputs, how they affect charging speed and which iPhone can use which charging tech.

In short, the higher the power output the faster the recharge, and only the iPhones 16 and 17 support the very fastest wireless tech Qi2 25W (also known as Qi 2.2). Older iPhones (from 12 on) can use 25W chargers and power banks but are pegged back at 15W.

15W MagSafe or Qi2 wireless charging is still speedy, and faster than found on older and cheaper “MagSafe-compatible” power banks that chug along at 7.5W.

In terms of wireless charging, the Kuxiu S3 is best suited to iPhones 16 and later, which can take advantage of the full 25W on offer.

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Simon Jary

Wireless vs wired

25W takes wireless close to the charging speeds that are possible with a cabled wired charger.

In terms of compatibility, another factor to consider is the type of charging port on your iPhone. A built-in cable is fine if it matches your phone’s port. iPhones from version 15 onwards pack a USB-C charging port. Previous models (14 and earlier) use Lightning cables.

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Simon Jary

The S3’s USB-C cable feels integrated but can be detached, although I’m not sure why that would be an advantage. It makes it a little more flexible (and losable) and the connection to the power bank is robust so it won’t come out without a good tug. At 10 inches (25cm) it’s longer than most. It tucks neatly around both sides of the power bank.

The S3’s USB-C cable is therefore best suited to later iPhones (15/16/17), just as its wireless charging (16/17) is also more beneficial for later i