Twelve South HiRise 3
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The Twelve South HiRise 3 is a three-device charger that solves a selected drawback with most MagSafe chargers however does not bear Apple’s MFi approval.
After we have been first launched to the third-generation HiRise from Twelve South, we did not anticipate to love it. The HiRise household has proud legacy, and we weren’t positive this newest incarnation would maintain up.
Our first response from the PR photos painted an image of a plastic charger that lacked any MFi certifications. By all appearances, it did not have the Apple backing and premium supplies we sometimes see from Twelve South.
After utilizing the gadget for a bit, we have come round on the HiRise 3. Whereas it is not the quickest charger on the market, it is a fantastic desktop or nightstand companion with useful design decisions.
Glossy Apple-like design
With the HiRise 3 in our palms, we have been smitten with its very clear design with purposeful strains. On our white mannequin, it looks like a tray on the Apple Retailer, with matte-white edges, a soft-touch end, and a lightweight gray high.
Twelve South HiRise 3 can energy three units
That mild gray floor appears unassuming, however it acts as one of many three chargers. It’s a charging pad for powering up your AirPods, a second cellphone, or one other Qi-enabled accent.
A metallic pole holds the iPhone and Apple Watch chargers within the air with minimal seams. The entire gadget appears polished and like one thing you’d discover sitting as at an Apple gadget demo station.
Prime down view of the HiRise 3
One huge differentiator between the HiRise and different MagSafe chargers is the charging floor. Twelve South opted for a really massive, flat floor to carry your iPhone.
The concept is that as you attempt to work together together with your cellphone, it’s extra secure. Suppose alongside the strains of a 6am alarm going off and also you’re making an attempt to smack that snooze button for a number of extra minutes of shut-eye.
Charging three units
Most MagSafe chargers have a small contact floor, so once you press on the underside or edges, it may possibly come freed from the magnet. Our nightstand has a glass high, and since we frequently use our cellphone with a case, a tumble will wake you up in a short time — belief us.
The flat floor holds the cellphone properly, even with the a number of circumstances we tried, and supplies further assist regardless of the place you press in your cellphone.
HiRise 3 watch charger
On high is the Apple Watch puck which blends neatly into the floor. It has only a small bump and the identical matte end as the remainder.
Charging energy for 3 units
Twelve South says you want a 20W charger to adequately energy all three units on the HiRise 3. You’ll be able to provide your individual, however Twelve South would adore it if you happen to thought-about the PlugBug Slim.
AirPods charging
The decrease charging pad is able to 5W of energy, whether or not used with a set of AirPods or one other iPhone. The Apple Watch puck can cost at as much as 3W, and the iPhone charger is able to 10W.
This feels a bit disingenuous although. We notice Qi chargers come at normal charges, however in contrast to different Qi chargers that would additionally cost Android units, the HiRise 3 is restricted simply to iPhones. And iPhones can solely cost at as much as 7.5W by way of Qi.
By promoting the Qi charger as a 10W charger when it’s bodily solely able to charging iPhones, unassuming customers could also be anticipating a a lot quicker charger than they’re getting.
USB-C enter
It is not a 100% fabrication, however Twelve South does not acknowledge wherever on the product web page that iPhones are presently restricted to 7.5W.
Our largest gripe with the HiRise 3 is that as a result of it is not MFi-certified, it lacks superior charging speeds. It does not assist quick charging on the Apple Watch Collection 7, and it does not assist 15W of charging by way of MagSafe.
Must you purchase the Twelve South HiRise 3?
Neither the Apple Watch nor the iPhone charger are Apple-certified and might’t supply the quickest speeds potential. That does not imply they’re unsafe although.
Qi chargers are nonetheless commonplace and completely tremendous to make use of together with your iPhone. Apple enforces inflexible requirements on MagSafe and Apple Watch chargers, and Twelve South needed to skip certification to get the design it was in search of.
Apple Watch charging
Actual MagSafe and Apple Watch units want to make use of Apple’s provided pucks and it a number of limits the design selections you make. We love the flat, practically seamless look of the HiRise 3 and it would not be that manner if Apple had its say.
We additionally recognize how sturdy the charger is whereas nonetheless supporting the MagSafe magnets on the newest iPhones. So long as you are happy with the restricted charging speeds on your watch and cellphone, this gadget will look nice in your house or workplace.
Rear view
Twelve South did one thing completely different, and we applaud it for that. This charger is not going to be for everybody, however it’s distinctive, trendy, and efficient at charging your day by day units.
Twelve South HiRise 3 Professionals
- Glossy look with Apple-like design
- Easy strains and strong really feel
- Normal USB-C energy
- Prices three units without delay
- Massive, strong floor for charging iPhone others lack
- Magnetically holds iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 units
Twelve South HiRise 3 Cons
- No Apple certification for MagSafe or Apple Watch
- Slower 7.5W iPhone pace
- No Apple Watch quick charging
Ranking: 3.5 out of 5
The place to purchase the Twelve South HiRise 3
