uNu Aero Series Wireless Charging Battery Case for iPhone 5 and 5s Review

Our Review by Jeff Scott on March 12th, 2014
Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar ::
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Wireless charging added to the iPhone via a paired battery case and charging base from uNu -- works great.

Made by: uNu
Price: $99.95 for 2000 mAh battery case and wireless charging base

Hardware/iOS Integration Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar
Usability Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
Reuse Value Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Build Quality Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar

Bottom Line: The uNu Aero Series Wireless Charging system works well and is very convenient. I just wish it felt a little more sturdy.

Recommended.

Wireless charging has been one of the holy grails for mobile devices for years. There have been many attempts but there is yet to be a universal standard. The iPhone itself has yet to add this feature, so the only way to add wireless charging is with the addition of a case to the iPhone that has that feature. While the uNu Wireless Charging Battery Case is by no means a standards-based solution, it makes up for that by being a feature filled option for wireless charging.

The kit comes in two main parts: the 2,000 mAh wireless charging battery case for an iPhone 5/5s and a charging base. The kit is priced at just under $100, which is a similar price to just a battery case.

Using the Aero system is beyond easy. Once the case is installed and the charging base is connected to a USB port, just setting the phone on the base starts the charging. The back of the case has a couple of slightly recessed metal pins that seem to extend and connect with the charging base when placed there. This seems to trigger the charging.

The charging itself is quick and easy, and having the battery back when away from a charging location is extra handy. The battery case has a micro USB connection to charge it while on the go, if away from the base. Although it would be nice if this were a lightning connector instead.

My only concerns with the case are mainly just slight concerns with the design and build quality. The front bezel of the case doesn't seem to snap connect to the bottom with as much strength as one would like. It's loose enough to creek a bit when held tight. In addition, the extending pins on the back that make a connection with the charging base could, over time, get restricted by pocket lint, etc. Moving parts are always a quality concern.

Like I mentioned, these are minor concerns and the convenience of wireless charging greatly outweigh them.

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