Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jul 22
ESR's $99 CryoBoost Charger Kept iPhone Cool in 95°F Heat Test
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jul 22

ESR's $99 CryoBoost Charger Kept iPhone Cool in 95°F Heat Test

1 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jul 22

Summary

  • A ZDNET test found ESR's CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 charger kept an iPhone charging without throttling during a heat wave, including a shaded car test at 95°F ambient.
  • 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging normally adds waste heat, and Apple says charging above 95°F can trigger "Charging on Hold" and shorten battery life over time.
  • Two small fans and an aluminum heatsink behind the MagSafe pad did the cooling work; ESR says the setup can cut charging temperatures by up to 10.8°F.
  • The $99 station also includes 5W Apple Watch and AirPods charging, a bundled 50W USB-C adapter and cable, and a foldable travel design, though the hinge can pinch fingers.
  • The review judged the charger pricey but effective, positioning active air cooling as a practical middle ground between standard wireless pads and riskier thermoelectric cooling.

Insights

Beyond keeping phones cool, what is the hidden energy and environmental cost of these new power-hungry charging accessories?
Are cooling chargers a vital tech adaptation or an energy-intensive band-aid for a failing power grid and warming climate?
Will GaN semiconductors make active cooling fans in chargers obsolete before they even become mainstream?