Baseus PicoGo Air 5K: The thinnest magnetic power bank tested
Ultra-slim 6.8mm design matches iPhone Air thickness with 82% charging efficiency.
1Record-breaking slimness
At just 0.27 inches (6.8mm) thick, the Baseus PicoGo Air matches the BMX SolidSafe Air as the thinnest magnetic power bank available. Its aluminum housing is 50% thinner than previous generations, featuring a 0.35mm charging coil and 0.15mm NFC antenna. While not credit-card thin, it's significantly slimmer than the 0.4-inch average for 5000mAh wireless power banks, making it exceptionally pocket-friendly.
2Lightweight champion
Weighing only 3.7oz (105g), the PicoGo Air is the lightest power bank tested, dethroning Baseus's own PicoGo Ultra-Slim (107g). It beats competitors like the Anker Nano 5K MagGo Slim (122g) and Vonmählen Evergreen Mag (123g). The design features curved edges for better grip and visual appeal, available in Black, Silver, and Apple's Burgundy color to match latest iPhones.
3Battery capacity insights
While marketed as 5000mAh (5K), the PicoGo Air's 19.4Wh capacity slightly exceeds the 19Wh average for 5K power banks. Comparatively, the slimmer SolidSafe Air has 18.5Wh capacity yet achieved 89% recharge in tests versus PicoGo's 82%. The iPhone Air's battery is 12.4Wh, meaning the PicoGo can nearly fully recharge it from empty.
4Performance benchmarks
In lab tests with an iPhone 16 Pro, the PicoGo Air achieved 82% recharge from near-dead, above the 77% 5K category average. It uses traditional lithium-ion technology rather than the semi-solid-state batteries in competitors like the SolidSafe Air. The 15W Qi2 wireless charging takes about 45 minutes for 0-50% charge, slower than 25W Qi2.2 alternatives but sufficient for most users.
5Magnetic limitations
Due to its ultra-thin 0.27-inch profile, Baseus warns the magnet strength is somewhat weaker than thicker alternatives. The company recommends using it without a phone case for optimal attachment, though testing showed acceptable hold with cases. The USB-C port offers 22.5W wired charging as an alternative, with 20W input for recharging the power bank itself.
6Competitive positioning
Priced at $69.99, the PicoGo Air competes directly with the $59.99 BMX SolidSafe Air that offers semi-solid-state technology but lacks the Burgundy color option. The Baseus 10K PicoGo AM52 in the same color range offers 25W wireless charging and 157% recharge capacity for users needing more power in a slightly thicker package.
7Dark Cherry product ecosystem
The PicoGo Air is part of Baseus's Dark Cherry collection designed to match iPhone 18 Pro colors. The line includes a 100W PicoGo Pro AH22 Fast Charger with three USB-C ports and digital display, measuring smaller than AirPods cases. The 10K AM52 model includes an integrated 45W USB-C cable that doubles as a carry strap.
8Target user profile
This power bank caters specifically to iPhone users prioritizing minimalism over maximum charging speed. Its 15W wireless charging suffices for most, while the slim profile appeals to travelers. The Burgundy color option uniquely positions it as a style accessory for iPhone 18 Pro owners, though performance-conscious users might prefer higher-capacity alternatives in the same product line.
Original article: Macworld — Baseus PicoGo Air 5K: The thinnest magnetic power bank tested