$69.95

Highly portable charging solution for iOS devices comes with integrated Lightning connector.

For some, there is potentially nothing more aggravating than having your iPhone run out of juice when there isn’t a plug available. As someone who does a fair amount of traveling, especially by train where Amtrak doesn’t always offer plugs at every seat, I always make sure I carry some type of power source with me. I have reviewed several in this column, and you can find them at the Gadget Corner archives under either Mobile Power Banks or Mobile Cases & Sleeves.

Historically, I have been a big fan of integrated battery cases for my iPhones, since they combine the protection of a case with a built-in battery. Since I upgraded to the iPhone 6 last fall, I have been waiting for the new batch of compatible battery cases to come out. Until then, I have been using an innovative solution from PhoneSuit: Flex RT Pocket Charger for iPhone and iPod. This power bank plugs into the Lightning connector on your iPhone or iPad when you need a power boost. PhoneSuit has charging solutions for Android devices as well, but we have not yet reviewed them.

The Flex RT is more of a temporary charging solution such as a power bank, instead of an integrated solution such as a battery case. The device is encased in machined aluminum, measures 2.96 inches by 0.83 inches by 1.22 inches, and has a teardrop shape that tapers at the top. The Flex RT also weighs 2.8 ounces.

It is capped off with an extended Lightning tip that was lacking from the previous model; the tip now allows you to connect the Flex XT to your iPhone even if you use a case. PhoneSuit points out that the Flex RT is compatible with “most” iPhone cases. I didn’t have any issue using it with my iPhone 6’s Spigen case, which is pretty standard in size. If you prefer a beefy iPhone case, however, you may run into some trouble.

On the right side of the Flex RT is a micro-USB charging port, which you use to charge the internal battery. Below the charging port is a capacitive power button that, when you run your finger across it, will also activate the four LED indicator lights that show you how much power is left in the battery.

The Flex RT comes with a plastic cap to protect the Lightning tip when you are carrying it in your purse or bag, along with a micro-USB charging cable.

Setup

Using the Flex RT is as easy as plugging it into the Lightning port on your iOS device and pressing the power button to turn it on. To recharge it, just connect it to a powered USB port on a computer or use a third-party USB charger. When I am not traveling, I leave the Flex RT at the office plugged into my desktop PC. Then I connect my iPhone to the Flex RT when I am at my desk to keep both it and the Flex RT’s battery fully charged. The Flex RT’s pass-through charging technology allows you to charge both the Flex RT and your iOS device when you plug it into a power source. Furthermore, you can still sync your iOS device with iTunes even when it is connected to your computer via the Flex RT.

PhoneSuit Flex XT

 

Perhaps the only drawback I discovered with the Flex RT is that when connected to my iPhone 6, the earphone jack is covered. If you are someone who uses Bluetooth headphones, this isn’t an issue. However, if you prefer the more traditional wired headphones, you have to choose between audio and charging.

PhoneSuit calls the Flex RT a “pocket charger,” but I think that is a bit of a stretch. It adds an additional inch to your iPhone, which isn’t insignificant even for the smaller iPhone 5. Moreover, frankly, when carried in a pocket I would be too worried about possibly snapping off the Lightning connector, which would create bigger problems. I have carried my iPhone 6 with the Flext RT attached in my briefcase numerous times without a second thought.

Battery Life

The PhoneSuit Flex RT has a 2,600 mAh battery, compared to the 1,440 mAh battery of the iPhone 5, the 1,560 mAh battery of the iPhone 5s, the 1,810 mAh battery of the iPhone 6 and the 2,915 mAh battery of the iPhone 6 Plus. This means the Flex RT, in theory, should fully recharge any iPhone except for the 6 Plus.

When it comes to charging your iPad, you should view the Flex RT as a stopgap measure. The latest-generation iPad Air has a 7,340-mAh battery, while the latest iPad Mini has a battery with a 6,471-mAh capacity. However, the 1A (amp) output of the Flex RT means it will recharge your iPad at full speed. This also means that, according to PhoneSuit, the Flext RT can recharge a fully drained iPhone 5 in less than two hours.

Overall

The PhoneSuit Flex RT pocket charger is an interesting option for anyone looking for a portable charging solution without the additional weight of an integrated battery case for your iPhone or resorting to a heavier power bank. You can attach it to your iOS device when you are running low on battery life and then remove it when you’re finished. It does render the headphone jack on the iPhone useless, so that is a trade-off you may need to consider. However, you are still able to use the Flex RT with most iPhone cases without first having to remove the case in order to plug it in.

At $70, the Flex RT is comparatively more expensive than battery cases that have the added benefit of protecting your phone, or compared to brick power banks that offer more battery capacity for the price. However, if you are someone who is looking for a portable charging solution that you can keep in your laptop bag, briefcase or purse without taking up much room, the PhoneSuit Flex RT is definitely worth the money.

Pros

• Highly portable charging solution
• Fits all but the beefiest iPhone cases
• Integrated Lightning connector doesn’t require cables to charge iOS devices
• Pass-through charging charges iOS device and Flex simultaneously
• Allows you to charge your iOS device if you don’t have a Lightning cable

Cons

• Can’t use iPhone headphone jack with Flex RT connected
• Somewhat expensive given battery capacity
• Battery not large enough to fully recharge an iPad or even an iPhone 6 Plus

PhoneSuit Flex XT Pocket Charger for iPhone and iPod

$69.95 (Currently $68.95 from Amazon.com)