The second Apple autumn conference in October this year brought you the new MacBook Pro. This time it is really a bit different. From 2015, Apple started experimenting with all-C-port notebooks, and in 2017, there were only USB-C ports left in the entire line of notebooks.
In the past few years, everyone has loved and hated various docking stations. In particular, the MagSafe charging port was chopped off and there was wailing on the market. The convenience of magnetic attraction and the safety of non-hard contact are good. Otherwise, Apple will not let the iPhone support this feature.
But, this time it’s back again! I also dragged my home with a mouth, and appeared on the sides of the MacBook Pro two models along with the HMDI and SD card slots, bursting into tears. Although MagSafe has returned, the USB-C port on the side can still be charged directly.
If the Macbook Pro 2021 16-inch wants to reach the maximum power, currently only the official 140W charger can be used. Four years later, what is the difference between the return of MagSafe 3 and the previous MagSafe 2? Can they be mixed? Next, let’s compare it for everyone.
MagSafe 3
First of all, the MagSafe 3 magnetic charging cable adopts a separate design and is not integrated with the charger, which greatly facilitates later use and maintenance. The output end is a MagSafe 3 magnetic connector, and the input end is a USB-C plug. The connector does not have an extension cord design, and there is an inconspicuous green LED charging indicator on the MagSafe 3 magnetic connector. The MagSafe 3 magnetic connector uses five spring contacts. The threaded body is a fine nylon braided quilt.
Compare MagSafe 2
After reading the MagSafe 3 magnetic charging cable, let us go back a few years ago and take a look at this charger with MagSafe 2 magnetic connector. The charger and the charging cable have an integrated design. A positive comparison can tell at a glance that in addition to the difference in wire material and wire end, the plugs have also been improved. This LED indicator has been passed down, but the white lampshade does not look so obtrusive anymore.
MagSafe 3 is on the left, and MagSafe 2 is on the right. The new connector is longer than the old one, with rounded corners and five spring contacts. The length of the MagSafe 2 magnetic connector is approximately 17.16mm. The thickness is about 5.36mm. The height is approximately 13.01mm. The length of the MagSafe 3 magnetic connector is approximately 18.81mm. The height is approximately 13.18mm. The thickness is about 4.48mm. The length of the MagSafe 2 magnetic wire is approximately 1.79 meters. The length of the MagSafe 3 magnetic wire is approximately 2.01 meters.
Of course, the interface change is second. This time, the MagSafe 3 magnetic cable can carry more than one hundred watts of power. It supports the PD3.1 protocol, and the charging power for the MacBook Pro 16 M1 Max is about 136.68W. Here is a comparison of the interfaces, the first is MagSafe 3 and MacBook Pro 16 M1 Max. Comparison of interfaces on MagSafe 2 and MacBook Pro 16 M1 Max.
Summary of charging head network
As the return interface after four years, this generation of MagSafe 3 magnetic cable adopts a separate design and USB-C output. Compared with the previous integrated design, it greatly facilitates consumers to replace the cable later. Compared with the previous generation, this generation of MagSafe 3 has a longer connector and a more harmonious indicator design. Supporting the PD3.1 protocol is the biggest highlight. It can also be used with a third-party PD charger.
The independent listing means that this cable may not only be designed for these two models. In the future, will the notebooks of other MacBook product lines return to the magnetic interface and HDMI, or is Apple stinging on the interface again? Let us wait and see.