I Tested Baseus' Incredibly Thin New Wireless Portable Charger. Is It the One to Get?

At just 0.27 inches thick, the Baseus PicoGo Air AM71 is one of the slimmest wireless magnetic power banks on the market—but does it deliver enough power to justify the price tag? CNET's early review puts the new accessory through its paces, offering a $30 discount code for readers who act fast. The Baseus PicoGo Air AM71 is a wireless magnetic power bank designed for both iOS and Android smartphones, making it a rare cross-platform option among MagSafe-compatible chargers. Its ultra-thin profile—barely thicker than a standard phone case—sets it apart from bulkier competitors, but the trade-off comes in battery capacity. The device packs a 5,000mAh cell, enough for roughly one full charge for most phones, or a partial top-up for larger devices. Baseus, a Chinese accessory maker known for affordable charging gear, launched the PicoGo Air AM71 as part of its push into the premium portable charger market. The power bank uses magnets to snap onto the back of iPhones (iPhone 12 and later) and many Android phones with magnetic cases, enabling wireless charging without cables. The AM71 supports up to 15W wireless output for compatible Qi2 devices and includes a USB-C port for pass-through charging. CNET's reviewer highlighted the build quality—an aluminum alloy shell with a soft-touch finish—and noted that the bank does not get excessively hot during use. However, charging speeds are modest: the wireless output peaks at 7.5W for iPhones in standard MagSafe mode (vs. 15W for dedicated MagSafe chargers) and 15W for Android devices supporting Qi2. The integrated kickstand is a welcome addition, allowing the power bank to double as a phone stand for video calls or media consumption. Priced at $79.99 before the CNET-exclusive discount ($30 off, bringing it to $49.99), the PicoGo Air AM71 competes directly with Anker's 633 Magnetic Battery and Apple's own MagSafe Battery Pack. Where Baseus wins is thinness and compatibility: the AM71 is slimmer than the Anker and works with Android phones out of the box, while Apple's pack only supports iOS. The trade-off is battery capacity: the Anker 633 offers 10,000mAh in a slightly thicker design, and Apple's pack offers 1,460mAh (but is MagSafe-certified). For users who prioritize portability and a full-day emergency charge over multi-day independence, the AM71 strikes an appealing balance. The $30 discount makes it a strong value proposition, though full-price buyers may want to wait for broader reviews. Looking ahead, Baseus is expected to release a higher-capacity version later this year, likely with 10,000mAh in a similar profile. The AM71 is available now via Amazon and Baseus's website. For travelers, commuters, and anyone tired of cable clutter, this sliver of a power bank could be the perfect everyday companion—if 5,000mAh is enough.