Why battery life matters in the field
The interview runs over. The press conference has yet to start. The news desk wants a video. Then your phone flashes a low-battery warning. For journalists working in the field, battery life determines how long they can keep recording, taking pictures and filing stories before they need to find a socket.
Wireless charging with up to 25 watts of power
The Anker MagGo Power Bank 2 Pro tackles that problem with an external battery that attaches magnetically to the back of a compatible phone and charges it wirelessly. Anker says the device, model A110R, has a rated capacity of 10,000 milliamp hours (mAh). It supplies up to 25 watts wirelessly or up to 45 watts through its USB-C port.
Keeping the phone’s port free for a microphone
For journalists recording interviews, the main benefit is that wireless charging leaves the phone’s port free. You can use it to connect a microphone receiver, provided it works with your phone and recording app. During a video interview on location, the microphone captures the speaker’s voice while the battery on the back supplies power to the phone. Before heading out, test the complete setup. Check that the battery, receiver and phone grip fit together without getting in each other’s way.
Recharging between assignments
Charging speed could also be useful between assignments. Anker says the power bank can charge an iPhone 17 Pro to 50% in 25 minutes. That is the company’s figure, rather than a result that can be assumed for every phone or working condition. For a reporter, the practical benefit would be the chance to recharge during a journey or while waiting for an interview, before starting to record again.
A built-in fan helps control heat
One feature of the 2 Pro is active cooling. Its SnapCool system uses a fan, air channels and materials that help disperse heat during charging. Anker advises keeping the vents clear, something to bear in mind when holding the phone or fitting it to a mount.
Checking fan noise before recording audio
The fan raises a separate issue for anyone recording sound: noise. Anker’s support documentation puts the noise level below 50 decibels when measured five centimetres away with the fan at full speed. A silent mode switches the fan off.
Before recording an interview in a quiet room, it is worth making a short test recording and listening back through headphones, particularly if you are using the phone’s built-in microphones. Switching off the fan removes its contribution to cooling.
A display to monitor charging and a stand for desk work
The display shows charging power, temperature and battery status. A built-in stand, adjustable up to 80 degrees, lets you prop up the phone on a table to review footage, read notes or join a video call with the news desk. At the time of checking, Anker’s Italian website listed the price as €109.99.
Why charging speed depends on your phone
Check compatibility with your phone before buying. The 25-watt rating is the charger’s maximum wireless output; your phone must support that charging rate to benefit from it. Anker also says fluctuations in wireless charging power are normal. You should not expect the device to maintain its maximum output throughout a charge.
What the 10,000mAh capacity means in practice
The capacity figure needs some explanation too. The rated 10,000mAh is not the amount transferred in full to your phone, as some energy is lost during use. Anker’s support documentation acknowledges that the usable output capacity is lower than the nominal figure.
Testing the complete setup before an assignment
For journalists, the choice comes down to how they work. If you record interviews with a receiver plugged into your phone, keeping that port free could be particularly useful. If you record audio in quiet settings, you also need to assess the fan noise. The most useful test is a short recording with the equipment you intend to take on assignment: phone, case, power bank and microphone, all connected.
