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  • POCO F9 Ultra vs F8 Ultra: is it worth switching?

    POCO F9 Ultra vs F8 Ultra: is it worth switching?

    The most important thing in this comparison is what has not changed: both phones have the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. The F9 Ultra adds an 8,050 mAh battery instead of 6,500 mAh, a 185 Hz display instead of 120 Hz, and a 200 MP main camera. In return, it is heavier, thicker, and more expensive: from 3,299 PLN compared to 2,799 PLN for the F8 Ultra.

    Short answer: the upgrade is usually not worth it. If you are buying for the first time, the F9 Ultra makes sense primarily if battery life is the most important for you. In other cases, the cheaper F8 Ultra offers almost the same.

    Below is the full table, differences point by point, and the answer to the question of whether the case and charger from the F8 Ultra fit the F9 Ultra. It is worth knowing right away that in the Polish box, neither of these phones comes with a charger.

    On the left POCO F9 Ultra, on the right POCO F8 Ultra. A completely different camera island layout is visible. Photos: Xiaomi.

    POCO F9 Ultra vs F8 Ultra: comparison table

    Parametr POCO F9 Ultra POCO F8 Ultra
    Premiera 1 września 2026 26 listopada 2025
    Cena w Polsce (Xiaomi, 02.10.2026) od 3 299 zł od 2 799 zł
    Procesor Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 + chip VisionBoost D8 Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
    Pamięć 12/256, 16/512, 16 GB/1 TB 12/256, 16/512 GB
    Ekran 6,9″ AMOLED, 185 Hz 6,9″ AMOLED, 120 Hz
    Jasność szczytowa (25% ekranu) 4 500 nitów 3 500 nitów
    Szkło ekranu Gorilla Glass 7i POCO Shield Glass
    Aparat główny 200 MP, OIS 50 MP Light Fusion 950, OIS
    Teleobiektyw 50 MP, peryskop 5x, OIS 50 MP, peryskop 5x, OIS
    Ultraszeroki / przedni 50 MP / 32 MP 50 MP / 32 MP
    Bateria 8 050 mAh 6 500 mAh
    Ładowanie przewodowe / bezprzewodowe 100 W / 50 W 100 W / 50 W
    Ładowanie zwrotne 27 W przewodowo, 22,5 W bezprzewodowo 22,5 W przewodowo, bezprzewodowo (moc niepodana)
    Wymiary 163,49 × 77,94 × 8,74 mm 163,33 × 77,82 × 7,9 mm (czarny) / 8,3 mm (Denim Blue)
    Masa 235 g 218 g (czarny) / 220 g (Denim Blue)
    Odporność IP68 IP68
    Ładowarka w pudełku (PL) ❌ ❌

    Data according to the manufacturer’s specifications (F9 Ultra, F8 Ultra) and the Polish Xiaomi store.

    Performance: the same Snapdragon, additional gaming chip

    Both have Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, manufactured using a 3 nm process, so you won’t feel a difference in everyday use and applications. In the Geekbench 6 benchmark, GSMArena measured even slightly lower scores for the F9 Ultra (3,530 / 10,500 points compared to 3,636 / 10,876 points).

    VisionBoost D8 chip and the effect of its work in the game. Photos: Xiaomi.

    The F9 Ultra adds a separate VisionBoost D8 chip. According to Xiaomi, it is responsible for frame interpolation up to 185 fps, which is supported by over 20 games. The improvement of image details (AI Super Resolution) currently works only in five titles, including PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact.

    There is also a new variant of 16 GB/1 TB. If you keep a lot of 8K movies on your phone, that’s a point. For most people, 256 GB or 512 GB is enough.

    Screen: 185 Hz and higher brightness

    Both screens are 6.9 inches and have the same resolution of 2608 × 1200. The differences are:

    • refresh rate of 185 Hz compared to 120 Hz in F8 Ultra,
    • peak brightness of 4,500 nits compared to 3,500 nits (both at 25% screen area); in GSMArena’s measurements, it’s 4,333 compared to 3,509 nits,
    • Gorilla Glass 7i instead of POCO Shield Glass.

    However, 185 Hz only works in supported games. According to GSMArena, in the system and applications, F9 Ultra operates at 120 Hz, just like F8 Ultra, so you won’t see a difference when scrolling.

    Cameras: 200 MP, but smaller sensor

    Camera island of POCO F9 Ultra with the main 200 MP camera and 5x telephoto lens

    Camera island of POCO F9 Ultra. Photo: Xiaomi.

    F9 Ultra has a main camera of 200 MP instead of 50 MP. However, this does not automatically mean better photos. According to GSMArena, the sensor of F8 Ultra is physically larger (1/1.31″ compared to 1/1.56″), and a larger sensor collects more light overall.

    W praktyce 200 MP przyda się, gdy chcesz mocno kadrować zdjęcia albo drukować je w dużym formacie. GSMArena nazywa nowy aparat raczej zmianą w bok niż ulepszeniem, choć zdjęcia nocne z F9 Ultra ocenia bardzo dobrze.

    Reszta zestawu jest prawie taka sama: teleobiektyw 50 MP z zoomem optycznym 5x i OIS, szerokokątny 50 MP i przedni aparat 32 MP. F9 Ultra dorzuca slow motion do 1920 kl./s w Full HD.

    Bateria i ładowanie: największa różnica

    8 050 mAh to o 1 550 mAh więcej niż 6 500 mAh w F8 Ultra, czyli prawie jedna czwarta więcej. To najmocniejszy argument za nowym modelem, zwłaszcza jeśli grasz albo dużo nagrywasz.

    Moc ładowania jest taka sama: 100 W przewodowo, 50 W bezprzewodowo. Ponieważ bateria F9 Ultra jest większa, ładuje się dłużej. W teście GSMArena z oryginalną ładowarką Xiaomi F9 Ultra miał 61% po 30 minutach i pełną baterię po nieco mniej niż godzinie. F8 Ultra z oryginalną ładowarką Xiaomi ładował się w teście GSMArena do pełna w 39 minut.

    POCO F9 Ultra ładuje kablem drugi telefon

    Ładowanie zwrotne przewodowe w POCO F9 Ultra. Zdjęcie: Xiaomi.

    Mocniejsze jest też ładowanie zwrotne: przewodowo 27 W w F9 Ultra wobec 22,5 W w F8 Ultra. Kablem naładujesz słuchawki, zegarek albo nawet drugi telefon.

    Games and temperature: does the F9 Ultra overheat?

    Playing on the POCO F9 Ultra held horizontally

    POCO F9 Ultra in the game. Photo: Xiaomi.

    The F9 Ultra is marketed as a gaming phone, but GSMArena’s test shows the other side of the coin. According to reviewers, the phone heats up significantly under load, and the cooling system does not handle heat dissipation well. During long sessions, performance drops.

    The 185 Hz display and frame interpolation work only in supported games. If you play other titles, the F9 Ultra will behave practically like the F8 Ultra, just with a larger battery.

    Tip: for gaming, choose a thin case. A thick armored case makes heat dissipation difficult, and with a heating phone, that’s a noticeable difference.

    Dimensions and weight: F9 Ultra is heavier

    A larger battery also means more weight. The F9 Ultra weighs 235 g and is 8.74 mm thick. The F8 Ultra weighs 218–220 g and is 7.9–8.3 mm thick, depending on the color. The difference of 15–17 g is noticeable when holding the phone with one hand for a long time. Both models have IP68 resistance.

    Does the case from POCO F8 Ultra fit the F9 Ultra?

    No. The front dimensions are almost identical, but the F9 Ultra is thicker and, most importantly, has a completely different camera island layout. This can be seen in the manufacturer’s photos above. Judging by them, the camera cutout in the F8 Ultra case will not align with the F9 Ultra lenses.

    No accessory manufacturer in our offer labels the case as common for both models. For the F9 Ultra, you need a new case and new glass.

    Bizon Case Angelo for POCO F9 Ultra: smoky back and black frame.

    Bizon Case MatteO for POCO F9 Ultra with a magnetic ring.

    3mk FlexibleGlass for the screen and GrizzGlass for the camera.

    In the store for F9 Ultra you will find, among others:

    [hs_products category=»2678″ limit=»6″ sort=»sales»]

    You can find the full offer in the category accessories for POCO F9 Ultra. If you are sticking with F8 Ultra, check the category accessories for POCO F8 Ultra.

    Tip: in the box of both phones, there is a simple protective case from Xiaomi. It’s enough to start, but there is no glass or camera cover.

    Charger: it is not included in the box in Poland

    On the Polish Xiaomi website, the contents of the packaging for both models include a phone, a USB-C cable, a case, and a SIM card ejector. There is no charger, although the global specification for the F9 Ultra mentions a power adapter. If you already have a Xiaomi 100 W charger for the F8 Ultra, you can use it with the F9 Ultra as well. Both models achieve the full 100 W only with the Xiaomi charger.

    If you are buying a charger from scratch, it doesn’t have to be an original Xiaomi. In the GSMArena test, the F8 Ultra charged almost as quickly with a 120 W USB Power Delivery charger and PPS up to 20 V: 76% after 30 minutes compared to 78%. A 100 W charger with PPS only up to 16 V gave 55% after half an hour.

    So look for a charger with PPS up to around 20 V, not just one with a high wattage. GSMArena tested the F9 Ultra only with the Xiaomi charger, but it has the same 100 W charging system. We discuss specific models in the guide what is the best charger for POCO F8 Ultra, and the full selection is in the network chargers category.

    Wireless charging and magnetic accessories

    Both models achieve a full 50 W wirelessly only with the Xiaomi stand. With a regular induction charger, the charging is much slower: in the GSMArena test, the F8 Ultra charged at about 8 W on a Qi2 charger. The F9 Ultra was not tested in this way, but it has the same charging system.

    Żaden z modeli nie ma wbudowanych magnesów. Żeby korzystać z magnetycznych uchwytów samochodowych, powerbanków czy ładowarek, potrzebujesz etui z pierścieniem magnetycznym, np. wspomnianego Bizon Case MatteO. Uchwyty znajdziesz w kategorii uchwyty na telefon, a ładowarki w kategorii ładowarki indukcyjne.

    F9 Ultra potrafi też ładować inne urządzenia bezprzewodowo z mocą 22,5 W. Wystarczy położyć na jego plecach słuchawki albo zegarek. F8 Ultra też ma ładowanie zwrotne bezprzewodowe, ale Xiaomi nie podaje jego mocy.

    POCO F9 Ultra czy F8 Ultra: który wybrać?

    Twoja sytuacja Wybierz
    Masz F8 Ultra i jesteś z niego zadowolony Zostań przy F8 Ultra
    Masz F8 Ultra, ale bateria nie starcza na cały dzień grania F9 Ultra
    Kupujesz pierwszy telefon POCO i liczysz każdą złotówkę F8 Ultra
    Grasz w tytuły z obsługą 185 Hz F9 Ultra (licz się z nagrzewaniem)
    Zależy Ci na lżejszym telefonie F8 Ultra
    Potrzebujesz 1 TB pamięci F9 Ultra

    Jeśli masz starszy model, porównywaliśmy też POCO F8 Ultra z F7 Ultra. Przecieki sprzed premiery i model F9 Pro opisaliśmy w artykule POCO F9 Pro i F9 Ultra: premiera i przecieki.

    Summary: POCO F9 Ultra vs F8 Ultra

    • The same processor. The difference concerns only games that support the VisionBoost D8 chip, and the F9 Ultra heats up more in them.
    • Larger battery (8,050 mAh) is the strongest argument for the new model.
    • 185 Hz and 200 MP look impressive on paper, but in everyday use, the difference is smaller than the numbers suggest.
    • F8 Ultra is cheaper: by 500 PLN, and it is also lighter and still very efficient.
    • The case from F8 does not fit, but the Xiaomi charger does. There is no charger included in the Polish box for either of them.

    Regardless of your choice, it’s worth securing the new phone right away. Start with the category accessories for POCO F9 Ultra. Shipping is free for orders over 100 PLN.

    FAQ

    Is it worth switching from POCO F8 Ultra to F9 Ultra? For most people, no. Both have the same processor, so the switch makes sense mainly if you need a larger battery.

    Does the case for POCO F8 Ultra fit F9 Ultra? No. F9 Ultra is thicker and has a different camera island layout, so the cutout in the F8 Ultra case won’t align with the lenses. You need a case designed for F9 Ultra.

    How much does POCO F9 Ultra cost in Poland? On the Xiaomi Poland website, POCO F9 Ultra costs from 3,299 PLN for the 12/256 GB version. F8 Ultra is available from 2,799 PLN.

    Does POCO F9 Ultra come with a charger in the box? In Poland, no. According to the Polish Xiaomi website, the box contains the phone, a USB-C cable, a case, and a SIM card ejector. You need to buy a charger separately or use the Xiaomi 100 W charger if you already have it.

    Will the charger from POCO F8 Ultra charge F9 Ultra? Yes. The Xiaomi 100 W charger will charge F9 Ultra at full power because both models have the same charging system. For chargers from other manufacturers, look for PPS support up to around 20 V.

    Does POCO F9 Ultra have a better camera than F8 Ultra? It has a main camera with a higher resolution (200 MP compared to 50 MP), but F8 Ultra has a physically larger sensor. The 5x telephoto, wide-angle, and front cameras are very similar in both models.

  • Best iPhone 18 Pro Cases: Top 10 Models Ranking

    Best iPhone 18 Pro Cases: Top 10 Models Ranking

    The best case for iPhone 18 Pro is ESR Cyber Tough Kickstand MagSafe: rugged, with a foldable stand and MagSafe magnets. If you prefer to show off the phone’s color, choose the transparent Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagSafe, and if you’re looking for armor with MagSafe for drops up to 5.5 m according to the manufacturer, UAG Pathfinder.

    All cases in the ranking are marked by manufacturers as «17 Pro / 18 Pro» because the bodies of both phones have the same dimensions. We explain why this is the case and what you cannot transfer from 17 Pro in the text whether the case from iPhone 17 Pro fits 18 Pro.

    Below is a ranking of 10 cases from eight brands, a comparison in a table, and tips on which to choose for specific needs.

    iPhone 18 Pro and the original transparent Apple case with MagSafe. Photos: Apple.

    What to pay attention to when choosing a case for iPhone 18 Pro

    MagSafe to the first thing to check. Through a case without magnets, the iPhone 18 Pro will still charge wirelessly, but the MagSafe charger holds weaker, and the wallet or car mount may fall off. Therefore, look for a case with a built-in magnetic ring.

    The second thing is camera protection. The camera island protrudes from the back, and the main camera features a new variable aperture. Look for a case with a lip higher than the lenses or with a camera cover. We wrote more about the aperture itself in the article whether MagSafe harms the iPhone 18 Pro camera.

    The third is the type of case. You have three groups to choose from:

    • Rugged: thicker, with cushioning in the corners, often with a stand.
    • Hybrid and transparent: rigid back with a flexible frame, slim for everyday use.
    • With a flap or 360°: also protect the screen, but are the thickest.

    Tip: always check the case for button placements and cutouts for the camera in the product photos. A good case has separate, precise cutouts and a lip that extends above the lenses.

    Ranking: 10 best cases for iPhone 18 Pro

    1. ESR Cyber Tough Kickstand MagSafe: rugged with a stand

    ESR Cyber Tough Kickstand: podstawka to rama wokół wyspy aparatów.

    Nasz faworyt. ESR Cyber Tough Kickstand MagSafe ma trzywarstwową konstrukcję i narożniki z poduszkami Air Guard, które pochłaniają energię uderzenia.

    ESR deklaruje dla tej serii ochronę Military Grade na poziomie 7x. Podstawka to metalowa rama wokół wyspy aparatów: rozłożona trzyma telefon na stole, a złożona działa jak dodatkowy zderzak chroniący obiektywy.

    Dla kogo: jeśli telefon często ląduje na twardych powierzchniach, a do tego oglądasz na nim filmy.

    Minus: to jedno z grubszych etui w zestawieniu.

    2. Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagSafe: przezroczyste

    Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagSafe w wersji Clear/White, z białym pierścieniem magnetycznym.

    Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagSafe to klasyczna seria hybrydowa Spigena. Sztywne plecki z poliwęglanu łączą się z elastyczną ramką TPU, a w narożnikach Spigen stosuje technologię Air Cushion, czyli poduszki powietrzne.

    Etui jest smukłe, a przez przezroczyste plecki widać kolor telefonu. Podwyższone ranty chronią ekran i aparat przed zarysowaniami, gdy kładziesz telefon na stole.

    Dobre, gdy iPhone 18 Pro ma Ci się podobać także w etui.

    3. Tech-Protect MagPrime MagSafe CC: matowe z osłoną aparatu

    The CC abbreviation in the name stands for the raised frame around the cameras.

    Tech-Protect MagPrime MagSafe CC has the CC abbreviation in its name, which means Camera Cover. In practice, this is a raised frame around the camera island, with a separate cutout for each lens.

    The flexible TPU frame absorbs impacts, while the rigid polycarbonate back maintains its shape. The back has a matte finish, and the magnetic ring catches the MagSafe charger.

    Good when you’re looking for a slim case that protects the camera.

    Downside: the manufacturer does not provide the declared drop resistance.

    [hs_products ids=»143069,147257,142338″ cols=»3″ title=»Top three places in the ranking»]

    4. UAG Pathfinder MagSafe: armor with MagSafe for drops from 5.5 m

    UAG Pathfinder MagSafe: po lewej czarne, po prawej oliwkowe.

    UAG Pathfinder MagSafe is the most durable MagSafe case in the comparison. The manufacturer claims protection from drops from heights of up to 5.5 m and has met the MIL-STD-810G 516.6 standard requirements three times.

    Reinforced corners and frame absorb impacts, while the raised bezel protects the screen. The built-in MagSafe module works with chargers and magnetic accessories.

    For whom: if your phone works with you outdoors or you have children at home who like to drop it.

    Cons: there is no stand.

    5. Spigen Tough Armor T MagSafe: three layers and a stand

    Tough Armor T: widać wewnętrzną warstwę amortyzującą i pierścień MagSafe.

    Spigen Tough Armor T MagSafe ma trzy warstwy: plecki z poliwęglanu, ramkę TPU i wewnętrzną warstwę amortyzującą. Spigen deklaruje dla niego ochronę klasy Military Grade.

    W pleckach jest wbudowana podstawka do oglądania filmów i rozmów wideo. Podwyższone ranty unoszą aparat nad powierzchnię stołu.

    Dobre, gdy szukasz pancernego etui z podstawką, ale wolisz Spigena niż ESR.

    6. Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro: ochrona 360° z klipsem

    Unicorn Beetle Pro ma w zestawie kaburę z klipsem do paska.

    Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro zamyka telefon w ochronie 360°. Przednia ramka ma wbudowaną folię PET na ekran, a całość, według producenta, wytrzymuje upadki z wysokości do 6 m i spełnia normę MIL-STD-810H.

    W zestawie jest kabura z klipsem do paska i podstawką. To etui dla osób, które pracują fizycznie i potrzebują telefonu zawsze pod ręką.

    Minus: w tej wersji nie ma magnesów MagSafe. Jeśli ich potrzebujesz, w sklepie są warianty UB Grip Mag i Grip Pro Mag.

    7. ESR Classic Hybrid MagSafe Frosted: matowa mgiełka

    ESR Classic Hybrid w wersji Frosted Black.

    ESR Classic Hybrid MagSafe w wersji Frosted ma matowe, półprzezroczyste plecki. Telefon prześwituje, ale bez efektu lustra i bez odcisków palców.

    ESR stosuje tu poduszki Air Guard w narożnikach i deklaruje ochronę Military Grade na poziomie 3x, czyli niższym niż w Cyber Tough. W zamian Classic Hybrid jest wyraźnie smuklejsze.

    Dla kogo: jeśli chcesz widzieć kolor telefonu, ale bez połysku.

    8. 3mk Misty MagCase: smukłe, w siedmiu kolorach

    3mk Misty MagCase: po lewej czarne, po prawej białe.

    3mk Misty MagCase is a case from a Polish brand with a transparent-matte finish. It is made of TPU and polycarbonate, has a built-in magnetic ring, and raised edges around the screen and camera.

    It is available in seven colors: black, white, burgundy, blue, orange, pink, and green.

    Choose it if you want a slim case with MagSafe and care about color.

    [hs_products ids=»147331,146521,146946,146724,146779″ cols=»5″ title=»Pozycje 4–8 w rankingu»]

    9. Ringke Fusion Magnetic: przezroczyste z powłoką UV

    Ringke Fusion Magnetic also has openings for a lanyard.

    Ringke Fusion Magnetic is a minimalist transparent case with a polycarbonate back and TPU frame. According to the manufacturer, the back has a UV coating that reduces scratches and discoloration, and there are air pockets in the corners.

    It also has built-in openings for a phone lanyard.

    It fits if you are looking for a transparent case with MagSafe and an option to hang the phone on a lanyard.

    Cons: the manufacturer does not provide the declared drop resistance.

    10. Mercury BlueMoon Diary MagSafe: with flap

    Mercury BlueMoon Diary: klapka z kieszeniami chroni też ekran.

    Mercury BlueMoon Diary MagSafe to etui typu książka, które chroni też ekran. W pleckach ma pierścień MagSafe, co wśród etui z klapką nie jest standardem.

    W klapce są kieszenie na karty, a po złożeniu klapka służy też jako podstawka.

    Dla kogo: jeśli nosisz karty razem z telefonem.

    Minus: klapkę trzeba odchylać przy każdym spojrzeniu na ekran.

    Etui do iPhone’a 18 Pro: porównanie w tabeli

    EtuiTypMagSafePodstawkaOchrona ekranuDeklarowana odporność
    ESR Cyber Tough Kickstandpancerne✅✅rantMilitary Grade 7x, Air Guard
    Spigen Ultra Hybridprzezroczyste✅❌rantAir Cushion
    Tech-Protect MagPrime CCmatowe hybrydowe✅❌rantbrak danych od producenta
    UAG Pathfinderpancerne✅❌rantdo 5,5 m, MIL-STD-810G
    Spigen Tough Armor Tpancerne✅✅rantMilitary Grade
    Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro360° z kaburą❌✅✅ folia PETdo 6 m, MIL-STD-810H
    ESR Classic Hybrid Frostedmatowe półprzezroczyste✅❌rantMilitary Grade 3x, Air Guard
    3mk Misty MagCasesmukłe✅❌rantbrak danych od producenta
    Ringke Fusion Magneticprzezroczyste✅❌rantkieszenie powietrzne
    Mercury BlueMoon Diaryz klapką✅✅ klapka✅ klapkabrak danych od producenta

    Które etui do iPhone’a 18 Pro wybrać?

    • Często upuszczasz telefon? UAG Pathfinder albo ESR Cyber Tough.
    • Nosisz telefon przy pasku? Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro.
    • Do you want to see color? Spigen Ultra Hybrid or Ringke Fusion Magnetic.
    • Do you want a slim case with camera protection? Tech-Protect MagPrime CC.
    • Are you watching movies on the table? ESR Cyber Tough or Spigen Tough Armor T.
    • Do you carry cards with your phone? Mercury BlueMoon Diary.

    Do you have a larger model? We have prepared a separate ranking for the best cases for iPhone 18 Pro Max.

    What to complement the iPhone 18 Pro case with

    Most cases protect the back and corners, but not the screen or the glass over the lenses. It’s worth adding:

    Remember that the camera glass from the iPhone 17 Pro does not fit the 18 Pro, as the camera island is different.

    Summary: the best cases for iPhone 18 Pro at a glance

    • Best overall: ESR Cyber Tough Kickstand MagSafe, rugged with a stand.
    • Best clear: Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagSafe.
    • Slim with camera protection: Tech-Protect MagPrime MagSafe CC.
    • Highest claimed durability: Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro (up to 6 m, without MagSafe) and UAG Pathfinder (up to 5.5 m, with MagSafe).

    A full selection, over 250 models in stock, can be found in the iPhone 18 Pro cases category.

    FAQ

    Which case is best for the iPhone 18 Pro? For most people, the ESR Cyber Tough Kickstand MagSafe: rugged, with a stand and MagSafe magnets. If you prefer slim and clear, choose the Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagSafe.

    Does the iPhone 17 Pro case fit the 18 Pro? In practice, yes, because the bodies of both models have the same dimensions, although Apple does not officially declare compatibility. Details and exceptions are described in a separate text about case compatibility.

    Which case for the iPhone 18 Pro is the most durable? The highest durability is claimed by the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro (drops up to 6 m) and UAG Pathfinder (up to 5.5 m). However, Supcase does not have MagSafe magnets.

    Does every iPhone 18 Pro case work with MagSafe? No. The MagSafe charger and accessories only hold securely with cases that have a built-in magnetic ring. In our ranking, 9 out of 10 cases have it, the exception being the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro.

    Does the iPhone 18 Pro Max case fit the 18 Pro? No. The Pro Max is larger, so it needs its own case. We have prepared a separate ranking for it.

    Does the iPhone 18 Pro case protect the camera? Most cases in the ranking have a lip higher than the lenses, and the Tech-Protect MagPrime CC additionally has a raised frame around the camera island. The glass over the lenses is best protected by a separate camera glass.

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detector: which one to choose for the heating season?

    Smoke and carbon monoxide detector: which one to choose for the heating season?

    Ordinary smoke detectors do not detect carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide has no smell or color and does not produce smoke, so it can only be detected by a carbon monoxide detector with a CO sensor. If you have a gas stove, heater, boiler, or fireplace in your apartment, you need a smoke and carbon monoxide detector that meets the EN 14604 and EN 50291-1 standards, such as the Meross CS11.

    The heating season is just beginning, and with it comes the period when carbon monoxide poisoning is most prevalent. From October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, the fire department recorded 3,750 incidents involving carbon monoxide, in which 1,354 people were injured and 69 died.

    In the text, you will find the difference between a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector, an explanation of when a regular one is sufficient and when a smart one is useful, and installation guidelines. We also discuss the obligation that is already in effect in new buildings and will cover all apartments.

    Smoke Detector vs. Carbon Monoxide Detector: What’s the Difference?

    Each of them detects a different hazard.

    • Smoke detector reacts to smoke particles in the air. It warns of a fire, often before visible flames appear.
    • Carbon monoxide detector, or carbon monoxide (CO), usually has an electrochemical sensor that measures CO concentration. Carbon monoxide is produced during the incomplete combustion of gas, coal, wood, or oil, for example, with a faulty heater or a blocked chimney.

    Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it is undetectable. It has no smell, color, or taste, and the first symptoms of poisoning, such as headache, drowsiness, and nausea, can easily be mistaken for fatigue. The smoke detector remains silent in such a situation because there is simply no smoke.

    Standards EN 14604 and EN 50291-1

    Look for the standard numbers on the packaging of a good detector:

    StandardWhat it concerns
    EN 14604Autonomous smoke detectors for homes
    EN 50291-1Carbon monoxide detectors for domestic use

    The smoke and carbon monoxide detector should meet both. Meross CS11 has, according to the manufacturer, certificates EN 14604:2005/AC:2008 and EN 50291-1:2018.

    Obligation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: deadlines

    The regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of November 21, 2024 (Journal of Laws 2024 item 1716) introduces a requirement for the installation of autonomous detectors. According to the Chief Command of the State Fire Service, starting from January 1, 2030, it will apply to all houses and apartments in Poland.

    According to the fire service announcement, the deadlines are as follows:

    Who it concernsFrom when
    New residential buildingsFrom December 23, 2024, already in effect
    Establishments with hotel services, e.g., short-term rentalsFrom June 30, 2026, already in effect
    All houses and apartmentsFrom January 1, 2030.

    What exactly needs to be present:

    • at least one autonomous smoke detector in each residential unit,
    • at least one autonomous carbon monoxide detector in each room where solid, liquid, or gas fuel is burned.

    The deadline for existing apartments is the year 2030. However, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is highest during each heating season, from October to March.

    Advice: an autonomous detector has a sensor, alarm, and power supply in one housing and activates the sound alarm by itself. It is most often powered by a battery. Phone notifications are an addition, not a requirement of the regulations.

    Smoke and carbon monoxide detector from our offer: Meross CS11

    Meross CS11 is our choice for an apartment with a gas stove, heater, or fireplace. It has two independent sensors: photoelectric for smoke and electrochemical for carbon monoxide, so it combines a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector in one housing.

    • Standards EN 14604 and EN 50291-1
    • Alarm 85 dB(A) at a distance of 3 m
    • At a CO concentration of 300 ppm, the alarm activates in less than 3 minutes
    • Built-in CR123A battery, according to the manufacturer, for about 10 years of operation
    • LED in three colors: standby, low battery level or fault, alarm
    • Ceiling or wall mounting, no electrician needed

    Advantages:

    • As the only one in the comparison, it detects carbon monoxide
    • Meets both standards, which are worth checking before purchase
    • Batteriet varer ifølge produsenten i omtrent 10 år

    Ulemper:

    • Beskrivelsen nevner ikke appen eller varsler på telefonen
    • Batteriet er ikke utskiftbart, så etter at det er utladet, må hele sensoren byttes ut

    Wi-Fi røykvarsler: når en smart versjon er nyttig

    En vanlig røykvarsler vil utløse alarmen i leiligheten, men ingen vil høre den hvis alle er på jobb. En smart røykvarsler vil da sende et varsel til telefonen. Den er nyttig i en enebolig, i en leilighet der det ofte ikke er noen hjemme, eller når eldre foreldre blir hjemme.

    Meross MA151 med hub MSH450MA

    Meross MA151 monteres i taket. Hub Meross er nødvendig for konfigurasjon og varsler.

    Meross MA151-UN detects smoke using dual optical detection technology, which according to the manufacturer recognizes both white and black smoke and reduces false alarms. Despite «Wi-Fi» in the name, the sensor connects to the Meross hub via 433 MHz, and only then does the hub connect to the router and the app.

    • Alarm of at least 85 dB, audible from 3 m
    • Two AA batteries, according to the manufacturer up to 3 years
    • Notifications for alarm, low battery, and offline status, event history in the app
    • With multiple sensors connected to the hub, all will sound the alarm when one detects smoke
    • Compliance with EN 14604 according to the manufacturer’s website

    Advantages:

    • Notification to your phone when you are not at home
    • Connected alarms throughout the house

    Disadvantages:

    • Detects only smoke, not carbon monoxide
    • Requires a Meross hub for configuration and notifications

    Hub Meross MSH450MA

    Hub Meross MSH450MA obsłuży do 32 urządzeń Meross. Ma własną syrenę 110 dB i tryb lokalny, dzięki któremu alarmy działają nawet przy awarii internetu. Łączy się z routerem przez Wi-Fi 2,4 GHz albo kablem Ethernet i obsługuje standard Matter.

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    Porównanie: czujnik dymu i czadu czy smart czujnik dymu

    CechaMeross CS11Meross MA151 + hub MSH450MA
    Wykrywa dym✅✅
    Wykrywa czad (CO)✅❌
    NormyEN 14604, EN 50291-1EN 14604 (według strony producenta)
    Powiadomienia na telefon❌✅
    Zasilaniebateria CR123A, ok. 10 lat2× AA, ok. 3 lata
    Potrzebny hub❌✅
    Najlepsze dopomieszczeń z kuchenką gazową, piecykiem, kominkiemkorytarza i sypialni, gdy często nikogo nie ma w domu

    Jeśli chcesz mieć i czujnik czadu, i powiadomienia na telefon, połącz oba: CS11 tam, gdzie coś się spala, i smart czujnik dymu w korytarzu.

    Gdzie zamontować czujnik czadu i czujnik dymu

    O dokładnym miejscu i odległościach zawsze decyduje instrukcja producenta. Kilka zasad powtarza się jednak niemal wszędzie:

    1. Czujnik czadu w pomieszczeniu ze spalaniem. Chodzi o kuchnię z kuchenką gazową, łazienkę z piecykiem gazowym, kotłownię i pokój z kominkiem. Tak też stanowi rozporządzenie. Straż pożarna podaje, że osobny czujnik CO najczęściej montuje się na wysokości wzroku, co najmniej 1,5 m od podłogi i około 2 m od urządzenia, które może być źródłem czadu.
    2. Sensor połączony zgodnie z instrukcją. CS11 wykrywa zarówno dym, jak i czad, więc miejsce montażu sprawdź w jego instrukcji, a nie w ogólnych zaleceniach dla czujników CO.
    3. Czujnik dymu na suficie, najlepiej w korytarzu między sypialniami a resztą mieszkania. Dym unosi się do góry.
    4. Z dala od kuchenki i pary. Nie montuj czujnika z sensorem dymu tuż nad kuchenką ani przy drzwiach łazienki. Para i dym z garnka to częste źródła fałszywych alarmów. W łazience z piecykiem trzymaj czujnik z dala od prysznica.
    5. Nie zasłaniaj czujnika meblami ani zasłonami i nie montuj go tuż przy oknie, drzwiach czy kratce wentylacyjnej, bo świeże powietrze zafałszuje pomiar.
    6. Regularnie testuj czujnik przyciskiem, tak często, jak zaleca instrukcja. MA151 może też uruchomić test z aplikacji.

    Co zrobić, gdy czujnik czadu włączy alarm

    Alarm czujnika czadu to sygnał do natychmiastowego działania, nawet jeśli nikt nie czuje się źle. Czadu nie wyczujesz, a objawy łatwo przeoczyć. Przy dużym stężeniu utrata przytomności może nastąpić w ciągu kilku minut.

    1. Open windows and doors to let in fresh air.
    2. Take everyone outside, including pets. Move anyone showing symptoms to a safe place with access to fresh air and do not return inside.
    3. Call 112 if someone has symptoms of poisoning or the alarm does not stop after airing out.
    4. Do not restart the furnace or heater until it has been checked by a professional.

    What to watch out for? The fire department lists symptoms such as headache and dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting. These can easily be mistaken for a cold or fatigue, and the sensor will alert you before you feel them.

    Attention: the sensor does not replace inspection. The fire department reminds you to regularly check the tightness and clean the chimney ducts, as well as to ensure that the ventilation has the proper draft.

    Summary: which smoke and carbon monoxide detector to choose

    • A smoke detector does not detect carbon monoxide. For rooms with a gas stove, heater, boiler, or fireplace, a carbon monoxide detector is needed.
    • Meross CS11 combines both sensors and meets EN 14604 and EN 50291-1 standards.
    • Smart smoke detector Meross MA151 with hub MSH450MA will send a notification when you are not at home, but it will not detect carbon monoxide.
    • From January 1, 2030, every apartment must have a smoke detector, and rooms with fuel combustion must also have a carbon monoxide detector.

    The most carbon monoxide poisonings occur during the heating season, which is just beginning, so it’s not worth waiting until 2030. You can find all the detectors in the smart home sensors category, and shipping is free for orders over 100 PLN.

    FAQ

    Does a smoke detector detect carbon monoxide? No. A smoke detector reacts to smoke particles, while carbon monoxide, which is a colorless gas without smoke, is not detected by it. A carbon monoxide detector with a CO sensor is needed to detect carbon monoxide, e.g., Meross CS11.

    Since when is a smoke and carbon monoxide detector mandatory? In new buildings from December 23, 2024, in establishments with hotel services from June 30, 2026, and in all homes and apartments from January 1, 2030. A carbon monoxide detector is required in rooms where fuel is burned. This is due to the regulation of the MSWiA from November 21, 2024.

    Where to install a carbon monoxide detector? In a room where fuel is burned: in a kitchen with gas, in a bathroom with a heater, in a boiler room, or in a room with a fireplace. A separate CO detector is usually installed at eye level, at least 1.5 m from the floor and about 2 m from the combustion source, but the manufacturer’s instructions are binding.

    What standard should a carbon monoxide detector meet? A carbon monoxide detector for home should meet the EN 50291-1 standard, and a smoke detector should meet the EN 14604 standard. A smoke and carbon monoxide detector should have both.

    Does the Meross smart smoke detector work without the internet? The sound alarm works locally, and the Meross MSH450MA hub has a local mode in which alarms function even during a network failure. Without the internet, you just won’t receive notifications on your phone.

    How long does the battery last in a carbon monoxide detector? In the Meross CS11, the built-in CR123A battery lasts up to about 10 years according to the manufacturer. It is non-replaceable, so after that time, the entire detector needs to be replaced.

    What to do if the carbon monoxide detector is beeping? A continuous alarm indicates danger: open windows, get everyone to fresh air, and call 112 if someone has symptoms or the alarm does not stop. Short, single beeps from time to time usually signal a low battery, malfunction, or end of the detector’s lifespan. Check the meaning of the signals in the manual.

  • Temperature and humidity sensor: which one to choose for winter?

    Temperature and humidity sensor: which one to choose for winter?

    Humidity in the apartment should be within the range of 30–50% and not exceed 60%. This is recommended by the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can check this only by measurement, and the most convenient way is with a temperature and humidity sensor connected to your phone. The most accurate in our offer are SONOFF sensors, and the most convenient among them is the SNZB-02DR2 with a large screen. The simplest to set up is the Gosund S6, which works without any gateway.

    The heating season is just beginning. Radiators dry out the air in the rooms, and in the bathroom and by the windows, where steam condenses, moisture accumulates. Both can be detected early, before mold appears or floorboards crack.

    Below we explain what percentage of humidity is normal, where to place the sensor, and how the Wi-Fi model differs from ZigBee. We also compare four sensors available in the store.

    What humidity in the apartment is correct?

    Relative humidity in the apartment should be from 30 to 50%, and the upper limit is 60%. Any room hygrometer will measure it, but a smart sensor will additionally save the history and send notifications. The range of 30–50% is provided by EPA in the guide on moisture and mold. According to the EPA, the risk of mold increases above 60%. Below 30%, the air is usually noticeably too dry, which often happens in heated apartments in winter.

    HumidityWhat it meansWhat to do
    Below 30%Too dry, the air can be unpleasant for the throat and eyesDo not overheat rooms, consider a humidifier
    30–50%Comfort zoneNothing, just keep it that way
    50–60%Upper limit of the normVentilate more often, especially after cooking and bathing
    Above 60%Too humid: condensation on windows, risk of moldVentilate, check ventilation, dry wet surfaces

    Why humidity drops in winter

    Cold air from outside carries little water vapor. When the radiators heat it, the relative humidity drops because warmer air could hold more water than it actually does. Therefore, in a heated apartment, it is easy to drop below 30%, even though it is gray and wet outside.

    Why mold still appears

    Where there is a lot of steam, it is too humid in winter: in the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom with the window closed. Warm, humid air condenses on the coldest surfaces, which are the windows and the corners of external walls. The EPA advises in such situations to quickly dry the wet surface and limit the source of moisture, for example by ventilating more frequently.

    Tip: one sensor in the living room will not tell you what is happening in the bathroom or bedroom. Humidity varies between rooms, which is why we sell SONOFF sensors in sets of two.

    Temperature and Humidity Sensor: Wi-Fi or ZigBee?

    This choice determines whether the sensor will work immediately after being taken out of the box.

    • Wi-Fi Humidity Sensor connects directly to the home router. You need nothing more than an app on your phone. Wi-Fi sensors usually drain batteries faster, and with several devices, they burden the network.
    • ZigBee is an energy-efficient protocol designed for sensors. It operates on its own network, independent of Wi-Fi. For remote viewing, notifications, and automation, a ZigBee gateway is needed, which connects itself to the router.

    If you are buying your first sensor and do not have a gateway at home, choose the Wi-Fi model. If you plan to have more sensors, for example for window openings or flooding, ZigBee with a gateway will be more convenient.

    It also matters which gateway the sensor works with. Gosund ZigBee sensors are designed for the Tuya system, for example with the gateway Gosund ST21. According to the manufacturer, SONOFF sensors support ZigBee 3.0 gateways, including their own SONOFF hubs, the NSPanel Pro, and Amazon Echo speakers with a built-in ZigBee hub. The USB ZBDongle is an option for Home Assistant users, not a standalone gateway for the application.

    Temperature and humidity sensors in our offer

    In the store, we have four temperature and humidity sensors from two brands: SONOFF and Gosund. Three operate via ZigBee (two SONOFF and Gosund ST17), one via Wi-Fi.

    1. SONOFF SNZB-02DR2: accurate, with a large screen

    The SNZB-02DR2 screen shows the current measurement as well as the minimum and maximum from the last day.

    Our choice if you have a ZigBee gateway. SONOFF SNZB-02DR2 has a Sensirion SHT40 sensor, used in measuring devices. The manufacturer states an accuracy of ±0.2°C and ±2% RH. The large 3.6″ screen displays current values, minimum and maximum from the last 24 hours, and a graphical comfort indicator. Without a gateway, you can connect to it up close via Bluetooth to read the data.

    • ZigBee 3.0, powered by 2× AAA
    • 3.6″ LCD screen with min/max and comfort indicator
    • Measurement history and alerts in the app
    • Set of two sensors

    Advantages:

    • Highest declared accuracy, along with SNZB-02D
    • Readable screen from the other end of the room

    Disadvantages:

    • For the application and automation, a ZigBee gateway is needed, and we currently do not have SONOFF hubs in stock

    2. Gosund S6: Wi-Fi humidity sensor without a gateway

    Gosund S6 connects to the Wi-Fi router, and the measurement history is in the app.

    Gosund S6 is the simplest way to get your first sensor. It connects directly to your home Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, so you only need the Gosund or Tuya Smart app. It has a backlit screen with a clock, and works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

    • Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, no gateway
    • Accuracy ±1°C and ±5% RH
    • Power supply: 3 AAA batteries
    • History of measurements and automation in the application, e.g., turning on the humidifier when the air is too dry

    Advantages:

    • Works immediately, without additional equipment
    • Backlit screen with a clock

    Disadvantages:

    • Lower accuracy than in SONOFF
    • Wi-Fi drains batteries faster than ZigBee

    3. SONOFF SNZB-02D: accurate and compact

    SONOFF SNZB-02D, also available in sets of two.

    SONOFF SNZB-02D is an older model from the same series, with a smaller screen displaying temperature and humidity. The manufacturer specifies an accuracy of ±0.2°C and ±2% RH, with readings refreshing every 5 seconds, and the CR2450 battery lasts up to about 2 years according to specifications.

    • ZigBee 3.0, CR2450 battery
    • Readings every 5 seconds, notifications for threshold breaches
    • Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
    • Set of two sensors

    Advantages:

    • High accuracy in a small housing
    • Long operation on a single battery

    Disadvantages:

    • Requires a ZigBee gateway, and we currently do not have SONOFF hubs in stock
    • Smaller screen than in SNZB-02DR2

    4. Gosund ST17 ZigBee: for the Tuya system

    Gosund ST17 looks like S6, but connects via ZigBee.

    Gosund ST17 is the ZigBee version of the S6 sensor: the same clock display and the same accuracy ±1°C and ±5% RH. Choose it if you already have a Tuya gateway or plan to have several Gosund sensors at once. You can export the measurement history from the app to your email.

    Advantages:

    • ZigBee usually consumes battery more efficiently than Wi-Fi
    • Compatible with the Tuya system, e.g. with the Gosund ST21 gateway

    Disadvantages:

    • Without a gateway, you cannot connect it to your phone
    • Accuracy like in the cheaper S6

    [hs_products ids=»140615,139092,140616,139202″ cols=»4″]

    Temperature and Humidity Sensor Comparison

    FeatureSONOFF SNZB-02DR2Gosund S6SONOFF SNZB-02DGosund ST17
    ConnectivityZigBee 3.0Wi-Fi 2.4 GHzZigBee 3.0ZigBee
    Works without a hub❌ no (close range via Bluetooth)✅ yes❌ no❌ no (Tuya hub needed)
    Temperature accuracy±0.2°C±1°C±0.2°C±1°C
    Humidity accuracy±2% RH±5% RH±2% RH±5% RH
    DisplayLCD 3.6″, min/maxLCD with clockLCDLCD with clock
    Power supply2× AAA3× AAACR24503× AAA
    Included2 pieces1 piece2 pieces1 piece

    How to choose briefly:

    • First sensor, no hub? Gosund S6 Wi-Fi.
    • Do you care about accurate measurement and have a ZigBee hub? SONOFF SNZB-02DR2 or SNZB-02D.
    • Want to control two rooms and have a ZigBee hub? SONOFF sets with two pieces.
    • Building a system on Tuya? Gosund ST17 with Gosund ST21 hub.

    Where to place the humidity sensor

    The sensor shows conditions where it is placed. If positioned incorrectly, it will measure the radiator instead of the room.

    1. Away from the radiator. Heat lowers relative humidity and raises temperature.
    2. Not right by the window. It is colder and more humid by the glass than in the rest of the room.
    3. At human height. About where you spend time. Not on the floor and not on a shelf under the ceiling.
    4. Also in the bedroom and bathroom. That’s where humidity changes the most.

    Automations with the humidity sensor

    The smart sensor can not only measure but also trigger a reaction before it gets too dry or too wet.

    • Too dry? The sensor can turn on a humidifier plugged into a smart socket when humidity drops below the set threshold. Such an example appears in the descriptions of the Gosund S6 and SONOFF sensors.
    • Too humid in the bathroom? A notification on your phone after exceeding 60% will remind you to ventilate.
    • Ventilation control. Gosund S2 window opening sensor works via Wi-Fi without a gateway and will send a notification when the window is opened. Combined with a humidity sensor, you can see if ventilation actually lowers humidity.

    All sensors, including window opening, flooding, and motion, can be found in the smart home sensors category. Outlets and other automation devices are in the home automation category.

    Summary: which temperature and humidity sensor to choose

    • Proper humidity in the apartment is 30–50%, and above 60% the risk of mold increases.
    • The most accurate temperature and humidity sensors in our offer are SONOFF SNZB-02DR2 and SNZB-02D (±0.2°C, ±2% RH).
    • The simplest start is the Gosund S6 Wi-Fi, which does not require a gateway.
    • ZigBee requires a gateway, but saves batteries and performs better with multiple sensors.

    The heating season is a good time to measure humidity in the apartment before the first mold spot appears by the window. You can find the entire selection of sensors in the smart home sensors category. Free shipping is available for orders over 100 PLN.

    FAQ

    What humidity should be in the apartment in winter? Just like throughout the year: from 30 to 50%, no more than 60%. In winter, a more common problem is excessively dry air in heated rooms and too humid air in the bathroom.

    What is the difference between a humidity sensor and a room hygrometer? A hygrometer is a general term for a device that measures humidity. A smart temperature and humidity sensor does the same but additionally records history, sends notifications to your phone, and can control other devices.

    Does a ZigBee sensor work without a gateway? For full functionality, meaning remote viewing, notifications, and automation, a gateway is needed. An exception is the SONOFF SNZB-02DR2, which will connect to your phone via Bluetooth up close. If you don’t have a gateway, the simplest option is to choose a Wi-Fi sensor, e.g., the Gosund S6.

    Will the SONOFF sensor work with the Tuya gateway? The manufacturer lists compatible ZigBee 3.0 gateways, including SONOFF hubs, NSPanel Pro, ZBDongle key, and Amazon Echo with a ZigBee hub. Tuya gateways are not included in this list, so with the Tuya system, it is safer to choose the Gosund ST17.

    Where is the best place to put the humidity sensor? Approximately at the height where you spend time, away from the radiator, window, and direct sunlight. It will tell you the most in the bedroom and bathroom.

    How to reduce humidity in the apartment? Ventilate briefly and intensively, especially after cooking and bathing, and do not dry laundry in a closed room. Dry wet surfaces, e.g., condensation on windows, immediately.

  • Does MagSafe harm the iPhone 18 Pro camera? We explain.

    Does MagSafe harm the iPhone 18 Pro camera? We explain.

    There is no evidence that regular MagSafe accessories harm the iPhone 18 Pro camera. The magnet only moved the blades of the new aperture in the module removed from the phone. The MagSafe ring is located in the center of the back, clearly below the camera island. The risk concerns something else: strong magnets and metal plates placed directly near the lenses.

    Where does this concern come from? On September 20, iFixit disassembled the iPhone 18 Pro and showed that six blades of the variable aperture move thanks to magnets. Concerns quickly arose that a magnetic phone mount or MagSafe wallet could misalign the camera. If you use such accessories, the question is entirely valid.

    We check what the test really showed, what Apple itself says about magnets, and which accessories for the iPhone 18 Pro are safe, which ones require caution, and which ones are better to avoid.

    In the photo with the transparent case, you can clearly see where the MagSafe ring sits: in the center of the back, below the camera island. Photos: Apple.

    Does MagSafe harm the iPhone 18 Pro camera? Short answer

    Nothing suggests that it does. The MagSafe charger, MagSafe case, wallet, and power bank attached to the ring work with the iPhone 18 Pro just like with its predecessors. No test has shown that they change the aperture in a closed phone. Caution makes sense with accessories that place a magnet or steel plate on the camera island or right next to it.

    This is not a new rule invented for the 18 Pro. Apple has been warning for years about strong magnets near the rear camera because they interfere with image stabilization and autofocus. The new aperture adds another moving part to the lens, so the same advice applies even more.

    How the variable aperture works in the iPhone 18 Pro

    The aperture is the opening through which light reaches the sensor. Until now, the iPhone had a fixed one: in the 17 Pro, the main camera always operated at f/1.78. In the iPhone 18 Pro, the opening is adjusted by six laser-cut blades. According to iFixit, each is about as thin as a human hair.

    In the Camera app, there are four settings to choose from:

    Aperture What it’s for
    f/1.48 Most light: night photos and in dark interiors
    f/1.8 Portraits, balancing light and depth of field
    f/2.8 Greater depth of field than at f/1.8
    f/4.0 Group photos, landscape, architecture

    One caveat: only the main 48 MP camera has a variable aperture. The ultra-wide (f/2.2) and 4x telephoto (f/2.8) still have a fixed aperture. The same setup is in the iPhone 18 Pro Max, so everything we write here applies to both models.

    Photos from the main camera of the iPhone 18 Pro, the one with the variable aperture. Photos: Apple.

    The Camera app offers four stops, but it’s not the only option. As of September 29, Final Cut Camera version 2.4 supports variable aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro, so the aperture can be set manually, alongside shutter speed and ISO.

    Manual aperture setting in the Final Cut Camera app on the iPhone 18 Pro

    Final Cut Camera 2.4 with manual settings for aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Photo: Apple.

    About what has changed in the camera and what has remained the same, we wrote in the text iPhone 18 Pro camera: teardown and DxOMark score.

    What the iFixit test really showed (and what it didn’t show)

    The whole discussion started from the teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro published by iFixit. Technicians removed the camera module, brought a magnet close to it, and recorded how the aperture blades opened and closed. It worked even after removing the other components of the module.

    The test clearly shows how the mechanism is built. However, it does not prove that the MagSafe wallet will damage your camera. The differences are fundamental:

    • The module was removed from the phone. In a finished iPhone, the accessory magnet does not reach the mechanism directly, because the MagSafe ring is located below the camera island.
    • The magnet was held right next to the mechanism. No MagSafe accessory works like this, as it attaches to the ring in the center of the back.
    • No one tested accessories on a closed phone. iFixit does not mention MagSafe at all.

    A similar experiment was conducted by the Phone Repair Guru service on a disassembled 18 Pro Max. After the test, the camera worked normally, and the author noted that this is not a test of everyday use of MagSafe.

    Beware of the rumor: there is information circulating online that Apple has «officially confirmed» that MagSafe chargers are safe for the new lens. Such a statement is not available in Apple’s newsroom or on support pages.

    What Apple says about magnets near the iPhone camera

    Apple has a separate support document about magnets near the iPhone camera. It states that the magnet near the lens position sensors can interfere with, and even temporarily disable, optical image stabilization (OIS) and autofocus. The camera can still take pictures, but without these two functions, it is easier to get blurred or out-of-focus shots.

    Apple lists three types of problematic accessories. All have strong magnets or metal plates near the rear camera:

    1. A flip case with a closure held by a magnet.
    2. A two-piece (detachable) case connected by magnets.
    3. Mounts for rigid holders, e.g. car mounts, with a plate near the camera.

    Two things are worth knowing about this document. It is archived, so Apple no longer updates it. It also does not mention either MagSafe or the iPhone 18. There is currently no new version that includes the lens.

    According to a review by tech-ish on September 25, Apple has also updated the guidelines for accessory manufacturers. Cases, covers, and camera overlays must not interfere with autofocus or stabilization. There is not a word about the lens itself.

    MagSafe Accessories for iPhone 18 Pro: Safe, Be Careful, Avoid

    The principle is simple: the spot matters where the magnet touches the phone. An accessory attached to the MagSafe ring holds in the middle of the back. The problem only starts when something magnetic lands near the lenses.

    Accessory Safe? Why
    MagSafe / Qi2 Charger ✅ yes Attaches to the ring, away from the lenses
    MagSafe Case ✅ yes Magnets in the case align with the ring on the phone
    MagSafe Wallet ✅ yes Holds onto the ring, does not reach the camera islands
    MagSafe Power Bank ✅ yes Like the charger, mounted in the center of the back
    MagSafe Car Mount ✅ yes Grabs onto the ring, no additional plate
    MagSafe Finger Grip or Ring ✅ yes Provided it sits on the ring
    Mount with Adhesive Metal Plate be careful Safe only if the plate is low, in the center of the back
    3-in-1 Station with MagSafe Charger be careful Check that the phone does not rest the camera against metal
    Magnetic Flip Case ❌ avoid The clasp magnet can be close to the lenses
    Magnetic Filter and Lens Mounts ❌ avoid By design, they directly overlap the camera
    Strong «Universal» Magnet without MagSafe ❌ avoid Unknown strength and position of the magnet
    Motorcycle Mount without Vibration Dampening ❌ avoid Apple warns against strong engine vibrations

    Qi2 is an open standard for wireless charging with magnets arranged the same way as in MagSafe, so we treat both equally in this table.

    Is a magnetic phone mount safe in a car?

    Yes, if it grabs the MagSafe ring. This is how MagSafe and Qi2 car mounts work: magnets in the head align with magnets in the phone, and nothing else needs to be glued.

    You need to be careful with older magnetic mounts that require a metal plate to be glued on. If the plate is placed too high, close to the cameras, in the iPhone 18 Pro, that is the worst possible location.

    If you stick with such a mount, glue the plate in the center of the back, under the Apple logo. It would be even better to switch to a MagSafe case.

    Among MagSafe car mounts that hold onto the ring and do not require a plate, we recommend:

    On the left Spigen MFT36 VacuumLock, on the right ESR OmniLock. Both hold the phone by the MagSafe ring, without an adhesive plate.

    [hs_products ids=»130386,134694,127488″ cols=»3″]

    You will find the full selection in the category car holders. If you are just choosing the type of mount, our guide which car holder to choose for your phone will be helpful.

    MagSafe wallets and finger holders

    The MagSafe wallet attaches to the ring and does not reach the camera island. Therefore, it is indifferent to the aperture. The same applies to magnetic rings and finger holders, as long as you keep them on the ring and do not slide them higher for a more comfortable grip.

    They work well:

    On the left Satechi Wallet Stand, on the right UNIQ Heldro ID.

    We compare more models in the summary TOP 10 MagSafe wallets for phones.

    Chargers, power banks, and MagSafe stations

    MagSafe charger and magnetic power bank are the safest accessories on the entire list. They must hit exactly in the ring, otherwise they won’t charge, and the ring lies below the camera island.

    The only thing to check concerns the 3-in-1 charging stations with a metal construction. If the phone in the station rests the camera island against a metal element with a magnet, e.g., a watch charger, reposition the devices or choose a station with a larger gap.

    What to really watch out for: falls and vibrations

    If you want to protect the iPhone 18 Pro camera, the magnets at the MagSafe ring are not the main concern. The aperture blades are delicate mechanics. iFixit estimates that few people in the world have the tools and knowledge to disassemble and reassemble it, so repair most likely means replacing the entire camera module.

    What realistically threatens the camera:

    • Fall on the back or on the corner with the camera island. The impact force goes straight into the module. Here, a case with a raised edge around the cameras comes in handy.
    • Strong vibrations. Apple has a separate document stating that vibrations from motorcycle engines can impair the functioning of the iPhone camera. It does not recommend mounting the iPhone on high-powered motorcycles. For scooters and mopeds, it advises using a mount with vibration dampening.
    • Scratching the glass over the lens. It won’t damage the aperture, but it can cause streaks and reflections in photos. A camera cover protects against this.

    MagSafe case for iPhone 18 Pro with an edge around the camera

    Good case for iPhone 18 Pro combines two things. The first is built-in MagSafe magnets, because without them accessories hold poorly or not at all through the case. The second is the edge that protrudes above the lenses.

    Among the models available in the store, we recommend:

    On the left UAG Pathfinder MagSafe, on the right Ringke Silicone Magnetic MagSafe.

    [hs_products category=»2618″ limit=»6″ sort=»sales»]

    Pozostałe modele znajdziesz w kategorii etui do iPhone’a 18 Pro.

    Porada: etui z iPhone’a 17 Pro pasuje na 18 Pro, bo oba mają identyczny korpus. Nie pasuje za to osłona na aparat. Szczegóły wyjaśniamy w tekście czy etui z iPhone 17 Pro pasuje do iPhone 18 Pro.

    Osłona na aparat

    Typowa osłona na wyspę aparatów, szklana albo aluminiowa, nie ma magnesów, więc przysłonie nie przeszkadza. Chroni szkło nad obiektywami przed rysami i odpryskami. Do 18 Pro dobrze pasują ESR Armorite Camera Protector i Tech-Protect CamAlloy Fit+.

    On the left ESR Armorite, on the right Tech-Protect CamAlloy Fit+.

    You can find the entire offer in the category glass for the camera for iPhone 18 Pro.

    How to check if the accessory affects the iPhone 18 Pro camera

    Do you suspect that the holder or case is causing issues? You can check it in five minutes:

    1. Take a photo of the same scene with and without the accessory, from the same spot.
    2. Compare sharpness at zoom. Pay attention to blurriness in low light, as that’s when stabilization works the hardest.
    3. Watch the preview in the Camera app. Image shaking or constant «searching» for focus with the accessory attached is a warning sign.
    4. If the symptoms disappear after removing the accessory, change its position or do without it.
    5. If the symptoms persist even without the accessory, take the phone to an Apple service. Do not try to «fix» anything with a magnet.

    Summary: MagSafe and iPhone 18 Pro

    • There is no evidence that MagSafe harms the iPhone 18 Pro camera. The ring lies below the camera island, and no test has shown any impact on the aperture when the phone is closed.
    • iFixit’s test concerned the removed module. It showed how the mechanism works, but it is not a warning against the charger or wallet.
    • Avoid magnets and plates near the lenses: a magnetic flap case, magnetic filter mounts, and plates stuck high.
    • Watch out for drops and vibrations. A case with a lip and a camera cover is a more sensible protection than giving up MagSafe.

    If you are gathering accessories for your new phone, start with a MagSafe case. You can then choose the rest from the MagSafe accessories category: car mount, wallet, or power bank that stays where it should.

    FAQ

    Can the MagSafe charger damage the iPhone 18 Pro camera? There is no evidence for that. The MagSafe charger attaches to the ring in the center of the back, below the camera island, and does not bring the magnet close to the aperture.

    Is a magnetic phone mount safe for the iPhone 18 Pro? Yes, if it is a MagSafe or Qi2 mount that grips the ring in the phone. With older mounts with a metal plate, stick it in the center of the back, never near the cameras.

    Does the MagSafe wallet affect the iPhone 18 Pro camera? No. The wallet attaches to the MagSafe ring and does not reach the camera island. Apple only warns against magnets and plates placed near the rear camera.

    Do the same rules apply to the iPhone 18 Pro Max? Yes. The iPhone 18 Pro Max has the same variable aperture in the main camera, so MagSafe is fine, but the magnets near the lenses are not.

    Can I mount the iPhone 18 Pro on a motorcycle? Apple does not recommend mounting the iPhone on high-powered motorcycles, as strong vibrations can impair stabilization and autofocus performance. On a scooter or moped, use a mount with vibration dampening.

    Will a MagSafe case for the iPhone 17 Pro work with the 18 Pro? Yes. Both models have identical bodies, so the case fits, and its magnets align with the MagSafe ring. However, you won’t be able to transfer the camera cover.

  • Best Charger for iPhone Duo? 2026 Ranking

    Best Charger for iPhone Duo? 2026 Ranking

    The best charger for the iPhone Duo is a USB Power Delivery charger with a power of at least 60 W, only from this threshold does Apple promise to charge up to 50% in about 20 minutes. Our choice is the UGREEN Nexode Air 65W, as it fits this power on one port and is the size of a matchbox.

    In the box with the phone, you will find only a USB-C cable. There is no charger, and the old 20 W block from the iPhone 12 will charge the Duo noticeably slower than the manufacturer states.

    The foldable iPhone goes on sale on October 23, 2026, with pre-orders starting on October 16. This is a good time to choose a charger in advance, rather than looking for it after receiving the package.

    Below are five wall chargers that meet this threshold, and further on the rest of the equipment: MagSafe and Qi2 25W wireless chargers, USB-C cables, car chargers, and power banks. Along the way, four things on which it is easiest to lose the promised 20 minutes.

    The iPhone Duo charges via USB-C and wirelessly, using MagSafe and Qi2 standards. Photos: Apple.

    Note: The iPhone Duo is not the MagSafe Duo

    Before we move on to the ranking, one distinction that is easy to overlook when purchasing.

    MagSafe Duo Charger is a foldable, dual charger from Apple for the iPhone and Apple Watch, introduced in 2020 and long discontinued. The name «Duo» refers to its two charging pads, not a phone model.

    iPhone Duo is a foldable iPhone from 2026, which we described in the premiere article about the foldable iPhone. It requires a standard USB-C wall charger, but one that is more powerful than previous iPhones.

    If you see «Apple dual charger,» «Apple Duo Charger,» or «Apple Duo wireless charger» in the search engine, it is not a product for this phone.

    Are you looking for such a dual charger? Its modern equivalent is the 3-in-1 stations: they charge the phone, watch, and headphones at the same time, and unlike the MagSafe Duo, they are still available for purchase. We describe them in the section about wireless chargers later in the text.

    What the iPhone Duo requires from a charger

    Apple lists three numbers in the specifications, and all three are important when making a purchase.

    ParameterValue according to Apple
    Wired fast chargingup to 50% in about 20 minutes
    Minimum power of the charger60 W or higher
    MagSafe chargingup to 25 W
    Qi2 chargingup to 25 W
    MagSafe charging to 50%about 30 minutes, charger 35 W or stronger
    ConnectorUSB-C, USB 3 (10 Gb/s)
    Included1 m USB-C cable, no charger
    Phone weight254 g

    Note one thing: 60 W is a requirement for the charger, not the power drawn by the phone. The Duo does not draw 60 W continuously. However, the charger must have that reserve to maintain high current in the initial charging phase when the battery is nearly empty.

    This is a change compared to the rest of the line. The iPhone 17 reaches its 50% in 20 minutes with a 40 W charger, which we described in the ranking of chargers for the iPhone 17. The Duo has two batteries and raises this threshold by half.

    Need a charger right now? See phone chargers →

    Four things that determine full speed

    1. Power on one port, not total

    To najczęstsza pułapka przy ładowarkach wieloportowych. Producent pisze „65 W» na pudełku, ale ta liczba dotyczy sumy wszystkich portów. Podłącz drugie urządzenie, a główny port zjeżdża do 45 W albo niżej i telefon wypada z progu 60 W.

    Szukaj w specyfikacji zapisu w rodzaju „65 W na pojedynczym porcie USB-C». Jeśli ładujesz laptopa i telefon z jednej kostki, bierz wyższą półkę mocy: 100 W albo więcej.

    2. USB Power Delivery, nie sam Quick Charge

    iPhone korzysta wyłącznie z USB Power Delivery (USB PD), standardu, który negocjuje napięcie między ładowarką a urządzeniem. Quick Charge to konkurencyjny standard Qualcomma, przydatny przy telefonach z Androidem, ale iPhone’owi nic nie daje.

    Większość ładowarek GaN obsługuje oba naraz. Upewnij się tylko, że USB PD jest wymienione wprost.

    3. GaN, jeśli zależy Ci na rozmiarze

    GaN (azotek galu) to materiał, który zastąpił krzem w tranzystorach ładowarki. Mniej grzeje i pozwala zmieścić 65 W w obudowie wielkości dawnej kostki 20 W.

    Przy mocy 60 W i wyższej to różnica między czymś, co zmieścisz w kieszeni kurtki, a cegłą do plecaka.

    4. Kabel, o którym nikt nie pisze na pudełku

    O tym producenci ładowarek milczą, bo kabel zwykle sprzedają osobno. Przy 60 W przewód musi przenieść 3 A, a nie każdy to potrafi, choć wtyk wygląda identycznie. Wracamy do tego w osobnej sekcji niżej.

    The cable from the Duo box works perfectly. The problem starts when you reach for the first random cable from the drawer, and then you wonder why 20 minutes turned into an hour.

    Ranking: 5 ładowarek do iPhone’a Duo, które spełniają próg 60 W

    We ranked them from the most universal to the most specialized.

    The phone will be available for sale only on October 23, so we selected them based on the parameters provided by Apple, not from our own tests with this model.

    1. UGREEN Nexode Air 65W

    Our choice

    UGREEN Nexode Air 65W exceeds the 60 W threshold with a small margin and does so in a casing that you can easily carry in your backpack pocket. It has two USB-C ports and one USB-A, so you can also charge your headphones or watch from it.

    Pełne 65 W dostaniesz przy jednym podłączonym urządzeniu. Gdy wepniesz drugie, moc rozdziela się między porty i Duo może zejść poniżej wymaganych 60 W. To nie wada tego konkretnego modelu, tylko cecha wszystkich ładowarek wieloportowych w tej klasie mocy.

    Dla większości ludzi, którzy chcą jednej kostki do telefonu i sporadycznie czegoś obok, to najrozsądniejszy wybór z całego zestawienia.

    2. Spigen Essential EE673EU 67W

    Spigen Essential EE673EU daje 67 W, czyli siedem watów ponad wymagany próg. Ten zapas ma sens: przy jednoczesnym ładowaniu telefonu i drugiego drobiazgu masz większą szansę, że Duo zostanie przy pełnej prędkości.

    Układ portów jest identyczny jak w propozycji UGREEN: dwa USB-C i jeden USB-A. Czarna obudowa mniej rzuca się w oczy przy gniazdku niż typowa biała kostka.

    3. USAMS JC Series CC266 65W GaN

    USAMS JC Series CC266 65W GaN is the simplest way to reach 60 W without paying extra for a recognizable logo. Three ports, GaN technology, and the same 65 W as the higher-end competition.

    If the charger is going to sit behind the couch and no one will look at it, this model does exactly the same job.

    4. Tech-Protect PowerVision NC100W GaN

    Tech-Protect PowerVision NC100W solves the problem we mentioned above: it shows on a small display how many watts are actually flowing to the phone.

    This is the only way to see for yourself whether the Duo is getting the promised 60 W, or if the cable or the second connected device has reduced the power. With a phone that has such specific requirements, this information is worth more than with an ordinary smartphone.

    One hundred watts also provides a real buffer when using two devices at once, and it’s enough for most laptops with USB-C.

    5. Satechi 4-Port GaN Travel Charger 140W

    Satechi 4-Port GaN Travel Charger 140W is a proposal for someone who travels a lot. Four USB-C ports and interchangeable plugs in American, British, European, and Asian standards replace an entire bag of adapters.

    With 140 W to share, even three connected devices won’t push the phone below the threshold. If you also carry a MacBook, it’s the only brick you need. For those who prefer a permanent setup on their desk, the same manufacturer offers Satechi GaN Charger 165W with four USB-C ports.

    [hs_products ids=»76151,126200,109815,142549,73695″ cols=»5″ title=»Chargers 60 W and stronger for iPhone Duo»]

    Comparison of chargers for iPhone Duo

    ModelPowerPortsGaNPower DisplayInterchangeable Plugs
    UGREEN Nexode Air65 W2× USB-C + USB-A✅❌❌
    Spigen Essential EE673EU67 W2× USB-C + USB-A✅❌❌
    USAMS JC CC26665 W2× USB-C + USB-A✅❌❌
    Tech-Protect PowerVision NC100W100 W2× USB-C + USB-A✅✅❌
    Satechi 4-Port Travel140 W4× USB-C✅❌✅

    Induktionlader til iPhone Duo: Qi2, Qi2 25W og MagSafe

    Duo oplader trådløst med op til 25 W: via MagSafe eller via Qi2 i 25 W-versionen, som Wireless Power Consortium betegner som Qi2 25W. Du behøver derfor ikke at lede efter tilbehør med Apple-logoet, men du skal være opmærksom på effekten, da ældre Qi2-ladere stopper ved 15 W.

    Navnene på standarderne blandes i butiksbeskrivelserne, så her er en kort opstilling:

    StandardEffekt for iPhoneMagneterHvad betyder det i praksis
    Qi (gammel)7,5 W❌Telefonen skal ramme spolen, oplader langsomt
    Qi2 (første version)op til 15 W✅Magneter i standarden, effekt som den gamle MagSafe
    Qi2 25Wop til 25 W✅Fuld trådløs hastighed i Duo
    MagSafeop til 25 W✅Apples løsning, i Duo svarende til Qi2 25W

    Søg derfor efter betegnelsen Qi2 25W eller blot tallet 25 W i beskrivelsen. Selve teksten «Qi2» er ikke nok: det samme varemærke dækker i dag både 15 W og 25 W. En langsommere oplader vil fungere uden problemer, bare i længere tid.

    There is one more condition that is easy to forget: the induction charger alone is not enough. You connect it to a power supply, and it is the power supply that determines the power. Apple states that charging MagSafe to 50% in about 30 minutes requires a 35 W or stronger power supply, and 3-in-1 stations can be even more demanding: Tech-Protect A51 needs 45 W, A52 at least 40 W. Check this in the description of the specific model before buying a pad without a power supply included.

    Naming trap: “25 W» on the box of the 3-in-1 station is often the sum of all charging fields, not the power for the phone. Satechi 3-in-1 Qi2 25W divides it into 15 W for the iPhone plus 5 W for the watch and 5 W for the headphones. Look for a separate line in the specifications for “output, phone”.

    You will charge your phone wirelessly slower than with a cable. However, you can place it down with one motion, without aiming for the plug, and with a foldable phone with a hinge, it’s more convenient than it seems.

    Tech-Protect A50 MagSafe 25W Qi2.2, single disk

    Our choice among inductive chargers

    Tech-Protect A50 delivers a full 25 W for the phone, as all the power goes into one field. It’s the simplest form possible: a magnetic disk on a cable.

    The magnet holds securely despite the 254 grams of Duo mass. If you prefer a different finish, the same manufacturer has Tech-Protect A54 Qi2.2.

    Tech-Protect A51 ArcticBoost 3in1, full 25 W for the phone

    Tech-Protect A51 ArcticBoost is a rare case of a 3-in-1 station where the phone receives a full 25 W, while the watch and headphones have their own power budget alongside. The manufacturer requires at least a 45 W power supply for this.

    Additionally, it has active cooling. Inductive charging naturally heats up, and heat is the main enemy of battery life, so at 25 W this is a real value, not marketing. A cheaper alternative is Tech-Protect A52 3in1 Qi2.2, also with 25 W for the phone, but without a fan and requiring 40 W on the power supply.

    Satechi 3-in-1 Qi2, foldable stand with 15 W

    Satechi 3-in-1 Qi2 holds a phone, watch, and headphones, and the Duo stand keeps the phone upright, so you can see notifications on the external screen without picking up the phone. When folded, it takes up little space, making it a sensible travel charger.

    Note the power: the manufacturer states 15 W for the iPhone, despite the «25W» in the name. For overnight charging, this is irrelevant; for daytime top-ups, a model with the full 25 W would be better.

    Satechi Qi2 Trio Wireless Charging Pad, flat mat 15 W

    Satechi Qi2 Trio is the same idea in a flat version, also with 15 W for the phone. The Duo lies horizontally instead of standing, which makes sense on a nightstand, where a stand would block the alarm clock or lamp.

    With a foldable phone, the flat mat has one more advantage: you can place the Duo closed on it without stressing the hinge.

    [hs_products ids=»134148,137939,140801,135816″ cols=»4″ title=»25 W wireless chargers and 3-in-1 stations»]

    We have gathered a broader overview of this category in the guide which MagSafe charger to choose, and you can find the full offer in the wireless chargers category.

    USB-C Cables: Here is where you can easily lose the promised 60 W

    The Duo’s cable from the box is one meter long and carries the required power. The problem arises when you need a second cable: a longer one for the bed, a shorter one for the backpack, or a spare one for work.

    A 60 W charging cable must carry 3 A at 20 V. This is the upper limit for a regular USB-C cable: above 3 A, the cable must have an e-marker chip that informs the charger of its capabilities. The Duo fits exactly within this limit, so a decent cable without an e-marker will suffice, but it operates at the edge.

    Three numbers worth watching in the description:

    • Current: 3 A is exactly what you need; 5 A provides a buffer and assurance that the bottleneck is the charger, not the cord
    • Power: 100 W and 240 W cables carry the required 60 W well within their limits
    • Data speed: a separate parameter, completely unrelated to power

    This last thing is the most surprising. Most 100 W cables transmit data at USB 2.0 standard, which is 480 Mb/s. The Duo has a USB 3 connection with a bandwidth of 10 Gb/s, so when transferring video material, the difference is over twenty times.

    This also applies to both cables below: both charge at full power, both transmit data in USB 2.0. If you are looking for a cable for fast recording transfers, check the transfer speed separately, as it is a completely different product category.

    Tech-Protect UB20T Ultraboost 100W, spring cable for car and desk

    Tech-Protect UB20T Ultraboost cable supports 100 W at 5 A, which is well above the 3 A required by the Duo.

    His design is spring-loaded: at rest, it coils down to a few centimeters and stretches up to 180 cm. In the car and on the desk, this means the end of tangles, as the cable returns to shape on its own instead of lying in a heap.

    Tech-Protect UB10T Ultraboost 240W, with a reserve for a laptop

    Tech-Protect UB10T Ultraboost cable carries 240 W in EPR extension from the USB PD 3.1 standard. For a phone, that’s overkill, but if this same cable sometimes needs to power a laptop, you buy one cable instead of two.

    A meter length works well at the desk and in the backpack. For a permanent workstation at the computer, a shorter and cheaper Tech-Protect Ultraboost DNA 100W is sufficient.

    Więcej o doborze przewodu napisaliśmy w tekście what cable to choose for fast charging. Pełna oferta jest w USB-C cable category.

    Car chargers for iPhone Duo

    Duo declares up to 24 hours of typical usage, but two screens can quickly eat that result. In the car, different factors matter than at the desk: navigation on a large internal screen drains the battery faster than a weak charger from the cigarette lighter can charge it.

    The principle is the same as with a wall charger. The car charger must provide 60 W on one port for the phone to charge at full speed. Popular 18 W or 30 W adapters will maintain the battery level during navigation but will not raise it.

    Wireless charging mount Tech-Protect MM25W-V8

    Tech-Protect MM25W-V8 combines a windshield or dashboard mount with a 25 W Qi2.2 charger. You attach your phone magnetically and it starts charging immediately, without plugging in the cable every time you get in.

    With Duo, there is one more benefit: the mount keeps the phone secured, so you don’t strain the hinge while on the road.

    UGREEN EC705 130W, for drivers with a laptop

    UGREEN EC705 charger provides 130 W across three ports, so your phone gets its 60 W even when a laptop or tablet of a passenger is charging next to it. The package includes a 5 A cable, which is exactly what is required for full power.

    An alternative with two USB-C ports is Tech-Protect CC03 100W.

    Attention to descriptions: car chargers described as “PD 60W” often split this power between ports, for example, 30 W on USB-C and 18 W on USB-A. For Duo, only the number at the USB-C port counts, not the total from the box.

    We described more options in the guide fast car charger, and the full offer is in the car charger category.

    Powerbanks for iPhone Duo

    A power bank for a foldable phone is chosen differently than for a regular smartphone, for one reason: Duo weighs 254 g. This is clearly more than a classic iPhone, so a magnetic power bank attached to the back turns the set into something you don’t want to hold to your ear for half an hour.

    Hence the simple rule: magnetic up to 10,000 mAh or wired above. Heavier cells are better kept in a pocket and connected with a cable.

    Tech-Protect PB40 LifeMag 10,000 mAh, magnetic with full Qi2.2 power

    Powerbank Tech-Protect PB40 LifeMag has 10,000 mAh and charges wirelessly in the Qi2.2 standard with a power of 25 W, which is as much as the Duo can accept without a cable. You attach it to the back of the phone and go on.

    This is the most convenient solution for the city: charging starts the moment you place it, without searching for a plug in your pocket.

    UGREEN PB773 10 000 mAh 30W, magnetyczny z portem USB-C

    UGREEN PB773 power bank combines magnetic mounting with a 30 W USB-C port. You wirelessly add energy on the go, and charge faster with a cable when you have a moment to stop.

    Thirty watts through the cable won’t give the claimed 20 minutes to half by Apple, but it still exceeds the 25 W available wirelessly.

    UGREEN PB726 20,000 mAh 165W, for longer trips

    Powerbank UGREEN PB726 is another league: 20,000 mAh and 165 W, which means it can charge Duo at full speed and still have some left for a laptop. The built-in retractable cable also solves the problem of the cable that is always missing.

    This power bank is for a backpack, not for a pocket. However, on a two-day trip without access to a socket, it replaces the rest of this article. If you care about power with less weight, check out UGREEN PB537 20,000 mAh 55 W.

    Advice before the flight: from March 27, 2026, new ICAO rules apply. Each passenger is allowed a maximum of two power banks, each up to 100 Wh (20,000 mAh is about 74 Wh, so it fits within the limit). They can only be carried in the cabin, must be kept within reach, not in the overhead compartment, and cannot be recharged from onboard sockets.

    [hs_products ids=»141166,142610,129239,100096,127489,109233″ cols=»6″ title=»Powerbanks, cables and charging on the go»]

    We have gathered more models in the 2026 power bank ranking, and you can find the entire offer in the power bank category.

    Which charger to choose? Recommendations according to needs

    Your situationWhat to buyWhy
    You want one charger and don’t want to thinkUGREEN Nexode Air 65WMeets the threshold, is small, has three ports as a backup
    You charge your phone and laptop from one socketTech-Protect PowerVision NC100WOne hundred watts for both, and the display will show how much is actually flowing
    You fly a lotSatechi 4-Port GaN Travel 140WInterchangeable plugs replace a set of adapters
    You mainly charge at night by the bedTech-Protect A50 or Satechi Qi2 Trio with the appropriate power supplyFor eight hours of sleep, speed doesn’t matter
    You already have a strong charger for your MacBookNothing or just the cableCheck how much it gives on one port; 60 W+ is enough
    You need a second cableTech-Protect UB20T 100 W / 5 AHas a reserve over the required 3 A, won’t cut power
    You drive with navigationTech-Protect MM25W-V8 mount or UGREEN EC705A weaker adapter will maintain battery level but won’t raise it
    You’re going away for longer without a socketUGREEN PB726 20,000 mAhMagnetic 10,000 mAh take for convenience, not capacity

    You are choosing between the Duo and Samsung’s foldable. We compared both in the comparison of iPhone Duo and Galaxy Z Fold 8, and a separate ranking of chargers for Samsung can be found in the text about chargers for Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

    Summary

    The Duo charger for iPhone boils down to one number and three details around it.

    1. The power supply must be at least 60 W, otherwise you won’t see the promised 50% in 20 minutes
    2. What matters is the power on one port, not the total written on the box
    3. The cable must carry 3 A at 20 V, so 100 W and 5 A cables are a safe choice
    4. Wirelessly you will get 25 W through MagSafe or Qi2 25W, but the pad needs its own power supply, from 35 to 45 W depending on the model
    5. There is no power supply in the box, only a USB-C cable, so the brick needs to be purchased separately

    The rest of the equipment revolves around the same thresholds, with one exception. The power bank is chosen not for power, but for the weight of the phone: magnetic up to 10,000 mAh, heavier cells on a cable.

    If you have to buy one thing before picking up the phone, let it be a 65 W charger with USB Power Delivery. The rest, from the wireless pad to the power bank, can wait until you know your habits with the new phone.

    Tak, można. iPhone’a Duo będzie ładowany bezpiecznie, ponieważ telefon pobiera tylko tyle mocy, ile potrzebuje. Wyższa moc ładowarki nie zaszkodzi urządzeniu.

    Czy można używać ładowarki do iPhone’a Duo z innymi urządzeniami?

    Tak, ładowarka do iPhone’a Duo może być używana z innymi urządzeniami, które obsługują USB-C. Warto jednak sprawdzić, czy urządzenie obsługuje odpowiednią moc ładowania.

    Czy ładowarka do iPhone’a Duo ma wpływ na żywotność baterii?

    Tak, używanie odpowiedniej ładowarki może pomóc w utrzymaniu zdrowia baterii. Zbyt mocne ładowarki mogą prowadzić do przegrzewania się, co negatywnie wpływa na żywotność baterii.

    It is possible and completely safe. USB Power Delivery negotiates the voltage and current between the charger and the phone, so the device only draws as much as it can handle. A more powerful charger is useful when charging multiple devices at once.

    Does the iPhone Duo need an original Apple charger?

    No. Any power adapter that supports USB Power Delivery with a power of 60 W or higher is sufficient. Apple does not require MFi certification for wall chargers, and for wireless charging, compatibility with the Qi2 standard is what matters.

    Is there a charger included with the iPhone Duo?

    No. In the box, you will find only a 1-meter USB-C cable. The wall adapter needs to be purchased separately, just like with every iPhone since 2020.

    How fast does the iPhone Duo charge?

    Up to 50% in about 20 minutes with a 60 W or stronger adapter. MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging works with a power of up to 25 W, so a full charge takes significantly longer than with a cable.

    Will an old 20 W charger from the iPhone charge the Duo?

    It will charge, but much slower than Apple states. The foldable iPhone has two batteries, and with a 20 W adapter, the charging time increases several times compared to the declared 20 minutes to half capacity.


    Sources:

  • AirPods 5 kontra AirPods 4: ANC w każdej wersji i niższa cena

    AirPods 5 kontra AirPods 4: ANC w każdej wersji i niższa cena

    In comparison AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 the most has changed not in the actual earphone, but in how much you have to pay for its best features. Active noise cancellation is now in both versions and reduces 50% more noise than in AirPods 4 with ANC. There is also IP57 resistance instead of IP54.

    The headphones went on sale September 18, 2026. In Poland, they cost 599 zł for the version with USB-C case and 699 zł for the case with wireless charging.

    There is one more thing that no presentation mentions: the casing has not changed by a millimeter. The earphone and case have the same dimensions as in AirPods 4, so a protective case bought two years ago will fit the new model.

    A short answer to who should choose what: AirPods 5 for every new purchase and when switching from basic AirPods 4, and AirPods 4 ANC only if you find them significantly cheaper. Owners of AirPods 4 ANC have no reason to upgrade.

    Below is the full table of both generations, an explanation of what really separates the version with USB-C case from the one with wireless case today, and a fair list of things that AirPods 5 do not improve at all.

    AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: full comparison table

    We compare four variants, as both generations come in two versions. We have bolded the positions where the new generation actually makes a change.

    ParameterAirPods 4 (etui USB-C)AirPods 4 ANC (etui bezprzewodowe)AirPods 5 (etui USB-C)AirPods 5 (etui bezprzewodowe)
    Aktywna redukcja szumów❌✅✅✅
    Skuteczność ANC (wobec AirPods 4 z ANC)brak ANCpunkt odniesienia+50% wyciszenia+50% wyciszenia
    Architektura akustycznaklasycznaklasycznawieloportowawieloportowa
    Adaptacyjne EQ✅✅nowej generacjinowej generacji
    Tryb przejrzystości✅✅bardziej naturalnybardziej naturalny
    Dźwięk adaptacyjny❌✅✅✅
    Świadomość rozmowy❌✅✅✅
    Nagrywanie w jakości studyjnej❌❌✅✅
    Tłumaczenie na żywo❌✅✅✅
    Regulacja głośności muśnięciem❌❌❌✅
    CzipH2H2H2H2
    Bluetooth5.35.35.35.3
    Odporność słuchawek i etuiIP54IP54IP57IP57
    Ładowanie etuiUSB-CUSB-C, bezprzewodowoUSB-CUSB-C, bezprzewodowo
    Głośnik w etui do aplikacji Znajdź❌✅❌✅
    Wymiary słuchawki30,2 × 18,3 × 18,1 mm===
    Wymiary etui46,2 × 50,1 × 21,2 mm===
    Masa etui32,3 g34,7 g32,3 g34,7 g
    Cena w Polscezależna od sklepuzależna od sklepu599 zł699 zł
    Premierawrzesień 2024wrzesień 202418 września 202618 września 2026

    Wniosek z tabeli jest jeden: zmiany są w akustyce i wodoodporności, nie w elektronice. Czip, Bluetooth, wymiary i masa są dokładnie te same co dwa lata temu. Znak „=» oznacza wartość identyczną z pierwszą kolumną. Czasy pracy rozpisaliśmy osobno w sekcji o baterii, a pełną listę rzeczy bez zmian znajdziesz niżej.

    ANC o 50% skuteczniejsze: co to znaczy w praktyce

    Apple deklaruje, że AirPods 5 usuwają o 50% więcej hałasu z zewnątrz niż AirPods 4 z aktywną redukcją szumów. To nie jest efekt nowego czipu, bo ten się nie zmienił, tylko przebudowy samej konstrukcji.

    Nowa wieloportowa architektura akustyczna inaczej prowadzi powietrze wewnątrz słuchawki. Do tego doszły ulepszone algorytmy dźwięku obliczeniowego, które szybciej reagują na zmianę otoczenia.

    Warto rozumieć punkt wyjścia. AirPods 4 ANC były pierwszymi otwartymi słuchawkami Apple z aktywną redukcją szumów i redukcja w nich działała przyzwoicie w metrze czy samolocie, ale wyraźnie słabiej niż w dokanałowych AirPods Pro. Konstrukcja bez gumowej wkładki nie uszczelnia kanału słuchowego, więc część hałasu wchodzi bokiem.

    One and a half times better reduction in the same open design is a real leap, but it still doesn’t reach the level of AirPods Pro 3. If you’re looking for maximum silence rather than comfort for long hours of wearing, the in-ear model remains the right choice. We described the differences between the Pro generations in the comparison of AirPods Pro 3 and Pro 2.

    The transparency mode has also improved, sounding more natural, as well as the sound itself, thanks to the new generation adaptive EQ. A new feature is studio-quality recording, which means a better audio track when recording video with your phone.

    USB-C case or wireless: what divides both versions today

    This question has changed its meaning with this release and is worth discussing separately, as the difference between the variants no longer concerns sound.

    In AirPods 4, the extra cost primarily led to ANC, along with wireless charging and a speaker in the case. The cheaper version had no reduction at all, so the choice was simple: either you pay more, or you give up the most important feature.

    In AirPods 5, both versions sound the same and both have full ANC. The extra cost leads solely to comfort:

    • Volume control with a tap of the foot, slide your finger up or down instead of reaching for your phone
    • One hour more listening, 5 hours with ANC instead of 4, and 7 hours without ANC instead of 6
    • Wireless charging, with a Qi charger or the one from Apple Watch
    • Speaker in the case, helps find the lost case in the Find app

    Tip: if you have an induction charger at home or frequently lose your case, the upgrade is worth it. If you charge everything with a USB-C cable and keep the case in the same pocket, the cheaper version delivers exactly the same sound.

    Case with wireless charging: on the left AirPods 5, on the right AirPods 4. Photos: Apple.

    To zresztą sedno tej premiery. Dwa lata temu ANC w otwartych AirPodsach wymagało przejścia na droższy wariant; dziś dostajesz je już w wersji podstawowej. Aktywna redukcja szumów przestała być dodatkiem za dopłatą.

    Bateria: godzina więcej tam, gdzie liczy się najbardziej

    Zmiany w baterii są niewielkie, ale rozłożone dokładnie tam, gdzie użytkownik je zauważy.

    TrybAirPods 4 ANCAirPods 5 (etui USB-C)AirPods 5 (etui bezprzewodowe)
    Słuchanie z ANC4 godziny4 godziny5 godzin
    Słuchanie bez ANC5 godzin6 godzin7 godzin
    Łącznie z etui, z ANC20 godzin20 godzin22 godziny
    5 minut ładowaniaok. 1 godzinaok. 1 godzinaok. 1 godzina

    Najciekawszy jest wiersz drugi. Słuchanie bez ANC wydłużyło się w obu wersjach, mimo że to tryb, którym Apple w ogóle się nie chwali. Dla kogoś, kto nosi otwarte słuchawki głównie do podcastów w biurze, to zysk, który poczuje częściej niż lepsze ANC.

    Warto natomiast wiedzieć, że wersja podstawowa AirPods 5 nie wydłuża czasu z ANC. Cztery godziny to dokładnie tyle, ile dawały AirPods 4 z redukcją. Dodatkową godzinę dostajesz wyłącznie w wariancie z etui bezprzewodowym.

    IP57 instead of IP54: what it really changes

    This change looks like a shift of one degree in the table, but in practice it means a completely different category of resistance.

    IP54 provides protection against water splashes from any direction. Rain, sweat while running, splashing while washing dishes. The headset can survive this, but immersion is a different story.

    IP57 provides protection against immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes. Falling into a sink, puddle, washbasin, or into a jacket pocket left in the rain is no longer a death sentence.

    Dust resistance has also been increased: a five in the first position means that particles can enter, but will not disrupt operation. For someone who wears headphones at the beach or on a construction site, this is a concrete argument.

    However, during training, not only resistance matters, but also whether the headset will stay in the ear at all. An open design can be risky here, which we elaborated on in the guide how to choose headphones for the gym.

    The standard applies to both headphones and cases, which was not always obvious for buyers of AirPods 4.

    Uwaga: odporność IP nie jest wieczna. Uszczelnienia zużywają się z czasem, a gwarancja producenta nie obejmuje uszkodzeń wywołanych cieczą. Traktuj IP57 jako zabezpieczenie przed wypadkiem, nie jako zaproszenie do pływania.

    Czego AirPods 5 nie poprawiają

    Uczciwa lista rzeczy, które zostały dokładnie takie same:

    • Czip H2, ten sam układ, który debiutował w AirPods Pro 2 w 2022 roku
    • Bluetooth 5.3, bez zmiany standardu
    • Otwarta konstrukcja bez gumowych wkładek, z tymi samymi zaletami i ograniczeniami
    • Wymiary i masa słuchawki: 30,2 × 18,3 × 18,1 mm i 4,3 grama, co do grama jak w AirPods 4
    • Wymiary etui: 46,2 × 50,1 × 21,2 mm, bez zmian
    • Dźwięk przestrzenny ze śledzeniem ruchów głowy, ta sama implementacja
    • Izolacja głosu i spersonalizowana głośność, przeniesione bez zmian
    • Szybkie ładowanie: 5 minut wciąż daje około godziny słuchania

    There is no heart rate measurement that the AirPods Pro 3 received. There are no interchangeable tips or a switch to an in-ear design. There is also no new chip, so the range and connection stability remain at the level of its predecessor.

    One detail is worth catching before purchase: the speaker in the case for the Find My app is only available in the version with the wireless case. The division is exactly the same as in the AirPods 4, where the speaker was also only received by the more expensive variant.

    AirPods 5 price: how much do they cost in Poland

    Prices in the Polish Apple store look like this:

    VersionPrice
    AirPods 5 with USB-C case599 zł
    AirPods 5 with wireless charging case699 zł

    The box does not include a cable or charger, so if you are buying your first Apple device, add a USB-C cable right away. The case for both versions charges via cable, and the more expensive one additionally with a wireless charger.

    AirPods 4 zniknęły z pierwszego planu w sklepie Apple, ale zostały w sieciach handlowych, zwykle sporo taniej niż nowość. To ich jedyny, za to mocny argument.

    Etui do AirPods 5: czy stare pasuje?

    Zgodność etui to jedyny punkt, w którym Apple niczego nie popsuł, i warto o tym wiedzieć przed zakupem.

    Etui ładujące ma identical dimensions 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm in both generations. The weight also matches: 32.3 g in the USB-C version and 34.7 g in the wireless version. This means that the silicone or plastic case purchased for AirPods 4 will fit AirPods 5 without any looseness.

    This is confirmed by the manufacturers themselves. Tech-Protect introduced the Lamano series described directly as “AirPods 4 / 5″, without separating the generations.

    ElementCompatibility with AirPods 5
    Protective case for AirPods 4✅ fits, identical dimensions
    Case for AirPods 3❌ different shape of the case
    Case for AirPods Pro 3❌ different shape of the case
    Clips and carabiners for AirPods 4✅ fit

    The only thing worth noting: if you buy the wireless charging version, choose a thin case without metal inserts to avoid blocking energy transfer.

    Tech-Protect Lamano for AirPods 4 and 5

    Etui Tech-Protect Lamano is the simplest answer to the question of compatibility, as the manufacturer lists both generations in the product name. You don’t have to guess anything.

    The finish imitates leather, and the clip allows you to attach the case to a bag or backpack strap. There is also a Nature Muse version available in a lighter color scheme.

    Spigen Rugged Armor

    Etui Spigen Rugged Armor is a classic that works exactly as it does on phones in the version for AirPods. The flexible TPU with an embossed pattern does not slip from the hand, and the matte surface does not collect fingerprints.

    The cutout at the bottom leaves free access to the USB-C port, and the status LED remains visible through the case.

    ESR Orbit HaloLock with MagSafe

    Etui ESR Orbit HaloLock dodaje AirPodsom to, czego Apple im nie dał: magnetyczny pierścień zgodny z MagSafe. Etui przypina się do uchwytu w samochodzie albo do magnetycznej podstawki na biurku.

    To rozwiązanie ma sens szczególnie w parze z wersją z etui bezprzewodowym, bo magnes pomaga trafić w cewkę ładowarki indukcyjnej za pierwszym razem.

    UAG Scout

    Etui UAG Scout to wybór pod plecak i plac budowy. Konstrukcja z podwyższonymi krawędziami przyjmuje uderzenie zamiast zawiasu etui, który w AirPodsach jest najbardziej wrażliwym elementem.

    W zestawie jest karabińczyk. Jeśli wolisz wersję z wyraźniejszym wzorem, ten sam producent oferuje UAG Plasma.

    UNIQ Clyde Lock Case

    Etui UNIQ Clyde rozwiązuje najczęstszy problem otwartych etui na AirPodsy: samoczynne rozchylanie się klapki w kieszeni. Zatrzask trzyma wieczko zamknięte, dopóki sam go nie otworzysz.

    Tech-Protect MagMat

    Etui Tech-Protect MagMat is the second option with magnets, thinner than the Orbita and closer to the raw look of the Apple case itself. A good option when you want protection that is almost invisible.

    If you care about natural materials, check out the NOMAD Modern Leather case, which gains patina over time.

    [hs_products ids=»147076,81752,85241,112707,114224,86776″ cols=»6″ title=»Etui pasujące do AirPods 4 i AirPods 5″]

    We have compiled a complete list with descriptions in the article about the best cases for AirPods 4. All the models listed there also fit the fifth generation.

    AirPods 5 or AirPods 4: which model to choose?

    The comparison comes down to five situations and five clear answers.

    You have AirPods 4 ANC. Stick with them. The same chip, the same shape, the same spatial sound. You gain better noise cancellation and water resistance, but that’s not enough to replace functioning headphones.

    You have AirPods 4 without ANC. Upgrading makes sense. You get a feature that your model doesn’t have at all, and it’s in a version that’s half as effective as the one you had to pay extra for two years ago.

    You have AirPods 2 or 3. Get AirPods 5 without hesitation. The jump includes ANC, transparency mode, spatial sound, USB-C case, and IP57 resistance.

    You are buying your first Apple headphones. AirPods 5 in the basic version. Since ANC is available in both variants, and the sound is identical, only pay extra if you actually use wireless charging.

    You care about maximum silence. Choose an in-ear model. The open design has limits that no acoustic architecture can overcome. Check the case and accessories for AirPods Pro 3 or our guide in-ear or over-ear headphones.

    Summary

    AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 is a launch where the most important change is price, not technology. Apple took the most expensive feature from the previous generation and put it into the basic model.

    Five conclusions to end:

    1. ANC is present in every version and reduces 50% more noise than in AirPods 4 with noise cancellation
    2. The choice of case no longer affects sound, only wireless charging, speaker in the case, volume control with a touch, and listening time
    3. IP57 instead of IP54 changes the category from «splash resistant» to «can withstand immersion»
    4. Chip, Bluetooth, dimensions, and weight are identical to AirPods 4
    5. The case from AirPods 4 fits without changes, as the charging case has the same dimensions

    If you stick with AirPods 4, invest in a good case instead of new headphones. If you’re switching to the fifth generation, don’t buy a new case. The one you have will fit without any issues.

    FAQ: frequently asked questions

    When were AirPods 5 released?

    AirPods 5 went on sale on September 18, 2026, with pre-orders starting on September 9. The launch took place alongside the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4.

    Does the case for AirPods 4 fit AirPods 5?

    Yes. The charging case has identical dimensions of 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm in both generations, so the protective case purchased for AirPods 4 will fit AirPods 5 snugly. Some manufacturers, like Tech-Protect, describe their cases explicitly as “AirPods 4 / 5”.

    Do AirPods 5 have ANC in both versions?

    Yes. This is the main change of this generation. Both the version priced at 599 PLN and the one at 699 PLN have full active noise cancellation. In AirPods 4, noise cancellation was only available in the more expensive variant.

    How much do AirPods 5 cost in Poland?

    AirPods 5 with a USB-C case cost 599 PLN, while the version with a wireless charging case costs 699 PLN. The box does not include a cable or charger.

    What is the difference between the 599 PLN AirPods 5 and the 699 PLN version?

    Sound like nothing. The more expensive version adds wireless charging, a speaker in the case for the Find My app, volume control with a touch of the stem, and an hour longer listening on a single charge.

    Is it worth buying AirPods 4 instead of AirPods 5?

    It’s worth it if you find them significantly cheaper and accept weaker ANC and IP54 resistance. The chip, spatial audio, and shape are the same, so the biggest loss concerns noise cancellation effectiveness.

    Are AirPods 5 waterproof?

    They have an IP57 rating, meaning they can withstand immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes. This is significantly more than the IP54 in AirPods 4, which only protected against splashes. The standard applies to both the earbuds and the case.


    Sources:

  • Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Ultra 3: 50 hours and new sensors

    Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Ultra 3: 50 hours and new sensors

    In comparison Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Ultra 3, two things matter: battery and sensors. Ultra 4 works for up to 50 hours instead of 42, and the new health measurement system checks heart rate every 5 seconds around the clock and calculates the Readiness index from that. The screen, case dimensions, satellite, and diving remain unchanged.

    The watch went on sale September 18, 2026, and in Poland, it costs 3,799 PLN, exactly the same amount that Ultra 3 cost on the day of its premiere a year ago.

    There is also one very good piece of news that no presentation mentions: the case did not grow by a millimeter. Ultra 4 has the same dimensions of 49 × 44 × 12 mm as Ultra 3, Ultra 2, and the first Apple Watch Ultra from four years ago.

    A short answer to who should choose what: Ultra 4 for the first purchase and for upgrading from older than Ultra 3, Ultra 3 on sale if you count every penny. Owners of Ultra 3 have no reason to change.

    Below is the full table of both models, a fair list of things that Ultra 4 does not improve at all, and a specific answer to the question of whether your existing bands and cases will fit the new watch.

    On the left Apple Watch Ultra 4, on the right Ultra 3. The case 49 × 44 × 12 mm is identical in both. Photos: Apple.

    Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Ultra 3: full comparison table

    We have bolded only those items that actually differ.

    Parametr Apple Watch Ultra 3 Apple Watch Ultra 4
    Premiera wrzesień 2025 18 września 2026
    Czip S10 S11
    Pamięć masowa 64 GB 64 GB
    Czujnik optyczny tętna 3. generacji przeprojektowany, Health Sensing System
    Czujnik elektryczny (EKG) poprzedniej generacji większa powierzchnia elektrody
    Zapis pomiaru tętna próbki co kilka minut próbka co 5 sekund, całą dobę
    Pomiar HRV standardowa częstotliwość do 24 razy częściej
    Gotowość (Readiness) ❌ ✅
    Audio Intelligence ❌ ✅
    Wyświetlacz LTPO3 wide-angle OLED, niegasnący LTPO3 wide-angle OLED, niegasnący
    Rozdzielczość 422 × 514 422 × 514
    Powierzchnia ekranu 1 245 mm² 1 245 mm²
    Jasność szczytowa 3 000 nitów 3 000 nitów
    Szkło płaskie szafirowe płaskie szafirowe
    Materiał koperty tytan Grade 5 tytan Grade 5, drukowany 3D
    Kolory tytan naturalny, tytan czarny tytan naturalny, tytan czarny
    Wymiary 49 × 44 × 12 mm 49 × 44 × 12 mm
    Masa naturalna / czarna 61,6 g / 61,8 g 63,0 g / 63,1 g
    Bateria, normalne użycie do 42 godzin do 50 godzin
    Tryb Niskie zużycie energii do 72 godzin do 84 godzin
    Trening w plenerze brak danych w specyfikacji do 18 godzin
    Wydłużony trening brak danych w specyfikacji do 25 godzin
    Maksymalny wydłużony trening brak danych w specyfikacji do 45 godzin
    15 minut ładowania daje do 12 godzin pracy do 18 godzin pracy
    Ładowanie do 80% ok. 45 minut ok. 45 minut
    Sieć komórkowa 5G RedCap i LTE 5G RedCap i LTE
    Łączność satelitarna ✅ ✅
    Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Wi-Fi 4 / Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 4 / Bluetooth 5.3
    GPS dwuczęstotliwościowy L1 i L5 dwuczęstotliwościowy L1 i L5
    Ultra Wideband 2. generacji 2. generacji
    Wodoszczelność 100 m, IP6X 100 m, IP6X
    Nurkowanie EN13319 do 40 m do 40 m
    Wymagania iPhone 11+, iOS 26 iPhone 11+, iOS 27
    Cena startowa w Polsce 3 799 zł 3 799 zł

    Thirty-four positions, of which fourteen differ. More importantly: apart from 1.4 grams of weight, all differences lie in the battery, sensors, and software. The dimensions of the case and screen remain untouched.

    Accessories for both generations are readily available, as the cut has not changed. See straps and cases for the Apple Watch Ultra 49 mm →

    Battery: eight more hours and faster charging

    This is the most measurable change in the entire launch. The Ultra 3 claimed 42 hours of normal use, while the Ultra 4 states 50 hours. In Low Power mode, the jump is similar: from 72 to 84 hours.

    What does this mean in practice? The Ultra 3 usually discharged by the end of the second day, so you realistically charged it every other evening. The Ultra 4 comfortably lasts two full days with sleep tracking in between and leaves a reserve for a morning workout on the third day.

    The second gain is even more practical. 15 minutes of charging provides 18 hours of operation instead of 12. A quarter of an hour in the shower is enough to leave the house with the watch for the whole day and night.

    • Normal use: 50 hours instead of 42, which is 19% longer
    • Low energy consumption: 84 hours instead of 72
    • Outdoor training with GPS and heart rate: up to 18 hours in Ultra 4
    • Extended training: up to 25 hours in Ultra 4
    • Maximum extended training with GPS every second: up to 45 hours in Ultra 4
    • Charging to 80%: about 45 minutes in both models

    Note the last line. Apple hasn’t changed the full charging speeds, only what it provides in a quarter of an hour. For Ultra 3, the manufacturer does not publish separate results for outdoor training and extended mode, so these two items cannot be fairly compared.

    You won’t find chargers in the box of any of these models. If you need a second one for your desk or travel, choose it from the induction chargers category.

    New health measurement system, or the second half of this premiere

    Apple calls it the Health Sensing System, and it’s not just a marketing label for the same electronics. Both sensors on the bottom of the case have physically changed.

    Apple speaks directly about a new optical sensor and a new electrical sensor, meaning both systems responsible for heart rate and ECG. Details of the construction, such as larger LEDs or a different arrangement of photodiodes, are described by industry services; the manufacturer does not provide them in the specifications. The same set of sensors has also been introduced to the Apple Watch Series 12.

    Heart rate every 5 seconds instead of samples every few minutes

    Apple previously did not specify how often the Ultra 3 measures heart rate in the background. For the Ultra 4, it states directly: readings every 5 seconds around the clock, which is about 17 thousand times a day.

    Why so many? Because from denser data, you can calculate things that are not visible in sparse samples: response to stress, micro-fluctuations in heart rate after coffee, recovery pace after intervals.

    HRV measured 24 times more often and the Readiness indicator

    Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a parameter that tells you whether the body has actually rested. The Ultra 4 measures it up to 24 times more often than its predecessor and separates it into regenerative HRV and overall HRV.

    This is the basis for Readiness, a score on a scale from 0 to 10 that you receive in the morning along with one of four recommendations: recover, pace yourself, you are ready, or go full throttle.

    Note: Apple provides the Readiness feature only in Ultra 4 and Series 12 and has not announced it for older models. The feature relies on measurement density that the sensor in Ultra 3 simply does not collect.

    If you train according to loads and realistically look at recovery, this is the reason to change your watch. If Ultra is primarily a durable watch with satellite for you, you won’t notice the difference.

    Audio Intelligence, or what the watch does with sound

    This is a set of four features that Ultra 3 will not receive: Sound Recognition (alarm, baby crying, siren), faster Shazam, Live Rewind (displaying the last 15 seconds of a conversation as text after double-pressing the crown), and Siri Recap (summary of the conversation).

    The first two have been available since launch. Live Rewind and Siri Recap require an iPhone with Apple Intelligence and are being rolled out in phases. Apple requires Series 12 or Ultra 4 for them, so it is not exclusive to the Ultra model, but older watches will not receive them.

    Czego Apple Watch Ultra 4 nie poprawia

    Uczciwa lista rzeczy, które zostały dokładnie takie same. W przypadku modelu Ultra jest ona wyjątkowo długa, bo poprzednik podniósł poprzeczkę bardzo wysoko.

    • Ekran: 422 × 514 pikseli, 1 245 mm² powierzchni i 3 000 nitów jasności, bez zmian
    • Szkło szafirowe w wersji płaskiej, identyczne w obu modelach
    • Koperta: te same 49 × 44 × 12 mm i ten sam tytan Grade 5
    • Łączność satelitarna: Alarmowe SOS, wiadomości i Znajdź mają oba modele
    • 5G RedCap i LTE, bez różnic
    • GPS dwuczęstotliwościowy L1 i L5, ten sam układ
    • Nurkowanie: 100 m wodoszczelności i EN13319 do 40 m w obu
    • Trzy mikrofony z beamformingiem, dwa głośniki i syrena, identycznie
    • Pamięć 64 GB i Ultra Wideband 2. generacji, bez zmian

    Nie ma też pomiaru poziomu glukozy, o którym co roku krążą plotki. Nie ma zmiany kształtu koperty ani nowego systemu mocowania pasków.

    Za to Ultra 4 jest o 1,4 grama cięższy (63,0 g wobec 61,6 g w tytanie naturalnym). To różnica, której na nadgarstku nie wyczujesz, ale warto wiedzieć, że nowsza generacja nieznacznie utyła, mimo identycznych wymiarów.

    Unofficially, 4 GB of RAM has also been added, as reported by 9to5Mac. Apple does not provide this parameter in the specifications, so treat it as second-hand information.

    Price of Apple Watch Ultra 4: how much does it cost in Poland

    The entry price has not budged. Apple Watch Ultra 4 costs 3,799 PLN in the version with natural or black titanium, always with GPS and cellular modem. Exactly the same price as Ultra 3 on the day of its release.

    Ultra 3 has given way to its successor in the spotlight, but it is still available from operators and in retail chains, usually a few hundred zlotys cheaper. This is its only, but very strong argument. A year ago, Ultra 2 was in a similar situation, which we compared with its successor in the comparison of Ultra 3 and Ultra 2.

    The Hermès version with a titanium bracelet is a separate price tier and purely an image choice. Underneath sits the same watch.

    Apple Watch Ultra 4 z fabryczną opaską Alpine i paskiem Ocean. Zdjęcia: Apple.

    Akcesoria do Apple Watch Ultra 4: wszystko ze starszej Ultry pasuje

    Tu jest najlepsza wiadomość całego porównania Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Ultra 3, a zarazem rzecz, o której nie napisze Ci żaden serwis relacjonujący premierę.

    Koperta ma identyczne 49 × 44 × 12 mm we wszystkich czterech generacjach modelu Ultra. Oznacza to, że paski, etui, szkła i folie kupione do Ultra 1, Ultra 2 czy Ultra 3 wejdą na Ultra 4 bez żadnych przeróbek.

    To sytuacja odwrotna niż w linii Series. Tam koperta Series 12 zmieniła wymiary względem Series 11 (w wersji 46 mm urosła o milimetr wszerz) i etui z poprzedniej generacji przestało pasować. W Ultrze nic takiego się nie wydarzyło.

    Element Compatibility with Apple Watch Ultra 4
    49 mm bands from Ultra 1 / 2 / 3 ✅ fit without changes
    44 / 45 / 46 mm bands from Apple Watch Series ✅ fit, same lug size
    Cases for Ultra 1 / 2 / 3 ✅ fit without changes
    Glass and films for Ultra 49 mm ✅ fit, same cut
    Bands from smaller Series cases (38–42 mm) ❌ different lug size
    Cases, glass, and films from any Series ❌ different shape and size of the case

    Bands from larger Apple Watch Series cases can be found in the 42–49 mm category — the same models support Ultra.

    Beware of two traps. First, only the band attachment fits — cases and glass from the Series line have a different shape and will not fit the Ultra. Second, product cards will still say “Ultra 1 / 2 / 3″ for a few more months, as they were created before the launch of the fourth generation. This describes the state at the time of the product’s market introduction, not a limitation.

    Bands for Apple Watch Ultra 4

    Bands for Apple Watch Ultra 3 and those for Ultra 4 are exactly the same product today, as the 49 mm lug has not changed since the first generation. Below are three proposals from different price ranges.

    UAG Civilian

    Pasek UAG Civilian is the closest equivalent to the factory Trail band, only significantly sturdier. The soft silicone with an embossed pattern holds securely on a wet wrist, and the metal buckle does not unclip when snagged on a backpack.

    The manufacturer lists models from Series 4 to Ultra 2 in the name, as the band has been available for several years. The 49 mm attachment has not changed, so it also fits the Ultra 3 and Ultra 4.

    UNIQ Revix IV Premium

    UNIQ Revix IV Premium solves a problem that most manufacturers do not think about: one strap, two colors. It is double-sided, so you can flip it depending on whether you are going for a run or to a meeting.

    The magnetic clasp is adjustable without steps, without searching for the right hole. The size includes 44, 45, 46, and 49 mm, which means both the Ultra and larger Series.

    NOMAD Rocky Point Band

    NOMAD Rocky Point Band is a proposal for someone who bought the Ultra 4 for titanium and doesn’t want to ruin it with discount silicone. FKM rubber is resistant to sweat, salt, and UV radiation, and the fittings are made of titanium in the same shade as the case.

    FKM is the same material used for seals in diving equipment. It doesn’t stiffen in the cold and doesn’t yellow after the season.

    If you’re looking for something more formal, the same manufacturer offers a titanium bracelet NOMAD Stratos Band, which combines titanium links with FKM inserts.

    [hs_products ids=»86436,135188,135251,126096″ cols=»4″ title=»Bands compatible with Ultra 3 and Ultra 4″]

    We have gathered more proposals in the overview of accessories for Apple Watch Ultra, and a separate compilation for running can be found in the text about sport bands for Apple Watch.

    Cases and glasses for Apple Watch Ultra 4

    Sapphire glass is scratch-resistant, but not impact-resistant. It breaks from point contact with concrete or a door frame just like regular glass. The cost of screen replacement in the Apple Watch Ultra exceeds a thousand zlotys, so the bill for protection becomes straightforward.

    Spigen Rugged Armor and tempered glass

    Spigen Rugged Armor case and Tempered Glass combines two things in one box: a flexible TPU case for the watch and glass for the screen. You don’t have to choose two products and check if they fit together.

    The matte finish does not collect fingerprints, and the cutouts leave free access to the crown, side button, and orange action button. If you prefer a slimmer profile, the same manufacturer has Spigen Liquid Air Pro.

    UAG Scout

    Etui UAG Scout is a choice for physical work and cycling. The protruding edge around the display takes the abrasion instead of the glass, and the reinforced corners protect the area where the titanium most often hits the wall.

    The manufacturer states compatibility as “Ultra 1 / 2 / 3” because the product has been available since the premiere of Ultra 3. The cut also fits Ultra 4.

    Tech-Protect Glass Ring

    Tech-Protect Glass Ring is an option for those who do not want to hide titanium under plastic. The metal frame in titanium color only surrounds the edge of the screen, while the rest of the case remains visible.

    The set includes two pieces, so the first unsuccessful application does not end the matter. If you prefer a completely invisible solution, check out the Bizon Watch Film HydroFlex hydrogel film in a set of six pieces or GrizzGlass hybrid glass.

    [hs_products ids=»137791,118629,120933,140438″ cols=»4″ title=»Protection for Apple Watch Ultra 49 mm»]

    Apple Watch Ultra 4 or Ultra 3: which one to choose?

    The whole comparison comes down to five situations and five clear answers.

    You have an Apple Watch Ultra 3 and are considering an upgrade. Stick with your current one. The same screen, the same connectivity, the same satellite, and the same diving capabilities. Eight more hours of battery life is not worth the full price of a new watch unless recovery training is your main reason for wearing it.

    You have an Apple Watch Ultra 1 or Ultra 2. The jump is significant, but note: the biggest changes came with Ultra 3, not the 4. Satellite, 5G, and a larger screen are thanks to the previous generation. If you find Ultra 3 clearly cheaper, it will be a better purchase than paying extra for the latest model.

    You are buying your first Apple Watch Ultra. Choose Ultra 4. Since the entry price hasn’t changed, there’s no reason to reach for the predecessor at a price close to the new one.

    You are looking to save money. Ultra 3 on sale from the operator. You get the same screen, the same case, satellite, 5G, and diving up to 40 meters. You only lose the new sensors, Readiness, and eight hours of battery life.

    You are hesitating between the Ultra model and the regular Series. Ultra is primarily about battery, satellite, and diving. If none of these three things are necessary for you, check out the cheaper Apple Watch SE 3. And if you are looking beyond the Apple ecosystem, compare it with Google Pixel Watch 5.

    Summary

    Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Ultra 3 is a comparison of two very similar watches, where the entire difference lies in two places: the battery and the sensors.

    Five conclusions at the end:

    1. The battery is the strongest argument: 50 hours instead of 42 and a quarter of charging giving 18 hours of operation instead of 12
    2. The new sensor system measures heart rate every 5 seconds and unlocks the Readiness indicator, which Ultra 3 will not receive
    3. The screen, case, satellite, and diving are identical, including 3,000 nits and EN13319 to 40 meters
    4. The case has not grown, so bands, cases, and glasses from any previous Ultra fit without modifications
    5. The entry price has not changed, so when purchasing for the first time, the newer model wins without discussion

    If you stick with Ultra 3, invest in a good strap and glass instead of a new watch. If you switch to the fourth, don’t buy accessories anew; the ones you have will fit without any problem.

    FAQ: frequently asked questions

    Do the straps from Apple Watch Ultra 3 fit Ultra 4?

    Yes. The case has identical dimensions of 49 × 44 × 12 mm in both generations, and the strap attachment has not changed. A strap from Ultra 1, Ultra 2, or Ultra 3 will fit on Ultra 4 without modifications.

    Does the case from Apple Watch Ultra 3 fit Ultra 4?

    Yes. This is the main difference compared to the Series line, where the Series 12 case grew by a millimeter and the case no longer fit. In the Ultra line, the cut has been the same since the first generation, so the cases and glasses are fully interchangeable.

    How much does Apple Watch Ultra 4 cost in Poland?

    Apple Watch Ultra 4 costs 3,799 PLN in the natural or black titanium version, always with GPS and cellular modem. This is exactly the same price that Ultra 3 started at a year earlier.

    How long does the battery last in Apple Watch Ultra 4?

    Up to 50 hours of normal usage and up to 84 hours in Low Power mode. During outdoor training with GPS and heart rate measurement, the watch lasts up to 18 hours, and in maximum extended training mode up to 45 hours.

    What’s new in Apple Watch Ultra 4?

    There are three new things: battery (50 hours instead of 42), redesigned sensor system with heart rate measurement every 5 seconds and a Readiness indicator, and the Audio Intelligence package. The screen, case, satellite connectivity, and diving remain unchanged compared to Ultra 3.

    Is it worth buying Apple Watch Ultra 3 instead of Ultra 4?

    It’s worth it if you find it significantly cheaper. The Ultra 3 has the same screen, the same case, satellite connectivity, 5G, and is waterproof up to 40 meters. You lose the new sensors, the Ready indicator, and eight hours of battery life.

    Is the Apple Watch Ultra 4 suitable for diving?

    Yes, just like its predecessor. Both models have a water resistance of up to 100 meters according to ISO 22810:2010 and EN13319 certification for recreational diving up to 40 meters, with a depth measurement accuracy of ±1 m.


    Sources:

  • Apple Watch Series 12 vs 11: what has really changed?

    Apple Watch Series 12 vs 11: what has really changed?

    W porównaniu Apple Watch Series 12 vs 11 liczy się jedna rzecz: nowy system pomiaru zdrowia. Series 12 sprawdza tętno co 5 sekund przez całą dobę, mierzy HRV do 24 razy częściej i dorzuca wskaźnik Gotowość. Rozdzielczość, jasność i deklarowany czas pracy zostały bez zmian.

    Zegarek trafił do sprzedaży 18 września 2026, a ceny w Polsce zaczynają się od 1 899 zł, dokładnie tam, gdzie rok temu startował Series 11.

    Jest jednak druga zmiana, o której nie mówi żadna prezentacja: koperta urosła o milimetr. Brzmi jak drobiazg, ale to właśnie ten milimetr decyduje o tym, czy Twoje dotychczasowe etui wejdzie na nowy zegarek.

    Poniżej pełna tabela obu modeli i uczciwa lista rzeczy, których Series 12 wcale nie poprawia. Na koniec akcesoria: co pasuje do obu generacji, a co przestało pasować z dnia na dzień.

    Apple Watch Series 12 vs 11: pełna tabela porównawcza

    Pogrubiliśmy tylko te pozycje, które faktycznie się różnią.

    ParametrApple Watch Series 11Apple Watch Series 12
    PremieraSeptember 2025September 2026
    CzipS10S11
    Pamięć64 GB64 GB
    Czujnik optyczny tętna3rd generationredesigned, Health Sensing System
    Czujnik elektryczny (EKG)previous generation2nd generation
    Zapis pomiaru tętnasamples every few minutessample every 5 seconds, all day
    Pomiar HRVstandard frequencyup to 24 times more often
    Gotowość (Readiness)❌✅
    Audio Intelligence❌✅ (Live Rewind and Siri Recap in beta)
    WyświetlaczOLED LTPO3, always-onOLED LTPO3, always-on
    Rozdzielczość 46 / 42 mm416 × 496 / 374 × 446416 × 496 / 374 × 446
    Powierzchnia ekranu 46 mm1,220 mm²1,196 mm²
    Powierzchnia ekranu 42 mm989 mm²970 mm²
    Jasność szczytowa2,000 nits2,000 nits
    Szkło (aluminium)Ion-XCeramic Shield 2
    Szkło (tytan, ceramika)sapphiresapphire
    Materiały kopertyaluminium, titaniumaluminium, titanium, ceramic
    Wymiary 46 mm46 × 39 × 9.7 mm46 × 40 × 9.7 mm
    Wymiary 42 mm42 × 36 × 9.7 mm42 × 37 × 9.7 mm
    Masa 46 mm, aluminium GPS37.8 g39.5 g
    Masa 42 mm, aluminium GPS30.3 g32.2 g
    Bateria, normalne użycieup to 24 hoursup to 24 hours
    Tryb Niskie zużycie energiiup to 38 hoursup to 38 hours
    Trening w plenerzeup to 8 hoursup to 10 hours
    15 minut ładowania dajeup to 8 hours of useup to 12 hours of use
    Ładowanie do 80%about 30 minutesabout 30 minutes
    Sieć komórkowaRedCap 5G and LTERedCap 5G and LTE
    Wi-Fi / BluetoothWi-Fi 4 / Bluetooth 5.3Wi-Fi 4 / Bluetooth 5.3
    Ultra Wideband2nd generation2nd generation
    Wodoszczelność50 m, IP6X50 m, IP6X
    WymaganiaiPhone 11+, iOS 26iPhone 11+, iOS 27
    Cena startowa w Polsce1,899 zł1,899 zł

    Thirty-two positions, of which nineteen differ. Almost all differences, however, lie in one place: in the sensors and in what the watch calculates from them.

    Accessories for both generations are at your fingertips. See straps and cases for the Apple Watch 46 mm →

    The new health measurement system is the essence of this generation

    Apple calls it the Health Sensing System, and it is not a marketing name for the same electronics. Both sensors on the back of the case have physically changed.

    The optical sensor has been redesigned and received larger, more efficient green LEDs; MacRumors describes it as the fourth generation, although Apple does not provide a number. The electrical sensor, responsible for ECG, has transitioned to the second generation. This is the first such deep overhaul in several years.

    Heart rate every 5 seconds instead of samples every few minutes

    Series 11 samples heart rate in the background at intervals of a few minutes. Series 12 takes readings every 5 seconds around the clock, which is about 17 thousand times a day.

    Why so much? Because from denser data, you can calculate things that are not visible in a sparse sample. Micro fluctuations in heart rate after coffee, reaction to stress in the middle of a meeting, the pace of return to rest after exercise.

    Apple also declares the most accurate heart rate measurement in a watch, citing its own tests against the competition. This is, of course, a manufacturer’s declaration, not an independent audit.

    HRV measured 24 times more often and the new Readiness indicator

    Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is an indicator that tells you whether your body has rested. Series 12 measures it up to 24 times more often than its predecessor and divides it into two types: regenerative HRV and overall HRV.

    Based on this, Readiness was built, an assessment on a scale from 0 to 10 that you receive in the morning along with one of four recommendations: recover, pace yourself, you are ready, or go full throttle.

    Additionally, there is a view of vital parameters also during the day, not just at night. Series 11 displayed them solely based on sleep.

    Note: Apple provides Readiness exclusively in Series 12 and has not announced it for older models. The feature relies on the density of measurements, which the eleven does not collect.

    If you train regularly and realistically look at recovery, then this is the reason to change your watch. If you mainly wear it for notifications and payments, you won’t notice the difference.

    Ceramic Shield 2 and the return of the ceramic case

    The aluminum versions of Series 12 received Ceramic Shield 2, the same glass that Apple uses in the latest iPhones. According to Apple’s announcement, it is 60% more resistant than Ion-X from Series 11.

    This is a real gain, as the aluminum Apple Watch has always been the model that is easiest to scratch. Titanium and ceramic have sapphire glass, just like before.

    The second return is the ceramic case, absent from the lineup since Series 5. Available in two colors: pearl white and midnight blue.

    However, the ceramic has two catches. It is noticeably heavier (51.3 g in pearl white and 52.9 g in midnight blue, compared to 39.5 g in aluminum) and larger: 47 × 41 × 9.85 mm instead of 46 × 40 × 9.7 mm. This means that the case for the aluminum version 46 mm will not fit the ceramic one.

    The aluminum palette is also new: dark brown, black, light gold, and space gray. Titanium comes in gold and natural versions.

    Audio Intelligence, or what the watch does with sound

    This is a set of four features that Series 11 will not receive: Sound Recognition (alarm, baby crying, siren), faster Shazam, Live Rewind (playback of the last 15 seconds of a conversation), and Siri Recap (summary of the conversation).

    The first two have been functioning since launch. Live Rewind and Siri Recap will enter beta at the end of 2026 and require an iPhone 16 or newer with Apple Intelligence. The same package is also available for the Apple Watch Ultra 4, so it is not exclusive to Series 12.

    According to MacRumors, the new watch also has twice the RAM (4 GB instead of 2 GB) and a case back made of zirconium instead of sapphire. Apple does not provide either of these parameters in the official specifications.

    Battery in Apple Watch Series 12 vs 11: same duration, faster charging

    Here, Apple did not change the declared 24 hours of normal usage or 38 hours in Low Power mode. The numbers are identical to Series 11.

    However, the charging speed and endurance during training have changed:

    • Outdoor training: up to 10 hours instead of 8, which is 25% longer
    • 15 minutes of charging: up to 12 hours of work instead of 8, which is half more
    • 5 minutes of charging: up to 10 hours of sleep tracking
    • Charging to 80%: about 30 minutes, unchanged

    These five minutes before sleep is a change more practical than it looks in the table. Those who sleep with a watch know the problem of morning charging on the go.

    You won’t find chargers in the box of any of these models. If you’re buying a watch as your first Apple device, add it right away from the wireless charger category.

    The screen has shrunk by 2% and no one is talking about it

    This is the most interesting detail of the entire premiere. The resolution, brightness, and display technology are identical, but the active screen area has decreased:

    • 46 mm: from 1,220 mm² to 1,196 mm²
    • 42 mm: from 989 mm² to 970 mm²

    The envelope has grown, the screen has shrunk. Apple does not comment on this, but the arithmetic leads to one conclusion: the bezels around the display are thicker than in Series 11.

    Two percent is a difference that you won’t see with the naked eye. However, it is worth knowing that in this particular area, the newer generation has taken a step back, especially since Apple boasts about every advancement separately.

    What Series 12 does not improve

    An honest list of things that remain exactly the same:

    • Screen resolution and brightness: 416 × 496 pixels and 2,000 nits, unchanged
    • Declared battery life, the same 24 and 38 hours
    • Memory, 64 GB in both models
    • Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), standard from 2009, still relevant in Apple Watch
    • Bluetooth 5.3 and second-generation Ultra Wideband, unchanged
    • Water resistance 50 m and IP6X rating, identical
    • Sieć komórkowa, RedCap 5G i LTE mają oba modele

    Nie ma też pomiaru poziomu glukozy, o którym co roku krążą plotki. Nie ma zmiany kształtu koperty ani nowego systemu mocowania pasków. Jedno i drugie ma według nieoficjalnych doniesień przyjść dopiero z Series 13.

    Za to funkcje czysto programowe, jak Wynik snu czy powiadomienia o nadciśnieniu i bezdechu sennym, ma także Series 11. Nie płać za nie drugi raz.

    Apple Watch Series 12 cena: ile kosztuje w Polsce

    Cena Apple Watch Series 12 startuje dokładnie tam, gdzie rok temu startował poprzednik. Aluminiowa wersja 42 mm z GPS kosztuje tyle samo, ile w dniu premiery kosztował Series 11.

    Wersja42 mm46 mm
    Aluminium, GPS1 899 zł2 199 zł
    Aluminium, GPS + Cellular2 399 zł2 699 zł
    Tytan, GPS + Cellular3 299 zł3 599 zł
    Ceramika, GPS + Cellular4 399 zł4 699 zł

    Series 11 zniknął z oferty Apple, ale został u operatorów i w sieciach handlowych, zwykle kilkaset złotych taniej niż nowość. To jego jedyny, za to mocny argument.

    Ceramika jest w tym zestawieniu pozycją wizerunkową. Występuje wyłącznie z modemem, więc uczciwym punktem odniesienia jest aluminium z modemem: 4 699 zł wobec 2 699 zł za ten sam zegarek w innej obudowie i o 12 gramów lżejszy.

    Accessories for Apple Watch Series 12 vs 11: what fits which

    Here we return to the millimeter from the beginning of the article, because in the comparison of Apple Watch Series 12 vs 11, it is this that is the most costly difference.

    Straps for Apple Watch: fit both generations

    Good news: the strap attachment has not changed. A strap purchased for Series 11 will fit Series 12 and vice versa. Manufacturers describe them directly as compatible with models 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, and compatibility extends even further back, as we showed in the comparison of straps for Apple Watch Series 10.

    You just need to match the lug size, which is different from the number on the case:

    Your watchStrap category
    Series 11 or 12, 42 mm casestraps 38 / 40 / 41 / 42 mm
    Series 11 or 12, 46 mm casestraps 42 / 44 / 45 / 46 / 49 mm
    Apple Watch Ultra, 49 mm caseUltra 49 mm straps

    This is the most common mistake when purchasing. The 42 mm case in Series 11 and 12 takes a smaller lug, the same as the old 41 mm models. Despite the identical number in the name, it is not a size from the group of 42/44/45/46/49 mm.

    Tech-Protect Silicone

    Tech-Protect Silicone is the simplest answer to the question of compatibility. The manufacturer lists models from 8 to 12 as well as SE and Ultra in the name, so you don’t have to guess anything. The soft silicone does not absorb sweat and is suitable for swimming.

    Spigen Athlex Air M

    Spigen Athlex Air M is a training strap. The perforation wicks away sweat, and the Velcro closure holds securely during running.

    The name ends with «11» because the product was released before the twelfth version. However, the fit is determined by the lug size, which has not changed, so the strap will also fit the Series 12. We have gathered more models in the review of sport straps for Apple Watch 11.

    Spigen WBF01 Band

    Spigen WBF01 Band is a daily option, closer to the classic Apple sports band than the training version. The same attachment for 44/45/46/49 mm, so both generations will be supported without difference.

    [hs_products ids=»146771,146530,146419″ cols=»3″ title=»Bands compatible with Series 11 and 12″]

    Case for Apple Watch Series 12: here compatibility ends

    Bad news: the case from Series 11 will not fit Series 12. The casing tightly hugs the case, so a millimeter in width makes all the difference.

    This is evident from the descriptions of the manufacturers themselves. Spigen marks its Thin Fit 360 case as compatible with “Apple Watch 10 / 11” and there is no mention of the twelfth in this name. Bizon, on the other hand, released separate series dedicated exclusively to Series 12, separately for the 46 mm and 42 mm cases.

    The same principle applies to films and glasses for the screen. Since the display surface and frame thickness have changed, the cut from the previous generation will not fit the edges.

    Bizon Case Watch Adamo for Series 12

    Bizon Case Watch Adamo łączy obudowę ze szkłem na ekran, więc zabezpieczasz kopertę i wyświetlacz jednym produktem. Wersja przezroczysta nie zasłania koloru koperty, a matowa czerń zmienia zegarek wizualnie.

    Etui jest dostępne osobno dla wersji 46 mm i 42 mm. To nie jest jeden uniwersalny rozmiar.

    Bizon Case Watch Felipe do Series 12

    Bizon Case Watch Felipe is a proposal for physical work and cycling. It protects the screen with a protruding edge that takes the abrasion instead of the glass. Ceramic Shield 2 is more resistant than Ion-X, but still loses to concrete and door frames.

    Note when purchasing: the product card that states only «Apple Watch 46 mm» without a generation number almost always describes the cut for Series 10 and 11. Look for a description with the explicit «Series 12».

    [hs_products ids=»146683,143174,146680″ cols=»3″ title=»Case for Apple Watch Series 12″]

    If you stick with Series 11

    It’s still worth securing it, especially since the aluminum eleven has weaker Ion-X glass.

    UNIQ Valencia

    UNIQ Valencia is anodized aluminum combined with flexible TPU. It looks like a metal frame but behaves like a case. A good choice when you want protection that is not visible.

    The manufacturer lists compatibility as «Apple Watch 46 mm,» without a generation number, and the product was introduced before the twelfth generation was released. Consider it a case for Series 11 and 10.

    Bizon Watch Film HydroFlex

    Bizon Watch Film HydroFlex is a hydrogel film in a set of six pieces, cut for Series 11 and 10 in size 46 mm. The version for 42 mm is sold separately. Hydrogel conforms to the curvature of the screen better than rigid glass.

    The cost of repairing the screen on an Apple Watch can reach several hundred zlotys, while a set of films is a fraction of that amount. The math is simple.

    Apple Watch 12 or 11: which one to choose?

    Apple Watch Series 12 vs 11 comes down to five situations and five clear answers.

    You have Series 11 and are considering an upgrade. Stick with what you have. The same resolution, the same battery, the same connectivity. Unless regeneration and training data are your main reasons for wearing a watch. Then Readiness and denser HRV are a real argument.

    You have Series 9 or an older model. Go for Series 12. The leap is significant: 24-hour battery instead of 18, a noticeably larger screen, faster charging, a whole new layer of health features, and Ceramic Shield 2.

    You are buying your first Apple Watch. Series 12 in aluminum version. Since the entry price hasn’t changed, there’s no reason to reach for the predecessor at a price close to the new model. If the budget is tight, an alternative is the cheaper Apple Watch SE 3.

    You are looking for savings. Series 11 on sale from the operator. You get the same resolution and brightness, the same battery, the same runtime, and all software features. You only lose the new sensors and Readiness.

    You are considering ceramic. Only if you care about the appearance. Underneath, it’s the same watch, and for the case alone, you pay almost as much as the entire aluminum model costs. In this budget, the Ultra is already included, which we described in the comparison of Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 2.

    If you are also looking beyond the Apple ecosystem, compare it with Google Pixel Watch 5, and if you are looking for a watch specifically for running, check our ranking of running watches 2026.

    Summary

    The entire comparison of Apple Watch Series 12 vs 11 comes down to one idea: to measure the heart more accurately and more often than before. Everything else has remained almost untouched.

    Five conclusions at the end:

    1. New sensors are the only real reason to change, heart rate every 5 seconds, HRV up to 24 times more often, Readiness indicator
    2. Resolution, battery, and connectivity are identical to Series 11, including 24 hours of operation and Wi-Fi 4
    3. Ceramic Shield 2 realmente ayuda a los propietarios de la versión de aluminio, ya que es la variante que más fácilmente se raya
    4. La caja ha crecido 1 mm, las correas siguen siendo compatibles, pero las fundas y protectores de la Series 11 ya no lo son
    5. El precio de entrada no ha cambiado, así que al comprar el modelo más nuevo, gana sin discusión

    Si te quedas con la once, invierte en un protector y una buena correa en lugar de un nuevo reloj. Si te cambias a la doce, recuerda que la funda debe estar etiquetada como «Series 12», las anteriores simplemente no encajarán.

    FAQ: preguntas frecuentes

    ¿Las correas del Apple Watch 11 son compatibles con la Series 12?

    Sí. El sistema de sujeción de las correas no ha cambiado entre generaciones, por lo que la correa de la Series 11 encajará en la Series 12 sin modificaciones. Solo recuerda que la caja de 42 mm usa un enganche más pequeño (38/40/41/42 mm), y la caja de 46 mm usa uno más grande (42/44/45/46/49 mm).

    ¿La funda del Apple Watch 11 es compatible con la Series 12?

    No. La caja de la Series 12 es 1 mm más ancha en ambos tamaños, por lo que la carcasa de la generación anterior no se cerrará correctamente. Busca una funda etiquetada específicamente como «Apple Watch Series 12».

    Is it worth buying the Apple Watch Series 11 instead of 12?

    It is worth it if you find it significantly cheaper. Series 11 has the same screen, the same battery, the same 5G connectivity, and all software features, including Sleep Score and hypertension notifications. You lose the new sensors and the Readiness indicator.

    Does the Apple Watch Series 12 measure blood pressure?

    No, it does not measure blood pressure. Both generations, 11 and 12, however, have hypertension notifications. The watch analyzes data from the optical sensor and signals possible symptoms but does not provide blood pressure values.

    What is the difference in battery life between Series 12 and 11?

    The declared battery life is identical: up to 24 hours of normal use and up to 38 hours in Low Power mode. Series 12 lasts up to 10 hours of outdoor training instead of 8, and 15 minutes of charging provides 12 hours of use instead of 8.

    Will Readiness come to the Apple Watch Series 11 in an update?

    Apple provides Readiness exclusively in Series 12 and has not announced it for older models. The feature relies on measurement density, which the sensor from Series 11 simply does not collect.

    How much does the Apple Watch Series 12 cost in Poland?

    Prices start at 1,899 PLN for the 42 mm aluminum version with GPS. The 46 mm variant costs 2,199 PLN, versions with cellular modem start from 2,399 PLN, titanium from 3,299 PLN, and ceramic from 4,399 PLN.

    Which Apple Watch size to choose: 42 or 46 mm?

    The 42 mm size fits wrists with a circumference of 130–200 mm, while the 46 mm fits 140–245 mm. A larger case means a bigger screen and the same battery life, while the smaller one is lighter by about 7 grams and less noticeable under a sleeve.


    Sources:

  • iPhone 18 Pro Camera Under the Microscope: Same Sensors, Four Points Better Score

    iPhone 18 Pro Camera Under the Microscope: Same Sensors, Four Points Better Score

    iPhone 18 Pro received 172 points from DxOMark and second place in the world, just behind the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra with 175. The iPhone 17 Pro has 168 points and ranks fifth. A four-point difference between generations — not much on paper, three spots in the ranking.

    However, the teardown of the new model reveals something that shouldn’t explain this difference: two of the three rear sensors are exactly the same as last year.

    Where this data comes from: the component data comes from a publication on Weibo.

    Comparison of the camera modules of iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro

    What’s inside the camera

    The rear cameras are the same in the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max — the teardown author describes them once, for both phones at the same time. Three lenses mounted in a common metal frame, each 48 Mpix:

    CameraSensorSizeApertureFocal length equivalentStabilization
    UltrawideSony IMX9721/2.55″f/2.213 mmnot specified
    MainSony IMX9051/1.3″f/1.48–4.024 mmsecond generation sensor-shift
    PeriscopeSony IMX9731/2.55″f/2.8100 mm3D sensor-shift

    With the ultrawide, nothing is said about stabilization — which means that it is unknown, not that it is absent.

    iPhone 18 Pro rear camera module with sensor descriptions

    Controversy: two of the three cameras are the same as last year

    The author placed the cameras from both generations side by side and described them with the same set of data. In pairs, because the Pro and Pro Max from the given year have the same set:

    iPhone 17 Pro i 17 Pro MaxiPhone 18 Pro i 18 Pro Max
    UltraszerokiSony IMX972, 1/2,55″, f/2,2, 13 mmSony IMX972, 1/2,55″, f/2,2, 13 mm
    PeryskopSony IMX973, 1/2,55″, f/2,8, 100 mmSony IMX973, 1/2,55″, f/2,8, 100 mm
    Główny — matrycaSony IMX903, 1/1,3″, 48 MpixSony IMX905, 1/1,3″, 48 Mpix
    Główny — przysłonastała f/1,78zmienna f/1,48–4,0

    Ultraszeroki i peryskop to dosłownie te same matryce. Ta sama rozdzielczość, ta sama wielkość, ta sama jasność i ten sam ekwiwalent ogniskowej.

    Aparat główny zmienił oznaczenie z IMX903 na IMX905, ale rozbiórka podaje dla obu tę samą wielkość matrycy, 1/1,3 cala, i tę samą rozdzielczość. Serwisy branżowe podają dla siedemnastki dokładniejszą wartość 1/1,28 cala, więc jakaś drobna różnica może istnieć — autor rozbiórki zaokrągla obie tak samo.

    Jedyna prawdziwa różnica to przysłona aparatu głównego.

    Sześć ruchomych listków

    W miejsce stałego otworu f/1,78 Apple włożyło zmienną przysłonę o zakresie f/1,48–4,0. DxOMark opisuje ją jako prawdziwą przysłonę z sześciu ruchomych listków, która otwiera się i zamyka jak w aparacie fotograficznym — na zdjęciach samego mechanizmu nie widać, bo autor nie rozkręcił obiektywu. Przy obiektywie jest tylko suchy podpis: f/1,48–4,0.

    This is not a software trick, but a real mechanism that lets in less or more light. The improvement in the DxOMark score is attributed to this aperture.

    What the range provides:

    • f/1.48 at night — an opening wider than f/1.78 in the predecessor lets in more light; the score in low light went from 143 to 150 points
    • f/4.0 during the day — closing down increases depth of field, allowing for sharpness to be maintained over a larger portion of the frame
    • range instead of a single value for everything — although it is unclear whether the aperture closes smoothly or in steps

    DxOMark Results: Where the Difference is Visible

    CategoryiPhone 17 ProiPhone 18 Pro
    Overall168172
    Video—176 — the highest video score in the entire DxOMark database
    Low Light143150
    Portraits151157
    Zoom135138

    The most significant gains were in low light photos (+7) and portraits (+6), while zoom saw the least improvement (+3), and this is the only camera where the change in aperture does not apply at all. DxOMark does not elaborate on where each of these changes came from, so formally it is a coincidence. However, it is an exceptionally consistent one.

    What DxOMark did not praise

    DxOMark pointed out four issues: color inaccuracies and white balance jumps, weaker zoom at long distances, flares in certain conditions, and brightness differences between photo previews and video. The second point is not surprising, as the periscope remains the same.

    How much do these points really matter

    Before you consider 172 versus 168 as a decisive factor, it’s worth knowing where that number comes from and what it does not show.

    DxOMark makes money from the manufacturers it tests. It sells them the DxO Analyzer software and consulting for camera tuning, and then evaluates the finished phones. In the industry, this is referred to as the «pay to win» problem: those who use DxO’s paid tools perform better in the rankings than those who do not. No one claims that results are purchased. However, it is difficult to maintain independence when the same company first advises and then evaluates.

    Each subsequent generation receives a higher score. This has been visible in the rankings for years, and it is hard not to ask whether the points measure real progress or just grow along with the methodology. Therefore, results from different years cannot be directly compared.

    One number hides all compromises. The overall score is derived from several sub-scores of varying weights, and the media only quotes that. Here, it is exemplified: the eighteen wins in low light photography and portraits, while in zoom it practically stands still. If you mainly shoot with a telephoto lens, this difference does not concern you.

    There was also a loud dispute about independence. When Xiaomi did not send the 12S Ultra model for testing, DxOMark bought a unit on its own and published a review despite the lack of cooperation from the manufacturer.

    The practical conclusion is this: DxOMark points are useful as a hint as to which direction the changes have gone, and here they align with what is seen in the teardown. However, they will not answer the question of whether it is worth replacing the phone. That will only be answered by photos taken in the conditions in which you usually photograph.

    Face ID and LiDAR got more than the camera

    The most changes occurred not in the cameras, but next to them.

    Face ID modules of four iPhones

    The entire Face ID setup in the eighteen is clearly longer — a wide ribbon with a metal stiffening plate has been added. In the seventeen, everything was tightly packed next to each other; here, the sensor has been moved a considerable distance away from the camera.

    The infrared camera sensor is larger. The author outlined in the photo this part of both sensors that actually collects light — in the eighteen, it is larger and more square.

    Comparison of infrared sensors — in the eighteen, the larger part collects light

    The author removed the casings from the dot projector and photographed the bare circuits in magnification. Here, the redesign is also visible: both circuits — the controlling one and the illuminating one — are larger, there are more thin wires connecting them, and they extend from two sides instead of one, with the light points lying more densely.

    Dot projector Face ID in magnification

    LiDAR has also increased in size. In the eighteen, it is simply larger, and its transmitter has a larger surface area. The tape markings are 06061-05 in 18 Pro Max and 06060-04 in 18 Pro, compared to 5561-04 and 5371-03 a year earlier.

    LiDAR modules of four models

    None of these changes are measured by DxOMark, as they evaluate cameras for photos, not face recognition. How the redesign of the dot projector translates into the speed and effectiveness of Face ID is not determined by the teardown.

    Front camera without revolution

    The selfie is taken by Sony IMX914, 18 Mpix, f/1.9, equivalent to 20 mm — the same data for 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. The same sensor is attributed to the seventeen by industry services. The comparative photo from the teardown is not labeled; it only shows that both sensors have similarly sized light-collecting parts and differ in casing shape.

    Moduł aparatu przedniego iPhone 18 Pro

    Co to znaczy przy zakupie ochrony

    Wyspa aparatów w osiemnastce ciągnie się przez całą szerokość pleców. Mieści trzy obiektywy ustawione w trójkąt, lampę błyskową, mikrofon i okienko czujnika.

    Plecy iPhone 18 Pro z wyspą aparatów

    Na zdjęciach obudów obu generacji widać, że pierścienie wokół obiektywów w osiemnastce są szersze i inaczej rozmieszczone niż w siedemnastce. Ktoś zadał sobie trud i zmierzył to suwmiarką — na egzemplarzach Pro Max:

    Miejsce pomiaruiPhone 17 Pro MaxiPhone 18 Pro Max
    Na obiektywach13,20 mm13,68 mm
    Na samej wyspie11,36 mm11,58 mm
    Pomiar suwmiarką grubości iPhone 18 Pro Max i 17 Pro Max

    The island has grown by 0.22 mm, and together with the protruding lenses by almost half a millimeter. The measurement was taken on larger models, but the back construction is the same in both variants. It sounds like nothing, but the camera cover is a precisely fitted element — half a millimeter is the difference between a cover that sits evenly and one that wobbles on the edge or doesn’t fit at all. In our store, the covers for both generations are separate products, and that’s why.

    A small tip when choosing, by the way universal: covers that hold onto the ring around the lens are easier to remove than those that stick directly to the glass — less risk of scratching something.

    And one caveat: the flares mentioned by DxOMark are a feature of the camera itself, tested without any additions. The laboratory did not check the covers and does not comment on how they affect the photos.

    If you have the seventeenth, the correct categories are camera glass for iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max — these are separate shelves. For the eighteenth, the fitting covers are camera covers for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

    You can find the full selection of accessories in the categories iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro.

    Summary

    In the iPhone 18 Pro the better result does not come from changing the sensors. The ultra-wide and periscope remain the same, the main camera has changed its designation while maintaining the same size and resolution, and the only real change is the aperture f/1.48–4.0. The new model debuts in second place in the ranking, while its predecessor is currently in fifth.

    However, the most changes have occurred where DxOMark does not look at all: in Face ID and LiDAR.

    And the points themselves should be taken with a grain of salt. They indicate the direction of changes, but they cannot replace viewing photos from the phone that you actually use.

    FAQ — frequently asked questions

    What camera does the iPhone 18 Pro have?

    Three sensors of 48 Mpix: ultra-wide Sony IMX972 (f/2.2, equivalent to 13 mm), main Sony IMX905 (1/1.3″, variable aperture f/1.48–4.0, equivalent to 24 mm) and periscope Sony IMX973 (f/2.8, equivalent to 100 mm). The front camera is Sony IMX914 18 Mpix f/1.9. The same set goes to the 18 Pro Max.

    How many DxOMark points does the iPhone 18 Pro have?

    172 points and second place in the global ranking, behind the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra with 175. The iPhone 17 Pro has 168 points and occupies the fifth position. It is worth remembering that DxOMark sells tools and consulting to manufacturers for tuning cameras, so the ranking is sometimes criticized for a lack of independence.

    What is the difference between the iPhone 18 Pro camera and the 17 Pro?

    Właściwie jedną: aparat główny ma zmienną przysłonę f/1,48–4,0 zamiast stałej f/1,78. Matryca główna zmieniła oznaczenie (IMX903 → IMX905) przy tej samej wielkości i rozdzielczości, a ultraszeroki i peryskopowy to te same matryce, co w poprzedniej generacji.

    Co to jest zmienna przysłona w iPhone 18 Pro?

    Mechanizm zmieniający wielkość otworu obiektywu w zakresie od f/1,48 do f/4,0 — DxOMark opisuje go jako fizyczną przysłonę z sześciu ruchomych listków, jak w aparacie fotograficznym. Szerzej otwarta przepuszcza więcej światła po zmroku, przymknięta daje większą głębię ostrości.

    Czy szkło na aparat z iPhone 17 Pro pasuje do 18 Pro?

    Nie. Wyspa aparatu w osiemnastce jest grubsza — 11,58 mm wobec 11,36 mm, a licząc z wystającymi obiektywami 13,68 wobec 13,20 mm. Do tego pierścienie wokół obiektywów są szersze i inaczej rozmieszczone. Potrzebne będzie szkło dedykowane nowemu modelowi.

    Czy można wierzyć wynikom DxOMark?

    Z zastrzeżeniami. DxOMark sprzedaje producentom oprogramowanie i doradztwo przy strojeniu aparatów, a potem ocenia gotowe telefony — branża zarzuca temu brak niezależności. Do tego każda kolejna generacja dostaje wyższą notę, więc wyniki z różnych lat trudno zestawiać wprost, a jedna liczba ukrywa wszystkie kompromisy między kategoriami. Traktuj punkty jako wskazówkę, w którą stronę poszły zmiany, a nie jako werdykt.

    Does the iPhone 18 Pro have better zoom than the 17 Pro?

    Minimal: 138 points versus 135. The periscope uses the same Sony IMX973 sensor with the same f/2.8 aperture, so there has been no hardware change here, and DxOMark does not explain the reasons for these three points. The lab also pointed out weaker zoom at long distances.

    Is Face ID on the iPhone 18 Pro better?

    Hardware-wise, yes: the infrared camera sensor collects light from a larger area, and the dot projector has been redesigned — its components are larger, and the dots are more densely packed. However, the teardown does not indicate how this translates to speed or effectiveness of recognition.