Additional stations for iPhone 5. The best docking stations for iPhone. Other noteworthy docking stations

Apple fans have long made fun of the fact that the owners of smartphones on Android are forced to look for an outlet everywhere - but now they themselves are in an unenviable position. Complaints about the fact that iPhones sit down before our eyes are growing on the forums. Especially often they complain about old modifications that have been updated to newest versions iOS.

The most obvious way to fix your Apple device fast battery drain is to buy. But then you get two instead of one device that needs to be constantly charged. Therefore more effective way can be considered an acquisition capable of simultaneously performing the functions of a stand and. A wide selection of quality accessories for Apple and other technology can be found in the online store iCover.ru... He received a lot of positive feedback from customers for fast delivery, reasonable prices and prompt order processing.

In this article, we'll share the best iPhone docking stations available on the market in 2019.

Apple docking station with Lightning connector

Price: from 4 290 rubles

Apple started selling a proprietary dock with a Lightning plug back in 2015. Even in 2019, it is a trendy brand accessory. One of the main advantages of the stand is stability. The platform is so small that it seems as if it is enough to slightly touch the gadget installed on it - and it will fall. But in fact, it is not so easy to fill the Apple dock on its side - it is made of metal, has a fairly large weight (providing balance) and a rubber base, thanks to which it does not slip at all.

Powering up the iPhone isn't the only feature of Apple's dock. She can also act as an intermediary between mobile device and speakers that connect to the socket located at the back of the accessory. This is especially true for iPhones of the latest modifications, which lack the 3.5 mm jack, so beloved by music lovers.

Advantages:

• Laconic design and small dimensions - the docking station can be easily placed even on a cluttered office desk.
• Music docking station; it is equipped with a connector for connecting audio equipment.
• Many color options.
• The ability to charge your phone right in the case.

disadvantages:

• A branded accessory requires regular maintenance.

Belkin Valet Charge Dock

Price: from 9 990 rubles.

Belkin Valet Charge Dock, like all products of this brand, is distinguished by its excellent design. The device is designed to simultaneously charge an iPhone and an Apple smartwatch. The design is very simple - the anodized aluminum pedestal with chrome finish is made in such a way that the smartphone stands at the ideal angle, and the non-slip base coating prevents it from falling. If necessary, the position of the connector can be changed - there is a special position regulator on the back of the body.

The watch is placed on a special magnetic base and seems to float in the air. The docking station is powered by a laptop or wall outlet. The connector is located on the back side and does not spoil the appearance of the device. Additional option stand is a computer sync function. This accessory will become not only a useful gadget purchase, but also a real decoration. Dimensions - 10.93 x 13.4 x 8.8 cm. Suitable for all Apple models with a Lightning connector and smart watches of the company with a diameter of 42 and 38 mm. There is a black version.

Advantages:

• Excellent appearance that can decorate any interior.
• The ideal tilt angle for the smartphone and the non-slip surface ensure the perfect stability of the gadget.
• The ability to simultaneously charge and sync iPhone with PC.
• There is an adjustment of the position of the connector.

Disadvantages:

• High price.

COTEetCI Base19 (CS7201-GY)

Price: from 3,290 rubles.

Apple fans rarely complain about the devices of their favorite brand, but there is still some discontent. With the abandonment of the standard headset connector and the release of AirPods, users have a need to charge not only their smartphone, but also their headphones. The new COTEetCI Base19 docking station solves this problem, because it has three seats at once to simultaneously charge iPhone, AirPods and.

The model has a strict design and small size. The base has received a weight that provides good stability on the table. The stand will not only in a convenient way charge gadgets, but also allows you to simply place them for storage, for example, overnight. The watch is placed on the QI pad with a special hole for the cable (not included in the kit), the smartphone and headphones are installed on the Lightning connector, while the tilt angle for the phone can be adjusted. The power cable is connected at the rear. The model is suitable for any Apple Watch, smartphones - from iPhone 5. Docking station colors - gray, silver, pink.

Advantages:

• Minimalist design.
• The ability to simultaneously charge three devices at once.
• Convenience of connection to power supply.
• There is an adjustment of the position of the connector for the smartphone.
• Convenient seat and channel for the Apple smartwatch charger cable.
• Low price.

Disadvantages:

• There is no charger for Apple Watch included.

Elago Charging Hub 3 in 1 (EST-TRIO-CWH)

Price: from 2690 rubles.

The fairly inexpensive Elago Charging Hub 3 in 1 stand differs from numerous competitors in its material of execution. In this case, silicone is used, which increases the stability of the docking station and excludes the appearance of scratches on the gadgets. The model is designed for simultaneous charging of smart watches, smartphones and Apple headphones.

The manufacturer did not equip the device with charging connectors, so you will have to use your own cables. There are holes specially for them, and on the back side they are conveniently collected in one place, which eliminates clutter on the table and helps to organize the space correctly. The accessory is designed for any Apple smartphones and watches, as well as AirPods. There are several color schemes for the docking station - you can choose the option that fits perfectly into the interior.

Advantages:

• Silicone increases the stability of the charger and devices, and also prevents them from being scratched.
• You can charge three devices at the same time.
• Convenient seats for wires.
• Several colors available.
• Small size.
• Low price.

Disadvantages:

• No wires included.

Studio Neat Material Dock

Price: from 2 900 rubles

Crafted from walnut wood, this stand from Studio Neat will fit perfectly into any home. The platform is sold in 4 versions: wired for iPhone, wireless for iPhone, for iPhone + Apple Watch, for smartphone (wireless) + headphones + watch. The most inexpensive option - a wired station only for a phone will cost $ 45, the maximum price for an iPhone version, headphones and a watch is $ 95.

A feature of the Studio Neat platform is that special suction cups are placed in its lower part. Thanks to them, the docking station remains very stable even at its very modest weight.

Advantages:

• Expensive wooden design.
• The presence of suction cups that provide stability.
• Possibilities for adjustment - both the Lightning plug and the back, on which the gadget rests, can be moved by the user as he sees fit. This allows you to connect your iPhone to the docking station, even if it is in a weighty case.
• A wide range of options - for a different number of devices and with a different power supply.
• Low cost - when compared to other docking stations from our rating.

disadvantages:

• Inaccessibility - a product from Studio Neat is difficult to find on sale in Russia.

Elevation dock 3

Price: from 6 400 rubles

The Elevation Dock is made using Unibody technology - that is, from a single piece of metal. The accessory is quite heavy, but the manufacturer considered that the significant weight was not able to provide adequate stability and also equipped the platform with sticky rubber pads. Go and tear off such a docking station from the table.

Another advantage of the Elevation Dock is the presence of a special removable panel at the base - so you can charge your iPhone even if it is “dressed” in a case. This makes Elevation Dock better than a number of other docking stations.

The official website of the Elevation Lab has a model called Elevation Dock 4, a platform that supports Qi (wireless) charging, however, the brand's product reviews are more positive for the 3rd version of Elevation Dock.

Advantages:

• Strength provided by aluminum construction.
• The minimum screen deflection angle is up to 8%. Thanks to this, the user can track all notifications that appear on the screen of the gadget.
• Lightning MFI certified cable included.
• Secure grip - iPhone can be removed with one hand without holding onto the platform itself.
• You can connect speakers to this iPhone dock. In addition, the Elevation Dock platform is considered acoustic - being in it, the iPhone SE (or another model) sounds better than sitting on a flat surface.

disadvantages:

• An impressive cost - to spend almost 6.5 thousand rubles on an accessory that is not vital, not every domestic user is ready.

Conclusion

On the forums, you can often find reviews in which users express bewilderment: why buy an expensive docking station for an iPhone of a well-known brand (or even a branded one) if Chinese or Chinese counterparts are sold for a penny?

In fact, products from the Middle Kingdom are not worthy of branded products in terms of workmanship - and they look so-so, because they are made, as a rule, of the cheapest plastic, and not of walnut or aluminum. Docking stations for iPhone and Apple Watch from our top will not only serve faithfully without harming the battery of an expensive device, but will also become an excellent addition to the interior of the room.

A docking station is an accessory that many users have not yet "tried" and therefore do not pay enough attention to. But as soon as you have a docking station, believe me, you can't live without it anymore! Why? This is both convenience and safety for your smartphone!

What is an iPhone docking station?

The docking station keeps your iPhone secure.

Any docking station for apple smartphone - a device that has three connectors. One of them, the Lightning plug ("dad"), is brought out to the upper part - the iPhone is placed on it with the lower end. The other two are usually found at the back - a port for connecting the docking station to a PC or power supply, and a 3.5 mm mini-jack for headphones or speakers.

Why an iPhone docking station

First, for charging. But you yourself know how well the iPhone "flies" from the table and how easy it is to sit on it if you plugged the gadget into an outlet near the sofa or armchair. With the docking station, you can keep your iPhone safe from such troubles. The base is heavy, and you can put it on a table, on a shelf in a closet, in general, on any horizontal surface.

Secondly, the docking station allows you to connect speakers and enjoy your music. You can, of course, just connect the speakers to your smartphone via a mini-jack, but if you use a docking station with an IR remote control remote control Apple Remote, you can control playback from the comfort of your couch.

The docking station makes it easy to sync data to iTunes on your computer and smartphone.

Third, the docking station makes it easy to sync data in iTunes on your computer and smartphone, and also allows you to connect your iPhone to your TV or music center.

The bottom of the dock is rubberized, so it doesn't slip. iPhone will not fall off it, because it is held due to the tight contact of the connector and the Lightning plug, and in some models - also due to an additional notch for your smartphone. In general, a mega-useful thing!

What are the iPhone docking stations

The ones that Apple makes, and everyone else. Technically, if you use a third-party docking station, you void your iPhone warranty. The truth is, usually no one can find out about it. Unless, of course, the dock works fine and charges neatly, because let's face it, not all Chinese devices are equally safe. Also, devices made by other companies are made of plastic of a different color; Apple can also order a docking station to match your iPhone tone. Also available are models with built-in speakers and docking stations for several devices at once.

Apple offers universal docking stations and options for specific models gadgets. The former is more convenient if you only have an iPhone, the latter if you want to use them for your iPod, or if you need to let your friends recharge.

So which models should you look out for?

Docking stations for iPhone 5s and 5c

Dock for 5s is compatible with iPhone 5.

The two models differ slightly, but it is impossible to confuse them with the iPhone 5s and 5c. The fact is that each model has a notch. And since the 5c is wider and thicker than the 5s, it simply won't fit into an iPhone 5s dock. By the way, like the 5s itself in a case or in a bumper, this is perhaps the only drawback of the device. But with the iPhone 5, the docking station for 5s is compatible.

Dock station Apple iPhone Lightning dock

The docking station is available in white and gold.

This model is versatile - it is compatible with the latest iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, as well as iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPod touch 5th generation. It is not recommended to use the docking station with iPad. The tablet is heavy, and if you install it here, it can cause the Lightning plug to deform and the iPad glass to fall on the table.

The modern world is hard to imagine without personal electronic devices that are always at hand. One of the manufacturers, namely Apple, has long won the hearts of many caring users. IPhone smartphones, iPads, iPods - all of this finds application in various aspects everyday life... Of course, one cannot do without the process of charging the device's battery, but few people know that this can be done not just by "tying" the device to the cable, but also with pleasure and benefit at the same time. All you need is an iPhone docking station. This article will tell you about what types of them are, what they are for, and will allow you to decide on the choice of the most useful and convenient charging device

Some statistics

It is not possible to calculate the exact number of smartphones that are used on a daily basis by almost every person on earth. Most often, the numbers showing the production volumes of certain devices are classified or simply not disclosed. In addition, even counting devices sold from store shelves, you can find out completely incomplete information. And all because there are online stores, sales of "gray devices" and other factors not covered.

Thanks to independent researchers such as GSMA Intelligence, you can find out that in 2014 the number of activated and used SIM cards exceeded 7.2 billion! It's not hard to imagine that (again, according to independent estimates) Apple occupies a large niche in the competition. Actually, for that part of users who live in Europe and on other continents, it has long been customary to use a device such as an Apple docking station in everyday life.

What is a docking station for?

Translated from English, dock station sounds like "docking station" (popularly also called "cradle"). Initially, its main task was to provide users with the possibility of expanding the initial functionality of the device. Docking stations in their original form had more connectors for connecting multiple devices and simultaneously charging the main one.

In addition, along with charging, it became possible to transfer multimedia data and traffic from the connected device. Convenient and very functional. But time does not stand still, and now docking stations can become whole portable audio systems and simply beautiful accessories, suitable for the interior design of even the most sophisticated owner.

Practical use

So does an iPhone need a docking station? This question was easily answered by specialists from Apple even with the appearance of the iPhone 2G. The first devices were supplied complete with such a device, which caused a flurry of positive emotions and responses from the fans of the "apple". When the Cupertino company realized how popular docking stations were, the latter were removed from the standard iPhones and sold separately. Of course, this was done out of a desire for profit. But this did not diminish the popularity of the devices, and the number of satisfied customers continued to grow with the release of new models of smartphones, tablets and players.

Docking station types

Every self-respecting manufacturer of accessories for Apple appliances does not hesitate to create high-quality chargers. Actually, the docking station for "iPhone" is charger, and that is why the variety of these adaptations has long exceeded all conceivable and inconceivable limits. As described above, the main difference is the charging, music playback and decorative functions. Very often, this category is attributed to special mounts-holders that help fix the device in the car or on any surface. Such devices have only mechanical functions and are not equipped with connectors for charging. That is why do not confuse docking stations with mounts.

Compatibility

Most often, cradles are designed for use with certain device models. But there is also such a thing as a universal docking station. Obviously, when purchasing one or another stand with charging, you want the cradle to continue to perform its function when you change an Apple smartphone, for example, to a Samsung one. But in this case, the uniqueness of the accessory is violated, which is not very profitable for the manufacturers of the stations themselves. There is no need to think about it, because it is more profitable to sell several different products, albeit with a time difference, but making a big profit. But on the other hand, the consumer may opt for lesser-known brands that produce universal stands. However, this statement is only true if the brand of a smartphone or tablet is changed. But devices from the same manufacturer most often retain their standard connectors, and there is no need to change the cradle. For example, the docking station for iPhone 5 can easily "shelter" the newer 5S and SE models, and in some cases - the larger 6, 6S, 6 Plus and 6S Plus.

Popular brands

Of course, there are a lot of manufacturers of accessories, including docking stations, so much so that they cannot be counted on one hand. But still, some of them are relatively more popular among competitors in their price segment.

For example, if you need to be able to charge your smartphone and listen to music at the same time, names such as Bowers & Wilkins, Bang & Olufsen, JBL, Bose and Philips are most common. Whole portable audio systems are capable of reproducing high-quality sound and giving you the pleasure of listening to your favorite songs. If the cradle is just needed as a beautiful stand, suitable for the interior, and simultaneous charging, then the docking station for iPhone from Juice, Twelve South, Belkin, HengeDocks and the like will be quite high quality.

Apple branded cradles

For those who are very seriously passionate about the "apple" brand, there are also branded stands. Of course, in recent years, their variety has been reduced to almost zero due to low sales. But if you visit the manufacturer's website, you can see that a couple of models still lingered on the market. Of course, Apple's docking station will not feature cool functionality, but it will be able to guarantee full and smooth charging of the device. Currently, small cradles with an 8-pin connector are offered (the standard Lightning used since the iPhone 5). The color scheme is rather boring - the stations are offered in black and white.

But, besides this, Apple guarantees full compatibility and perfect performance of the aforementioned Belkin and Twelve South brands, as confirmed by their presence on the official website.

iHome iDL46gc Lightning Dock Station

It would be fair to describe the functionality of several cradles. The first device is a docking station with speakers, a built-in FM receiver, and an alarm clock and calendar. IHome iDL46gc is a great option not only for charging your favorite Apple gadget, but also for listening to music from it. In addition, the functionality of the station provides for 6 cells for storing FM frequencies, if suddenly in the morning you want to listen to the news or enjoy new songs on your favorite wave.

The cradle automatically syncs and charges any device with a Lightning connector. But this is not a simple docking station. Charging the second device becomes possible thanks to the presence of an additional USB connector, which will allow you to fill the batteries of devices with Type-C and others with the appropriate cable. Its relatively low cost (in the region of $ 100) makes this device an indispensable center for entertainment and time scheduling on the desktop.

OnBeat Mini

The compact device from the US manufacturer JBL cannot be ignored either. The cradle is equipped with a Lightning connector in conjunction with a 3.5 mm TRS stereo jack. Originally planned as a docking station for iPhone 5, 5C and 5S, OnBeat Mini pleasantly surprised owners of newer Apple models, because the latter also perfectly fit into the niche for the device.

Modern acoustic system, equipped with branded broadband speakers, produces a deep high quality sound... This can hardly be expected from such a "baby". In addition, JBL has equipped the docking station with a built-in rechargeable battery that will allow you to play audio offline for up to 8 hours. A nice addition is the presence of a power saving mode, which is activated after 10 minutes of inactivity. It should be noted and the on / off and volume buttons, which the docking station is equipped with. The price, by the way, is quite high for it - $ 150, which is logical, because you always have to pay for quality.

Fuz Designs EverDock

The developers from Fuz Designs did not bother with cool audio systems, alarms and other, in their opinion, unnecessary functions. All they have done is a very comfortable and functional cradle that allows you to place on itself almost any device, even if it is wearing a case. The construction of the stand is quite stable thanks to the material from which it is made - solid aluminum.

The device comes with special silicone pads, replacing which, you can fix cables with almost any connector - Micro USB, 30-pin, Lightning and others. The latter allows you to forget about changing the docking station for a long time, because when purchasing new devices, you can always use the functional EverDock. The extended version with Duo will also allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time without taking up a lot of desk space.

The docking station for iPhone is a rather convenient and useful accessory. Strong fixation in a conspicuous place is a guarantee of the integrity and safety of your smartphone or tablet. Well, if in addition to have a portable audio system, a pleasant pastime is guaranteed. And finally, a little advice: in order not to ditch the device's battery, you should beware of fakes and unknown manufacturers. You do not need to skimp when buying such an accessory - and then you can forget about unexpected breakdowns with peace of mind.

(in general, it is compatible with any iPhone equipped with a Lightning connector), which cost me $ 2.5, which at the current exchange rate is just over 150 rubles.

• Dimensions: 82 x 58 x 15 mm
• Support for iPhone 5 / 5c / 5s / SE / 6/6 Plus / 6s / 6s Plus / 7/7 Plus
• Made of plastic
• Lightning cable included

Appearance and delivery set

The shipping kit for the iPhone dock consisted of the iPhone dock itself, a Lightning cable, and a transparent plastic bag in which it was packed. The top of the docking station has been sealed with a protective film to prevent scratches during shipping.

The dock itself is made of glossy white plastic.

But its lower edge unpleasantly surprised.

There should be a non-slip soft-touch surface. In the photos on the website, it looks like an anti-slip soft-touch coating. In my amateur photographs, it also looks like a soft-touch coating.

In fact, this is ordinary plastic: hard and slippery. These cunning Chinese have managed to make it look as close as possible to a real soft-touch.

The included Chinese Lightning cable and the original Apple Lightning cable - try to guess which one.

Hint: Original on the left, Chinese copy on the right. Outwardly, they are practically indistinguishable. The real differences can be found only in the Lightning connector: in the Chinese cable, he made it more crude. In the photo, the original Lightning connector is on the top left, and on the right side are the Lightning connectors of the dock and the Chinese cable.

The complete Chinese cable does not have MFi certification. This means that it can be used to charge an iPhone, but cannot be used to sync it with a computer - iTunes simply will not see a smartphone connected via an uncertified cable.

IPhone dock at work

Docked iPhone 5s looks great with it.

The Home button is available for pressing, you can unlock the iPhone using Touch ID without removing it from the dock.

When you connect the original (not Chinese) Lightning cable to the dock, synchronization with the computer starts.

In this regard, I had the greatest concerns when buying: that the supplied cable would not work during synchronization, I had no doubts, at such a low price it would be foolish to expect otherwise. But with the dock itself, everything was not so simple.

Nevertheless, the fears were not confirmed: with the original cable, synchronization works without problems, it was checked on the latest version of iTunes.

But the lack of a soft-touch coating on the bottom causes a slight discomfort: the dock is very light and in order for it to slide on the table, you just need to slightly touch it with a wire from the keyboard. This problem is solved: all you need is an anti-slip rubber band and double-sided tape.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• Apple design
• Goes well with appearance from iPhone
• Supports PC sync (with MFi-certified cable)

Do you need something more from something as simple as a docking station?

As Steve Jobs said, “It just works”.

There is only one drawback:

• Slippery bottom edge coating

But this is fixable.

Differences from the original Apple docking station

The dock for the iPhone I am reviewing is certainly not a unique development of the Chinese. This is a successful copy of the original Apple dock, which is called the Apple iPhone 5s Dock (technical name: MF030ZM / A).

The original docking station for iPhone 5s costs more - from 1,300 to 2,300 rubles, depending on the greed of a particular seller. But the problem is not even that, but that as of the current moment it is very difficult to find it on sale. In the catalogs of the largest retailers (Ulmart, re: Store, DNS), it is listed as out of stock, and in the official Apple online store, it was completely removed from the catalog.

What do we lose by buying a Chinese dock for an iPhone instead of the original one? Almost nothing.

The only difference between them is that there is a Line Out connector on the back of the original dock, allowing you to connect external wired speakers or headphones.

Well, the width of the original dock is about a centimeter less - because it was created specifically for the dimensions of the iPhone 5 / 5s / SE, while the Chinese dock is universal and can be used with larger 6th and 7th generation iPhones.

Are these differences so significant? I think no. At least during the time that I have been using the Chinese docking station, I have never regretted the lack of an audio jack in it.

Conclusion

Am I happy with the purchase of this docking station? Not that word.

With its appearance, my iPhone has a permanent place where it now slumbers on recharging all the time that I am at home.

This docking station definitely costs its money, and the supplied cable is useful as a backup. Let it not work for synchronization, but it copes with charging. This means you can take it with you on the road, avoiding the unnecessary cushioning of Apple's original Lightning cables - fragile and expensive.