4 battery cases to help your iPhone 6S last longer

This article was written by Trevor Tan, and first appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 3, 2016.

Some people don't like power banks because they don't want to carry another device with them. In this case, a battery case is the best alternative as it's both a battery pack and protective case that goes onto the phone.

Here are four battery cases you can consider if you're using an iPhone 6 or 6S.

1.) Boostcase by Carte Blanche - Stylish and easy to use

Used by celebrities like Selena Gomez and Kristen Stewart, the Boostcase by Carte Blanche seems to be the default battery case for the fashion-conscious.

Consisting of a snap case and modular battery sleeve, it is available here in black, gold, clear, clear black, clear pink, and clear blue.

The snap case has several holes at the back. The design allows the case to be securely attached to the four small circular bumps on the battery sleeve. At the base of the sleeve is a micro-USB port for charging, a power switch and a touch-activated LED strip battery indicator.

It is easy to snap the case on and remove the battery sleeve.

When slotted into Boostcase, the iPhone 6 Plus cannot be synced with a computer via the micro-USB connection. It is probably easier to remove the snap case from the sleeve to do so. The Boostcase was able to charge an iPhone 6S from 50% to full power in 1hr 17min, while draining only half of its power bank.

Recommendation: This is for those who need both form and functionality.

Tech Specs: Price S$129 | Battery Capacity: 2,700mAh | Weight: 117g

2.) Mophie juice pack H2Pro - A juice pack that can take the punches

The Mophie juice pack H2Pro is a battery case that not only charges your iPhone, it also protects your iPhone 6 or 6S from drops, dust, dirt and water down to a depth of 1.2m for 30 minutes.

The H2Pro consists of a front and a back frame. The back frame contains the battery.

The front frame covers the power, volume buttons and mute switch. Its built-in screen protector has a Home Button cover that allows the Touch ID to work.

Installation is easy. Slot your iPhone into the Lightning connector at the inner base of the back frame and place the front frame over it. Make sure both frames snap into place.

Thankfully, the H2Pro case allows the iPhone 6 to charge and sync via its micro-USB connection.

The battery case charged my iPhone 6 from 50% to full power in 1hr 19min.

I tested its claims of ruggedness by dropping it with the phone installed from a height of 1m. I also submerged it in my kitchen sink filled with water for 15min. The iPhone survived in both cases.

Recommendation: The Mophie juice pack H2Pro is perfect for those who drop their phones often.

Tech Specs: Price S$189 | Battery Capacity: 2,750mAh | Weight: 113g

3.) Apple Smart Battery Case - A case of weak battery performance

It is the first battery case launched by Apple. Designed specifically for iPhone 6 and 6S, the Apple Smart Battery Case comes in white or charcoal grey (version tested).

At first glance, it looks like Apple's Silicone Case. But look closer and you will notice the much-maligned hump on the rear that houses the battery.

Inside the case and at the bottom is a Lightning connector that charges the iPhone. On the outside bottom is a Lightning port and headphone jack access.

The Smart Battery Case comes in one piece, unlike other battery cases that require you to fix two or three pieces together. Just fold the top of the case backwards and slowly push your iPhone down into place. Once inserted, the case will start to charge the phone. There is no button to start or stop the charging process.

You can see the battery status, in percentage terms, on the iPhone Lock screen and in the Notification Center. With other battery cases, you cannot see see the exact percentage of charge left.

The microfiber lining on the inside helps prevent scratches, while its rubber exterior prevents slippage. The rear hump might look weird, but it allows for a really good grip of the case. My only gripe is that the rubber exterior picks up lint easily.

The Smart Battery Case took 1hr 59min to charge an iPhone 6 from 50% to 95%.. But in doing so, the case totally expended its charge.

This was done with several apps and games running in the background, the display on at full brightness all the time and both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi switched on. I also repeated the same process to test the other battery cases in this roundup.

I am disappointed at the performance, as other battery cases still have at least 50 per cent juice left after charging the iPhone to 100%.

And despite its price, Apple did not include any accessories - not even a Lightning cable for you to charge the case.

Recommendation: The rear hump of Apple's Smart Battery Case is not its Achilles heel; its weak battery is.

Tech Specs: Price S$148 | Battery Capacity: 1,877mAh | Weight: 101g

4.) Laut N.Duro - Value-for-money choice

The Laut N.Duro is made up of two parts - a battery case and a clear plastic bumper that protects the sides of the iPhone. It is available in black and white (version tested).

The package includes an additional bumper (grey), two screen protectors, a micro-USB charging cable and an audio jack adapter.

Fitting the iPhone 6 or 6S into this battery case is easy. Simply slide the phone onto the case, then secure it with the plastic bumper. The bumper is both easy to install and remove.

At the rear of the case is a power button and four LED power indicators. There is a micro-USB port and a headphone jack opening at the base. The headphone jack opening accepts any straight headphone jack. You do not even need the adapter.

The N.Duro is the lightest battery case in this round-up and its exterior feels smooth and nice to hold.

You can sync the iPhone with a computer via the case's micro-USB connection. To charge the iPhone, press and hold the power button for 1sec. The N.Duro was able to charge my iPhone 6 from 50% to full power in 1hr 25min with 50% of its power still available.

The only downer is that, at press time, you can only order it online, with its distributor still doing the paperwork to bring it in here.

Recommendation: The Laut N.Duro is the obvious value-for-money choice for practical users, when it becomes available here.

Tech Specs: Price US$79.99 (S$115), available on www.itslaut.com | Battery Capacity: 3,100mAh | Weight: 99g

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