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iPhone 16-17 users rejoice! There's now a 25W Qi2 Magsafe powerbank by UGREEN to fast charge your iPhone without using a wire. I've always liked UGREEN gadgets. Their wires, chargers and accessories are a grade above the usual, which is why I was pleased when I was sent the latest UGREEN MagFlow Qi2 25W magnetic powerbank (retailing at $61.92 SGD on Shopee) to try out. 




After 3 weeks of reviewing it when I came back from Greece, I have to say I am suitably impressed with the build quality and effectiveness in charging my devices (Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Buds3 Pro and Apple Airpods Pro 2). Not to mention the colour and sleek design!

Source: UGREEN


Even though I had a wireless pad for my earbuds (I strangely dislike plugging wires into them), the powerbank charges the earbuds without issue. You can see it in action here, hehe.


But of course, the main purpose is to charge the newer Apple/Android smartphones - be it the latest iPhone 17 or 16 as well as the Pixel 10 line. According to the press release, 
"It can charge the iPhone 16 Pro Max to approximately 50% in about 30 minutes. The product has a built-in USB-C cable that supports 30W two-way fast charging and can also be used as a portable lanyard. Coupled with UGREEN's SmartCharge intelligent charging technology, it can simultaneously power three devices. Additionally, the product offers a strong, stable magnetic attachment, real-time power display, and features 13 layers of safety protection, including temperature control."

 

Source: UGREEN

Actually for me, the most important factor in buying a power bank is SAFETY. Goodness knows how many power banks have gone up in flames that airlines are extra careful about them, even making sure they are within line of sight on flights. That's because unsafe power banks are like bombs. And since I charge my devices and power banks beside my bed (and head), that is one risk I am not willing to take for something cheaper. When I use the power bank, my device and the power bank get slightly warm but not overheated.



The power bank came with a bit of charge out of the box, but charges up quickly to 100% with my USB-C super fast charging 35W wall plug and wire. 

I like that the lanyard also doubles as a wire because sometimes it is more efficient to charge with built-in wire when i just leave it in the bag or on the table. Goodness knows how many wires I bought overseas because I have a powerbank but NO WIRE.

This UGREEN powerbank is not the slimmest I have seen, but I always have doubts about those tiny magnetic power banks that claim to be 10,000mAh. I verified this one against my Samsung's 4855mAh and it could charge my phone from empty to full at lease once. Not charge it twice over from zero to 100% though, because ICYMI and according to Google, "A 10,000mAh power bank has an actual usable capacity of approximately 6,000 to 7,000mAh, which is about 60-70% of its advertised rating. This is due to energy losses from voltage conversion and charging inefficiencies within the power bank and the device being charged."


Overall, I've been very satisfied with the UGREEN MagFlow Qi2 25W 10,000mAh magnetic power bank (buy on Shopee) And my recommendations when it comes to tech has to be something I use and like, so even though this was sent to me for review, I have given my honest thoughts.

Here's the TLDR - it's to me quite an obvious choice.

Pros 
High safety assurance from a trusted and established brand
Super fast wireless and wired charging for newer phones
Strong magnetic suction
No overheating
Built in USB-C cable and lanyard 
Sleek design and colour

Cons 
Thicker and heavier than normal wired 10,000mAh power banks
Slightly pricier than normal


Thanks to UGREEN for sending me the device for review!

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My close friend, who is a fan of Japanese curry like me, told me about this mysterious place called Curry Rice Stand 'SAGE' that serves up Japanese curry rice for lunch and turns into a one-man exquisite Japanese fine dining place, SAGE by Yasunori Doi, by night. Of course I was intrigued. I was undeterred by the fact that we might not get to eat it if we don't show up right before opening time at noon to grab seats, and back then was only open Tues to Thurs. I got there with said friend and another friend right after some hunting. Turns out, the place faces out to an open foyer of sorts at Orchard Plaza and is right opposite the famous Bistro Du Le Pin with a long queue for lunch as well. I almost thought that was the Curry Rice Stand queue. Whew! Once sat, I can see why we needed to be there early - and why dinner is by reservations only. There was only 8 counter seats and I think 2 more table seats!



In any case, reading their latest Instagram update, as of 21 June 2025 the curry rice stand is open from 12pm to 1.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays only and requires a reservation for their Lunch Short Course (S$60++). The other curry rice items should still be available for walk-in but there is only 10 portions daily. When we visited in May, there was also no Wagyu Steak Set (S$35) which is available now. We did try everything else though!


The Chef's Whimsical Special Curry and Rice (S$20) turned out to be a combination of beef and chicken, which worked out for my friend. She also added the marinated vegetable of the day (S$3) which is no longer available. I tried it and the curry was divine with the pearly Japanese short grain rice. The pieces of meat were tender. It is also impossible to eat less rice than the portioned amount (there's free top up of rice, though!). The curry was velvety smooth and infused deep with umami flavour. 5/5


My other friend got the Lobster Bisque Curry and Rice (S$20) which really was like having a super rich lobster bisque masquerading as curry. This is every seafood lover's dream. Of course for the price you cannot expect there to be lobster meat in the curry but the essence is every bit there. I think the chunks you see were beef. This was the heaviest curry of the lot - I think if you are new here, go for the other 3 types of curry. 5/5


I got the Red Wine Wagyu Curry & Rice (S$23), which I topped up $3 for grilled cheese. The torched mozzarella was a good touch to add a bit of creaminess to the heavy red wine curry sauce that is perfumed with chunks of melt-in-mouth wagyu. The combination of the slightly astringent red wine with the intense spices of the curry mixed with stretchy cheese and rice created a party in my mouth! 5/5


We also got a crab cream croquette (S$8, no long available on menu) to try and this was also executed perfectly to achieve that balance between the creamy potato and the crab. 5/5



Lastly, we also got a wagyu beef potato croquette (S$8) and again it was perfection in a patty. 5/5


Writing this is making me miss the curry rice! It is also very rare for me to give 5 out of 5 for EVERY. SINGLE. DISH. That's how mind-blowingly good it was for me. I highly recommend you to check this out if dinner at SAGE is a bit outside of your price range because lunch is a good deal for the quality. Props to Chef Yasunori as well for doing this and I hope to get to eat it again soon!

🙅 Thank you, next 

🤷 Try if you are in the area 

💁 Bookmark this ✔️


Curry Rice Stand 'SAGE'
#01-36 150 Orchard Rd, Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841
Saturdays and Sundays 12pm to 1.30pm (10 portions available per day)
Reserve in advance for the Lunch Set at this link


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