N52 Magnets Explained: Why Magnet Grade Actually Matters

Every MagSafe case has magnets. Not every MagSafe case holds your phone when it matters.

The difference comes down to two things: magnet grade and magnet placement.

Most case companies use N35 or N42 magnets and call it a day. We use N52—the strongest permanent magnets you can buy for consumer products.

Here's why that matters, and why grade alone isn't enough.

What the "N" Rating Actually Means

The "N" rating tells you the maximum energy product of the magnet—basically, how much magnetic force it can generate for its size. Think of it like horsepower for magnets.

• N35: Entry-level magnetic strength
• N42: Mid-range (what most "premium" cases use)
• N48: High-grade
• N52: Maximum strength for neodymium magnets at room temperature

The jump from N35 to N52 is significant: an N52 magnet is roughly 50% stronger than an N35 magnet of the same size. Why does that matter? Because stronger magnets mean you can use smaller magnets to achieve the same hold—or use the same size magnets for a much stronger grip.

Why Most Cases Cheap Out

N52 magnets cost more. A lot more. An N42 magnet might cost $0.05. An N52 magnet costs 3X+. When you're putting 16+ magnets in a case, that adds up fast.

Most case manufacturers figure consumers can't tell the difference, so they go with cheaper magnets and spend the savings on marketing. We disagree.

The MagBak Difference: Floating Magnet Design

Here's the thing people miss: magnet strength is only half the equation. Placement matters just as much. Apple's MagSafe spec defines where the magnets should be, but it doesn't specify how they're mounted. Most cases just embed magnets directly in the plastic.

MagBak uses a floating magnet design. Instead of embedding the magnets rigidly in the case, we mount them on a floating layer that allows micro-adjustments. When you place your phone on a wall, the magnets protrude or retract to the optimal position.

Real-World Hold Strength

We tested the MagBak Elite against five popular MagSafe cases using a standardized mount and measured the force required to slide the phone off.

Why Placement Matters as Much as Strength

Put an N52 magnet in the wrong spot and it's useless. Apple's MagSafe ring defines a specific pattern: a circular array of magnets in a precise layout. If your case magnets don't align with that pattern, you lose most of the benefit.

Heat and Longevity

Here's something most companies won't tell you: magnets weaken over time with heat. Neodymium magnets lose strength when exposed to high temperatures. Cheap magnets (N35) start degrading at 80°C (176°F). Your phone can hit 40-45°C during wireless charging. N52 magnets have a higher heat tolerance and degrade more slowly. Combined with our floating design, MagBak magnets maintain their strength longer.

Does It Actually Matter?

If you're just using your MagSafe charger on a desk, honestly? Probably not. But if you're using a car mount on bumpy roads, mounting your phone on gym equipment, or doing anything where your phone needs to stay put under movement—then yeah, it matters. N52 magnets are the difference between "usually stays" and "never falls."

The Bottom Line

Magnet grade isn't a spec you should ignore. N52 magnets + precision placement + floating design = a case that actually holds your phone when it matters. We could have saved money using N42 magnets. Most people wouldn't notice—until their phone fell off the mount on a sharp turn. We'd notice. That's why we don't cut corners.

Want to see the floating magnet design in action? We're planning a teardown video. Let us know in the comments if you'd watch it.

Thanks for reading!
MagBak Team