Clutch V3 iPhone Review

The updated Clutch V3 weighs a mere 2.6 ounces and provides a capacity of 3300 mAh. It's equipped with a single integrated output cable, with your choice of a lightning or USB-C cable, and recharges through a micro USB port.

Performance Analysis

Charging Efficiency

The updated Clutch V3 boasts a capacity of 3000 mAh, marking it as one of the smallest capacity models in our selection. It's not designed to charge multiple devices over several days, but instead, it's an optimal emergency solution when you require a bit more juice to reach an outlet for a full recharge. It has only one power outlet via its compact integrated cable — you can choose between a lightning cable or a USB-C cable. The Clutch is so slim that it doesn't feature an extra USB-A output port to incorporate a separate cable.

We evaluated the functional capacity of each charger in our lineup in various ways — draining the battery using a multimeter and using the battery to power a dead iPhone 13. When using the multimeter, the Clutch V3 delivered an average efficiency of approximately 85%. When charging the iPhone 13, we managed to power the iPhone to 75%, which is not bad for such a small-capacity battery.

Added Convenience

Compared to the numerous models we tested that possess many versatile features, the updated Clutch V3 initially seems significantly less convenient. And if you're seeking a portable charger to power various devices, that's true. This slim battery has only one cable for charging one device at a time. It doesn't support tablet charging, multi-device power, or swift charging for any particular gadget. It lacks an inbuilt flashlight or integrated wall charger.

It does, however, include a micro USB cord to charge the Clutch V3. And although this tiny battery only has a single cable, by aligning it with your phone's input, you'll never have to remember to carry a cable when you need to recharge your phone. It features four small white LED lights that remain on while charging, allowing you to monitor the remaining power easily. Once you've connected your phone, there's no additional button to press; it initiates charging immediately. And the additional convenience of being able to slip the Clutch into your slim wallet or small handbag always to have it handy cannot be overstated.

Portability

It would be a challenge to envision a more transportable charger than the Clutch V3. It stands as the thinnest, smallest, and lightest model we examined.

At a length of just 3.63 inches and a width of 2.5 inches, it's barely bigger than a standard credit card measuring 3.65 inches in length and 2.5 inches in width. With a thickness of 0.23 inches, it equates to about five or six credit cards stacked together. It tips the scales at a trifling 2.6 ounces, making it a true featherweight.

While most portable chargers would create a noticeably bulky package in your back pocket when placed atop your phone, the Updated Clutch V3 is a different story. It's our preferred choice for carrying in this manner. If you fancy charging your phone inside your purse or backpack, the Clutch seems to occupy even less space, and its notably short cord prevents it from tangling with other items it might be adjacent to. Even when you need to continue using your phone while it charges, simply stacking the Clutch behind it adds such minimal additional bulk and weight that it's virtually unnoticeable.

Recharge Time

Where all other shortcomings of using and owning the Clutch V3 are compensated for in other ways, this is not the case with its recharge time. Despite having a capacity that's less than a third of most other chargers we tested, it still took considerably more than the average amount of time to recharge.

The manufacturer states the Clutch V3 can be fully charged in 3.5 hours, but we never achieved full capacity in less than 4.75 hours despite numerous cycles of draining and recharging. That's quite a long time for such a small-capacity device. When you do find yourself using your Clutch to keep you powered up while you're out, you'll need to allow a generous amount of time to recharge it before heading out again.

Should You Purchase the Clutch V3?

If you generally manage to keep your phone charged but occasionally find yourself low on battery after a lengthy day, having the Clutch V3 handy is a superb security blanket for peace of mind. However, suppose you're after a robust battery that you can use to charge your phone overnight instead of plugging it into an outlet. In that case, the minimal capacity of the Clutch makes it an unsuitable candidate for this type of usage.

What Other Portable Chargers Should You Consider?

The Clutch V3 is an excellent emergency option to always have with you in case your phone starts to die before you can access an outlet. However, its minimal capacity can't fully recharge a dead phone. If you're drawn to a compact, portable unit but desire more power and versatility, consider the Miisso 6000mAh Ultra Slim. It offers double the capacity, both lightning and USB-C cables, a USB-A port, and a faster recharge time without a significant increase in size and weight. For the ultimate integrated charging cable and port experience, the TG90° 10000mAh with AC Wall Plug provides even more power and all three primary integrated output types (lightning, USB-C, and micro USB) plus a USB-A output. But for a minuscule device you can toss in your purse or wallet and forget about until it rescues your dying phone, giving you just enough juice to get home, the Clutch V3 has got you covered.