This ‘phone toaster’ that went viral at CES can fully charge your phone in less than 5 seconds — sort of

Let’s face it: In this always-connected age, we are always using our phones to check messages, emails, social networks, etc. Therefore, we also have a constant need to use accessories. The device is designed to solve the frequent problem of not having enough electricity. CES 2025 There is a fix.

Also: CES 2025: 25 ZDNET products that impressed us the most

Swippitt, launched at CESlike a toaster box, except that when you insert your phone into the opening, it comes out two seconds later with a new battery. Sound like a CES gimmick? The product was on full display at CES and we can confirm: It did the trick. Here’s how it works.

To use the device, users need a Hub as well as a carrying case that Swippit calls a Link. On the back of the case is a battery that — when inserted into the Hub — is replaced by another fully charged 3,500 mAh battery, ready to give you the power you need during the day. Meanwhile, the exhausted battery begins to charge.

The battery swap takes about two seconds, and the process is so seamless that when ZDNET’s Kerry Wan tried it, he said it happened so quickly that he was initially confused.

The Hub is compatible with any phone, as long as it has a Swippitt case. Both the Hub and Link come in beautiful colors, ensuring you don’t sacrifice aesthetics for performance. Of course, the battery pack on the back of the case makes the case a little bulkier than a standard case, but overall the case is quite compact.

There are a total of five batteries inside the device, ensuring all family members can quickly replace them with new ones, taking about four seconds between uses. The battery is used to recharge your phone when needed, so if you just want a full charge, unused power is reserved for when you need it.

The device also works with a free app that allows you to check battery percentage, control the percentage you want to charge, and even reserve a specific battery type from the hub to prevent other family members from charging. use up the battery when you Actually need one.

Also: The best CES 2025 products you can buy right now

This seamless charging experience comes at a huge cost, the Hub retails for $450 and each case costs $120. you can pre-order The device is available now on the Swippit website and comes with a 30% discount on all products, plus an additional CES promotion that takes $100 off the price of the Hub. That still leaves you paying over $350 for a Hub and a case.

This is a great solution. But you’re better off buying five mobile charger instead of? Innovation always comes at a price, including today’s phone cases that are much harder to remove than they were a decade ago. Considering the nature of today’s smartphone form factors, it’s commendable that Swippitt has found a way to bring back the era of replaceable batteries.