I tried Apple's new battery case for the iPhone 11 Pro, and I didn't have to charge my phone for 3 days

What makes Apple's newest battery case different from its predecessors is its dedicated camera button, which is located toward the bottom of the case on the right side.

You can tap this button to launch the camera, whether the phone is locked or unlocked, and then press it again to take a photo. Holding the button when the camera is launched will prompt your iPhone to capture a "Quick Take" video — Apple's lingo for a shortcut that switches the camera app from photo to video mode.

Truthfully, the camera button doesn't really make accessing the camera all that much faster than using the shortcut on the lock screen. But it does make snapping photos feel much more comfortable when your phone is in the case. That's because the button is situated right where your finger naturally falls when holding the phone, eliminating the need to reach up toward the volume buttons or stretch your thumb to the on-screen shutter button.

The Smart Battery Case, like most battery packs, will add some heft and thickness to your phone. And just like Apple's previous battery cases, the battery protrudes from the back of the phone just below where the camera is located, resembling a step.

It may feel a little bulky to use as an everyday case, but it's certainly worth that compromise if you're concerned about being away from an outlet for too long.

The Smart Battery Case has a silicone exterior, much like the standard cases Apple sells for the iPhone. It's soft to the touch, but this material does tend to gather dust and debris fairly easily, which means you may find yourself wiping it clean often.

If you're looking for a reliable case that will add a significant amount of battery life to your iPhone, the $129 Smart Battery Case won't disappoint. I went three days without having to charge my iPhone 11 Pro when using the case, and its camera button made taking photos feel much more convenient than reaching for the shutter button.

But, as is typically the case with Apple products, there are other choices available for much cheaper. Such options include the $34 Newdery iPhone 11 wireless charging case, the $40 Alphatronix iPhone 11 Pro battery case, and the $60 ZeroLemon Rugged Juicer for the iPhone 11 Pro. That latter option from ZeroLemon even claims to offer a significantly longer charge by adding 200% more battery life to the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

But some of these less expensive cases do come with drawbacks that should be considered. The Alphatronix case, for example, isn't compatible with EarPods or Lightning accessories, so you'll have to listen to music through AirPods or another pair of Bluetooth headphones while using it.

When placed on a wireless charger, the Newdery's accessory will charge your phone first and then the case, whereas Apple's battery case charges simultaneously with your iPhone. Plus, the way that Apple's battery case integrates with the iPhone's software is something you won't find from third party accessories.

At $129, the Smart Battery Case is certainly pricey. But it also offers conveniences you may not find elsewhere for those who are willing to pay a premium.