Once thought of to be a technology of the future, wireless charging is now available to us in the present. Wireless charging gives you the luxury of just putting your phone down and charging on its own, rendering wires and plugging in adapters obsolete. Today, it is widely used and recognized by most brands, especially now with Apple recently joining the wireless charging fad.
If your phone is equipped with wireless charging technology, you can join the party as well. However, it should be noted that wireless chargers are not universal. Some types and brands only cater to specific brands or certain models of smartphones. To properly assess which wireless charger best suits you, here are some wireless charger features that you should keep an eye out for.
Qi Charging Enabled
There are several methods of wireless charging available in the market today. Besides Qi (pronounced as “chee”), other wireless power transfer technologies include the AirFuel Resonant and the near-field magnetic coupling (NFMC). For these different methods, you would want to utilize one that is compatible with your device.
Potential buyers can look for a Qi wireless charger as it is arguably the most widely produced and used due to its compatibility with Apple, Google, and Samsung products as well as other notable players in electronics manufacturing. The latest phones from these brands already have Qi built in. Some of these devices include but are not limited to:
- The Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, S8, S8+, Note 8, S9, S9+, Note 9
- The Apple iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, XS, XS MAX
- The Google Nexus 4, 5, 6, 7 (2013) Pixel series
- LG G7 ThinQ, V30, G6 (for the US version only)
- Sony Xperia XZ2, XZ2 Premium, XZ3
- The Huawei Mate series
- Google Nexus: 4, 5, 6, 7 (2013) Pixel series
- Microsoft Lumia 920, 928, 929, 930, 1020, 1520
- Nokia 8 Sirocco
- Blackberry Priv
Buying a Qi-supported wireless charger caters to most smartphones, making them a great investment compared to brand-exclusive wireless chargers. This means that an Apple iPhone X can be charged using a Samsung wireless charger and vice versa.
Charging Speed
Wireless chargers have varying charging speeds. Your phone’s wattage limit is correlated with the power limit of your wireless charger. Smartphones can handle only so much power while charging and the same can be said about the wireless chargers. Therefore it is essential that you know how much power your phone needs.
For example, Samsung Galaxy Smartphones typically need 10 watts for fast charging while iPhones are only limited to 7.5 watts. A wireless charging system capable of charging up to 7.5 and 10 watts is preferred to support both iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices. Additionally, some of the latest Qi chargers provide up to 15 watts for charging.
Charger Brand
A wireless charger is a significant investment since you only want the best quality for your valued smartphone. Choosing carefully and investing in a good brand of wireless chargers is advisable to avoid frying your battery and losing all your relevant data in your $699 to $999 smartphone.
It is always best to choose and buy from reputable wireless charger companies. Anker, RavPower, Mophie, Belkin, Bezalel, and Samsung are some of the reliable brands to get a wireless charger from. In some cases, buying a charger from the same brand as your smartphone offers minor benefits and may prove to be a convincing selling point.
Future Proofing
Smartphones, including their accessories and chargers, are being developed at breakneck speeds. Phones are increasingly becoming more advanced, needing to consume more power and constant charging as a result. Make sure that your next wireless charger is future-proof and can be used for years to come.
Some phones such as the iPhone only require 7.5 watts for fast charging. While buying a wireless charger that has up to 7.5 watts of charging capacity is logical, it’s ideal to buy a charger that has more watt capacity to support future devices like the Samsung Note 8. This is preferred since you will still be able to charge your iPhone safely using a 10-watt wireless charger while also being capable of charge other devices that need more power.
Aesthetics
Wireless chargers can still be stylistic as they are useful. Your style preference and charging location are additional considerations in choosing a wireless charger for you. They typically come in two main types: charging pads that lay flat on tables and desks, and the other is a charging dock that holds your phone semi-upright, letting you see your screen without needing to hover your head over it. It is also important to note that the color you choose should fit in with where you will always put your wireless charger, making it more aesthetically pleasing.
