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Wireless chargers have transformed the way we power up our devices. Whether at home or in a car, this technology allows us to charge a variety of gadgets without the need for a physical cable. If you’re considering using awireless charger for your iPhone, Android phone, or any other device, here’s everything you need to know.
How Does Wireless Charging Work?
Wireless charging has been around for decades, but it has only recently seen widespread adoption in consumer electronics, ranging from smartphones to watches. This technology allows you to charge compatible devices wirelessly by simply placing them on a charging stand or pad.
The core of this technology involves copper coils. The charging stand or pad contains a transmitting coil, while the compatible device has a receiving coil. When the charging pad or stand is connected to a power source, an electromagnetic field is created through the transmitting field. This electromagnetic field generates electric current within the coil inside your device, which helps charge the built-in battery.
While the positioning of the charging coil can vary slightly by device, it’s generally located in the center back of most smartphones. In the case of watches, the charging coil is usually located behind the watch face, while earbuds have them in the bottom or back of the case.
Inductive vs. Resonant Charging: How Do They Differ?
There are two types of wireless charging technology: inductive and resonant. Inductive charging requires physical contact between the charger and the device that is being charged. The majority of wireless chargers use this technology, which is why you physically place your smartphone on a charging stand or pad for it to charge.
Resonant charging is another type of wireless charging technology that requires the charger and the compatible device to be within some proximity of each other, but no direct physical contact is needed for power transfer to take place. Though, for clarity, it’s still within centimeters; your smartphone won’t magically charge from across the room.
Wireless Charging Standards
A number of devices you currently use, from your earbuds to your smartphone, may support wireless charging. However, different devices use varied wireless charging standards. These differences usually come down to the type and brand of device that needs charging. Here’s a look at some of the most common wireless charging standards:
1. Qi Wireless Charging
Qi (pronounced “chee”) wireless charging was created by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and is one of the most popular wireless charging standards today, given that it is used to charge most modern devices and accessories and is supported by a number of brands, including Belkin, Apple, and Samsung, to name a few.
A new generation of wireless charging, called Qi2, was launched in early 2023. It ensures better alignment and efficiency, thanks to the integration of magnets within the charging system. Qi and Qi2 technology use inductive charging, i.e., the device needs to be in contact with a charging pad or a mat.
Introduction
Developed By
Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)
Technology
Inductive Charging
Inductive Charging with Magnetic Alignment
Max Power Output
Up to 15W (typical consumer devices)
Up to 15W (with potential for higher)
Compatibility
Widely compatible with many devices
Backward compatible with Qi, but optimized for newer devices
Certification
Qi Certified products ensure safety and interoperability
Qi2 Certified products undergo rigorous testing for enhanced safety and performance
These chargers support different wattages, starting from 5W and going up to 15W in most consumer devices. That said, the more advanced chargers today can support up to 30W or even 66W in certain devices (such as the Honor Magic 6 Pro); even higher power profiles are being developed to support the need for improved charging speeds.
Apple has introduced an enhanced version of Qi charging called MagSafe, which works similarly to Qi2 technology. This was first introduced for MacBook laptops but has since been used for iPhones as well, starting with the iPhone 12. MagSafe includes magnets around the copper charging coil, which allow for better alignment when you place your iPhone on a charger pad or stand. This helps ensure the charging coil in your device is perfectly aligned with the coil in the charging pad, which, in turn, enhances speed as well as efficiency.
2. PMA (Powermat) Wireless Charging
This is another wireless charging standard that was created by the Power Matters Alliance (PMA). It’s similar to the Qi standard in that both use inductive charging technology; however, the communication protocols vary. Given this, devices that support Qi charging are often incompatible with Powermat.
That said, this wireless charging standard has been widely adopted by businesses like Starbucks and McDonald’s and is used in public charging stations as well.
3. AirFuel Wireless Charging
In 2015, PMA merged with the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) to form the AirFuel Alliance, which created a new wireless standard that combined two charging technologies: radio frequency and electromagnetic resonant charging. This new charging technology gives users the option to be mobile while still allowing for efficient wireless charging.
Pros and Cons of Wireless Charging Technology
Although wireless charging has been around for years, thetechnology has its limitations. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of wireless chargers:
Convenience
With wireless chargers, you don’t have to worry about keeping your cables handy or dealing with tangled wires. Placing the device on the charging pad will get it charged immediately. What’s more, you even get wireless charging stands that are capable of charging multiple devices, like your smartphone, smartwatch, and earbuds, simultaneously. Given this, it’s easy to see how investing in a single wireless charger can help you save space and keep your charging station organized.
Durability
Given that you don’t have to constantly plug and unplug the charging cable when you use a wireless charger, you’re extending the life of both the cable and your device’s charging port. This way, you can still use the charging cable when you need to, but you won’t have to worry about replacing it often.
Slower Charging Speeds
Although wireless charging is undoubtedly convenient, it takes a long time to charge a device wirelessly. Keep in mind that the larger the coils in your device and the charging pad and the better the alignment between the device and the charger, the quicker the charging process will be. However, even in the most ideal conditions, the speed of wireless charging cannot often match that of wired chargers.
Many modern devices support wireless charging, but not all are equipped to be compatible with this technology. For instance, lower-end or older gadgets might still require traditional chargers. If you have a number of devices, it’s likely that you’ll have to rely on both wired and wireless chargers. This might create some clutter and require you to have multiple charging setups.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Wireless Charger
If you’re considering purchasing a wireless charger, here are afew factors to take into account:
As we continue to adopt more devices that can be wirelessly charged, we can expect more advances in this technology. From quicker charging speeds to the ability to charge devices from a distance, the future of wireless charging holds nothing but potential.
