The competition in the world of new technologies is a long and endless race: to have the most powerful smartphone, the fastest, the one with the largest screen, to present it first, to put it on sale earlier and a penny cheaper than that of the competition ... and so on ad infinitum. Evidently wireless terminal recharging is a career in itself, in which establishment of a standard charging system It is one of the most popular competitions. In this sense, Samsung has moved tab And he has made it big, investing four million dollars.
For a company like the South Korean company, allocating four million dollars – just under 3.000.000 euros – to a project is probably not an excessively large outlay. Still, it is It could be a significant move to resolve the existing confusion between the three rival groups. who are vying to establish the benchmark system for wireless charging for mobile devices.
The tough fight for the standard of wireless charging
Through its global investment arm, the Samsung Ventures Investment Corporation - SVIC –, the Seoul-based firm has invested its four million dollars in Powerby Proxi (sometimes mistakenly referred to as PowerbyProxy), a company dedicated to developing wireless charging technology. Thus, Michael Pachos of SVIC, becomes part of the board of directors of Powerby Proxi.
It is also a complex movement, although not without meaning and intention. As we have already mentioned, there are currently three rival groups who are trying to create and implement the definitive standard system for wireless charging of mobile devices. In this sense, Samsung and Qualcomm belong to two of them – which are also incompatible with each other –.
On the other hand, PowerbyProxi is part of the Wireless Power Consortium and the Qi standard, and it so happens that one of the company's vice presidents, Tony Francesca, has recently been appointed president of one of the working groups of the WPC which is driving developments within specification Qi. Therefore and through your investment, Samsung is gaining weight within the WPC and reserving the possibility of buying a stake in the next extensions of your standard. As you can see, South Koreans do not stitch without thread.
At the moment, everything seems to indicate that Samsung and Qualcomm have started to sideline A4WP Despite the American's claim that she intends to work from within both groups to which she belongs, bring WPC and A4WP specifications closer together – even if they are not compatible –.
While some and others are taking positions and adding quotas of power, the reality is that The only wireless charging technology widely present in smartphones is the Qi standard of the WPC, which we can already see in some models of Google, Nokia o LG.
What are Qi, Qi2, and Qi2.1, and why do they make a difference?
Qi is the reference standard of Wireless Power Consortium, and its evolution Qi2 was born from the collaboration with Apple, incorporating the idea of magnetic alignment popularized by MagSafe. With Qi2 and iteration Qi2.1, is obtained higher energy efficiency, what translates into faster loads and with less losses and heating. In addition, the concept “Qi2 Ready” allows manufacturers to offer the magnetic experience without integrating magnets into the phone itself, maintaining compatibility with certified accessories.
For the user, this means perfect connection between phone and charger, optimized energy transfer and reduced thermal stress on the battery. It also opens the door to a accessory ecosystem more robust – stands, external batteries or portable chargers – that are fixed precisely.
Samsung's approach: magnets in cases and accessory ecosystem
A strategic decision by Samsung has been outsource the magnets necessary for the arrival of Qi2 at protective cases. The company collaborates with accessory manufacturers and, predictably, markets its own covers with magnets to provide a MagSafe-like experience.
This bet has clear advantages: the telephone maintains a thinner and lighter design and the user decides whether he wants the magnetic charge. If you prefer to use your phone without a case or do not need magnets, continue with the traditional Qi chargingWith this, Samsung positions itself as pioneer in the adoption of Qi2/2.1 without sacrificing aesthetics or ergonomics.
Market status: power, brands and compatibility
The adoption of wireless charging has spread throughout the high-end from almost all manufacturersApple has integrated Qi into iPhones for several generations; Google offers it in its pixel most recent; Huawei reserves it for the P and Mate series highest range; OnePlus popularized it from the 8 Pro and has risen to powers of 50 W; OPPO includes it in the line Find X with solutions such as AirVOOC up to 50W; Motorola adds wireless charging to models Edge; Nothing bets on 15 W on your phone; Xiaomi integrated it into resistant teams such as the XR20; Sony picked it up again in Xperia 1 y Xperia 5 recent ones; TCL and Xiaomi reserve it mainly for their top of the range.
Of the 5–10W initial stages have moved on to scenarios in which some quick bases they reach 50–80W (in many cases using proprietary technologies). In parallel, it is now common to find reverse wireless charging to feed headphones, watches or mobile phones compatible.
How to Get the Most Out of Wireless Charging on Galaxy: Key Tips
- connect the charging base to the power supply using its adapter and USB cable. Some bases show an indicator LED when they are energized.
- Place the compatible device centered on the base, with the back part in contact. In folding cars, keep them closed for larger loading surface.
- If the case is very thick or contains metal, take it back to improve efficiency. The precise alignment reduces losses and heat.
- Activate the reverse wireless charging (PowerShare) from Quick Settings when you want to share battery: tap the switch, rest the accessory or phone on its back and wait for charging to begin. The feature usually turn off automatically when detecting that there is no device and requires at least 30% battery in the Galaxy. It is also possible to use through load while the mobile phone is connected to its charger.
- To improve accuracy, assess covers with magnetic guide o adhesive rings Qi2/standard compatible, useful when sharing power between phones.
Useful accessories: Samsung wireless charging power bank
Among the accessories that fit with this strategy is the Samsung Wireless Charger Portable Battery, an external battery of 10.000 mAh that allows you to charge devices by induction or via cable through USB Type A and USB Type C. In wireless it reaches 5 W, while cable offers 15 W🇧🇷 Integra status LEDs and a metal body available in plata y pink gold, ideal for mobile phones and accessories such as Galaxy Buds. A complement that adds to the reverse charge present in numerous Galaxy.
After all the above, we would like to throw you the hot potato so that you can give us your opinion on it. Do youDo you think that the development of a global standard for wireless charging of devices is being harmed by the interests of certain companies and competition between some alliances and others?
Samsung's commitment to boost Qi from within the WPC, the jump to Qi2/2.1 with magnetic alignment and flexible focusing of magnets in covers define a strategy aimed at improving efficiency, compatibility, and user experience without penalizing design. With more brands joining, increasing power, and features like Powershare, the user benefits from a more mature and practical ecosystem for everyday use.
Source: PowerbyProxy Vía: Android Authority.
