You may be one of the lucky owners of a smartphone that can be charged wirelessly. In the early days, the number of smartphones that could be charged this way was very low, and therefore, existing chargers were scarce and expensive. What charger can you buy today if you have one of these smartphones? Which one is best for you? In addition to analyzing specific models, we explain in detail how to choose the right one, what power you need, what Qi2 offers, and what precautions you should take.
Qi wireless technology
First of all, it should be mentioned that the following chargers use Qi wireless technology. Actually, Qi is nothing more than an established standard for what is called inductive charging. This technology allows a battery to be charged even when the smartphone is separated from the charging base, with a maximum distance of approximately four centimetersSome smartphones may not be compatible with the following chargers because they use a different technology or do not comply with the standard. Therefore, It is best to check the compatibility indicated by the manufacturer before purchasing one of the chargers.
Today, virtually all manufacturers adopt Qi and its evolution. Qi2. The latter adds magnetic alignment To position the phone in the optimal position, it improves efficiency and can increase the available power on compatible models. You will find profiles on the market 5, 7,5, 10 and 15 W as usual; with Qi2 and magnetic ecosystems, some devices reach higher powers according to their certification. To achieve these figures, use a suitable power adapter (USB‑PD or QC 3.0, minimum 18–20 W).
Remember that wireless charging It is not 100% “wireless”: The base requires its own cable and adapter. The practical advantage is clear: you avoid connecting and disconnecting your phone with each use, reducing wear on the port and gaining comfort on your bedside table or desk. The downside is that, in general, It is slower than wired charging (especially when dealing with high-power wired loads).
Nexus 4 Orbs
Oddly enough, the Nexus 4 Orbs It is one of the highest quality wireless chargers ever released. This charger had some special features that set it apart from other chargers. One of those features was that the smartphone was inclined, so we could see the screen while we worked. So to speak, it wasn't just a charger, it was a complete charging baseIts compatibility is also high, as it works with the Nexus 4, the Nexus 5, the new Nexus 7, and a large number of smartphones with batteries that can be charged via electrical induction.
The biggest problem with this charger is that It's already difficult to buy it. And it looks like it's going to be replaced by a much simpler version that's no longer spherical, but rectangular, and is just a sheet that sits on a table. If you have one, it's still useful as a desktop charging stand; for better stability, avoid very slippery covers and align the coil well.
Wireless Nexus Charger
A charger that, conceived as official next-generation Google charger At the time, it was supposed to improve Google's previous wireless charger. The problem we may encounter, however, is that the Mountain View company is now trying to minimize manufacturing costs of the same and both the design and quality of the same is worse. In any case, his proposal pointed to a format flatter and more discreet, ideal for minimalist bedside tables.
EnergizerPad
When the charger is launched by one of the most famous companies in the world in terms of batteries and chargers If you're referring to it, since it's Energizer, then it's obvious that this is a high-quality charger. However, the angle at which it's mounted makes it may not be especially good for the Nexus 4, as it slides, something that does not happen with the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7. In any case, there are other Energizer options that even allow charge multiple smartphones or tablets at the same time and differentiated power profiles per device.
Panasonic QE-TM101
Panasonic has also opted to manufacture an induction charger for new smartphones and tablets compatible with this charging system. The best thing about this charger is that the induction coil moves automatically searching for the location of your smartphone so that it charges the battery in the best possible way. The biggest drawback is that, as it has mobile elements, may result noisy in the process of moving, something to keep in mind if you use it on the bedside table at night.
Nokia DT-900
And of course, we can't forget about those products that will be useful for smartphones of various brands. Nokia DT-900 It was the Finnish company's charger for its Lumia phones. However, the truth is that it can also be used with phones from other brands. It doesn't seem to charge the Nexus 4's battery very well, but it's not as difficult to charge the Nexus 5's battery. Sometimes, we might already have this charger, or even buy a secondhand one. Please note that chargers from other brands are also compatible. I could make it an option for us in case there was an interesting offer.
What you should consider when purchasing a wireless charger
Before choosing a charger based on its design or price, evaluate these key points to get it right the first time:
- Actual power: Check the 5/7,5/10/15W profiles and whether the phone supports fast wireless charging. On Qi2, the magnetic alignment helps maintain stable speeds.
- Adapter included: many models does not include source. Look for compatibility with USB‑PD or QC 3.0 (minimum 18–20 W) so as not to limit the power.
- Designer: flat pad for the bedside table, vertical support to read or watch videos, or 2/3 in 1 station if you plan to charge your phone, watch and headphones.
- Security: foreign object detection (FOD), thermal protection, against overcurrent and quality non-slip materials.
Brand compatibility and case use
As a general rule, iPhones from iPhone 8 and most of Samsung Galaxy S Qi wireless charging has been supported since previous generations. Many modern Android devices (Google Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Huawei, and others) have widespread compatibility; however, always check the technical sheet of your model.
- iPhone: Qi and MagSafe; with Qi2, magnetic alignment is native. Typical power levels: 7,5–15W according to base and certification.
- Samsung: Fast Wireless Charging in profiles 9–15W and Duo/Trio stations for multiple devices.
- Android with Qi/Qi2: wide compatibility; the magnetic sleeve proper alignment improvement in Qi2.
Do you need to remove the case? The Qi standard works at a certain distance, but rigid or metal cases can hinder loading. Most bases allow sleeves up to 3–5 mmIf you notice any heating or sluggishness, try without a cover.
Use and care tips
- Remove metal objects (coins, keys, cards) from the base: the FOD can cut off the load for safety.
- Clean the surface periodically with a microfiber cloth to improve grip and heat dissipation.
- Place the mobile in the center of the coil; in Qi2, let the magnets do their work.
- Avoid environments with moisture elevated; do not place the base in the bathroom.
- Consult your doctor if you use pacemaker or other medical devices susceptible to electromagnetic fields.
Other current recommended options
If you're looking for ideas beyond the classic models above, several highly valued families stand out today: universal vertical supports with 10–15 W (ideal for Samsung and Android), magnetic bases compatible with MagSafe/Qi2 for iPhone, and 2/3 in 1 stations for mobile phones, headphones, and watches. Brands like Belkin, Anker, Ugreen, Yootech, and INIU offer good alternatives; at stations, there are options. foldable or compact for travel, and others with active ventilation to maintain sustained power.
In cars, the automatic clamping supports and Qi pad of 15 W They are very practical; make sure they have good cooling and use a PD/QC car charger capable of supplying sufficient power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does wireless charging harm the battery? Modern chargers manage temperature and current To protect the battery, heat is the biggest enemy: choose bases with good thermal management, and if you notice overheating, remove the case or use a lower power level overnight.
Is it slower than wired charging? Generally yes. With Qi/Qi2 and a good foundation you can get 7,5–15 W stable, enough for everyday use. For express charges, the high-power cable will still be faster.
Can I use my phone while it's charging? Yes. With a support vertically you can reply to messages or view content. On magnetic bases, the alignment helps prevent it from moving.
Do I need a special adapter? Yes: use USB‑PD or QC 3.0 with enough power compared to the wireless output (e.g. 20–30 W) to avoid bottlenecks.
With all the above, choosing a wireless charger is simple: prioritize Qi/Qi2 compatibility, real power accompanied by a good adapter, design according to your use (stand, pad or 3 in 1) and certifications of security,Historical models like the Nexus 4 Orb, Energizer, Panasonic, and Nokia DT‑900 remain benchmarks in design and innovation for their time, and coexist with current offerings that are faster and more efficient thanks to Qi2 and magnetic alignment.
