Wireless Chargers 101: The Ultimate Guide To Smartphone Wireless Charging

Let’s untangle your life from the charging cables!

The wireless charging market, valued at $11 billion in 2019, is storming its way into the tech world of 2020. With a 14.5% growth in CAGR, there’s no doubt that it will pave the way for more portable electronics and Smart wearable devices in the next few years. No wonder this trend has caught the eyes of several industry biggies like Apple, Samsung, and One Plus, leading them to launch their flagship Smartphones with this facility! Be it iPhone 8, Google Pixel 3, iPhone X, or Samsung Galaxy Note 9, wireless charging is super on.

WHY SHOULDN’T IT BE?

After all, it rids our lives of the tangles of charging cables, leading to a clutter-free work desk and less fuss. All you need is a wireless charging mobile phone and an inexpensive charger. Even if you do not have an advanced Smartphone like the Apple or Samsung Galaxy Note 9, you can always buy a wireless charging case to make the most of this futuristic technology. You can get numerous products in the market for every Smartphone, e.g., android wireless charger, iPhone wireless charger, and the likes. Pick one according to your phone’s specifications, but before that, know everything about wireless charging to make the best choice.

HISTORY OF WIRELESS CHARGING

The history of wireless charging goes back over hundred years when Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction in 1831. Yes, it is this amazing inductive technology that is powering all wireless devices today. The concept of transferring current to an electric wire by another rotating wire, without touching the former, forms the basis of wireless charging today. Inductive charging was taken up by many scientists after Faraday to create widespread applications of the same. Some of them failed, like Nikola Tesla, who tried to transmit wireless power through a radio energy transmitting tower. However, some others managed to lay the foundation of modern-day wireless charging, like the MIT researchers in 2006.

Their breakthrough, also known as the resonant inductive coupling, consists of one primary drive coil and a secondary resonance circuit. As the resonant frequency of the secondary coil is driven into the primary one, the magnetic fields get synchronized, and a high voltage is generated. With the success of the experiment, companies jumped in to utilize it in wireless transmission of electricity for electronic gadgets and other equipment. As a result, the Qi standard was established in 2009 by the Wireless Power Consortium and the Power Matters Alliance by Powermat in 2012, clashing with each other in competition. While Powermat went on to become the charging partner for big names like General Motors and Starbucks, the Qi made its way into advanced electronics, ultimately winning over the market of Powermat. At present, all wireless charging devices and stations follow the Qi standard.

SO, WHAT IS THIS QI STANDARD?

It specifies the amount of energy that can flow from a charger to a device. ‘Low’ power stands for 5-15 watts, while ‘Medium’ power falls somewhere between 30-65 watts. Most Smartphones with wireless charging these days have glass backs, a trend started by Apple with its iPhone 5 in 2012. Although this has nothing to do with the Qi standard, the Smartphones with metal backs have reduced wireless charging efficiency than the ones with glass backs.

WIRELESS CHARGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR SMARTPHONES

All the wireless chargeable Smartphones, speakers, wearable and portable gadgets we use these days are equipped with the Qi standard of charging. More than 300 companies, including Apple, Nokia, LG, HTC, Sanyo, and others participate in the Wireless Power Consortium that developed this standard. However, despite the dominance of Qi charging in the market, not all wireless charging procedure is the same.

In the inductive method, the charger uses an inductive coil to set up an alternating electromagnetic field within a range of the charging station, and the mobile device transfers the energy from this electromagnetic field to electricity to power up its battery. Inductive charging uses the near-field technology to charge devices using a transmitter coil.

Another form of near-field charging takes place in the capacitive coupling, which uses an electric field instead of the magnetic one for low-power applications. The Japanese company Murata claims to use this system to charge Smartphones.

The Pi charging technology is used for resonant charging up to 1 foot, and the power diffuses as the distance increases. Any Pi-enabled device can be charged with this technology by aligning it with the magnetic field. The power efficiency of Pi charging can be compared to that of inductive charging, only if the distance is maintained. With its ability to charge multiple devices, this technology may be a big thing for resonant charging in the future.

SOME OF THE BEST SMARTPHONES WITH WIRELESS CHARGING FACILITIES

If you want to know about the leading Smartphones with wireless charging facilities, you have come to the right place. So far, Samsung, Apple, and Google Smartphones have exploited the technology in their flagship models, but many others are jumping on to the bandwagon lately. Let us shed some light on some of the best Smartphones that have won users’ hearts with their resonant charging technology.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S20

All the models in this series, namely S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra, have wireless charging facilities. A straightaway jump from the S10 Plus, the power capacity of the mobile phones this series is 45W. They use reverse wireless technology to power up other wireless accessories that you may have.

APPLE IPHONE 8, IPHONE X

All the iPhone models launched after 2017 have in-built wireless charging systems. All you have to do is place the phone on a wireless charging pad, connected to the power supply, and relax. Even some of the older models of Apple can be charged wirelessly using compatible charging cases available in the market. Look up iPhone wireless charger with the specific model name on Google, and you may get what you need.

ONE PLUS 8 PRO

It is one of the most popular wireless-charging Smartphones in the market and a user’s delight for its gorgeous camera. It supports up to 30 watts of wireless charging, but using third-party Qi chargers can reduce the power to 5-10 watts.

GOOGLE PIXEL 4 XL

The Pixel 4 is a delight for wireless charging enthusiasts, as it has taken care of the standard power limits of charging with third-party chargers, a problem faced by many users. It allows high-speed Qi charging up to 11W or sometimes more than that. However, the charger has to be EPP (Extended Power Profile) compliant to enable such efficiency.

WIRELESS CHARGING WITH SMARTPHONE CASES

By now, you may have gotten an idea about wireless charging Smartphones and the technologies they use. Now, let us shed some light on wireless charging cases and how they work to power up your device.

First things first: Metal cases are an absolute No-No for wireless charging.

It is the biggest reason why Apple dropped its shiny aluminum shell for a glass one. Even the android is planning to follow suit. So, if you are planning to buy an android wireless charger or a Samsung wireless charger, you should never go for metallic cases.

Wood is considered a cheaper and convenient option for wireless charging. They are not only practical but also eco-friendly, thus fit for environmentally-conscious users. They also look great on a work desk, matching the essence of a busy workday. Some of these charging blocks can also be customized according to your specific needs, thus blending aesthetics with practicality perfectly.

FAQ REGARDING WIRELESS CHARGING

IS WIRELESS CHARGING CONVENIENT?

Yes, it is! All you have to do is put the phone on the charging block, sit back, and sip coffee. Your phone will get charged without any hassle.

HOW SAFE IS WIRELESS CHARGING?

All precautions enable wireless charging safe and practical for day-to-day applications. The wireless charging products have to fulfill a series of regulations before being launched in the market.

IS IT SLOWER OR FASTER THAN CABLE CHARGING?

It depends on the power capacity of the device. In other words, the amount of power delivered to your mobile device from the charger determines the speed of charging. If your mobile phone has high power efficiency, it will charge at the same speed as cable charging.

DO ALL APPLE IPHONE DEVICES COME WITH WIRELESS CHARGING?

Not all, but many. The latest flagship models of Apple, like iPhone 11, iPhone X, iPhone Xs, iPhone 8, etc. flaunt the wireless charging technology. However, even if your device doesn’t have an in-built charging facility, you can always buy an iPhone wireless charger to get your phone up and running without a cable.

ARE WIRELESS CHARGERS TOO EXPENSIVE?

They were expensive when they first came to the market, but now, you can find a plethora of charging blocks without burning a hole in your pocket. Compare the prices of the chargers in different stores to find the best deal.

OTTOCASES AND ITS WOODEN WIRELESS CHARGERS

Ottocases’ wooden wireless chargers are made of pure and high-quality wood from Rosewood, cherry, walnut, and bamboo. They are available in different shades and styles to meet your specific needs and preferences. With their minimalist designs and the beautiful wood veins, these cases can take the appearance of your work station a notch up. They are compatible with any Qi-enabled smartphone, be it Apple, Android, or anything else. A brilliant add-on to your work desk, the charger can serve dual functions of a wireless charging station and a pen stand by holding your pen in the compartment at the back. Versatile as they are, you may keep the chargers in a vertical position, as well as horizontal, at your convenience.

Check out Ottocases’ gorgeous collection of wooden wireless chargers to make the best choice!