Wireless charging has been around for a few years, but it’s only been quite recently that the major smartphone releases have started featuring it. And if you ask us, it’s about time. Technology that lets us power up our favourite devices without worrying about wires and searching for plug sockets? Yes please. Wireless charging is the future, and here’s everything you need to know about it…
How does wireless charging work?
Ready for some science? Good, because here it comes. Wireless charging – also known as inductive charging – uses magnetised coils to create an electromagnetic field. A moving magnet inside the coil generates electricity, which can be transferred to another coil nearby as a source of power.
So just imagine the other coil nearby is inside the battery of your smartphone. Your smartphone’s battery can absorb this power without having to be plugged into anything. No charging cables are needed. That’s wireless charging.
What do I need?
The first thing you need is a smartphone that supports wireless charging, like one of these perhaps?
- Apple iPhone Xs
- Apple iPhone Xs Max
- Apple iPhone XR
- Google Pixel 3
- Google Pixel 3 XL
- Huawei P20 Pro
- Huawei Mate 20 Pro
- LG G6
- LG V30
- Nokia 8 Sirocco
- Samsung Galaxy Note9
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S8+
- Samsung Galaxy S8
- Sony Xperia XZ3
- Sony Xperia XZ2
These are the most popular smartphones that support wireless charging but it isn’t a complete list, so it’s worth checking your handset’s instruction leaflet even if it’s not listed above. You might be pleasantly surprised.
The second thing you need is a wireless charger. They’re now widely available and usually look like small docks or mats that you place your phone on top of. Carphone Warehouse has a great range to choose from here.
What is Qi wireless charging?
You’ve probably noticed that many phones such as iPhone Xs and Google Pixel 3 support something called Qi (pronounced “Chee”) wireless charging. This is just a standard of inductive wireless charging that has been proven to be safe and reliable. Think of it as a mark of quality. It’s not the only standard available, but it’s one that has support from the major smartphone manufacturers.
Why don’t all phones use wireless charging?
Let’s not be too hasty. The technology is still relatively new, and only now is it fast and reliable enough to be used widely. But who knows what will happen in the future?
What does the future hold for wireless charging?
We predict that wireless charging will become the norm in the near future. It’s only a matter of time before we all have at least one wireless charger at home, or on our desk at work. More of them are appearing, and the technology is getting better all the time. They’re getting faster, cheaper and less bulky - which means they’re more likely to take up less space on your bedside table or desk.
At the moment, not all wireless chargers will charge your phone as fast as a wired connection, but that could change in the future too. For wireless chargers, this is only the beginning.
Have you got a question about wireless charging? Ask it below, and let the iD Community have a go at answering it!