Key Points
- Wireless charging was first pioneered by Nikola Tesla in the 1900s.
- Wireless charging is slower than charging with a cable.
- Wireless charging consumes around 47% more power for a full charge compared to using a charging cable.
- Most wireless charging pads cannot penetrate phone cases.
- Wireless chargers are prone to unreliable connections.
With more and more devices supporting wireless charging, you may be considering buying a wireless charging pad. Most phones today support wireless charging, but not many people charge their phones with it.
Bear in mind, wireless charging is not inherently bad and it can be perfect for certain situations. For example, a Magsafe car charger can make it easier to navigate while also keeping your phone charged. It’s also convenient to have small docking stations with wireless chargers around your home.
However, for the average user, wireless charging pads are not worth the trouble. In this article, we will explore some reasons to avoid wireless charging pads. Let’s get into it.
What Is Wireless Charging?
Wireless charging was first pioneered by Nikola Tesla in the 1900s. The famous Tesla Tower was meant to broadcast wireless energy across the globe.
Wireless charging is a technology that uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power to a device. The transfer of power requires two coils: an induction and a receiver. The induction coils on a charging pad transfer energy to the receiver coils on your phone’s battery.
Today, there are many different types of wireless power transfer. The most common, which is found in smart devices, is called the Qi standard. The Qi technology was released in 2008, and since then, it has become the wireless charging standard for major phone manufacturers, such as Apple, Samsung, Google, and Huawei.
How to Check if Your Phone Supports Wireless Charging
Since wireless charging is no longer a ground-breaking feature, it’s usually not listed on a phone’s features, but most modern phones support it.
To check if your phone supports wireless charging, open settings and look for a feature to toggle wireless charging. Android phones may have an option for fast wireless charging in the battery settings. Not every Samsung phone supports wireless charging. It’s often missing on mid-range Samsung phones.
As for Apple users, the good news is almost every iPhone supports wireless charging. The first iPhone to introduce wireless charging was the iPhone 8, released in 2017. If you want to double-check wireless charging compatibility on your phone, look up the model online and examine the list of features.
Reasons to Avoid a New Wireless Charging Pad
Here are the seven best reasons to avoid a wireless charging pad. We’ll also explore a few alternatives to wireless charging pads below.
Wireless Charging Can Cause Your Phone to Overheat
When a phone is charging wirelessly, it tends to get a little hotter than usual. The amount of heat will vary depending on the wattage of the wireless charging pad. Phones that support fast wireless charging will get even hotter. Factors such as prolonged exposure to heat can reduce the battery life of phones.
Naturally, a slow wireless charger won’t generate much heat. Most modern phones have a rather broad safe temperature range. When a phone gets too hot, it will automatically shut down to prevent damage.
Wireless Charging Is Slower than Wired
Wireless charging is always slower than charging with a cable. Fast wireless charging improves the charge speed, but it’s still not nearly as fast as using a cable. If you need your phone to be charged at all times, it may be better to stick to your trusty wired charger. Wireless charging is simply not as efficient as charging with a wire.
Granted, some new wireless chargers can charge a phone almost as fast as with the cable, but they still fall short of wired chargers. Although the Honor Magic 4 Pro supports 100 Watt wireless charging, when tested, the Honor Magic 4 Pro’s wired option was still a few minutes faster than the wireless option. Plus, only certain phones are compatible with that type of fast wireless charger. Chances are, your phone will charge much slower with a wireless charger than with its cable charger.
Wireless Charging Is Less Energy Efficient
Wireless charging consumes more power while charging much slower. Granted, the amount of wasted power is not very significant. Overall it comes to a few watts. Nevertheless, it’s important to know that wireless charging is not very efficient. To give you an idea, wireless charging tends to consume around 47% more power for a full charge when compared to using a charging cable.
Wireless Charging Is Not Always Compatible with Phone Cases
To protect your phone, you likely want to buy a thick protective case. However, most wireless charging pads cannot penetrate phone cases. Most wireless charging pads can only charge within 3mm, which is thinner than most phone cases. Removing your phone’s case every time you want to use a wireless charger is a hassle.
Some cases are wireless charging compatible, but they may not be compatible with your specific charger. Spending money on a fancy case and wireless charger only to realize they do not work together would be disappointing.
©CLS Digital Arts/Shutterstock.com
Wireless Chargers Are Prone to Unreliable Connections
Wireless chargers work best when the receiver coils on the back of your phone perfectly align with the transmitter coils of the charging pad. However, the exact location of the receiver coils can vary depending on your model. It’s not always easy to tell precisely where to position your phone on the charging pad. If the phone is slightly offset, it might not receive a charge.
Besides the position of your phone on the charging pad, other factors can also affect the charge speed. For example, your phone may not be compatible with a specific charging pad or your case might be blocking the signals. To avoid those issues, it’s best to buy a wired charger.
You Can’t Use Your Phone While It’s Charging
While your phone won’t lock itself down when wireless charging, as soon as you remove it from the charging pad, it will stop charging. With a wired charger, you can use your phone while it charges, although it will charge a little slower.
Wireless Charging Pads Have Inconsistent Quality
There are many wireless charging pads on the market, but not all of them meet the same safety standards. Some wireless charging pads from third-party manufacturers can be harmful to you and your phone. It’s best to avoid no-name brands.
If you cannot avoid a wireless charger, buy a charger designed by the same manufacturer as your phone. If you have a Samsung phone, use a certified Samsung charging pad. For iPhones, consider using a Magsafe charger. Our recommended wireless chargers can be found here.
Alternatives to Wireless Charging Pads
Some alternatives to wireless charging pads include charging docks or stations. Below are some recommendations that you can conveniently place on your desk or couch.
1. CREATIVE DESIGN 6-Port Charging Station
- 3 Lightning cables, 2 Type-C cables, 1 Micro USB cable, and an Apple Watch charger holder
- Also features a Type-A to Type-C adapter converter
- Max output of 2.4A delivers up to 80% faster charging
- Compatible with Apple and Android devices
This docking station includes six USB ports and it’s capable of charging six devices at the same time. It includes 3 lightning cables, 2 USB-C cables, and 1 Micro USB Cable. If you need to charge multiple devices at the same time, this charging station is a good choice.
2. Fast Charger Dock for iPhones and Apple Watch
- Designed for charging your devices inside their cases
- Compatible with Apple Watch wireless charging and all iPhone series
- FCC certified 15W adapter and Type-C cable
- Fully charge your device in just 2-3 hours
This charging dock allows your phone to stay upright, making it easy to see incoming messages while you’re working at your desk. The dock includes a magnet to keep your phone secure. It charges your phone via the charging port and supports fast charging. There’s also a wireless charging section for your Apple Watch or AirPods.
3. Encased USB-C Wired Charging Stand
- Supports fast charging up to 45W
- Syncs data and media with your computer
- Apple and Android Type C Devices
- Design is case compatible
The Encased USB-C charging stand will keep your phone or tablet in an upright position while keeping it charged. It’s great for people who use their tablets as a second screen or for taking notes, and the charger supports fast charging up to 45 Watts.
Is Using Your Phone While It’s Charging Bad?
There is a common misconception that using a phone while it’s charging can be harmful to your phone. However, Samsung has made it clear that there is no danger in using a phone while charging. It also won’t reduce your phone’s battery life.
On the other hand, using your phone while it’s charging can make it hotter than usual and heat can degrade your phone over time. Nevertheless, the amount of degradation from using a phone when it’s charging once in a while is irrelevant. If your phone gets too hot, consider disabling fast charge.
The Bottom Line
To summarize, wireless chargers are convenient but there are some downsides. The main issue with wireless chargers is they make your phone much hotter than usual. Wireless charging pads also charge much slower than wired chargers. Overall, wireless charging pads are not bad for your phone, but conventional charging is still superior in many cases.
- CREATIVE DESIGN Charging Station for Multiple Devices
- 3 Lightning cables, 2 Type-C cables, 1 Micro USB cable, and an Apple Watch charger holder
- Also features a Type-A to Type-C adapter converter
- Max output of 2.4A delivers up to 80% faster charging
- Compatible with Apple and Android devices
- Charger Station for iPhone Multiple Devices - 3 in 1 Fast Wireless Charging Dock Stand for Apple Watch Series 7 6 SE 5 4 3 2 & Airpods iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro X Max XS XR 8 7 Plus 6s 6 with Adapter
- Designed for charging your devices inside their cases
- Compatible with Apple Watch wireless charging and all iPhone series
- FCC certified 15W adapter and Type-C cable
- Fully charge your device in just 2-3 hours
- Encased USB-C Dock - Wired Charging Stand, Charger Base for Type C Android and iPad Models - Supports Super Fast Charging and Data Sync (Case Compatible)
- Supports fast charging up to 45W
- Syncs data and media with your computer
- Apple and Android Type C Devices
- Design is case compatible
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Nor Gal/Shutterstock.com.
