Does my phone support wireless charging?
Not all phones support wireless charging, but most brands have models that do, so look up your phone model first. You’ll usually see “Qi wireless charging” (the default standard), or just “wireless charging” if it does. Phones that support the latest Qi2 standard carry the Qi2 logo and have a ring of magnets for easy alignment (like Apple’s MagSafe). Qi2 is backwards compatible, so Qi phones can be charged with Qi2 chargers, though they may charge at a slower rate. Sadly, this doesn’t always apply the other way around, as we found with the HMD Skyline (the first Qi2 Android phone) which can’t be charged with most Qi chargers.
Do wireless chargers work if you have a phone case?
Yes, most wireless chargers can charge through cases, unless they are particularly thick cases. Check the product sheet – there is usually a case thickness limit in millimetres. Phones can get warm when charging wirelessly, so don’t worry if your phone is very hot when you pick it up. Most smartphones have limits to stop accepting a charge if they get too warm.
Yes, cables will charge your phone faster.
Some manufacturers, like Apple and OnePlus, make wireless chargers that recharge their respective phones faster than others, but if you’re looking for speed, you’re better off sticking with a wired charger. Wireless charging is best for desks or nightstands when you’re not using your phone or are in a hurry to recharge it.
What is fast wireless charging speed?
We said it at the beginning of our guide, but you will see that “Compatible with iPhone and Android phones” below each slide, and that means the charger has a standard charging speed of 7.5 watts for iPhone either 10 watts for android phones (including Samsung Galaxy phones). The latest MagSafe and Qi2 chargers can reach up to 15 watts, and there are a handful of proprietary wireless chargers for specific phone models that can charge even faster. It’s worth noting that even when phones support them, the maximum charging speeds are only sometimes reached (the charging speed is automatically adjusted to preserve battery health).
Is it safe to use wireless charging?
There’s no definitive evidence that it’s harmful. You might be concerned that your phone’s battery will degrade faster with wireless charging, but manufacturers set safe limits for phone batteries, stipulating how much a battery can be charged and how far it can be discharged. Regardless of the charging source you use, whether you plug it into a wall adapter or use a wireless charging pad, these limits can’t be overridden. There’s no risk of overcharging your phone if you leave it on a wireless charger overnight.
How do I keep my phone battery healthy?
Try to keep your battery between 50 and 80 percent for optimal health. Keeping your phone fully charged or completely draining it will degrade it a bit faster, and regularly oscillating between charged and discharged will shorten its lifespan. Battery technology has improved in recent years, and phone batteries are more reliable than ever. If you change phones every two or three years or don’t mind paying a modest fee for a battery replacement in that time frame, it’s not worth worrying too much about how often or when you charge your phone.
