Wireless charging for smartphones: Fast, convenient... but is it perfect?

The modern version of wireless charging, which many users love for its convenience, was first integrated into smartphones in 2012. Since then, this technology has had enough time to perfect, but has everything really gone smoothly? Or are there still hidden corners that have not been revealed?

Wireless charging, also known as inductive charging, is actually not new. This idea has been around since the 1970s and was applied by the American technology company Palm in 2009 on the Pre smartphone with the Touchstone inductive charging dock.

However, it wasn't until 2012 that the Qi standard - the foundation of most wireless charging devices today - was officially launched, first applied on the Nokia Lumia 920 and Samsung Galaxy S3.

Wireless charging sounds great, just place your phone on the dock and it will automatically charge, no need for messy wires. But is the actual experience as "delicious" as advertised? Let's explore deeper to see if this technology is really worth your investment.

The advantagesWhat does wireless charging bring?

One of the most appealing aspects of wireless charging is the sheer convenience it offers. No need to fumble with cables or search for charging ports in the dark, just gently place your phone on the charging pad and... that's it.

For those who need to charge their batteries frequently during the day or have mobility issues, this is a true technological “lifesaver.” Just drop your phone and continue working, so simple that you forget you’re charging.

Not only does it provide a “touch and charge” experience, wireless charging also helps make your living and working space more tidy and sophisticated. No more tangled wires, no more tangled sockets taking up space on your desk or bedside table.

Some modern charging docks even support charging multiple devices at the same time, such as phones, watches, and headphones, all with just one device. This is not only convenient, but also significantly reduces the number of wires you need to manage every day.

In an era where everyone is moving towards a “wireless” lifestyle, wireless charging has naturally become an indispensable technology item and the market is exploding with all kinds of options.

And another often overlooked benefit is that wireless charging can extend the life of your device’s charging port. Constantly plugging and unplugging cables can loosen, break, or damage the port over time.

With wireless charging, you almost never have to touch a physical port, which means it's always ready to work when you really need it.

Despite its convenience, wireless charging is not a perfect solution.

One of the drawbacks that makes many people hesitate the most is the slower charging speed compared to traditional wired charging. Although this technology has made great strides, especially with the new Qi2 standard, the reality is that it still takes longer to fully charge the battery via a wireless pad.

A Reddit user tested charging the iPhone 13 Pro Max in various ways. Using a quality cable, the phone was fully charged within 2 hours.

However, when switching to Qi2 wireless charging, the time increases by 1 hour. And if using the old Qi1 charger, it takes nearly 4 hours to reach 100%. In times when you need to charge quickly to leave, a few dozen minutes of waiting can also become a big minus.

Another factor to consider is efficiency. Power transmission through the air is never as efficient as direct transmission through wires. Some energy is always lost, causing the device to run hotter and use more power. This is bad for the battery in the long run, and it’s not good for your electric bill either.

Additionally, the “convenience” of wireless charging is sometimes limited by its own characteristics. Unlike a charging cable, where you can easily charge and use your phone at the same time, wireless charging forces the device to stay on the pad. If you pick up the phone, the charging process will pause. Of course, solutions like MagSafe magnetic charging can help to overcome this, but only if your device supports it.

Not all devices are compatible with wireless charging. While many modern smartphones have it built in, older models or budget devices don’t. That means you’ll still need to keep traditional charging cables for some of the devices in your home.

And finally, the cost. Wireless charging doesn’t come “in the box” with the phone. You’ll need to buy a charging pad and sometimes a separate power adapter to get the best performance. This can make the total cost higher than you might initially imagine.

In short, wireless charging offers neatness, convenience, and better protection for the charging port. But it comes with trade-offs in speed, performance, and cost.

If you are a convenience lover, often charge your device overnight or are not in a hurry, then wireless charging is an option worth considering.

But if speed and flexibility are top priorities, a quality charging cable is still a reliable “savior”.