Wireless charging is simply a technology type that allows devices to be charged without the need for a USB, Type C or lightning cable.
All you have to do to charge your device is to place it down. This is one thing that wireless charging makes sure of.
How Does Wireless Charging Work?
Wireless charging is also called Qi charging and it works through electromagnetic induction, which is a process that involves the use of an electromagnetic field to transfer power from a charging pad or station to the device.
The entire wireless charging process starts with a charging pad or station, which is connected to an electric power source.
There is a coil of wire inside the charging pad that carries an alternating current to generate a condition in the space around the electric current in which there is a detectable magnetic force.
The device you want to charge—which can be a smartphone or a smart watch—also has a coil of wire usually located near its battery.
When you place the area that contains the coil in the device on the charging pad, the oscillating magnetic field from the pad’s coil produces an electric current in the coil of the device.
The electric current produced is then converted back to direct current by a circuit in the smartphone or smart watch and the device begins to charge.
It’s important to note that for wireless charging to work, the device to be charged must support the wireless charging standard and be properly aligned with the charging pad to ensure efficient power transfer.
To ensure safety to yourself and your device, ensure that the wireless charger you want to use is tested and has a Qi certification.
The technology for this is universal. This means that If you have a suitable smartphone, you can use any wireless charger for it.
It is important to know that each brand has their own fast charge technique. So, before you spend your money on a wireless charger, make sure you choose one with fast charging for your smartphone brand.
Advantages of Wireless Charging
1. Convenience
Wireless charging is more convenient to use compared to traditional wired charging. There is no need to deal with tangled cables or constantly plugging and unplugging devices. As matter of fact, all you need is just one cable to charge all your devices. This reduces wear and tear on your device charging ports, which, in turn, prolongs the lifespan of your device and saves you money on repairs.
Simply place your device face up on the charging pad or stand, and it starts charging automatically. As mentioned earlier, the Qi wireless charger is compatible with all devices and many of these wireless chargers can power up multiple devices at the same time making it easier to keep all your devices charged in one place.
It allows for a seamless charging experience and helps you to maintain a clutter-free workspace and home. You can also check notifications, answer calls, or watch videos without interrupting the charging process.
Some furniture companies are even building wireless charging into their furniture. This eliminates the need for a charging mat on your table or countertop.
Overall, the convenience of wireless charging makes it a user-friendly charging solution for many electronic devices and a gem for its users.
2. Portability
Wireless chargers are generally portable and convenient to use. Their lack of direct physical connection requirement makes it very easy for them to be moved around.
The only limitations to their portability can be size, weight, and power source. Some wireless chargers are compact, lightweight and easy to carry while others might be bulkier and inconvenient to travel with.
This is why it is essential to consider the specific model, features and how often you want to carry you wireless charger about before making your purchase.
Wireless charging also enables greater mobility and flexibility as you don’t have to decide which of your multiple charging cables to carry with you when leaving the house.
3. Enhanced durability
The durability of wireless chargers can vary depending on the build quality and materials used by different manufacturers. However, reputable brands and models tend to have better durability. The durability is influenced by several factors such as build quality, protection features, user handling, heat dissipation and Qi certifications as mentioned earlier.
The use of wireless charging eliminates wear and tear that arises from using physical connectors on the charging port. It’s important to note that these charging devices are still prone to experience wear and tear over time.
This is why you should regularly inspect your charger for any signs of damage and use it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This will help your charger to serve you better and for a longer period of time.
4. Safety
Wireless chargers, when manufactured by reputable brands, are generally safe to use.
This charging technology incorporates safety features like temperature control, overheating protection, short-circuit protection and foreign object detection reducing the risk of overheating and damage.
As an additional safety feature, once the device is fully-charged, the wireless charger shuts off automatically, saving energy and encouraging a safer charge.
Note that if you notice any unusual behaviour or issues with a wireless charger, it’s best to stop using it immediately and contact the manufacturer or retailer for assistance. Wireless chargers, when used responsibly, are very safe to charge compatible devices with.
5. Universal compatibility
Wireless chargers that have the Qi wireless charging standard are designed for universal compatibility. This means that they can be used with a wide range of devices such as smartphones, smart watches, earbuds and other devices that have built-in wireless charging capabilities.
Keep in mind that some high-powered devices, such as laptops or tablets, may not be compatible with wireless charging solutions.
The Qi certification is what ensures compatibility and support for your specific device model.
6. Aesthetics
Wireless chargers come in various functional aesthetic designs made with premium materials to suit different preferences and environments.
Their sleek and minimalist design blends seamlessly into various environments, offering a clutter-free and streamlined appearance.
Wireless chargers come in different colours, unique shapes and portable designs. They also have led indicators to show charging status or create a soft ambient glow.
They might either come in the form of charging stands or flat pads. Charging stands provide a better viewing angle for your device while pads offer a more streamlined look for your space.
Aesthetics are subjective, and we all have different preferences. Therefore, before choosing a wireless charger design, consider how it will fit into your lifestyle and the places you plan to use it.
No matter what design or preferences you have, what matters most is that the wireless charger functions reliably and safely to meet your charging needs.
7. Future-proofing
Future-proofing involves the ability of wireless chargers to work with upcoming technologies and standards.
To ensure that your wireless charger will be able to charge future devices, make sure it complies with Qi standards and posses smart charging features as well as power output flexibility
Technology will continue to evolve and this is why future-proofing is essential. It is also important to stay informed about the latest trends and technological developments in wireless charging to ensure you are making the best choices for future compatibility.
Investing in compatible accessories is also a good idea as future devices might not come with a charging port anymore. These amazing features and more are what makes wireless charging a rare gem.
Note that there are certain features that these wireless chargers pose that might seem to be a setback. For example, they are slower in charging, produce more heat and are more expensive than traditional wired cables.
These problems can however be adapted. For instance, although wireless chargers produce marginally more heat than wired ones, they are still not bad for your phone and do not pose any direct threat to your smartphone battery. You just need to ensure the heat is contained and doesn’t exceed safe limits.
Manufacturers are aware of all these issues and are working to create more solutions to combat these problems and perfect wireless charging.
Conclusion
Wireless chargers are made from high-quality materials and are built to withstand daily use while lasting for a long time.
The Qi certification is what ensures that these chargers meet industry standards for wireless charging and serve you efficiently.
Note that using wireless chargers does not stop the use of wired ones. You can still make use of cables to charge your phone when you need to. However, once you get used to the convenience that comes with using wireless chargers, you might not want to go back.
