Most wireless smartphone chargers come in minimalist designs: circles, flat stands or discreet docks. You may already have had the chance to try these devices. While they are appealing thanks to their ease of use, it is important to look at the possible downsides.
Technological progress has pushed manufacturers to get rid of cables on many devices. Brands are constantly looking for more inventive power solutions. Wireless mice, for example, can now charge continuously on dedicated gaming mats.
This innovation has even inspired the world of laptops, with Lenovo unveiling last year its first wireless power adapter for PCs.
How wireless charging works
How is electricity transferred without a physical cable?
The wireless charger acts as a transmitter, sending power from the mains to your phone, which acts as a receiver. This transfer of energy is made possible by electromagnetic induction, which is governed by Faraday’s law, a fundamental principle of physics.
Several wireless charging protocols exist, but the Qi standard is the most widely used. Other standards mainly differ in how fast they can transmit power.
The benefits of going wireless
What makes this charging method attractive?
No cable hassle
The main advantage is getting rid of the cable: it no longer gets tangled, it does not get in the way, it is no longer subject to premature wear from bending, and there is no more worry about a loose connection at the plug.
The less appealing aspects to keep in mind
What drawbacks should you consider?
Longer charging time
The main downside is that charging by induction is generally slower. The maximum power that wireless chargers can deliver is around 15 W, which is far lower than the 55 W and above achieved by fast wired chargers.
This power limit is down to the materials used in the smartphone: higher power levels would cause overheating of metal components, which could damage the device.
Heat generation
A slight rise in your phone’s temperature is normal with a standard charger, and more noticeable with fast-charging options.
Induction charging also causes heating. As long as the charger is specifically designed for your model, there is no reason to worry about damage.
How can you be sure it is suitable? For example, if your smartphone (like the latest Samsung models) supports 25 W charging, using a 5 W wireless charger (often the cheapest option) will work, but over time it could reduce your battery’s efficiency and lifespan.
So it is essential to find out what induction charging capabilities your smartphone offers. Using a charger with appropriate power ensures you do not compromise battery life with a device that is underpowered or too powerful.
You still need to buy it separately
Under pressure from European regulators, manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung have decided to remove the mains adapter from the box contents of some products. The aim is to encourage people to reuse existing chargers and thereby help reduce electronic waste.
Users therefore have to choose between keeping their old wired charger or investing in a wireless charger. The first step, of course, is to check that the phone supports induction charging.
The future of wireless charging: can we expect more power?
Power is currently limited because the phone’s metal parts would overheat excessively at higher levels. Some chargers are designed with safety features that cut the power if metal objects are placed on the surface, acting as protection against excessive heat.
Two main options are being explored to overcome this barrier: developing a new wireless charging standard or making fundamental changes to the materials used in smartphones.
The future direction is still unclear, but if wireless charging continues to gain ground, the market will undoubtedly find ways to improve it, because that is how innovation moves forward.
