Consumer Electronics, Gadgets & Accessories

Wireless charger Guide: what you should look out for

In an increasingly wireless world, wireless chargers are becoming more and more important. These practical devices offer a convenient way to charge smartphones, headphones and other compatible devices. The convenience is mainly due to the fact that you only have to place the electronic devices on the wireless charger. The battery is then charged wirelessly. But even if this sounds great at first glance, you shouldn’t buy blindly. In our guide to wireless chargers, we explain what to look out for when buying.

Wireless charger guide: What is a wireless charger?

A wireless charger enables devices to be charged without the need for physical contact via cables. Instead, these chargers use electromagnetic induction to transfer energy from the charging station to the device. This means that the smartphone can simply be placed on the charging mat to start the charging process. This technology is not only extremely convenient, but also attractive.

Wireless charger guide

Fans of well-structured cable management in particular will enjoy the charging gadgets, as tangled cables are a thing of the past. Unfortunately, the whole thing doesn’t work completely without cables. After all, the induction surface also needs to be supplied with power. For this purpose, it is supplied with the energy required for wireless charging either via USB, mains cable or an integrated rechargeable battery.

Wireless charger guide: How it works

Most wireless chargers use Qi technology, which has been standardized by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). In this process, a coil in the charger is activated, which generates an electromagnetic field. A second coil in the device converts the electromagnetic field back into electrical energy, which then charges the device’s battery. To make optimum use of this technology, both the charger and the device to be charged must be Qi-compatible.

Wireless charger guide: the different types

Charging pads

Charging mats or pads are the most commonly used wireless chargers. They provide a flat surface on which the device is simply placed. This type of charger is ideal for home or office use as it has several advantages. For example, there are models that are extremely small and can therefore be easily carried in a backpack or even a laptop bag. There are also models with a large charging surface.

wireless charger guide

These can be used to charge several devices at the same time. When buying, you should pay attention to the surface of the charging gadget. Some manufacturers use a practical non-slip coating. This has the great advantage that gadgets lying on it cannot slip off. This means that the charging process is not unintentionally interrupted.

the best wireless chargers
Magsafe charger in use. (Image: Apple)

With the introduction of the MagSafe standard, Apple has created a real game changer in the field of charging pads. The tech company placed magnets in its iPhones and at the same time launched a charging pad (€ 36.49 *) on the market that sticks to these magnets. Once connected, the smartphone can no longer detach itself from the charging pad. Incidentally, Android devices can also benefit from the magnetic holder with the help of a suitable case.

Charging trays and stands

Charging trays are another popular option and offer an upright position for the device. This type of wireless charger is particularly useful if the device is still to be used while charging, for example for video calls or when watching videos.

the best wireless chargers
UGREEN MagFlow Qi2 (€ 35.99, Image: UGREEN)

Charging trays are often ergonomically designed to allow a better view of the screen while the device is charging. Accordingly, charging trays are usually used on desks or bedside tables.

Car chargers

For those who travel a lot, there are special wireless chargers for the car. These devices are plugged into the car’s cigarette lighter or USB port and offer a wireless charging option while driving. In addition to sufficient charging power, another point also plays an important role here – how firmly does the smartphone mount hold the device?

Wireless charger guide

As things can get a bit wobbly in the car on bumpy roads, if the holder is too loose, the smartphone can easily fall out of the holder. Anyone who uses their smartphone as a sat nav while driving will certainly not find this amusing. Either the smartphone should be properly clamped from the left and right, or the holder should at best use the MagSafe standard again. This is another area where the tech company’s magnetic holder can really come into its own. A suitable model is available from UGREEN, for example (€ 12.99).

Powerbanks with wireless charging

If you want to use true wireless charging, you should buy a power bank with this function. This will give you a mobile power supply that skillfully extends the battery life of your smartphone. The portable chargers not only score points with the ability to charge smartphones and other devices wirelessly on the go. What’s more, their compact design makes them particularly useful for traveling or outdoor activities where no power sockets are available.

Anker 633 MagSafe Powerbank with 10,000 mAh
Anker 633 (€ 59.99, Image: Anker)

When buying, pay attention to three parameters – capacity, size and weight of the power bank. Of course, a thick battery is an advantage, as the power bank will last much longer. However, a large battery is unfortunately often associated with a high weight. You should clarify in advance what is more important to you. If you can’t decide, choose a middle ground. A common battery size in this range is 10,000 mAh. Common smartphones can easily be charged two to three times with this.

Wireless charger guide: The advantages

Wireless chargers offer several advantages that make them attractive to users:

  1. Convenience: simply placing the device on the charging pad or in the charging cradle makes charging much easier. No need to constantly search for cables.
  2. Reduced wear and tear: Wireless charging minimizes wear and tear on charging ports as they do not need to be constantly plugged in and unplugged. This can extend the life of the device.
  3. Multifunctionality: Many wireless chargers support multiple devices simultaneously, making them an ideal solution for households with multiple Qi-enabled devices.
  4. Design: Wireless chargers are often available in attractive designs that blend in well with the interior. They also score points for their tidy appearance, as no cable is visible at first glance.

Disadvantages and considerations

Despite their advantages, wireless chargers also have some disadvantages that should be taken into account when making a decision:

  • Charging speed: Wireless charging can be slower than wired charging. If you are in a hurry and the battery is empty, a wired charger might be the better choice.
  • Positioning: Correct positioning of the device on the charging mat is crucial. If the device is not positioned correctly, the charging process may be interrupted or not start. A magnetic fixation such as the MagSafe has a clear advantage here, as the device automatically assumes the correct position.
  • Heat generation: Wireless chargers can generate heat during the charging process, which can have a negative impact on battery life. However, high-quality models have integrated cooling mechanisms to minimize this.

Tips for buying a wireless charger

The following points should be considered when buying a wireless charger:

  1. Compatibility: Make sure that the charger is compatible with your device. The best way to do this is to take another look at the specifications of your electronic device.
  2. Charging speed: Pay attention to the wattage of the charger. Higher wattages usually offer faster charging times. However, high performance is only achieved if the device is compatible with the charging standard of the charger. Pay attention to the crucial difference between first and second generation Qi.
  3. Additional functions: Some wireless chargers offer additional features such as integrated fans for cooling, LED indicators or the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously. So ask yourself what is important to you and how many devices you want to use the charger for.
  4. Design and size: Decide on a design that suits your style. Size is also important. After all, wireless chargers for multiple devices can be quite large. If you have little space, you will usually be happy with a charging pad.
  5. Safety features: Make sure that the charger has safety features such as overheating protection or overcharging protection.

Conclusion

Wireless chargers are a convenient and practical solution for anyone who wants to charge their devices without having to deal with cables. With different types and technologies available on the market, it’s important to consider individual needs and preferences. Whether it’s a charging pad for the office, a charging cradle for the home or a portable charger for on the go, there is a solution for every need.

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