You might be wondering at this point – ‘what exactly can I expect from a wireless charger upon purchase?’. Well, depending on the manufacturer, you are likely to receive:
- The actual charger and its accessories
- A USB-A to USB-C cable or several depending on the manufacturer
- An adapter for added versatility
- A small booklet or guide on how to install/operate the charger
- A collection of additional screws or implements that you might require during the installation process
While this isn’t an industry standard by any means, it is definitely something to expect from reputable and established manufacturers. The more you think about it, you might actually need a few additional accessories depending on the size of the charger and the particularities of your furniture.
In this regard,a quick gaze at what the market has to offer at this point in time tells us that wireless chargers aren’t just popular but that their popularity increases tenfold on a monthly basis. This happens in part due to the novelty of these relatively new devices, but also on account of how insanely versatile some of them can be.
To put it bluntly, your average wireless charger has a much wider compatibility range nowadays than first-generation chargers had back in the day. This is owed to the fact that Qi-enabled devices can all be charged via the same general principle, thus explaining the versatility that many wireless chargers enjoy.
Form is next on the list for obvious reasons. You see, many are those who would wantto invest in a compact wireless charger for all their charging needs, if only they were certain it could accommodate every Qi-ready device they own. In that regard, range and versatility are paramount, more so than actual charging speed.
Wireless chargers are constantly shrinking
Compared to the first wireless chargers to be released more than a decade ago, newer models seem to be shrinking with every new iteration. Believe it or not but some of these chargers can be smaller than the palm of your hand. Goes to show that miniaturization is a key element of every emerging technology regardless of scope or spectrum.
Speaking of spectrum, know that a decent wireless charger can deliver up to 20 Wh for almost any device that can handle it. This is a whole lot faster than first-generation wireless chargers that could barely reach a 5-6 Wh standard on a good day.
It could also be that some manufacturers have yet to grasp the full extent of Qi charging and that their respective smartphones and tablets are insufficiently engineered to handle strong charges.
We should also point out that the size and casing of the device also affect its charging speed. Evenif you get a compact wireless charger for your Qi-ready smartphone and set it up nice and tightly, you can still experience charge loss or disconnects for no apparent reason. Like we said, this is rarely a problem on the charger side because the delivery mechanism is pretty basic and straightforward.
Furthermore, both the shape of the device and its casing can severely affect charging speeds, both short-term and with repeated use. For instance, a metal casing can not only decrease charging speed considerably, but In some cases, it can stifle it altogether. This is also true for devices with very thick protective features.
A brief installation process
One thing you will undoubtedly notice about wireless chargers is how easy they are to install. Although you can set these chargers up by simply placing the charging pad on a flat surface of your choosing, most people choose to install them into tabletops or underneath them depending on the charging pad’s strength.
A decent charger should at the very least penetrate a standard wooden surface regardless of its size. If you’re going for a smaller model, you have to ensure thatthe compact wireless charger of your choosing can deliver its charge through a standard tabletop and/or desk. You find out the exact range by checking with the charger’s technical information provided by the manufacturer.
You will also notice that most wireless chargers can be installed without employing any additional tools. This is something earlier models used to suffer from, yet a problem that manufacturers seem to have solved with new iterations. Mind you, you might still have to use the occasional screwdriver depending on the charger’s specifics.
A versatile solution
Despite the fact that some wireless chargers are designed with a specific device in mind, the overwhelming majority can accommodate a variety of devices. From big to small, high-end wireless chargers can charge up virtually any Qi-ready device regardless of its build, design, size, or brand.
If anything, you should stay away from any charger that isn’t compatible with iPhones 12+ and Galaxy S21+, because that is pretty much the industry standard. Bear in mind, however, that the charging speed can differ ever so slightly for each of these devices depending on specific technical parameters.
We should also point out that brand-specific chargers exist and that they usually accompany newly released smart devices that incorporate Qi-charging capabilities. For any other device, you are forced to rely on third-party wireless chargers that come in all shapes and sizes.
In this respect, it’s not that manufacturers refuse to develop their own proprietary chargers but that they have no reason to do so given the saturation of chargers by small and independent manufacturers.
Full package
Compact wireless charger may require the use of additional tools for a proper installation, especially if you’re planning on setting it up underneath a standard office desk.
It is also likely for the package to incorporate a Qc 2.0/3.0 adapter or any other adapter for that matter. As we said, this isn’t a general rule for wireless chargers but it’s definitely something that high-end chargers are equipped with. Then again, you should probably do your research before committing on a purchase.
Last but not least, know that although the technology has made great strides in recent years, it is still a long way from what it could be. So practice caution and educate yourself about the design, size, specs, and technical capabilities of a charger before getting one for yourself.
