Charging your smartphone wirelessly with a Qi charger

The smartphone battery is almost empty - but where is the charging cable or the nearest power outlet again? With a wireless charging station, you no longer have to worry about that. Simply place your smartphone on a Qi charging station / Qi charger and the charging process begins.

How does wireless charging work?

The technology of wireless charging is already used in many households by electric toothbrushes or inductive hobs, because the basis of wireless charging of smartphones is the principle of induction.

Both the charging station (transmitter) and the cell phone (receiver) contain a coil through which current flows. If the transmitter and receiver are close to each other or have contact and are compatible, the charging process is started via induction (so-called wireless charging).

Wireless charging according to the Qi standard

Qi has prevailed as a standard against Rezence and Powermat and belongs to the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). Various providers are behind the transmission principle, including Apple, Samsung, Sony or Nokia, for example. Thus, Qi, the Chinese word for life energy, is the most widespread standard for wireless energy transmission.

Which smartphones have the Qi standard?

In newer smartphones, especially from Apple, Samsung and Nokia, the Qi standard is often already permanently installed in a faster "Fast Wireless Charging" version. Older cell phone models can be quickly and easily retrofitted and thus made Qi-capable. So-called Qi charging pads, covers, stickers or Qi cases are available on the market. These are attached to the back of the smartphone and connected to the battery. Some manufacturers offer the option to replace the back cover and thus make the phone Qi-enabled. Depending on the variant, a retrofit solution is available for just a few Euros.

Advantages and disadvantages of wireless power transmission

Advantages:

• No searching for the charging cable & a power outlet
• Easy to use - just put it on
• No wear on the plug contact of cable or cell phone
• Same standard for different manufacturers = one charging station for several smartphones
• Integration of charging stations in furniture (tables, sideboards), cars
• Lifestyle, no cable tangle

Disadvantages:

• Cell phone must be Qi-enabled (may require retrofitting).
• Restricted use of smartphone during charging process, as direct contact from phone to charging station is necessary
• Partially longer charging times than with cable
• Lower efficiency

 

What is important for Qi charging stations?

• Power and charging time: The standard power for wireless charging is 5 watts and is thus suitable for all Qi-enabled cell phone models (including older smartphones). Beyond that, 7.5 watts exist (predominantly for newer Apple iPhones) and up to 10 watts for newer Samsung models. Some wireless chargers also offer a fast charging mode with up to 15 watts of power (Fast Charging).
• Support surface: Rubber rings or rubber surfaces on the Qi charger are suitable so that the charging station and the phone do not slip. Thus, the smartphone has a secure hold and the charging process is not interrupted by a small touch.
• Charging coils: Ideally, the charger has multiple charging coils so that the coils from the transmitter and receiver can find each other quickly.
• Display of the charging status: Many Qi charging stations have LEDs that display the current charging status. The charging status is thus quickly detected.
• Automatic shutdown: Some charging stations detect whether a smartphone is on the charging station and whether it needs power. When the battery is charged, the automatic shutdown takes place. Electromagnetic radiation is thus reduced to a minimum.

What kind of Qi chargers are there?

The range of chargers is large and colorful. There are different sizes, shapes and materials (plastic, aluminum, wood) on the market.

For example, the Qi charging stations can be placed in or on the furniture (sideboard, nightstand, bedside cabinet, table). Charging pads can already be found in the tables of some fast-food restaurants, as well as in airports, train stations, doctors' offices, hotel lobbies, conference rooms and offices. Furthermore, Qi lights with an inductive charging station in the stand are available on the market.

The smartphone is increasingly serving as a navigation system in the car. Qi chargers can already be booked with many car manufacturers as equipment for the vehicle. The charging station can be subsequently attached in the car's ventilation (car mount).

Is the radiation from inductive charging harmful/dangerous?

Experts' opinions differ on whether the radiation from inductive charging is harmful. Some say that the low electromagnetic radiation of wireless charging is harmless, whereas others think that even the smallest amounts are harmful to humans.

The fact is that the electromagnetic radiation only occurs in the close vicinity of the inductive Qi charging station and only when a device is on the station. The very short range of the devices already limits the radiation accordingly. However, those who are very sensitive to electromagnetic radiation should not place the charging station next to the bed, for example.

Popular Qi charging stations for smartphones

Charging smartphones wirelessly is convenient and the necessary Qi charging stations are not expensive. There are many offers on the market.

Service & Support / Buy Qi charger in online store

In our online store you can get a variety of wireless Qi chargers as well as products to upgrade your smartphone to make it Qi enabled. All Qi chargers have performed excellently in tests. Only the best Qi charging stations are available for cheap purchase from us, including the test winners of course! We carry high-quality chargers for installation, as a stand / stand / holder, integrated into lights or for the car from renowned manufacturers such as miniBatt or TecLines. Do you have questions about the Qi standard, do not know how and whether you can retrofit your phone or are looking for a special Qi charging station? Feel free to call us or write an email! We will advise you without obligation and across manufacturers.

Which cell phones are Qi capable?

The Qi standard is now permanently installed in many new smartphones, some even with Fast Wireless Charging. You can find Qi-enabled models in the following list. However, some of the smartphones have to be retrofitted.

Apple smartphones

• Apple iPhone 13
• Apple iPhone 13 Pro
• Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
• Apple iPhone 13 mini
• Apple iPhone 12
• Apple iPhone 12 Pro
• Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
• Apple iPhone 12 mini
• Apple iPhone 11
• Apple iPhone 11 Pro
• Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
• Apple iPhone XS
• Apple iPhone XS Max
• Apple iPhone XR
• Apple iPhone Xs/ iPhone Xs Max/ iPhone XR
• Apple iPhone 8/ 8 Plus/ iPhone X
• Apple iPhone 7/ 7 Plus
• Apple iPhone SE
• Apple iPhone 6s/ 6s Plus
• Apple iPhone 6/ 6 Plus
• Apple iPhone 5/ 5s/ 5c
• Apple iPhone 4/ 4s

Google Smartphones

• Google Pixel 6
• Google Pixel 6 Pro
• Google Pixel 5
• Google Pixel 5 XL
• Google Pixel 4
• Google Pixel 4 XL
• Google Pixel 3/ Pixel 3 XL
• Qi tablet: Google Nexus 7 (2013)
• Google Nexus 6
• Google Nexus 5
• Google Nexus 4

Huawei Qi Handys

• Huawei P50
• Huawei P40 Pro
• Huawei P40 Pro+
• Huawei P30 Pro
• Huawei P30 New Edition
• Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
• Huawei Mate 40
• Huawei Mate 40 Pro 4G
• Huawei Mate 40E 4G
• Huawei Mate 40E
• Huawei Mate 40 RS
• Huawei Mate 40 Pro+
• Huawei Mate 40 Pro
• Huawei Mate 30
• Huawei Porsche Design Mate 30 RS
• Huawei Mate 30E Pro 5G
• Huawei Mate 30 Pro (5G)
• Huawei Mate 30 Pro
• Huawei Mate 20 Porsche RS
• Huawei Mate 20 Pro
• Huawei Mate RS

LG Smartphones

• LG G8 ThinQ
• LG G8X ThinQ
• LG G8S ThinQ
• LG G7 ThinQ
• LG V30
• LG V10
• LG G4 Pro
• LG G4
• LG G3
• LG G2 (D802)
• LG Optimus G Pro (E985)
• LG LG Nexus E960
• LG V60 ThinQ 5G
• LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW
• LG V50 ThinQ 5G
• LG V50S ThinQ 5G
• LG V40 ThinQ
• LG V30
• LG V30 ThinQ

Microsoft Smartphone

• Microsoft Lumia 950/ XL/ Dual-SIM

Nokia Smartphones

• Nokia XR20
• Nokia 9 Pureview
• Nokia 8 Sirocco
• Nokia Lumia 1520
• Nokia Lumia 1020
• Nokia Lumia 930
• Nokia Lumia 925
• Nokia Lumia 920
• Nokia Lumia 830
• Nokia Lumia 820
• Nokia Lumia 735
• Nokia Lumia 720

Samsung Smartphones

• Samsung Galaxy S22 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21
• Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S20
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S10
• Samsung Galaxy S10e
• Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
• Samsung Galaxy S10 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S9
• Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
• Samsung Galaxy S8
• Samsung Galaxy S9/ S9+
• Samsung Galaxy S8/ S8+
• Samsung Galaxy S7/ edge
• Samsung Galaxy S6/ edge/ edge+
• Samsung Galaxy S5
• Samsung Galaxy S4
• Samsung Galaxy S3
• Samsung Galaxy Alpha
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Note 10
• Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus
• Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Note 10 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Note 9
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8
• Samsung Galaxy Note edge
• Samsung Galaxy Note 4
• Samsung Galaxy Note 3
• Samsung Galaxy Note 2
• Samsung Galaxy Fold Z3 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Fold Z2 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Fold
• Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

Sony Smartphones

• Sony Xperia 1 IV
• Sony Xperia 1 III
• Sony Xperia 1 II
• Sony Xperia 10 III
• Sony Xperia XZ3
• Sony Xperia XZ2
• Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium
• Sony Xperia Z5
• Sony Xperia Z3