Wireless charging has become a must-have feature in both iPhones and high-end Androids, but very few know about the core technology that powers it. So what is wireless charging, what are its benefits (advantages), drawbacks (disadvantages), and how does it work in modern consumer gadgets? Here, we will tell you everything about it and what you need to know before you buy your next high-end smartphone, smartwatch or earphones. We will also tell you about how it’s being used in the industrial sector and how continuing advancements in the technology could one day allow devices to be even charged remotely.

Wireless charging has been available in Android smartphones for years, but it really caught the attention of the mainstream media globally after Apple introduced it in its iPhone X and iPhone 8-series in 2017. It has since expanded to all high-end iPhones like the iPhone 12 series, and even some mid-range smartphones, like the iPhone SE (2020), and is expected to become more mainstream in the coming years. So it’s about time we knew more about the technology and how it works. In this article, will also tell you about its origins and the various types of wireless charging tech in use these days.

  • What is Wireless Charging?
  • How Does Wireless Charging Work?
  • What is Reverse Wireless Charging and Which Phones Support it?
  • Benefits (Advantages) of Wireless Charging
  • Drawbacks (Disadvantages) of Wireless Charging
  • Different Wireless Charging Standards
  • Origins and Advancements
  • Different Wireless Charging Technologies
  • Remote Wireless Charging
  • Application in IoT, Healthcare and Automotive Industries
  • Smartphones With Wireless Charging
  • Best Wireless Chargers
  • What is Apple MagSafe Charging? Difference Between Magsafe and Qi
  • Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wireless Charging?

Wireless charging is the transfer of energy from a transmitter device to a receiver device via electromagnetic induction instead of using wires as a physical link. Also known as inductive charging, the process involves the production of an electromotive force across an electrical conductor in a changing magnetic field to provide electricity to a battery, often inside an electronic gadget. The charging takes place through an inductive transmission pad instead of a wired connector.

Inductive charging generates power by passing an electrical current between two coils to create an electromagnetic field. The primary coil in the charger induces a current in the secondary coil, which resides in the device being charged. Energy is transferred from the charging device to the receiving device through inductive coupling. The process involves the running of an alternating current (AC) through an induction coil in the charging pad, creating a magnetic field, which fluctuates in strength as the AC current continually changes its amplitude.

Reverse wireless charging allows a device to use its battery power to charge another device. It uses the same principles of electromagnetic induction, but this time around, the coil in the smartphone acts as the transmitter instead of the receiver. Some of the leading smartphones that support reverse wireless charging include the Samsung Galaxy S21-series, Galaxy S20-series, the Huawei P30 Pro, Mate 30 Pro, etc.

The benefits of wireless charging are manifold. The first and foremost benefit is convenience. It is convenient to drop your phone on the wireless charging pad instead of having to fiddle around trying to insert a jack into a port. Secondly, it is also a relatively safe way to transfer power to your phone, because it doesn’t require you to physically touch the electric socket every time you want to charge a device. Finally, it reduces wear-and-tear on the device by doing away with the need to plug it in and out every time.

Drawbacks (Disadvantages) of Wireless Charging

The biggest disadvantage of wireless charging is that it is a wasteful technology. In its current state, wireless charging is highly inefficient and consumes between 39% and 80% more energy than its wired equivalent. A large amount of the energy is lost as heat, with the exact efficiency depending on the design of the charger. The loss is even more pronounced when the coils in the phone aren’t aligned properly with the coils in the charging pad.

Different Wireless Charging Standards

There are two major competing organizations that specify inductive and resonance charging standards, and both have their share of supporters. The more well-known one is the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), which counts Apple, Google and Xiaomi among its members, while the AirFuel Alliance includes the likes of Dell, Duracell, Gan systems and more. Many companies, like Samsung and Huawei, are members of both organizations.

The concept of wireless charging was first demonstrated by the redoubtable Nikola Tesla, who discovered the phenomenon of magnetic resonant coupling in the late 19th century. However, for the best part of the next century, the technology couldn’t be put to any real-life use except for a few electric toothbrushes and other small gadgets.

Most of the wireless charging standards currently in use rely on three major techniques. Firstly, there’s tightly-coupled electromagnetic inductive or non-radiative charging, which requires the transmitter and the receiver to be in contact with each other for the energy transfer. Next, there’s the loosely-coupled or radiative electromagnetic resonant charging that can transmit a charge over very short distances, like a few inches. Finally, there’s uncoupled radio frequency (RF) wireless charging that can transfer energy several feet away, although, at a very slow speed.

Remote Wireless Charging

One of the major disadvantages or drawbacks of wireless charging is that you can’t really use the device while it is being charged. However, many companies are now working on remote wireless charging technologies that could help users finally cut the cord for good. It all started in 2007, when a team of MIT researchers, led by physics professor Marin Soljačić, demonstrated the ability to power a 60 watt light bulb wirelessly from a distance of around two meters (~6.5 feet).

Application in IoT, Healthcare and Automotive Industries

While WiTriCity is bringing wireless charging to automobiles, other companies from around the world are incorporating the technology in other industries, including healthcare, robotics, and more. The auto industry, however, remains one of the biggest patrons of the technology.

Smartphones With Wireless Charging

In 2009, the Palm Pre became the first commercially-available smartphone to offer wireless charging. Since then, dozens of devices have adopted the feature, including the Droid Charge in 2011 and the Nokia Lumia 920 in 2012. Today, there are many smartphone models that offer the benefits of wireless charging. Some of the latest smartphones to offer the feature include:

Best Wireless Chargers

There are many wireless chargers available in the market, and most of them adhere to the Qi standard for maximum compatibility. Here, we are listing some of the best that you can buy right now:

What is Apple MagSafe Charging? Difference Between Magsafe and Qi

Introduced alongside the iPhone 12, MagSafe is an improved version of Apple’s existing wireless charging technology and offers additional benefits. It is still based on the Qi charging technology at its core, and as such, is compatible with Qi chargers. However, what MagSafe does differently, is that it helps in correctly aligning the smartphone with the charger for a faster and more efficient charging process.

Apple’s MagSafe charger is certified to work with select Apple devices, including, but not limited to, the iPhone 12 series, the Apple Watch and the AirPods Pro. However, it has been proven to be compatible with a number of Android smartphones, including the Google Pixel 5, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Note 10 series, and more. That’s not surprising, given that Apple also adopted the WPC’s Qi charging standard for its MagSafe technology. Similarly, iPhones with wireless charging support (MagSafe or otherwise), can be charged using any existing Qi charging mat.

  • How do I know if my device can charge wirelessly?

To know whether your phone, watch, or earbuds support the feature, check out the user manual that you got with the retail box. Given that wireless charging is one of the highlight features in any device, it will be mentioned rather prominently if applicable. Also check out the vendor’s website and search the web to know more about your device’s features and functionality.

How do I know if my device can charge wirelessly?

Can I charge a smartphone in its case, or do I need a special case?

Most polycarbonate and TPU cases, whether clear or otherwise, will let you charge your phone wirelessly. Thicker ‘rugged’ cases are exceptions to the rule. So if your phone supports the feature and you plan to make use of it, make sure you buy a case that is clearly marked as compatible.

  • How do I set up wireless charging?

Buy a compatible wireless charger and plug it into a wall socket using the power adapter that came with your accessory or one that’s recommended by the manufacturer. Once the charging mat is drawing power, place your phone on it with the display facing up. For best performance, place it in the center of the charger. In case of dual- or triple-charging mats, place the phone or other devices at the exact location recommended by the manufacturer.

How do I set up wireless charging?

Can I get wireless charging in my car?

Many cars come with factory-installed charging stations. Even if your car doesn’t come with one, you can still easily add an aftermarket wireless charger for automobiles. Make sure to buy the right specification for your device. Also, ensure that both the charger and the device you’re trying to charge adhere to the same charging standard. Go through this article in full detail to know more.

Does wireless charging heat up the phone?

Heating typically happens because of inefficiency in power transfer, so the more efficient your charging pad is, the less hot your phone will be. That said, wireless charging is inefficient by nature, so there’s always going to be some excess heat. As long as both the phone and the charging mat adhere to established standards, you need not worry about a repeat of the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco.

Is wireless charging faster than cable charging (benefits, if any)?

As mentioned already, wireless charging is painfully slow when compared to wired charging. It’s another fallout of the inefficiency in transferring power wirelessly. So yes, wireless charging is slower, it heats up your device and doesn’t let you use your phone freely while getting charged. Things are changing with remote wireless charging and other new innovations, but it will likely continue to lag behind wired charging in terms of speed and efficiency in the forseeable future.

Scientists believe that they have only scratched the surface of what wireless charging technology has to offer. In the coming years, as the technology matures, it will offer more both in terms of its scope and performance. Till then, it will mostly remain a relatively niche feature as a desirable, but non-critical function in consumer gadgets like phones, watches and earbuds. Either way, now that you know so much about wireless charging, its benefits (advantages), and its drawbacks (disadvantages), let us know if it is a must-have in your next smartphone or if you still feel that it is a gimmick that’s still not ready for primetime.