Wireless charging has a whole host of benefits that will forever change how we charge our mobile devices and possibly eliminate our dependence on wired wall charging—and additional e-waste— for good. However, these are still many disadvantages associated with the technology, even as it continues to evolve. Today we’ll take a look at the many pros and cons of wireless charging technology.
How Does Wireless Charging Work?
Wireless charging harnesses the power of an electromagnetic field and transfers its energy between two objects, in this case your smartphone and a wireless charger pad or stand. That current then charges up the battery in your phone. It’s as simple as that!
The Pros of Wireless Charging
Many tech experts agree that wireless charging is the future of how we power up our mobile devices. There are many advantages to take into account when considering buying a wireless charger.
Convenience
Fans of wireless charging point to the convenience of wireless charging as one of its biggest advantages. Simply plug in the pad or stand and leave it there indefinitely in a convenient spot on your desk, nightstand or countertop. All you have to do is lay your phone on top of the charging pad or prop it up in the stand and allow it to charge. No more hassle of plugging and unplugging your phone. Just take it and go when you need it! It eliminates the need for tangled cords and will keep your space neat and tidy.
Relatively Cheap
With exceptions from some of the higher end wireless chargers, you can find some for as low as $8. In fact, most wireless chargers cost under $30.
Reduces e-Waste
There’s nothing more frustrating than a frayed charger chord. Plugging your phone in multiple times a day does cause wear and tear on a standard wall charger, especially if you like to use your phone while it charges. Wireless chargers could improve the longevity of your charger, reducing the amount of cables we make and throw out. This will ultimately have a positive impact on the amount of e-Waste we produce every year!
Cons of Wireless Charging
Like any new technology, wireless charging still has a few kinks that need to be worked out before they can be widely accepted my the masses.
Long Charge Times
The average time it takes to charge your phone from 0% to 100% takes upwards of three hours with a wireless charger. Wired wall charging takes a little over an hour. Wireless charging technology is quickly evolving though: the Samsung Fast Wireless Charging Stand for the Galaxy S7, for example, will charge a dead phone to about 25% in half an hour, which is enough to get you through an evening. A full charge takes about an hour and a half.
Limits the Use of Your Phone
With most wireless chargers you can’t use your phone while it’s charging because it has to remain on the pad. Otherwise, the charging will cease once the device is lifted off the charger. If you want to use your phone while it’s charging, you’ll have to hunch over to use it. Another inconvenience is that not all wireless chargers are powerful enough to charge through a protective case, which may require you to remove your phone’s protective casing before charging.
Compatibility Issues
Most chargers will accept Qi-compatible smartphones (Qi is the standard for wireless charging). However, there are chargers that will only power up specific phone models. Keep a look-out for the compatibility of your phone before purchasing a wireless charger!
Beware Fast Wireless Charging
Some wireless chargers are marketed as fast charging (like the Samsung Fast Wireless Stand mentioned above). While fast charging is convenient, some phones aren’t equipped for fast wireless charging and will not work with that kind of charger. Plus, fast charging chargers like the Samsung Fast Charge Pad can often be more expensive(upwards of $40).
Wireless charing technology continues to evolve and improve. Do you use wireless charging? Let us know in the comments below what you thought of it!
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