Why I'll (Probably) Never Buy a Wireless Charger

I'm a big fan of wireless tech – my earbuds, mouse, and keyboard are all wireless. But wireless charging? I'm not convinced. Here's why.

Wireless Charging is Still Too Slow

The convenience of dropping my phone onto a charging pad is appealing, but not if it takes hours to fully charge. While the Qi2 standard boasts improvements (up to 15W, three times the original Qi standard), 15W is still slow.

Wired charging has far surpassed this. The OnePlus 13, for instance, with its 6000mAh battery, charges from empty to 50% in just 13 minutes, and fully charges in 36 minutes. That's a significant advantage for those constantly on the go.

Qi2 seems more focused on standardizing alignment (allowing for MagSafe accessories on Android) than speed. I'm not saying it needs to match wired charging speeds – that's likely impossible – but it needs to be significantly faster to be truly convenient.

Wired Charging is Far More Energy-Efficient

While no energy transfer is perfect, wired charging is far more efficient. Power flows directly from the outlet to the device, minimizing energy loss. Wireless charging, however, relies on electromagnetic fields, losing energy through various layers: the charging pad's casing, a MagSafe case (if used), the phone's glass, and the internal copper coils. This means a 15W wireless charger will be slower and consume more power than a 15W wired charger.

Excess Heat Damages Batteries

Un-absorbed energy from wireless charging is dissipated as heat. This is more pronounced with wireless charging due to its lower efficiency. Heat is detrimental to battery health – this is why Apple cancelled AirPower. While faster wired charging can also generate heat, modern techniques like dual-cell batteries (as seen in the OnePlus 13) and GaN chargers with cooling mechanisms mitigate this.

Many modern wired chargers utilize GaN for increased efficiency and even include built-in cooling. The focus on improving wired charging is far greater than for wireless charging due to its lower market penetration.

Wireless Chargers Aren't Economical

Wireless chargers are often overpriced. A USB-C cable can cost a few dollars, while a Qi-certified wireless charging pad is typically $15 or more (excluding the adapter). Apple's MagSafe charger is significantly more expensive than its USB-C cable. Furthermore, the cables on wireless chargers are often less durable, leading to more frequent replacements and waste.

USB-C's Universal Compatibility

USB-C's impact on consumer electronics is undeniable. Its universal compatibility for charging and data transfer across various devices is a major advancement. Wireless charging lacks this standardization.

Wireless Charging is Environmentally Unfriendly

Wireless charging's inefficiency leads to energy waste. The heat generated and battery damage necessitate more frequent upgrades, increasing your carbon footprint. The need to purchase and ship a separate charger adds to packaging waste and emissions.

The Need for True Wireless Charging

My biggest issue is that current wireless charging isn't truly wireless. A charging pad tethered to an outlet isn't wireless in my view. True wireless charging (like Xiaomi's "air charging") – where your phone charges automatically upon entering a room – is the goal, but the existing problems are amplified in a truly wireless system.

Companies promote wireless charging as a way to maintain a full charge, but this is also detrimental to battery health. Lithium-ion batteries prefer to remain around 50% charge for optimal lifespan. Occasional partial charges are perfectly safe; just avoid using your phone while charging.

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