Wireless charging is now built into most iPhones and it’s not a secret anymore. However, there are still lots of questions people have with this new technology. Let’s go through the FAQ’s governing wireless charging so that you can be up to date before you buy your next iPhone!
What Are the Basics of Wireless Charging?
Wireless power transfer is transferring power to another object wirelessly by placing them near a receiving coil. The transmitting coil is connected to a power supply and the receiving coil becomes electrically charged by inducing eddy currents in it due to a change in magnetic flux.
Do I Have to Use One of the “Official” Charging Pads?
There are a bunch of unofficial Qi wireless chargers out there, so you don’t have to stick with Apple’s official ones. The only advantage is that they work more than once and have a longer lifespan. There is also a risk of touch sensitivity issues due to cheaper components being used, so don’t go cheap. You can get yourself a high quality wireless charger in Sri Lanka if you look around in the electronics section of bestbargains.lk.
How Does Wireless Charging Work?
The process of wirelessly charging your iPhone starts with placing it onto a compatible Qi charging pad. The pad contains an inductive coil which transmits power via induction to the receiving coil inside your phone. The latter converts the electrical energy into kinetic energy, thus charging your battery.
MagSafe Vs Fast Wireless Qi Chargers
The speed of wireless charging is often compared to MagSafe charging. The latter can power up a MacBook fully within 4 hours, but wireless charging is roughly twice as slow.
In order to get the same speed of MagSafe charging via wireless, you’d have to use a 10W wireless charger from Samsung, Motorola or Belkin. Qi chargers are capped at 7.5 watts, so they’ll be slower than the fastest wired options on the market.
Is Qi Bad, Does It Degrade Battery?
Qi is totally harmless to your battery, and it only takes a few minutes of advertisement to become an indispensable feature! People have been using wireless charging for years without a single case of battery degradation which shows that Qi charging doesn’t do any harm to your battery.
What Are the Disadvantages?
You might consider that there are two main disadvantages of wireless charging: One being the bulkiness; and two, the inconvenience of selecting a charger from multiple pads available.
With 7.5W Qi wireless charging pads, the thickness can go up to 1cm and they can weigh up to 4.5 ounces. It’s inconvenient to carry a charger in your pocket or purse that you can’t charge your device with. Therefore many people opt for the 5W charging pads which are less bulky and don’t weigh much since they lack a coil inside.
How Much Range Is There Between Wireless Chargers?
There are two categories of wireless charging – Qi and PMA (power over USB). The former uses inductive circuitry which means that there’s a short range between wireless chargers. So, you’ll have to place your iPhone close to the charger in order to charge it up.
PMA wireless charging, on the other hand, works using a USB cable that transmits power from the charger via electromagnetic induction. As such, it has a longer range and you can place your iPhone anywhere in the room.
Can I Take My Wireless Charger with Me?
Many wireless charging pads ship with a wall plug which is convenient if you have one nearby. You can also find multi-port chargers or car chargers that have wireless charging pads integrated with them.
How Fast is the Charging?
The rate at which your iPhone charges up depend on the charger you use. The faster one is, the quicker it’ll charge your phone. At 7.5W, this will take 1 hour and 10 minutes, while with 10W, it’s only 5 minutes longer. So, you should be careful with buying chargers that are not recommended under 7.5W.
Where Can I Find Wireless Chargers?
When you buy your next iPhone, you’ll notice that there are many wireless chargers out on the market. But which ones are worth it? Here are some popular options:
How Safe Is Wireless Charging for My iPhone?
While wireless charging is generally considered safe, there are some things you should be aware of:
Heat – Wireless charging can lead to a rise in temperature which can be dangerous for some people especially those with health conditions. If your iPhone gets too hot, it will refuse to charge further and shut off.
Water – Many studies have found out that wireless charging can be tricky with water-based surfaces as water, when mixed with electricity, can cause a short circuit. This means that you shouldn’t use your phone with your hand on a glass of liquid or when your device is submerged in water.
Which iPhone Models Support Wireless Charging?
All iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X models support wireless charging. The iPhone 7 supports it only with the help of an additional case. Wireless charging is also available on the iPad Pro models.
Does Wireless Charging Work with Phone Case?
Yes, wireless charging does work with a case on. The charging speed will be reduced but you’ll still get a full charge. It’s also a good idea to pick a thick case or one that has built-in wireless charging to prevent it from getting damaged.
Conclusion
So far, there haven’t been any serious issues with wireless charging technology and charging pads.
