Since Apple's iPhone 8 and iPhone X hit the market last fall, it has become clear that wireless chargers, already popular for various other smartphone models from other brands, are one of those products that initially only some and after a few years they have almost all of them. They don't charge smartphones more efficiently than regular chargers that plug into devices with a jack (in fact, they generally do it more slowly) but they're comfortable. Ikea is already producing furniture with built-in wireless chargers, some car companies are doing the same with their new car models and some American bar chains, such as Starbucks, are putting them on their tables: we are still a long way away, but we can imagine a future where there will be recharging surfaces for our smartphones everywhere.
Over the past few months, several tech sites have been comparing the models available so far: we've put together reviews from Wirecutter, the New York Times item review site, and The Verge to give you an idea of what to consider if you want to buy a wireless charger. They are both reliable sites, but they come to different conclusions as to which charger is the best.
The Qi standard
A premise before talking about the different models of wireless chargers: you can move on if you already know the details, or if you think they are too technical.
Wireless charging systems have strengths and weaknesses. For them to work, the smartphone must be placed on a special surface connected to a power outlet. The system does not require the use of cables and is very simple to use, but it has the defect of allowing charging only if the phone rests on the mat: if you lift it to make a phone call or check a message, charging is interrupted.
The technology is based on the physical principle of electromagnetic induction: there are coils in both chargers and compatible smartphones; a variable electric current passes through that of the charger which generates an electromagnetic field detected by that in the smartphone; the current obtained in the latter feeds the battery. To date, reliable technologies are not yet available to allow short-range wireless charging, i.e. even a few meters away from the charger. That said, because of the principle by which wireless chargers work, models from different brands are fine for smartphones of different brands, although the loading speed may depend on the characteristics of the specific device. It also depends on the power of the charger: commercially available chargers range from 5 to 15 watts; iPhones 8, 8 Plus and X work best with those up to 7.5 watts, for the Samsung Galaxy S8 even the 9 ones are fine, for higher powers the compatibility must be checked for each device. The greater the power of a charger, if within the limits supported by your smartphone, the faster it will charge.
Another thing to take into account is that some smartphone covers prevent this charging system from working, so find out before buying one.
If you are interested in learning more about the physical aspects of wireless charging:
The most widespread and most reliable system for wireless recharging, both from the point of view of safety and quality, is the Qi standard; pronounced “there”, it is a Chinese word that means “spiritual energy or vital breath”. There is a consortium, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), which over the years has put together a set of standards to be used for wireless charging and recognizes which devices really comply with those of Qi technology. It includes 220 companies, including Apple.
However, not all products without the WPC certification are to be discarded: obtaining it is a long process, moreover some products do not respect the characteristics required by the Qi standard in the smallest detail but this does not imply that they are not good, especially if a company produces them. large and reliable. Let's say that the WPC certification is an extra guarantee. In its reviews of wireless chargers, Wirecutter only considered the models that have it, while The Verge also considered those that don't but can be trusted for the authority of those who make them.
Best wireless chargers
For Wirecutter the best of all is the Samsung EP-PG920 , a model of those on which smartphones rest horizontally (there are also those that act as a lectern, keeping them almost in a vertical position) . It was chosen because it charges faster than most tested chargers, doesn't cost too much, also works well with Apple devices, and – which is especially important for clumsy people – it has a rubber ring on top which makes it more difficult to the smartphone slips. But be careful: it has a cooling fan that makes itself felt, if you keep it on the bedside table at night it can be annoying. There is black and white. Both on Amazon and on ePrice you can find it at different prices (the link points to the lower one, about 13 euros), depending on the seller: if you want to play it safe, here are the best reviews, and it is at 15.08 euros.
Immediately after the EP-PG920 for Wirecutter comes the EP-NG930 , also from Samsung, which allows you to hold your smartphone vertically and was the fastest charger for iPhone 8. However, it is a bit more expensive than the model described above. On Amazon you can find it at € 35.29, on ePrice at 37.82; this is also black and white.
Wirecutter also recommends two inexpensive wireless chargers from Anker (both have Qi certification although not all models of this brand have it). As in the case of the previous ones, one allows you to keep your device vertically, the other does not. The big disadvantage of these models is that they do not come with the power cord, the one with which to plug them into a wall outlet. They are the Anker PowerPort Wireless 5 Pad and the Anker PowerPort Wireless 5 Stand : on Amazon you can find the first for 15.99 euros , the second at 25.99.
Among the chargers tested by Wirecutter there is also Nordmärke , a familiar wireless charger (you can charge up to three smartphones at the same time) produced by Ikea. It costs € 69.99 and is available in two colors: white and birch wood. According to Wirecutter tests, the loading speed is up to that of the other models and does not decrease if three devices are loaded at the same time.
To the chargers reported by Wirecutter we add what The Verge puts first in its ranking, followed by the Samsung EP-PG920 and EP-NG930. It is from RavPower and has very similar characteristics to those of the Samsung EP-PG920 (the flat one) but with some advantages: it is less thick and thick, it is made of metal (therefore more resistant) and less noisy and bright. The main disadvantage is the price, which is a bit higher (on Amazon you can find it for 29.99 euros), and it adds to the fact that this charger is not WPC certified.
A precaution to have both with this charger and with the EP-PG920, especially if your smartphone is one of the larger ones: the surface capable of charging is small, so it is important to position your device well.
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