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One of the most important innovations of the iPhone 8 was undoubtedly the possibility of using wireless chargers: a novelty that was already present in the Android world and that has also been translated on iPhone X (although in this case the novelty is one of many).
And even if the term wireless here is used literally (without cable), it is clear that these only work in contact, however, eliminating the need for the Lightning or USB-C connector directly on the smartphone.
Today we evaluate Aukey's Graphite Wireless Charger model which, even if it does not have a fast charge, offers an interesting price / performance ratio.
Review
Graphite Wireless Charger, the small barrel
The Graphite Wireless Charger arrives in an anonymous cardboard box, engraved with the Anker brand: inside there is the wireless charger and a small introductory booklet.
The only accessory is the USB-A / USB-C cable which is used for power supply, but which is perfectly capable of carrying even data, to connect a USB-C drive (we have a LaCie Rugged model on the desk, here our review, which worked perfectly with the Anker cable) when needed is a great convenience considering the shortage of USB ports on all computers today.
the Graphite Wireless Charger in 2018 won the iF DESIGN AWARD in the charging products category
The charger has a square shape with rounded corners of 87mm on each side, and is quite thin, just 12mm. The upper part is in solid but viscose rubber, useful for not slipping the precious smartphone, while the lower part (which belts the rubber) is in dark gray metal, with four rubber pads that rest on the table.
Inside the package there is no power supply, you need a connection to a powered USB-A socket, such as a Mac or PC (for the latter check, not all sockets are compatible) or a device which powers the USB port.
In our case, for example, we used Horizon, the JBL clock radio (we talked about it here) which offers two USB-A connectors, one dedicated to the wireless charger and the other to the Fitbit Versa (review here).
Wireless chargers are almost magic
Those who have never seen how wireless chargers work the first time are surprised by the wonderful simplicity: once the USB cable is connected , just place a smartp hone compatible with Qi technology (iPhone 8 and iPhone X, most likely the next iPhone SE and most of the mid-to-high-end Android terminals, but check the specs) and the smartphone charges.
The charger offers a small LED on the front (the one opposite the USB connector): the status is solid red indicating that it is ready, the light flashes when it notices a smartphone resting but not charging and turns green instead when the phone is properly placed and charging.
The maximum power is 5W, a value that indicates that it is not designed for fast charging (here an article that talks about this technology of the latest iPhones ), but a standard charge identical to that obtainable with the charger included in the iPhone box.
In our tests, about three hours for a near-full charge.
Interesting that the wireless charging also works with the covers: we tried with suc I process hard plastic and soft rubber covers, and even if the manufacturer indicates covers up to 3 mm thick, here we would not trust much of metal covers (which we have not tried).
Conclusions
Above the desk in the office, next to the Mac, Aukey's small Graphite Wireless Charger cuts a good figure, is very discreet and offers the great convenience of leaving a USB-C cable useful when not in use.
Above the nightstand it disappears: the light is barely noticeable, has no fans and does a great job when used for overnight charging, which in the end is a lot more beautiful to look at than a dangling Lighting cable that then falls or gets twisted.
The cost is important, because at the same price you can also find models with fast charging, but if you are interested in design, the USB-C cable or the silence this is absolutely and to be considered.
Pro
• Formal design • Quiet • USB-C cable also carries data
Against
• The price is important • It does not have a fast charge
Price
Readers can find PowerWave 7.5 Pad from the pages of Amazon as a Prime product at 31.99 euros.
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