The promise of wireless charging
You know the feeling. That charging cable that's always lost. Or broken. Or just too short to comfortably use your phone while charging. Samsung promises the solution with wireless charging: just set your phone down and go. No more hassle with cables and accessories that need replacing after just a few months.
Yet wireless charging is n't the miracle cure everyone thinks it is. In fact, for most users, it actually turns out to be more hassle than that trusty cable. From strategically placed charging pads to constantly wondering if your phone is actually positioned correctly, wireless charging requires a completely new way of thinking about your daily routine. Just as you have to get used to charging without a cord with wireless earbuds , this technology also requires an adjustment that not everyone is willing to make.
The technology behind wireless charging
Wireless charging works via electromagnetic induction. A charging pad contains a transmitter coil that creates a magnetic field. Your Samsung phone has a receiver coil that converts this field into electrical energy. The principle is simple: place your device in the right place and charging begins automatically.
The most widely used standard is Qi (pronounced "chi"), developed by the Wireless Power Consortium. Samsung has supported this standard since the Galaxy S6 in 2015. This means you don't necessarily need a Samsung charger—any Qi-certified charging pad will work with compatible Samsung devices.
Which Samsung models support wireless charging?
Not every Samsung phone supports wireless charging. The following series support this feature:
- Galaxy S series: from the S6 (2015) up to and including the latest S23 models
- Galaxy Note series: from the Note 5 to the latest Note 20
- Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip: all foldable models
- Galaxy A series: Only certain top models such as the A52s and A72
Budget models like most A-series phones under €400 often lack this feature. Samsung reserves wireless charging primarily for its premium devices. Therefore, always check the specifications before purchasing a wireless charger.
Speed: The Reality of Wireless Charging
Wireless charging is slower than wired charging. While a modern Samsung with a 45W cable is fully charged in an hour, wireless charging often takes two to three hours. Samsung's fastest wireless chargers deliver a maximum of 15W, while standard Qi chargers usually stop at 5W or 10W.
Charging speed depends on several factors:
- The power of your charger (5W, 10W or 15W)
- The thickness of your phone case
- The exact positioning on the charging path
- The ambient temperature
A phone case thicker than 3mm can slow down or even prevent charging. Metal cases completely block the magnetic field.
Practical disadvantages that no one talks about
Wireless charging has some annoying limitations. Your phone has to be in exactly the right spot. A centimeter of misalignment and charging stops. This makes it difficult to place your phone down in the dark at night.
Heat generation poses another problem. Wireless charging generates more heat than wired charging. This not only reduces efficiency (up to 30% energy loss) but can also shorten your battery lifespan. Samsung phones automatically slow down charging when they overheat, making the process take even longer.
Using it while charging is practically impossible. With a cable, you can still use WhatsApp while charging. With wireless charging, your phone must be stationary on the charging pad.
When is wireless charging useful?
Despite the disadvantages, there are situations where wireless charging offers a solution:
- At your desk: Place a charging pad at your workstation and place your phone on it regularly. This will keep the battery charged throughout the day.
- On the bedside table: for night-time charging, the lower speed doesn't matter.
- In the car: Wireless car mounts enable simultaneous navigation and charging.
- If your charging port is worn out: If your USB-C port is damaged, wireless charging remains an option.
Tips for effective wireless charging
Still want to use wireless charging? These tips will help:
- Buy a charger with at least 10W power for acceptable speed
- Remove thick cases while charging
- Place the charging pad in a fixed place so that you can easily find the right position
- Use a charger with an LED indicator that shows when your device is correctly positioned
- Charge overnight when speed isn't an issue
- Combine wireless and wired charging - use cables for fast charging, wireless for in-between top-ups
The future of wireless charging
Samsung is working on improvements. Newer models support reverse wireless charging, allowing your phone to charge other devices like earbuds. Speed is slowly improving, although the gap with wired charging remains large.
Real breakthroughs are still a long way off. Remote charging, where your phone automatically charges within a few meters of a transmitter, remains a distant prospect for now. Current technology still requires direct contact with the charging pad.
Conclusion: convenience versus compromises
Wireless charging on Samsung devices isn't a revolution, but an evolution. It offers convenience in specific situations, but doesn't completely replace the traditional cable. The slower speed, heat generation, and positioning issues make it a supplement rather than a replacement.
For the average user, a good USB-C cable remains the most practical solution. Wireless charging works best as an extra option for specific locations like your desk or nightstand. Don't expect miracles – consider it a handy extra feature that can make your life a little easier, provided you accept the limitations.
Conclusion: making trade-offs
Wireless charging for Samsung phones remains a matter of trade-offs . For those who want the fastest charging times or use their phone while charging, the cable remains king. But if you have a designated spot on your desk or nightstand where your phone is anyway, a wireless charging pad makes life a little easier.
Don't think of it as the solution to all your charging problems, but rather as a handy extra option for times when speed isn't a priority. The future without cables isn't here yet, but Samsung's wireless technology certainly offers added value for specific situations.
