These Qi2 Ready cases are certified and tested with Qi2 Ready phones, so you can rest assured that a Galaxy S25 with this case will work with a Qi2 charging accessorywhether it is a Qi2 portable battery or a wireless charger. Paul Golden, director of marketing of the Wireless Power Consortium, the organization that manages the charging standard, explained that This system allows the same Qi2 charging speed and the same energy efficiency: “It’s a faster and easier way for a company to offer a Qi2 experience without having to make that big change.”
This is important; Although we MagSafe lovers have made do with MagSafe cases for Android phones in recent years, there has always been the caveat that these cases may not work with all products. With Qi2 Ready cases, you can rest easy knowing that they will work with Qi2 chargers.
It is worth mentioning that OnePlus’ latest flagship phone, The OnePlus 13 is not a Qi2 Ready phone, however, the manufacturer sells a magnetic case to enable similar Qi2 charging. This is the old approach of adding magnetic charging to phones with basic Qi support, and it won’t turn your phone into a Qi2 device. While the feel is similar, you won’t enjoy faster charging speeds, it won’t be as energy efficient, and it’s not guaranteed to work with all accessories. Golden claims that Qi2 Ready phones have “special features built in” to enable proper Qi2 functionality when paired with a case.
A removable pro
Unfortunately, as soon as these Qi2 Ready cases are removed from the phone, the magnetic functionality disappears. Although this may not be a problem for most people. It’s hard to find recent statistics, but a survey from research company on-line 2023 YouGov revealed that approximately 68% of Americans use a phone case, and a 2017 study put that number at 79%. Still, it sucks for those of us who hate covers.
I remember dozens of times where I’ve had to remove my iPhone case to connect a wireless microphone to the USB-C port or to fit the phone into a stand. Removing the case didn’t change anything because iPhones have built-in magnets, but this is something that will affect Qi2 Ready phones, and it’s a frustrating limitation. I think Qi2 Ready phones are an acceptable compromiseconsidering that it is cheaper than integrating magnets into a phone. I hope this means that more smartphones budget and mid-range can enjoy Qi2 capabilities.
Still, I worry that this might confuse the average Joe. The new phones will be Qi compatible, but not Qi2, and will have Qi2 Ready cases to activate Qi2. If they only had native Qi2 support, magnetic charging would work all the time with any Qi2 accessory. Very easy.
The good news is that Samsung and Google have committed to launching Android phones with official Qi2 in 2025so it is on the way, although it is strange that Samsung does not end up releasing it in its series of smartphones insignia. I’ll settle for a magnetic case again, but for the love of God, could someone please give me a magnetic Android?
Article originally published in WIRED. Adapted by Alondra Flores.
#Qi2 #charging #Samsung #Galaxy #S25
