The Slow Rollout of Qi2 Wireless Charging in Android Phones

Qi2 wireless charging, announced in early 2023, promised faster charging speeds and the inclusion of embedded magnets for easier aligning and attaching of peripherals. However, Android phone makers have been slow to add this feature, making it challenging to find a compatible handset. This has put Android users at a disadvantage compared to iPhone users who have had access to a wealth of Qi2 accessories and power banks for several generations. The slow rollout is even more frustrating considering that Apple, a member of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) which governs Qi2, used its MagSafe tech to help define the spec and ensure that compliant add-ons work seamlessly with Qi2.

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Current State of Qi2 Support in Android Phones

Currently, the HMD Skyline is the only Android phone that officially comes with Qi2. Other manufacturers like Samsung and OnePlus have claimed support for Qi2 in their latest models, but the reality is different. The Samsung Galaxy S25 family, for instance, are merely 'Qi2 ready'. They can charge wirelessly at up to 15 watts but lack the necessary embedded magnets for Qi2 accessories. Similarly, OnePlus 13, despite claims of supporting Qi2, has weak magnets that don't secure Qi2 accessories well.

Future of Qi2 in Android Phones

Google has pledged to play a leading role in the development of the upcoming Qi v2.2 standard, which includes Google's contribution of its own high-power wireless charging technology to WPC. Motorola, on the other hand, has remained vague on its plans to release Qi2-compatible phones, only stating its commitment to bringing the latest technology across its devices.