Qi2 chargers are coming, but magnetic Android phones are still missing

The new wireless charging standard Qi2 has celebrated a successful debut at CES. Countless manufacturers showcased gadgets with Qi2 (pronounced «chee two») – from charging docks to magnetic holders. Here are the most impressive new launches.

Qi2? In short: the new wireless standard brings Android and iPhone together. Both operating systems will support Qi2 in future, allowing up to 15 watts of charging. And Apple’s magnetic holder, known as MagSafe, can now also be used by Android manufacturers. For more details, check out this article:

But Qi2 has a problem

What’s still missing, however, are smartphones that support Qi2. iPhones 13, 14 and 15 are currently the only devices that feature Qi2, while no Android models have yet been announced. What’s important to know: older mobile phones can also charge on Qi2 chargers, just slower.

But the big problem is that many new products rely on magnets, which are only optional with the Qi2 standard. While Apple supports these magnetic holders with MagSafe on all iPhones over the last three years, it’s still totally unclear what Android manufacturers will do. It’s quite possible that many mobile phones will be launched that support Qi2 but don’t have magnets.

Belkin: three devices on one station

The BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad by Belkin is designed for Apple users. One of the three charging points is intended for an Apple Watch. It doesn’t charge Android watches. But thanks to the Qi2 standard, the charging pad, which costs 150 francs/euros, also works for Android phones.

Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro, a magnetic power bank, is another new product. It can be used lying down or as a smartphone stand. Available with three capacities, 5000, 8,000 and 10,000 mAh, it’s priced at 60 to 100 francs/euros and launched in March.

Anchor: wireless at the front, cable at the back

The most extraordinary news from Anker is the MagGo Magnetic Charging Station. It features a magnetic Qi2 charger for mobile phones at the front and multiple power outlets for your desk as well as two USB-C and two USB-A ports at the back. The product is due to be launched in spring and costs around 110 francs/euros.

Like Belkin, Anker also offers power banks that double as a stand – in two versions. The MagGo Wireless Charging Station has a small stand and the MagGo Power Bank is hinged and can be set up at various angles. The Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station is also designed for on the go, which is why it’s foldable. It offers three charging surfaces – one’s designed for the Apple Watch and can also be folded out.

Nomad: all about design

Nomad’s Stand Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Charger costs around 100 francs/euros and will be launched in the coming weeks or months. The manufacturer opted for an elegant and simple design instead of special features. This stand also looks good when there’s no mobile phone attached to it.

Hyper: four wireless charging spots

The HyperJuice 4-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand for 150 francs/euros offers four wireless charging options. Unfortunately, only one of them is compatible with Qi2, while another only supports regular Qi up to 10 watts. The other two are an Apple Watch holder and a charging spot for Airpods or other headphones.

Hyper will launch its new product in the second quarter of 2024 – just as the Qi2 Puck Stand, which will cost around 120 francs/euros. This product is barely larger than the dial of a smartwatch and allows for magnetic charging of a smartphone on one side and an Apple Watch on the other.

The good news? If your favourite brand hasn’t announced any Qi2 products yet, they’re guaranteed to do so next year. Pretty much every manufacturer will gradually convert their product range to the new standard. Mophie and Satechi, for example, also announced this at CES.