Like cords and power bricks, there’s a wide variety of wireless chargers available in different sizes and shapes, from wireless charging stands to wireless charging pads.
With all the available choices, making the right decision on the right charger for you is difficult. Read on to learn the various factors when buying a wireless charger.
Wireless Charging Stand vs Pad
Below is the comparison between wireless pads and wireless charging stands.
Wireless Pad
Wireless pads are flat surfaces that charge a device wirelessly. It’s generally designed to be portable and compact, making it convenient for use in the office, traveling or at home.
However, you must connect it to a power source such as an outlet. Once you plug it in, simply place the device on top and wait for the charging indicator to appear.
Caption: Wireless Charging Pad
Wireless Stand
The Wireless stands function similarly to pads but hold the device at an angle as it charges wirelessly, which enables hand-free use as the device charges.
Wireless charging stands are ideal for watching videos, video calls, or other activities requiring the device to stand upright.
Which to Choose?
Pads have a sleek design ideal for halfway tables or other positions where you don’t need to look at your phone.
On the other hand, stands keep your device upright so that you can view it for making video calls or checking notifications.
How Do I Choose a Wireless Charging Stand?
Below are some factors you should consider when choosing a wireless charging stand.
The Qi Charging Standard
The first thing you should consider when buying a charging stand is its charging standard.
Most charging stands apply the Qi charging standard used by most phone manufacturers (Apple, Google, and Samsung).
Qi is widely adopted because you can use it with different devices, and it has appropriate safety measures.
In addition, the Qi charger is highly efficient, offering minimal radiation and low interference.
Also, a good Qi charger features temperature control to prevent devices from overheating.
A wireless charging stand without certification doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe or noncompliant, but we prefer it.
Power In
Another thing you must consider when choosing a wireless charger is how it connects to a power source.
Some chargers come with a cable that you simply plug into your wall, which means you could be limited to where you can use it.
Other chargers feature a USB-C or Micro USB connector, allowing you to plug it into an outlet using an adapter or connect it to your power bank.
Wattage
The higher a charger’s wattage, the more efficient and quicker it will charge devices. At the moment, phones supporting fast charging are capable of handling about 10 W.
Therefore, if you want the fastest possible charge, you should get a 10 W wireless charger.
It will take a 10 W wireless charger roughly 2 – 4 hours to fully charge your device, depending on the apps currently running on the phone and various environmental factors such as temperature.
If the wattage of your wireless charger is lower than 10 W, it will take longer for your phone to fully charge.
Although various wireless chargers offer more than 10 W, they won’t make a difference and will still charge your phone just as the 10 W charger would.
However, getting a wireless charger with higher wattage helps you prepare for the future.
Qi chargers offer between 5 – 15 watts, but there are plans to boost the number to about 30 – 60 watts to enable charging larger devices such as laptops.
Brand
Your phone is of value to you; therefore, it’s not advisable to try cutting costs when purchasing a wireless charger.
Selecting the right wireless charger brand is important to get the best charger for you.
Most phone manufacturers design their wireless chargers; however, their options are not versatile.
Choose a premium and reputable brand to ensure your phone will properly charge and can’t get damaged.
Also, often spending more on a wireless charger translates to it lasting longer since it’s of a higher standard.
Aesthetics
Lastly, consider the appearance of the wireless charging stands you want to buy.
Wireless charging compliance
Always check if your phone supports wireless charging before you get a wireless charger.
Most iPhones (series 12 – 15), Samsung, and Google Pixels support wireless charging. However, it’s never safe to assume.
Conclusion
There’s a wide variety of wireless chargers to choose; therefore, finding one that suits you should be challenging.
Most people buy stands over pads because they allow you to see your screen even as your phone charges.
However, pads are cheaper; therefore, you can buy a couple to keep around the house.
For all your wireless charging needs, feel free to contact Cloom Tech.