In today’s technologically-driven world, where smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets are virtual extensions of our personalities, keeping them charged and ready for use is essential.
Traditionally, we’ve relied on wired devices such as headphones, mice, and keyboards, along with wired chargers, to keep our devices powered, tethering them to wall outlets or computer USB ports.
Regardless, the advent of wireless charging has introduced a new aspect for consideration. While many are questioning, “Is a wireless charger genuinely useful?” and “Is it worth the investment over wired solutions?”.
It’s important to note the prevailing perception that wired charging is typically faster and more efficient, whereas wireless charging may not provide the same speed. This article aims to evaluate the practicality and value of wireless chargers, allowing you to make a well-informed decision about the charging solution that best meets your needs.
Wireless Charger
Wireless chargers are also known as inductive charging devices. Basically, these types of chargers use electromagnetic fields to transfer energy. This energy transfer occurs between two objects: the charging station (pad) and your device.
One significant advantage of wireless charging is convenience. There’s no need to plug and unplug a cable every time you want to charge your device. You just place it on the charging pad. This feature makes wireless charging an ideal solution for public spaces like cafes and airports, reducing the need for numerous charging cables and outlets.
Wireless chargers can potentially decrease wear and tear on your device’s charging port, due to no need to plug in and out the port and cable. Also, they reduce cable clutter on your desk or bedside table, leading to a more organized space.
But, they come with some disadvantages. The speed of charging is usually slower than that of wired chargers. Some users have reported that devices need to be precisely aligned on the charging pad for efficient charging. They heated, and it may occur any burn in both devices, though it does not happen. Additionally, while wireless charging pads are becoming more affordable, they are generally pricier than wired chargers.
Wired Chargers
Wired chargers have been our standard for powering devices for many years. Most smartphones and devices come with wired charging capabilities. While some high-end devices, such as those from Apple and Samsung, support wireless charging, almost all devices include wired charging functionality. Additionally, many devices now support fast charging, a feature predominantly available with wired charging solutions.
Their main advantage is speed. Wired chargers generally charge devices faster than wireless ones, especially with a high-power wall adapter. This makes them a preferred choice for people who are always on the move and need their devices charged quickly.
Wired chargers are usually more energy-efficient. They lose less energy during the charging process compared to wireless chargers. They also tend to be cheaper and are often included with most new devices, reducing the need for an extra expense.
Similar to wireless chargers, wired charging has its own set of drawbacks. The constant plugging and unplugging can lead to wear and tear on both the cable and the device’s charging port. Also, having several devices with different charging cables can lead to a cluttered and disorganized space.
Wireless Charging Technologies
Wireless charging has evolved significantly over the years, with several key technologies making it possible. Let’s read about the major wireless charger technologies that are available in India right now.
- Qi (Chee) Standard: Developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), Qi is the most widely used and adopted wireless charging standard. It uses inductive charging to deliver power, and it supports charging distances of up to 40mm. Many smartphone manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, have adopted the Qi standard.
- AirFuel Resonant: This technology, developed by the AirFuel Alliance, uses resonant inductive coupling, which allows for a slightly larger gap between the device and the charger compared to the Qi standard. It also supports charging multiple devices at once.
- Radio Frequency (RF) Energy Harvesting: This method of wireless charging uses radio waves to transmit energy. Powercast and Energous are examples of companies that have developed RF wireless charging solutions. These can charge devices over relatively long distances but with much lower power output.
- Infrared Wireless Charging: Ossia’s Cota technology uses infrared light to deliver power. This allows for charging over several meters, but like RF, the power output is relatively low.
- Ultrasonic Energy Transfer: This method uses sound waves to transmit power. While not yet widespread in consumer electronics, this technology shows promise for very small devices, such as medical implants.
- Laser-Based Wireless Charging: Developed by companies like Wi-Charge, this technology uses safe, infrared lasers to transmit power. It can deliver several watts of power over large distances, potentially up to several meters.
- Magnetic Resonance Charging: WiTricity uses this technology, which allows more flexibility in the positioning of the charged device relative to the charging station.
Each technology comes with its own pros and cons, including factors such as charging speed, distance, efficiency, and cost. The most suitable one depends on the specific use case and requirements. Qi and AirFuel Resonant are mostly used and are the best technologies for smartphone chargers.
Wired Chargers
The technologies used for wired charging primarily revolve around the types of connectors and power delivery standards. Here are some of the prominent wired charger types.
- USB Type-A: This is the traditional USB interface that comes with most computers and wall chargers. The power delivery can vary but it typically delivers 5V and 2.1A.
- USB Type-C: This newer type of USB connection can handle higher power delivery and faster data transfer rates. USB-C also has the advantage of being reversible, meaning the cable can be plugged in either way.
- USB Power Delivery (USB PD): This is a fast charging standard that can deliver up to 100W of power using a USB Type-C connection. It’s used by many laptops and smartphones for fast charging.
- Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC): This is a proprietary technology developed by Qualcomm. It allows for rapid charging of devices by delivering higher power levels. The latest version at the time of my last update, Quick Charge 5, can potentially charge a smartphone from 0 to 50% in about 5 minutes. It can be used in any Android device if they support type C.
- Apple’s Lightning Connector: This is a proprietary connector used by Apple for their iPhones, iPads, and some iPods. It has a compact design and is reversible. It is limited to Apple devices.
- Micro-USB: Although being phased out by USB Type-C, Micro-USB is still common on many older and budget Android devices.
- Other Proprietary Fast Charging Technologies: Many device manufacturers have their own proprietary fast charging technologies, such as OnePlus’s Warp Charge, Oppo’s SuperVOOC, and Samsung’s Adaptive Fast Charging. These technologies often require using the charger and cable provided by the manufacturer for the fastest speeds.
It’s important to note that the efficiency and speed of wired charging can also depend on factors like the power output of the wall adapter and the quality of the charging cable.
Before we move on to any conclusion, we have to know more information about this new wireless technology.
Is a Wireless Charger Truly Useful?
The utility of a wireless charger largely depends on an individual’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle. For some, a wireless charger can be incredibly useful due to the convenience and clutter-free experience it offers.
If you often find yourself needing to charge your devices in a space where dealing with cords is a hassle, a wireless charger can be a real game-changer. By simply placing your device on the charging pad, you can power it up without the need for cables. This can be especially beneficial in public places or shared spaces, where handling multiple cables can be inconvenient.
These are some major factors when you can use a wireless charger for convenience.
- Car
- Computer desk
- Working area
- While continuously watching movies/videos
- Study
Furthermore, if your devices support wireless charging, such as newer models of Apple and Samsung smartphones, a wireless charger can help preserve the longevity of your device’s charging port by reducing the physical wear and tear caused by frequent plugging and unplugging.
On the other hand, if you value speed and efficiency over convenience, a traditional wired charger might still be more useful for you. Wireless chargers generally do not charge as quickly as wired ones.
Pros & Cons of both Wired and Wireless chargers
Wireless Chargers
Pros:
- Convenience: There’s no need to plug and unplug a cable every time you need to charge your device. Just place it on the charging pad.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: Lessens the risk of damage to both the device’s charging port and the cable as there’s no continual connecting and disconnecting.
- Clutter-free: Helps maintain a clean, organized space by reducing the need for tangled charging cables.
- Universal Compatibility: Many wireless chargers follow the Qi standard, making them compatible with a wide variety of devices regardless of the brand.
- Safe and Reliable: Without exposed electrical connectors, wireless charging can be safer in certain environments, such as places exposed to water or other liquids.
- Multiple Device Charging: Some wireless chargers can charge multiple devices at the same time, which can be handy for people with multiple devices.
Cons:
- Slower Charging Speed: Wireless chargers generally don’t charge devices as quickly as wired chargers. (Max. 15 watt)
- Device Placement: For efficient charging, devices need to be aligned correctly on the charging pad, which can sometimes be tricky.
- Cost: While prices are decreasing, wireless chargers are generally more expensive than wired chargers.
Wired Chargers
Pros:
- Fast Charging: Wired chargers generally charge devices faster than wireless ones, making them suitable for people who need quick charging.
- Energy Efficient: Wired chargers lose less energy during the charging process compared to wireless chargers, making them more efficient.
- Cost-Effective: Wired chargers tend to be cheaper and often come with new devices, reducing the need for an additional expense.
- Uninterrupted Usage: You can continue using your device while it’s charging without worrying about maintaining a particular position on a charging pad.
- Reliable: Wired chargers don’t require precise alignment to work. As long as the charger is plugged in, your device will charge.
- High Compatibility: Almost every device that needs charging comes with a wired charging option, making wired chargers highly versatile.
Cons:
- Wear and Tear: The constant plugging and unplugging can lead to wear and tear on the cable and the device’s charging port.
- Clutter: Multiple wired chargers can contribute to a cluttered and disorganized space.
- Limited Mobility: The length of the cable restricts the range of motion when using the device during charging.
Verdict
In this article, we’ve discussed both wired and wireless chargers in the context of smartphone charging solutions. Our personal views on both options have been shared, with a particular focus on wireless charging and its pros and cons, to help you make an informed choice.
The choice is personal. Wireless chargers are often more convenient than wired ones, allowing you to charge your phone in the car, on your desk, at home, in the office, and even on the train without needing to plug in.
However, the final decision is yours. We have not included any affiliate or promotional links.
One notable point is the affordability of wireless chargers. Their price range starts from around 600 rupees and can go up to 3000 for top-tier wireless chargers with additional features and higher wattage. Choose wisely.
This concludes our evaluation of wireless chargers. Are they truly useful? That’s a decision each user will need to make based on their individual requirements, preferences, and the trade-offs we’ve discussed.
