Is Wireless Charging A Gimmick?

anyonefortennis · 24-07-2015, 11:51

Watching the constant repeats of the ad with Rita Ora charging her Galaxy S6 by placing it on quite a large circular pad makes it look more inconvenient than just plugging a tiny wired phone charger into the phone. Surely carrying around a circular pad that size is more hassle than a wire you can just plug in when you need to or am I missing something?

Synthetic42 · 24-07-2015, 11:57

I've found it useful with my S6, I have a wireless charging dock which i sit it on when I'm at my desk, means I can see notifications as they come through and it's always charged when I want to take it away with me.

I wouldn't be too keen on the big pads, as you say they're a bit big to carry around with you but my dock just stays on my desk

anyonefortennis · 24-07-2015, 12:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synthetic42

I've found it useful with my S6, I have a wireless charging dock which i sit it on when I'm at my desk, means I can see notifications as they come through and it's always charged when I want to take it away with me.

I wouldn't be too keen on the big pads, as you say they're a bit big to carry around with you but my dock just stays on my desk

But why is it different to seeing notifications on your phone using a wired charger plugged into the phone? Can you only charge these phones wirelessly? What happens if you run out of power or need to recharge the phone when you are out and about? Do you have to carry that big pad with you?

Richard_T · 24-07-2015, 12:10

Ive been using a wireless charger for a while, wired charging is still available should you need it.
With the increasing use of sealed in batterys, portable powerpacks with a wireless chargers can be incredibly useful, and in some cases the portable power packs are small enough to go in your pocket with your phone.
This means that your phone will charge while in your pocket with no cables required.

As for use, at the end of the day its just a case of putting the phone down on the charger, far less fiddly than plugging it in.

anyonefortennis · 24-07-2015, 12:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard_T

Ive been using a wireless charger for a while, wired charging is still available should you need it.
With the increasing use of sealed in batterys, portable powerpacks with a wireless chargers can be incredibly useful, and in some cases the portable power packs are small enough to go in your pocket with your phone.
This means that your phone will charge while in your pocket with no cables required.

As for use, at the end of the day its just a case of putting the phone down on the charger, far less fiddly than plugging it in.

Really? I don't find plugging my phone into the charger that fiddly. But it sounds like wireless charging could be very handy if you can charge the phone when it's in your pocket. As long as you don't have to carry that big disc in your other pocket.

Soundbox · 24-07-2015, 12:23

I like the wireless charging very much as I have one on my bedside table. My reasons are:

1. Wire for charging pad is taped to the dresser (no loops) and so just placing the phone down is enough. I have caught the charger cable more than once with hard wired phones.
2. Wear on the socket. If the wire is tugged or the phone falls with the plug in, the contacts can be damaged. Having no physical connection is preferable.
3. Static damage. I have had a situation where picking up my phone with a connected charger has sent an accumulated static charge into the phone from my body which messed up the battery level until I did a full reset.
4. Free charging. Cafes are already starting to offer the charging pads as part of the table for customers. I think this is a real step forwards as topping up the charge while having a coffee is a nice perk.
5. Sealed cases. Having all ports sealed makes for a much more durable rig when using the phone around water.

I don't usually like 'gimmicks' but I don't think wireless charging is one of them.

anyonefortennis · 24-07-2015, 12:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soundbox

I like the wireless charging very much as I have one on my bedside table. My reasons are:

1. Wire for charging pad is taped to the dresser (no loops) and so just placing the phone down is enough. I have caught the charger cable more than once with hard wired phones.
2. Wear on the socket. If the wire is tugged or the phone falls with the plug in, the contacts can be damaged. Having no physical connection is preferable.
3. Static damage. I have had a situation where picking up my phone with a connected charger has sent an accumulated static charge into the phone from my body which messed up the battery level until I did a full reset.
4. Free charging. Cafes are already starting to offer the charging pads as part of the table for customers. I think this is a real step forwards as topping up the charge while having a coffee is a nice perk.
5. Sealed cases. Having all ports sealed makes for a much more durable rig when using the phone around water.

I don't usually like 'gimmicks' but I don't think wireless charging is one of them.

Ooooh that's happened to me a few times. Didn't realise static could mess up the battery level.

Everything Goes · 24-07-2015, 12:37

Ive got a wireless charging cradle in my car for my Galaxy S4. Love it. No messing about with cables.

Synthetic42 · 24-07-2015, 12:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by anyonefortennis

But why is it different to seeing notifications on your phone using a wired charger plugged into the phone? Can you only charge these phones wirelessly? What happens if you run out of power or need to recharge the phone when you are out and about? Do you have to carry that big pad with you?

Because it's standing up in a dock so I can just glance and see them, rather than picking it up to look when it's charging normally. I know that sounds like a small thing but it makes such a difference

I just charge it normally at work as I'm not looking at my phone as often, if I could afford it I'd get a wireless dock for work too, but it'd probably go walkies...

anyonefortennis · 24-07-2015, 12:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synthetic42

Because it's standing up in a dock so I can just glance and see them, rather than picking it up to look when it's charging normally. I know that sounds like a small thing but it makes such a difference

I just charge it normally at work as I'm not looking at my phone as often, if I could afford it I'd get a wireless dock for work too, but it'd probably go walkies...

If they could make the wireless dock smaller that would be great so you could carry it with you to other locations then you wouldn't have to buy a 2nd one. It just looks quite cumbersome at the moment.

Stiggles · 24-07-2015, 13:21

Its not that big! Probably about 2 inches across.

Synthetic42 · 24-07-2015, 14:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by anyonefortennis

If they could make the wireless dock smaller that would be great so you could carry it with you to other locations then you wouldn't have to buy a 2nd one. It just looks quite cumbersome at the moment.

I have my EE power bar thing in the car for when I'm out and about anyway if I need it

anyonefortennis · 24-07-2015, 14:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synthetic42

I have my EE power bar thing in the car for when I'm out and about anyway if I need it

I didn't realise you could use it wirelessly until Richard told me you can charge with it in your pocket.

Synthetic42 · 24-07-2015, 14:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by anyonefortennis

I didn't realise you could use it wirelessly until soundbox told me you can charge with it in your pocket.

No the power bar isn't wireless it's just USB, when I'm out and about I charge normally with that (if I need to) that would be handy, if they were both in the same pocket then your phone could charge while you're out and about.

anyonefortennis · 24-07-2015, 14:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synthetic42

No the power bar isn't wireless it's just USB, when I'm out and about I charge normally with that (if I need to) that would be handy, if they were both in the same pocket then your phone could charge while you're out and about.

What are the power packs Richard mentioned that you could charge your phone wirelessly in your pocket?

Synthetic42 · 24-07-2015, 14:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by anyonefortennis

What are the power packs Richard mentioned that you could charge your phone wirelessly in your pocket?

I'm not sure, I've never seen such portable wireless chargers

DevonBloke · 24-07-2015, 15:44

The most important thing that no one has mentioned though is that Wireless charging will very soon get rid of the wires altogether.
Problem with wired is that there are too many different plugs and sockets.
Before long wireless charging pads will be everywhere.
They'll be a common as light switches.
My question is will the iPhone 6s have it and since Apple always take an existing idea and make it work better, how will it be better?

anyonefortennis · 24-07-2015, 15:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevonBloke

The most important thing that no one has mentioned though is that Wireless charging will very soon get rid of the wires altogether.
Problem with wired is that there are too many different plugs and sockets.
Before long wireless charging pads will be everywhere.
They'll be a common as light switches.
My question is will the iPhone 6s have it and since Apple always take an existing idea and make it work better, how will it be better?

You won't need a wireless pad. The wireless function will transmit from the plug or the sun.

Richard_T · 24-07-2015, 15:52

Heres a few
http://www.gearbest.com/mobile-power...FUkUwwodVvMGDg

QI stone portable power bank that will charge itself from a QI charger, and then charge your phone wirelessly from its built in QI coil
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...r_1_38&sr=8-38

xreyuk123 · 24-07-2015, 16:03

The only thing that bothers me about it is a slow rate of charge.

It would be fine for overnight charging, but so is a cable. I am not static long so when I charge I need a fair input of juice. I can see how they're nice for people at a desk, where as my job is field based.

The waterproofing point is good though, having a more sealed phone is beneficial.

I have an iPhone 6 and have used various cards and cases to try it but doesn't really suit me. The supapowa case looks like a good bet though for anyone to try

finbaar · 25-07-2015, 09:39

Wireless chargers are really designed to stay in one place. I have one on my desk at work and one on my bedside table. At work my phone sits on the pad and ensures that it is always topped up. Furniture is also being sold with built in charging and some cafes are also building it into tables. There is nothing cumbersome about this arrangement. And you van use a wired charger if needed.

I fitted Qi coils to my G2 in October and since then I have had a L830, L930 and a G3 all with Qi built in. It's been very nice but if the Oneplus 2 or Moto X 2015 don't have it it wouldn't stop me from buying it. In fact I am more interested in a type C USB connector being used than Qi.

jonmorris · 25-07-2015, 10:30

I hope the new Moto X will have it. The Nexus 6 did.

I think wireless chafing is great and have five pads around the home, including two Ikea lights.

The only problems are 1) the placement bad to be pretty spot on, and if you knocked the phone or tablet you might not notice until you see it hasn't charged. 2) if you keep a device in a case, sometimes that can stop - or slow - charging.

But overall, it's a feature I'd like to see on every phone and just giving you a choice. It won't replace the traditional methods, especially now we have quick/turbo charging.

Thine Wonk · 25-07-2015, 10:53

If you charge your phone by your bed a stand with a wireless dock is fantastic. You can pick up and put down the phone in the morning or at night to look at a text or set an alarm or whatever and put it back on the dock with no wires, and it sits 'up' so that I see alarms etc

Just the ease of picking it up and using it around the house and then just putting it on the stand without the hassle of wires is brilliant.

Swipe · 25-07-2015, 14:54

Can you wirelessly charge any phone e.g. a Moto G or does it have to be a certain type of phone that allows this?

jonmorris · 25-07-2015, 16:32

The phone needs to support it. Sometimes a replacement back cover can add this functionality, other times you can get a case that has it, and charges via the USB port - but the latter is often rather clunky, and obviously means you can't charge the normal way without removing it.

I'd like to see all new phones supporting it, personally. It shouldn't really add any thickness to the phone if designed properly.

The Moto G, by the way, doesn't support wireless charging. Don't even think the 2015 model will.

24-07-2015, 11:51	#1
anyonefortennis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: 🇬🇧 Posts: 60,865	Is Wireless Charging A Gimmick? Watching the constant repeats of the ad with Rita Ora charging her Galaxy S6 by placing it on quite a large circular pad makes it look more inconvenient than just plugging a tiny wired phone charger into the phone. Surely carrying around a circular pad that size is more hassle than a wire you can just plug in when you need to or am I missing something?

24-07-2015, 11:57	#2
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	I've found it useful with my S6, I have a wireless charging dock which i sit it on when I'm at my desk, means I can see notifications as they come through and it's always charged when I want to take it away with me. I wouldn't be too keen on the big pads, as you say they're a bit big to carry around with you but my dock just stays on my desk

24-07-2015, 12:01	#3
anyonefortennis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: 🇬🇧 Posts: 60,865	Quote: Originally Posted by Synthetic42 I've found it useful with my S6, I have a wireless charging dock which i sit it on when I'm at my desk, means I can see notifications as they come through and it's always charged when I want to take it away with me. I wouldn't be too keen on the big pads, as you say they're a bit big to carry around with you but my dock just stays on my desk But why is it different to seeing notifications on your phone using a wired charger plugged into the phone? Can you only charge these phones wirelessly? What happens if you run out of power or need to recharge the phone when you are out and about? Do you have to carry that big pad with you?

24-07-2015, 12:10	#4
Richard_T Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: East Midlands Posts: 3,842	Ive been using a wireless charger for a while, wired charging is still available should you need it. With the increasing use of sealed in batterys, portable powerpacks with a wireless chargers can be incredibly useful, and in some cases the portable power packs are small enough to go in your pocket with your phone. This means that your phone will charge while in your pocket with no cables required. As for use, at the end of the day its just a case of putting the phone down on the charger, far less fiddly than plugging it in.

24-07-2015, 12:15	#5
anyonefortennis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: 🇬🇧 Posts: 60,865	Quote: Originally Posted by Richard_T Ive been using a wireless charger for a while, wired charging is still available should you need it. With the increasing use of sealed in batterys, portable powerpacks with a wireless chargers can be incredibly useful, and in some cases the portable power packs are small enough to go in your pocket with your phone. This means that your phone will charge while in your pocket with no cables required. As for use, at the end of the day its just a case of putting the phone down on the charger, far less fiddly than plugging it in. Really? I don't find plugging my phone into the charger that fiddly. But it sounds like wireless charging could be very handy if you can charge the phone when it's in your pocket. As long as you don't have to carry that big disc in your other pocket.

24-07-2015, 12:23	#6
Soundbox Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The garden of earthly delights Posts: 4,509	I like the wireless charging very much as I have one on my bedside table. My reasons are: 1. Wire for charging pad is taped to the dresser (no loops) and so just placing the phone down is enough. I have caught the charger cable more than once with hard wired phones. 2. Wear on the socket. If the wire is tugged or the phone falls with the plug in, the contacts can be damaged. Having no physical connection is preferable. 3. Static damage. I have had a situation where picking up my phone with a connected charger has sent an accumulated static charge into the phone from my body which messed up the battery level until I did a full reset. 4. Free charging. Cafes are already starting to offer the charging pads as part of the table for customers. I think this is a real step forwards as topping up the charge while having a coffee is a nice perk. 5. Sealed cases. Having all ports sealed makes for a much more durable rig when using the phone around water. I don't usually like 'gimmicks' but I don't think wireless charging is one of them.

24-07-2015, 12:26	#7
anyonefortennis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: 🇬🇧 Posts: 60,865	Quote: Originally Posted by Soundbox I like the wireless charging very much as I have one on my bedside table. My reasons are: 1. Wire for charging pad is taped to the dresser (no loops) and so just placing the phone down is enough. I have caught the charger cable more than once with hard wired phones. 2. Wear on the socket. If the wire is tugged or the phone falls with the plug in, the contacts can be damaged. Having no physical connection is preferable. 3. Static damage. I have had a situation where picking up my phone with a connected charger has sent an accumulated static charge into the phone from my body which messed up the battery level until I did a full reset. 4. Free charging. Cafes are already starting to offer the charging pads as part of the table for customers. I think this is a real step forwards as topping up the charge while having a coffee is a nice perk. 5. Sealed cases. Having all ports sealed makes for a much more durable rig when using the phone around water. I don't usually like 'gimmicks' but I don't think wireless charging is one of them. Ooooh that's happened to me a few times. Didn't realise static could mess up the battery level.

24-07-2015, 12:37	#8
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	Ive got a wireless charging cradle in my car for my Galaxy S4. Love it. No messing about with cables.

24-07-2015, 12:54	#9
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	Quote: Originally Posted by anyonefortennis But why is it different to seeing notifications on your phone using a wired charger plugged into the phone? Can you only charge these phones wirelessly? What happens if you run out of power or need to recharge the phone when you are out and about? Do you have to carry that big pad with you? Because it's standing up in a dock so I can just glance and see them, rather than picking it up to look when it's charging normally. I know that sounds like a small thing but it makes such a difference I just charge it normally at work as I'm not looking at my phone as often, if I could afford it I'd get a wireless dock for work too, but it'd probably go walkies...

24-07-2015, 12:56	#10
anyonefortennis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: 🇬🇧 Posts: 60,865	Quote: Originally Posted by Synthetic42 Because it's standing up in a dock so I can just glance and see them, rather than picking it up to look when it's charging normally. I know that sounds like a small thing but it makes such a difference I just charge it normally at work as I'm not looking at my phone as often, if I could afford it I'd get a wireless dock for work too, but it'd probably go walkies... If they could make the wireless dock smaller that would be great so you could carry it with you to other locations then you wouldn't have to buy a 2nd one. It just looks quite cumbersome at the moment.

24-07-2015, 13:21	#11
Stiggles Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Dundee, Scotland Posts: 9,293	Its not that big! Probably about 2 inches across.

24-07-2015, 14:03	#12
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	Quote: Originally Posted by anyonefortennis If they could make the wireless dock smaller that would be great so you could carry it with you to other locations then you wouldn't have to buy a 2nd one. It just looks quite cumbersome at the moment. I have my EE power bar thing in the car for when I'm out and about anyway if I need it

24-07-2015, 14:10	#13
anyonefortennis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: 🇬🇧 Posts: 60,865	Quote: Originally Posted by Synthetic42 I have my EE power bar thing in the car for when I'm out and about anyway if I need it I didn't realise you could use it wirelessly until Richard told me you can charge with it in your pocket.

24-07-2015, 14:19	#14
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	Quote: Originally Posted by anyonefortennis I didn't realise you could use it wirelessly until soundbox told me you can charge with it in your pocket. No the power bar isn't wireless it's just USB, when I'm out and about I charge normally with that (if I need to) that would be handy, if they were both in the same pocket then your phone could charge while you're out and about.

24-07-2015, 14:23	#15
anyonefortennis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: 🇬🇧 Posts: 60,865	Quote: Originally Posted by Synthetic42 No the power bar isn't wireless it's just USB, when I'm out and about I charge normally with that (if I need to) that would be handy, if they were both in the same pocket then your phone could charge while you're out and about. What are the power packs Richard mentioned that you could charge your phone wirelessly in your pocket?

24-07-2015, 14:47	#16
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	Quote: Originally Posted by anyonefortennis What are the power packs Richard mentioned that you could charge your phone wirelessly in your pocket? I'm not sure, I've never seen such portable wireless chargers

24-07-2015, 15:44	#17
DevonBloke Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Totnes, Devon Posts: 6,694	The most important thing that no one has mentioned though is that Wireless charging will very soon get rid of the wires altogether. Problem with wired is that there are too many different plugs and sockets. Before long wireless charging pads will be everywhere. They'll be a common as light switches. My question is will the iPhone 6s have it and since Apple always take an existing idea and make it work better, how will it be better?

24-07-2015, 15:47	#18
anyonefortennis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: 🇬🇧 Posts: 60,865	Quote: Originally Posted by DevonBloke The most important thing that no one has mentioned though is that Wireless charging will very soon get rid of the wires altogether. Problem with wired is that there are too many different plugs and sockets. Before long wireless charging pads will be everywhere. They'll be a common as light switches. My question is will the iPhone 6s have it and since Apple always take an existing idea and make it work better, how will it be better? You won't need a wireless pad. The wireless function will transmit from the plug or the sun.

24-07-2015, 15:52	#19
Richard_T Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: East Midlands Posts: 3,842	Heres a few http://www.gearbest.com/mobile-power...FUkUwwodVvMGDg QI stone portable power bank that will charge itself from a QI charger, and then charge your phone wirelessly from its built in QI coil http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...r_1_38&sr=8-38

24-07-2015, 16:03	#20
xreyuk123 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 509	The only thing that bothers me about it is a slow rate of charge. It would be fine for overnight charging, but so is a cable. I am not static long so when I charge I need a fair input of juice. I can see how they're nice for people at a desk, where as my job is field based. The waterproofing point is good though, having a more sealed phone is beneficial. I have an iPhone 6 and have used various cards and cases to try it but doesn't really suit me. The supapowa case looks like a good bet though for anyone to try

25-07-2015, 09:39	#21
finbaar Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 3,921	Wireless chargers are really designed to stay in one place. I have one on my desk at work and one on my bedside table. At work my phone sits on the pad and ensures that it is always topped up. Furniture is also being sold with built in charging and some cafes are also building it into tables. There is nothing cumbersome about this arrangement. And you van use a wired charger if needed. I fitted Qi coils to my G2 in October and since then I have had a L830, L930 and a G3 all with Qi built in. It's been very nice but if the Oneplus 2 or Moto X 2015 don't have it it wouldn't stop me from buying it. In fact I am more interested in a type C USB connector being used than Qi.

DS Forums

Is Wireless Charging A Gimmick?

25-07-2015, 10:30	#22
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	I hope the new Moto X will have it. The Nexus 6 did. I think wireless chafing is great and have five pads around the home, including two Ikea lights. The only problems are 1) the placement bad to be pretty spot on, and if you knocked the phone or tablet you might not notice until you see it hasn't charged. 2) if you keep a device in a case, sometimes that can stop - or slow - charging. But overall, it's a feature I'd like to see on every phone and just giving you a choice. It won't replace the traditional methods, especially now we have quick/turbo charging.

25-07-2015, 10:53	#23
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	If you charge your phone by your bed a stand with a wireless dock is fantastic. You can pick up and put down the phone in the morning or at night to look at a text or set an alarm or whatever and put it back on the dock with no wires, and it sits 'up' so that I see alarms etc Just the ease of picking it up and using it around the house and then just putting it on the stand without the hassle of wires is brilliant.

25-07-2015, 14:54	#24
Swipe Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 6,183	Can you wirelessly charge any phone e.g. a Moto G or does it have to be a certain type of phone that allows this?

25-07-2015, 16:32	#25
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	The phone needs to support it. Sometimes a replacement back cover can add this functionality, other times you can get a case that has it, and charges via the USB port - but the latter is often rather clunky, and obviously means you can't charge the normal way without removing it. I'd like to see all new phones supporting it, personally. It shouldn't really add any thickness to the phone if designed properly. The Moto G, by the way, doesn't support wireless charging. Don't even think the 2015 model will.