Wireless charging has taken its sweet time to become a staple in our daily tech interactions. It offers the convenience of powering devices without the clutter of cables but is often significantly slower than wired alternatives. The Qi standard, developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), has been at the forefront of this technology. Recently, the WPC introduced Qi2, an evolution of the original Qi standard which might make it more lucrative. here, we’ll explore the differences between Qi1 and Qi2, and highlight the practical implications of this advancement.
Qi1 vs Qi2: What has changed?
The original Qi standard, often referred to as Qi1, relies on electromagnetic induction to transfer power between a charging pad and a compatible device. This method requires precise alignment between the device and the charger to ensure efficient energy transfer. In my experience, placing my smartphone on a Qi1 charger often involves adjustment to find that ‘sweet spot’ where charging would commence. This occasional fiddling, while minor, sometimes disrupted the seamless experience and charging speed.
Qi2 introduces the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP), a feature similar to Apple’s MagSafe technology. This innovation incorporates a ring of magnets into both the device and the charger, ensuring perfect alignment every time. This intuitive alignment not only enhances user experience but also improves charging efficiency by reducing energy loss.
Qi1 vs Qi2: Charging Speed and Efficiency
Qi1 supports up to 15W wireless charging, whereas Qi2 sets 15 watts as the minimum. However, the magnetic alignment in Qi2 minimizes energy wastage, potentially leading to faster charging times even at the same wattage. Moreover, Qi2 lays the groundwork for future high-wattage charging, paving the way for advancements beyond the current 15W limit.
Qi1 vs Qi2: Compatibility and safety enhancements
Qi2 is designed to be backwards compatible, allowing Qi1 devices to charge on Qi2 pads. However, it’s worth noting that while Qi2 chargers can power older devices, the optimal benefits of Qi2 like perfect alignment and enhanced efficiency are best experienced with Qi2-compatible devices.
Qi2 incorporates advanced safety features, including foreign object detection and temperature control, to prevent overheating and ensure safe charging. This added layer of safety provides peace of mind, especially when charging devices overnight.
Adoption and Market Trends
All iPhones starting from iPhone 12 have Qi2 support. The adoption of Qi2 on the Android side of things has been slow. Only one Qi2-certified Android phone has been launched so far, the HMD Skyline. The Galaxy S25 Series is certified to be Qi-Ready, which means it supports Qi 2.1 charging but you will need a supported case with magnets.
| Feature | Qi | MagSafe | Qi2 |
| Primary Charging Mechanism | Electromagnetic Induction | Electromagnetic Induction with Magnetic Alignment | Magnetic Power Profile (Improved Electromagnetic Induction with Standardized Magnetic Alignment) |
| Max Charging Power | Up to 15W (for Qi-certified devices) | 15W (on iPhones, lower for non-Apple devices) | 15W initially, potential for higher power in future updates |
| Device Alignment | Requires precise alignment for efficiency | Magnetic alignment for Apple devices | Standardized magnetic alignment across brands for efficiency |
| Magnet Integration | Optional for devices | Built-in for Apple MagSafe-compatible devices | Built-in for Qi2-certified devices, optional for Qi-Ready devices |
Wireless Charging Evolves, but Challenges Remain
The introduction of Qi2 marks a step forward in wireless charging technology. Paving the way for more advanced and user-friendly solutions. As the technology matures, users can look forward to a more seamless and reliable wireless charging experience. At the same time, for universal wireless charging to be truly lucrative, we will need faster charging speeds. Proprietary solutions from Android manufacturers offer 50W to 100W wireless charging speeds and the Qi2 still doesn’t come close.
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Deepak Singh
Deepak is Editor at Digit. He is passionate about technology and has been keeping an eye on emerging technology trends for nearly a decade. When he is not working, he likes to read and to spend quality time with his family. View Full Profile
