Imagine chatting with friends or playing at Azurslot for a while and then your battery dies. It’s the worst thing that can happen nowadays. Want to avoid it? Then you need to find a proper charging solution. Let’s figure out whether wireless charging is harmful and in which cases it is better to choose a cable.

How Wireless Charging Works

Wireless charging is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction: an electric current is generated in a conductor that is exposed to an alternating magnetic field.

The system consists of two components, each of which contains a copper coil — a wire wound into many loops. In the charging station, the coil acts as a transmitter; inside the gadget, it functions as a receiver.

When the transmitter is plugged into a power source, the current flowing through its coil generates an alternating magnetic field around it. This field then induces an electric current in the second coil — the one inside the gadget — and charges the battery.

There is a common myth that the radiation from a charging station is harmful to your health. In reality, modern systems generate a weak magnetic field around the transmitter that is not harmful.

However, it’s best not to keep bank cards, magnetic keys (like intercom passes), or work badges close to the station, as they may eventually become demagnetized and stop working.

Charging Standards

Most devices — including those from Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, POCO, and Sony — use the universal Qi wireless charging standard. Despite compatibility across brands, it’s best to use a branded station from your smartphone’s manufacturer. Official accessories are designed to align precisely with the coil in your device, reducing energy loss and speeding up the charge.

The efficiency of wireless charging depends on the alignment and distance between the transmitter and receiver coils. The closer and better aligned they are, the more energy the gadget receives and the less is lost to the surrounding air. Even if the coils are perfectly aligned, up to 25% of energy can still be lost during charging.

In reality, it’s hard to place a phone perfectly flat on the station, which increases energy loss even more. As a result, a 15W station might charge your gadget at the same speed as a 10-11W wired adapter.

Apple has improved on the Qi standard with its own technology called MagSafe. The transmitter coil is held firmly against the phone by magnets, reducing energy loss.

Apple gadgets can also be charged via Qi, but the process takes longer.

Other smartphone brands can use a MagSafe station if you attach a magnetic ring to the phone’s case or body.

Since 2023, devices using the Qi2 standard have also incorporated magnets to keep gadgets securely aligned. To check whether your device supports wireless charging and which standard it uses, refer to its specifications on the manufacturer’s or retailer’s website.

Pros of Wireless Charging

• One station for multiple devices: Many models allow simultaneous charging of several devices, such as a smartphone, earbuds, and smartwatch.
• Great for mixed ports: If your gadgets use different connectors, a single wireless station at home or at work can keep your desk tidy and cable-free.
• Reverse charging: Some smartphones can act as charging stations. For example, you can place wireless earbuds on the back of a phone with reverse charging to give them a quick boost — perfect for the ride home or calling a taxi. This feature is available on Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi, and Honor flagships. iPhones only support it for the MagSafe Battery Pack.
• Protection from wear and tear: Constantly plugging in and unplugging a cable wears down the port. Yanking a cable suddenly (say, to turn off an alarm) can damage the port. Cables also wear out internally over time. Wireless charging avoids these issues.
• Convenient in cars: You can place your phone on a magnetic wireless station without having wires get in the way while driving. If the phone is held vertically, it can even serve as a GPS.

Cons of Wireless Charging

• Charging speed: The main downside is that wireless charging is slower than wired charging. While a cable can deliver 45, 67, or even 100 watts, wireless stations typically max out at 15-25W. Some energy is also lost to the air or due to imperfect coil alignment.
• Possible battery overheating: Batteries heat up more during wireless charging than with cables — temperatures can rise to 35°C (95°F) or higher, especially when using a case or if the coils are not perfectly aligned. High heat speeds up chemical reactions inside the battery, which leads to faster wear and reduced capacity.

Studies show that regular charging where the battery heats above 30°C (86°F) shortens its lifespan. Although manufacturers include cooling systems in both chargers and devices, overheating remains an issue — particularly with powerful stations.

• No movement allowed with Qi: Phones must stay perfectly aligned during Qi wireless charging. If you frequently check notifications or messages, a cable might be more practical.
• MagSafe and Qi2 solve this: Magnets in these systems keep the phone in place, so charging continues even if you’re walking or commuting — no cables to tangle or get in the way.
• Not compatible with all cases: Thick cases can increase the distance between the coils, slowing the charge. To avoid removing your phone from the case each time, choose one that supports MagSafe or attach a magnetic ring.

Should You Buy a Wireless Charger?

Wireless charging won’t replace cables for fast charging, but it’s a convenient addition. It’s especially useful:

• For charging multiple devices at once if you regularly use several gadgets that support wireless charging — like a phone, earbuds, and smartwatch.
• On the go: Use a station in your car or a magnetic power bank on public transport to charge your device while using it.
• At the office: Avoid carrying multiple cables by keeping a wireless station at your desk.