Introduction
As technology continues to evolve at a breakneck, the way of our device charging is also changing. No more hungrily wrestling cords from a tangle cords, no need to scramble for that nifty little socket. Now we have things like Qi2 wireless charging in the foreground with new and innovative approaches to power, if we’re talking traditional charging methods. So what does this mean for our life? In this article, you’ll learn the differences between Qi2 wireless charging and traditional wired charging methods, helping you understand which one could power your future more efficiently.
Understanding the Basics
What is Qi2 Wireless Charging Technology?
Qi2 is the latest and an advanced industry standard-based wireless charging technology developed by WPC (Wireless Power Consortium) following the popularity of its first generation (Qi) standard solution. This wireless power technology enables devices to be charged without the need for a physical cord (power cable). Thus, creating a more seamless charging experience for the consumers.
Qi2 comes in two forms. One without the use of magnets (EPP – Extended Power Profile), and another with the use of magnets (MPP – Magnetic Power Profile). Currently, it powers up to 15W, with the potential to increase to at least 25W in an advanced form.
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Key Features:
- Magnetic Alignment: Qi2 leverages magnets to align the charging device (Receiver like say smartphone) with the wireless charger (Transmitter like say mobile charger), with increased efficiency levels and faster charging capabilities.
- Efficient Use of Power: The wireless power transfer is optimised to reduce or eliminate energy losses. This means your devices may charge faster than traditional charging (wired) methods.
- Wide Compatibility: This means that WPC’s Qi2-based wireless charging solution seamlessly works across various other devices, a bonus for a multi-device home.
What is Traditional Charging?
Wired Charging, also known as Traditional charging system, is what we all have been using for decades now. It also involves a physical link between your device and the charger, with most chargers using USB and Type-C cables, with some integrated with USB-C PD (Power Delivery) protocol which enables fast charging using cables.
Key Features:
- Direct Charging: The direct wired form of charging means you need to plug a cable; one end would be inside the port of a device and another end to the power source (a wall unit using an adapter).
- Speed Fluctuates: Without using a specific charger and cable, the speed of charging a device can take hours or up to half of that period.
- Standardized: Most users already know the drill when it comes to wired charging which they have been using for years, making it a go-to option for most of them.
Comparing both the charging methods (traditional v/s wireless) on the basic factors:
| Factors | Qi2 Wireless Charging | Traditional Charging |
| Convenience Factor | Wireless charging would largely benefit users. Well, it is much more convenient than playing with wires/cables, as one simply keeps the smartphone on a wireless charging pad! You can do this in many more different situations – drop in your phones just about anywhere on a wireless charger when you are on the go, at a cafe or even in bed. | Finding a nice spot to plug in and avoiding tangles from the cables that follow us is the annoying part of wired charging. |
| Charging Speed | The current form of wireless charging in most cases may not charge as fast as wired charging, but can come closer based on which wireless charging one adopts and which device one intends to wirelessly charge and in what situations and distance. WPC’s Qi2 wireless charging solution charges devices relatively more efficiently than other wireless power solutions (as it’s a tightly coupled technology) but not to the power level of a traditional wired charger Its performance may not always match the best-made wired chargers, but it does come closer to it. The current stage of wireless charging technology focuses more on convenience benefits than a relatively similar level of charging speed as that of wired charging. | Overall, wired charging methods chain quicker charge techniques for the vast majority of gadgets. Fast chargers and high-voltage cables can supply quick bursts of energy when users need that extra punch. |
| Portability and Space Saving | Wireless chargers reduce all kinds of cables, ports and connections. Designed to be small and pretty, they will not take up space on your desk. | Old charging techniques demands carrying different cable chargers for different charging devices, in the bag or on tables creating a mess. Only recently, with the introduction of universal adapters that are based on USB-Type C Power Delivery protocol, can be used to charge multiple devices at the same time. Thus one does not need to carry many adapters and cables to charge each of them. |
| The Environmental Impact | Energy conservation with Qi2 (emerging benefit): One of the new benefits that Qi2 technology can provide is energy savings. This means less electricity is wasted while charging, as energy transfer is optimally aligned magnetically compared with Qi solution. Saying so, in the current stage wired charging technique would be considered more environment-friendly than wireless charging due to lower efficiency levels and relatively higher energy losses. | One also experiences energy losses with the use of wired charging techniques. Here there is still some energy loss between the adapter and the charging port. However, with new technologies such as USB-PD (Power Delivery), this gap is slowly closing in. |
Conclusion
As we weigh the pros and cons of Qi2 wireless charging versus traditional charging methods, it’s essential to consider factors such as convenience, relative speed, portability, interoperability, and environmental impact. While Qi2 offers a more futuristic, hassle-free experience, the traditional wired form of charging solution retains its edge in areas of efficiency, speed and familiarity (easy and vast adoption).
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WAWT expects further advancement of wireless charging technology, be it in the form of increased power levels, faster charging, increased efficiency, or the introduction of new wireless power technology. WAWTfeels the smartphone wireless charging technology market is still at its nascent stage, as we should expect more magic (and not magnets) going forward.
Feel free to contact our SME @DineshKithany to learn more about the latest trends, insights and size of the wireless power market opportunity. No one covers wireless power as WAWT does. And WAWT is the most sought-after analyst firm in the wireless power industry.
About Wired and Wireless Technologies (WAWT)
Wired and Wireless Technologies (WAWT), is a strategic technology analyst and consulting firm specialising in wireless power and power supply. Its comprehensive research data, insights, and market intelligence on the wireless power market titled ‘Wireless Power Intelligence Service’ covers various types of wireless power technology solutions using different frequency levels – be it in the form of inductive, resonance, NFC, RF, or infrared-based solutions.
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WAWT monitors the adoption of such wireless power solutions across 30+ different types of applications across automotive, consumer, computing, wearables, hearables, medical/healthcare, smart home, industrial, robotics, retail, infrastructure, and other sectors. Reach out to our subject matter experts (SMEs) by emailing us at [email protected] and following our LinkedIn page (WAWT) and other social platforms for the latest market estimates and forecasts, trends, insights, and updates on wireless power/charging and allied technologies.