Android phones have always been at the forefront of implementing cutting-edge standards. From supporting 4G and 5G to incorporating USB-C and in-screen fingerprint sensors, Android devices have led the way in innovation. However, in 2024, Android phone makers seemed to lag behind when it came to adopting the Qi2 wireless charging standard.
The Qi2 standard, introduced in early 2023 during CES, promised 15-watt wireless charging, improved safety features, and Magnetic Power Profiles for easy alignment with compatible charging pads. This standard aimed to bring the simplicity and convenience of Apple’s MagSafe products to the Android ecosystem.
Surprisingly, despite Apple sharing core parts of the MagSafe spec with other members of the Wireless Power Consortium, Android phone makers like Samsung, Google, and Motorola failed to incorporate Qi2 support into their devices. While the HMD Skyline was the lone Android phone to feature Qi2 in 2024, major players in the market chose not to follow suit.
Manufacturers often cite product development cycles and the lack of accessories as reasons for hesitating to adopt new standards. However, Qi2 and MagSafe gadgets are largely interchangeable, offering a wide range of accessory options. Even though some phones like the Razr Plus and Pixel 9 Pro Fold unintentionally stick to Qi2 accessories due to magnets, the user experience leaves much to be desired.
While Chinese phone makers have been slow to embrace Qi2, Samsung and Google also missed the mark by not including support for the standard in their flagship devices. The reluctance of OEMs to implement Qi2, a significant upgrade in smartphone usability, continues to puzzle industry observers.
With only one Android model supporting Qi2 and no signs of change in the near future, it remains uncertain if this promising standard will gain traction among Android users. Amidst this uncertainty, the HMD Skyline stands out as a beacon of hope for the potential adoption of Qi2 in the Android phone market in the coming year.
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