I'm going to be extremely upset if the Pixel 10 doesn't launch with this accessory — here's why

Tom's Guide

3 days ago

As someone who has been complaining about the lack of Qi2 on Android for what feels like years, the Pixel 10 rumors have been absolutely thrilling. Not only is Qi2 reportedly coming to the Pixel 10 series, word is that it won't be the stripped-down magnet-free version employed by the Galaxy S25 series.
The best part of the rumor might just be the fact that Google could also launch its own range of "PixelSnap" magnetic accessories for the Pixel 10. Accessories that could include the one thing I desperately want — a magnetic charging stand.
Considering that the Pixel Stand 2 changed my opinion on wireless charging, the prospect of having a 3rd generation—complete with faster charging and magnetism—is one that I am very excited about.
The Pixel Stand 2 is a great wireless charger. Not only does it offer wireless charging speeds up to 23W for compatible phones, and cooling fans in the back to avoid heat build-up, it can also activate a special "Stand Mode."
This effectively turns your Pixel into a miniature Nest Hub as soon as you place your phone on the charger. This gives users the ability to control Google Home devices, control media playback without unlocking the phone and see an ever-changing slideshow of Google Photos albums.
The problem with Pixel Stand 2 is that it has been somewhat stagnant for the past four years since its release. Despite running with a 30W charger, wireless charging speeds have been capped at 23W, and the Stand itself was clearly only designed for Pixel phones in mind.
Other phones will wirelessly charge on the Pixel Stand 2, but others have trouble. The iPhone 15 Pro Max I keep on my desk is a great example, since the wireless charging coils are so out of alignment that the two will not work together without help. I have to raise the phone, usually with a pen, to actually get power into the phone — and it's often too fiddly and unstable to bother with.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Obviously, there's a limit to what you can do with a charging stand that turns your phone into a mini smart home hub. It's not like a pad where you can position your phone more freely, and it has been built specifically for Pixel phones. Other manufacturers' devices will obviously be a much lower priority. Because not everyone out there tests phones for a living, and it's rare to find someone with more handsets than fingers.
Still, considering Pixel Stand 2 was discontinued last year, and is much harder to buy, it's about time Google released something to replace it. Even if it's only to offer faster wireless charging for Pixel owners.
Should we get a Qi2 Pixel Stand, whether it's called PixelSnap Stand or Pixel Stand 3, it could make a big change. Not just in terms of offering a better and faster wireless charging experience for Pixel phones, but also in how it works with other devices.
The whole point of Qi2 is to improve the standard of basic wireless charging, without needing a manufacturer-specific system to reach those higher speeds. With the release of Qi2.2 earlier this year, that speed has increased to 25W.
Considering that's already ahead of the current 23W cap on Pixel phones, that leaves room for Google to offer significantly faster speeds on its own devices. Because there needs to be a good selling point to keep people from simply buying third-party chargers.
The magnets also ensure you get perfect coil alignment. That improves efficiency, reduces heat build-up, and makes for an overall better and faster charging experience. Plus, if Qi2 magnets are as powerful as MagSafe, it will keep your phone locked firmly in place until you need to.
And since those magnets have that grip, there's a lot more freedom in how you position the phone. This is beneficial for non-Google phones and any future Pixel designs that may deviate from the current norm. Like some kind of unreleased foldable phone, or even larger devices.Heck, if the Nest hub features are retained, you could incorporate it into a future version of the Pixel tablet. Who needs a Nest Hub now?
A new Pixel Stand wireless charger is not going to change the world. But should Google end up adding Qi2 to the Pixel 10 lineup, it would be crazy not to release a third-generation model to take advantage of all those changes. Even if there aren't any other PixelSnap accessories, as rumored, the least Google can do is up the ante on wireless charging.
My only question is, how much will such a charger inevitably cost? The Pixel Stand 2 was $79 at full price, and that was always something that put me off buying one — especially given my previous misgivings about wireless charging. Here's hoping it's not too ridiculous a price, especially given rumors that the Pixel 10 Pro XL may up its starting price by scrapping the 128GB storage option.
Still, even if it is comparable to the second-generation charger, if I bought a Pixel 10, I'd probably be tempted to pick up a PixelSnap charger alongside it.