Latest news with #AIRVOOC
Android Authority
2 days ago
- Android Authority
It's been 84 years, but my dream of 'MagSafe' on a Pixel is almost here
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority I am an Android and a Pixel fan who has been heralding MagSafe as the coolest and most useful smartphone accessory improvement since sliced bread — or USB-C to stay within the metaphor. So when Qi2 was announced with a hint of MagSafe backwards compatibility, I was in nerd heaven. Finally — finally! — I'd be able to dip into a large ecosystem of accessories and use them on my Pixel phones. But Qi2's announcement came and went, and the weeks, months, and years passed us by without any Android phone adding support for the standard. Then came the HMD Skyline, the first phone with built-in Qi2 charging and magnet compatibility, which made little impact besides claiming the title of 'first to market.' Google released its Pixel 9 series with good ol' first-gen Qi, letting 2024 roll into 2025 with me still twiddling my thumbs waiting for Qi2's big 'Finally!' moment. Early 2025 didn't change much. I thought the Samsung Galaxy S25 series would take us over the hump and herald the age of Qi2, and while the phones are Qi2-ready, they don't have the built-in magnet compatibility that I really want. Instead, you have to buy a magnetic case, which solves the issue without really solving it (I'll get to the 'why' later). Similarly, the OnePlus 13 uses a magnetic case to trigger its proprietary AIRVOOC wireless charging ecosystem, and the OPPO Find X8 series followed with the same strategy. It's easy to lose hope in this context. I was starting to think that 2025 is done for, and that I'd have to wait for 2026 to see Qi2's big moment on Android come to fruition. But lo and behold, Google, the brand less likely to innovate on hardware specs, is potentially preparing an unexpected surprise: Qi2 on the Pixel 10. And if that turns out to be true, you'll find me doing the Shia LaBeouf clapping meme in real life for a few minutes. Here's why. Google adopting Qi2 puts pressure on everyone to adopt Qi2 Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Android brands have been fighting over small margins on spec sheets for years now, and no one wants to be left behind. If OnePlus upgrades to the latest processor, Samsung will follow, and if Xiaomi speeds up its charging, OPPO will go faster. It took ages to get the first under-display fingerprint scanner, but now almost all Android phones have them; the same happened with higher adaptive refresh rates on displays, periscope cameras, and so on. It only takes one small snowball to create an avalanche, but waiting for the snowball is the hardest part. We're now seeing this shift with silicon-carbon batteries, and I hope that we'll soon see it for Qi2. If Google, the face of Android and the brand with some of the most significant PR exposure (especially in the US market), really added full Qi2 compatibility and created an ecosystem of magnet-friendly 'Pixelsnap' accessories, then it will definitely spearhead the online conversation around Qi2, magnets, and 'MagSafe on Android.' Reviews, YouTube videos, podcasts, ads — everything will mention Pixelsnap, and the onus will be on everyone else to follow. That should pressure every other brand to include Qi2 in their upcoming flagship, even speeding up their plans if Qi2 wasn't part of them already. What was once a 'nice to have' feature in the spec sheet would become a real bullet point under the cons if it's missing. And no brand wants extra cons and reasons for people not to buy its phones. What we're potentially looking at with the Pixel 10 is the snowball that starts the avalanche, and I'm all here for it. Built-in magnet compatibility makes all the difference for Qi2 Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority I'm clumsy and I'm the first one to put a case on all my phones, so why am I so staunchly against the idea of Qi2-ready phones with magnet compatibility brought in by cases? Well, it's a matter of perception in my opinion. When the metallic array used by magnets is not built into the phone, Qi2 becomes an extra: It's not taken seriously by accessory makers who believe (rightfully so) that not all users will be interested in magnetic accessories because they likely don't know that their phones are compatible. We've seen this with the Galaxy S25 series, where the majority of S25 case makers opted for non-magnetic cases and only offered one or two magnetic options. Meanwhile, most MagSafe accessories are still being made for and marketed at iPhone users, even if they're also compatible with the Galaxy S25 and its Qi2-ready certification. You and I, the geeks who understand the tech, will know that we can buy a MagSafe charger or stand and use it with a magnetic case on our Galaxy S25 Ultra, but not everyone will. And I think that's harmful both to the accessory ecosystem and Android's perception amongst users. When magnetism is an integral part of the phone, it can't be ignored by case and accessory makers. When magnet compatibility is built into the phone, it's an integral part of it. Ads will mention it, buyers will be aware of it, and the feature becomes a given, not an extra. Case makers will make sure most of their models offer it to replicate the phone's setup, and you and I, we'll have a larger choice in terms of compatible case colors and pricing. Plus, this opens up a whole world for accessory makers to adopt their accessories for Android, make special ones for different phones, or include compatible Android phones in their product images and marketing. Basically, look at the early years of MagSafe on the iPhone and copy-paste that to Android, though perhaps on a smaller scale. (It's a well-known fact that iPhone buyers pay more for accessories than Android owners, so accessory companies cater to them more.) That is without mentioning, obviously, the small proportion of users who prefer to carry their phone case-less and could only benefit from the full Qi2 featureset if the magnetic setup was built-in. Qi2-ready is like slapping a metallic ring on a phone and calling that MagSafe. It's not the same. This is why I think the simple Qi2-ready certification isn't enough. It's basically the same thing as slapping a cheap metallic ring on a phone and calling that MagSafe; it's not the same. And why magnets? Well, because they align a Qi2 wireless charger to charge up in the most efficient way possible, and also because the simplicity of snap-on and snap-off to add an accessory to your phone is unparalleled. No plugging, no clipping, no clamping, no holding; just magnets. Wallets, tripods and stands, PopSockets, external camera lights, microphones, and an entire ecosystem of unified magnet-compatible accessories exist out there, and that specific MagSafe- and Qi2-compatible metallic array opens the door for it. I want that for my Pixel phones, and I want it for all Android phones. Bring on the magnets, I say, or to quote Jesse Pinkman… Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
Android Authority
4 days ago
- Android Authority
I love the OnePlus 13, but the official wireless charger is just maddening
Robert Triggs / Android Authority I'm a chaotic gadget charger, topping up my phone as and when rather than sticking to a rigorous overnight routine like a normal person. As such, you might think that wireless charging would be right up my street — pop the phone down, give it a little juice, and be back on my way. Unfortunately, wireless charging is notoriously slow, meaning that even half an hour on the dock is seldom enough for me. Thankfully, a few brands, mainly from China, offer fast(er) wireless charging capabilities — including OnePlus. These bulky and often noisy docks put me off, but I've been testing out the brilliant OnePlus 13 and its tiny AIRVOOC 50W Magnetic Charger accessory for a few days to see if it can change my mind. It's an interesting product to look at: think HAL 9000 meets hockey puck. There's a fan on one side and a magnetic pad on the back. It's not quite a charging pad, but certainly not a dock either. Still, as it's a magnetic setup, lining up the ideal charging position on the OnePlus 13 magnetic case or any other gadget with a magnetic placement ring or case is a cinch, ensuring it can charge as quickly as possible. Robert Triggs / Android Authority Before we get to the vital charging bit, there are a few stars you have to carefully align before the OnePlus 13 will charge optimally with this official wireless accessory. After all, what sort of idiot (me) would simply plug the charger in, slap it on the back of the OnePlus 13, and expect it to pump out the juice? Nono, for optimal results, you need a few things first. Exhibit A: a compatible power plug. Any old USB Power Delivery plug won't do, even if it's a high-end charger that works with basically everything else. OnePlus told me you need a SuperVOOC plug with specific 5- 11V, 9.5A capabilities. Thankfully, I had a 100W SuperVOOC charger that shipped with the China-only OPPO Find X7 Ultra that meets the requirements. The chances of US consumers having one of these lying around are essentially zero, though OnePlus' latest dual-port 80W GaN charger should also do the trick. At least in theory, I don't have one to verify. I also tried a 65W OnePlus USB-C charger and an Anker Prime 100W, which should deliver 45W to 50W via USB PD PPS at 11V. Unfortunately, that universal spec is not fully compatible, as neither provides more than 26W. You have to jump through more hoops than Sonic to hit 50W charging. Second, you need to put the OnePlus 13's magnetic case on — I couldn't exceed 36W without it. Currently, OnePlus is giving these away as a free gift with the phone, but that might not always be the case. The magnets help align the charger, and although you wouldn't think this is strictly necessary when placing it on a horizontal phone, it apparently is. Third, and definitely most odd, owners of the Arctic Dawn or Black Eclipse colorways need to insert the supplied 'wireless charging cover' between the phone and case. It's essentially a black and transparent plastic hotel door hanger that I was about to throw in the trash. Bizarrely, the Midnight Blue doesn't need the insert, according to OnePlus. Robert Triggs / Android Authority I thought the insert would be complete hokum, but only with this little sheet in between could I hit the advertised 50W of wireless power and even exceed it, peaking at 73W. What does this sheet do? I have no idea. Perhaps it helps disipate heat or reduce signal absorption. Maybe it's magic. None of this is in the manual, by the way, it only vaguely hints at the charging specs and recommends using a case in instances where the phone isn't magnetic. Once you've finally finished this Hokey Pokey, it's time for the little robot vacuum-looking charger to shine. It took my OnePlus 13 from empty to full in 83 minutes, just over the advertised 75 minutes. Heat is the limiting factor, charging power throttles back quickly once the 40°C mark is reached. The phone took over 100 minutes on a second charge, so it's rather temperamental. Robert Triggs / Android Authority The AIRVOOC 50W Magnetic Charger is not particularly fast, but it's not far off the pace of the Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max over a wire. However, I think that says more about their sorry state of fast charging. Still, if you want to charge the OnePlus 13 as quickly as possible, just use a cable — it takes only 35 minutes to fully charge. 50W wireless isn't exactly quick, but it's faster than Qi at least. Returning to temperatures for a moment, the little fan is not exactly quiet during charging. It's suitable for my work desk, but having it whirr away for well over an hour is not ideal. I certainly wouldn't put it on my nightstand; it's far too distracting. Robert Triggs / Android Authority Equally annoyingly, you can't set the phone face-up to use it while charging, as the fan doesn't allow the puck to lie flat in this position. You can try it, but the whole setup wobbles about. You could lie the phone on its side, but a little kickstand would be nice to angle the phone more reliably. Coincidentally, OnePlus will happily sell you an additional stand for $20. Instead, I suppose you're supposed to lie the phone face down and snap the charger on the back. But that means you can't see your screen while it's slowly charging, and risk scratching the display on whatever junk might be cluttering your desk. Given the puck is too small to remain fixed in place, you might as well grab a USB-C cable for faster wired charging and avoid these drawbacks. Wireless charging is supposed to be convenient. This is anything but. The AIRVOOC 50W Magnetic Charger looks the part, and I quite like its compact design, but it's just a nightmare to use. You need a proprietary charger, a case, and an insert before it delivers its full potential. Add that all up, and this setup could cost you $150 or so… yikes. This all takes the shine off the supposed convenience of wireless charging. Although you can use it to charge your iPhone, OPPO Find X8 Pro, and many other smartphones too, OnePlus' magnetic charger is definitely not the answer to MagSafe.
Mint
25-04-2025
- Mint
OnePlus 13T vs OnePlus 13: What's new with OnePlus' compact flagship? Check full comparison
OnePlus has capitalised on the recent trend for smaller form factor smartphones with the launch of the OnePlus 13T in China on Thursday. The new smartphone sits awkwardly in the Chinese smartphone maker's line-up, somewhere between the flagship OnePlus 13 and the more affordable OnePlus 13R. There is a lot of buzz around the phone, with some even suggesting that it rekindles the flagship killer spirit of the original OnePlus. Here's a detailed look at the OnePlus 13T compared to the OnePlus 13. OnePlus 13 features a 6.82-inch 120Hz ProXDR LTPO 4.1 AMOLED display with 4,500 nits of peak brightness (1,600 nits in high brightness mode). Moving away from the curved display of its predecessor, the OnePlus 13 features a quad-curved display with Ceramic Glass protection on top. The new OnePlus flagship is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with support for 12/16/24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB/512GB/1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The OnePlus 13 packs a massive 6,000mAh battery with support for 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. OnePlus is launching new magnetic cases for the OnePlus 13 and a compatible AIRVOOC magnetic charger for iPhone-like MagSafe charging. OnePlus 13 features a triple 50-megapixel camera setup with Hasselblad branding, including a Sony LYT-808 primary shooter, a Sony LYT 600 telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and a Samsung ISOCELL JN5 sensor ultra-wide-angle shooter. While the primary and telephoto lenses support both OIS and EIS, the ultra-wide-angle lens only offers EIS. On the front, there is a 32MP Sony IMX615 shooter for selfies and video calls. The OnePlus flagship comes with an ultra-sonic fingerprint sensor and also comes with IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance ratings. OnePlus 13 OnePlus 13T Display 6.82-inch 2K+ LTPO AMOLED display 6.32-inch 1.5K 8T LTPO AMOLED display Processor Snapdragon 8 Elite Snapdragon 8 Elite Rear camera 50MP + 50MP 3x telephoto + 50MP ultra-wide 50MP + 50MP 2x telephoto Front camera 32MP 16MP Battery 6,000mAh 6,260mAh Charging 100W wired + 50W wireless 80W wired IP rating IP68 + IP69 IP65 Weight 213g 185g Thickness 8.8mm 8.15mm Fingerprint In-display (ultrasonic) In-display (Optical) OnePlus 13T features a 6.3 inch 1.5K 8T LTPO AMOLED dispaly with 120Hz refresh rate and 1600 nits of peak brightness. The smaller form factor means that the phone weighs just around 185 grams despite having a thickness of 8.15mm. Unlike the OnePlus 13, the 13T comes with an optical fingerprint sensor and is only IP65 water and dust resistant, meaning it isn't technically water proof but will be able to sustain some splashes of water. Akin to its elder sibling, the OnePlus 13T also comes with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with Adreno 830 GPU. It packs support for 12/16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The Chinese variant of the phone runs on ColorOS 15 based on Android 15 but the global model should continue to run on the OxygenOS 15. As for optics, the phone comes with a dual camera setup with a 50MP Sony IMX906 primar shooter with OIS and a 50MP 2x telephoto lens which also comes with OIS support unlike the OnePlus 13R. On the front is a 16MP shooter that can record videos in up to 1080p 30fps. The 13T outshines the OnePlus 13 in battery department coming in at 6,260 mAh setup but with a slower 80W wired fast charging. First Published: 25 Apr 2025, 02:17 PM IST
