Latest news with #magneticcharging
Android Authority
6 days ago
- Android Authority
Survey reveals what you really think of Pixel 10 with built-in Qi2 magnets
The Pixel 10 series launches later this month, and recent leaks suggest that Google will finally bring Qi2 magnetic wireless charging to these phones via built-in magnets. Google wouldn't be the first Android OEM to offer this support (hello, HMD), but it's still a major expansion of the tech. Colleague Joe Maring says this leak has convinced him to buy a Pixel 10 phone. But what do readers think of this technology on the Pixel 10 series? We asked, and here's what you told us. How important to you is Qi2 magnetic charging on the Pixel 10? Almost 1,800 votes were counted in this poll, and a combined 86% of respondents think this feature sounds cool at the very least. Breaking it down, 45% said it's super important and that they've been waiting for an Android phone with Qi2 magnets. Meanwhile, 41% said it sounds cool but wasn't a must-have feature. We didn't really see reader comments supporting this stance. However, these results suggest Google is on the right track by apparently offering this tech. Google's support for the Qi2 magnetic power profile (MPP) also means iPhone users can more easily switch to Pixel phones as their existing MagSafe accessories should work without requiring a case. Almost 13% of surveyed readers said they're not at all interested in this development. In fact, several readers argued that a case with magnets accomplishes the same thing. User 1997David1979 was one of these readers who didn't see the point of integrated Qi2 magnets: I don't understand how that convinces someone when you can just buy a case that adds the same exact functionality. Magnetic cases are a solid idea in theory, as the phone itself could be a little cheaper to produce without the built-in magnets. Then again, this might be a negligible cost for phone makers in the first place. An integrated design also means people can use a wide variety of phone cases without worrying if these accessories support Qi2 magnets. A phone with integrated magnets is also simply more convenient for people who value wireless charging, as they don't need to buy a separate case if they want to use Qi2 or MagSafe accessories. I'm also old enough to remember when smartphone makers had cases for wireless charging support. Before you knew it, these charging coils were integrated into the phones. So, it certainly seems like this could be the next step for many premium Android phones. Follow
Phone Arena
15-06-2025
- Phone Arena
Google launching a line of wireless charging accessories could have a big impact on Pixel's future
Google might finally be catching up to Apple when it comes to accessories, and that could make a real difference for Pixel users. A recent report suggests that the Pixel 10 may introduce magnetic charging support. If true, this could lay the groundwork for a new kind of accessory system — something that's been referred to as "Pixelsnap." But to make this work, Google will need to do more than just add magnets. It needs to launch a complete lineup of its own accessories that are designed to work with the feature. Apple's MagSafe system, introduced with the iPhone 12, has become more than a wireless charging solution. It's now a full ecosystem of magnetic accessories: wallets, chargers, battery packs, mounts, and more. Apple's own products lead the way, and third-party makers have followed with plenty of options. The system is reliable, easy to use, and consistent across the iPhone lineup. In comparison, Android phones, including Pixel devices, have long supported Qi wireless charging but never had a shared magnetic standard. That's created an uneven experience. A few Android brands like Motorola and Realme have explored magnetic systems, but none have reached wide adoption or established a consistent accessory lineup. One issue that has held back Pixel devices in particular is the placement of the wireless charging coil. Unlike iPhones, which have their MagSafe coil centered directly in the middle of the device, Pixel phones tend to place their coil slightly higher on the back. This difference may seem minor, but it can cause problems with accessory compatibility. Charging coil location on the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. | Image credit — Google MagSafe wallets or battery packs often fail to line up properly on Pixel devices, resulting in weak connections or failed charging. For users trying to use MagSafe accessories with a Pixel, the experience has often been unreliable. A Pixelsnap system could fix that by standardizing the coil location and adding a magnetic ring designed specifically for accessory alignment. This wouldn't just make accessories work better, it would also give Google a chance to develop its own platform of tightly integrated products — from chargers and stands to wallets and mounts. Right now, Pixel users don't have many first-party accessory options beyond the Pixel Stand and a small set of official cases. Google has largely relied on third parties to fill in the gaps, but that approach has left the Pixel ecosystem feeling incomplete. If Pixelsnap is coming, this is a chance to change that. Pixel users have had to rely on third party case manufacturers to get that Magsafe-like experience. | Image credit — PhoneArena A strong lineup could include not just chargers, but snap-on battery packs for portable charging, dashboard mounts for cars, and even accessories for the Pixel Tablet or Pixel Fold. With one well-designed magnetic system, these devices could work together more seamlessly and deliver a more consistent user experience. But success will depend on how committed Google is. If the magnetic ring is added quietly without any first-party accessories, Pixelsnap risks being overlooked or ignored. To stand out, Google needs to launch a curated line of accessories that show off what the system can do. These products should be available at launch, work flawlessly, and show that Google is serious about offering more than just the phone. There's also the question of whether this system will remain exclusive to Pixel phones or expand to other Android devices. If it's made open, Pixelsnap could grow into a broader Android standard — something the ecosystem has long needed. But if it's limited to Pixel, Google will need to show why that exclusivity adds value. As Apple continues to strengthen its ecosystem and Samsung doubles down on foldables and wearables, I believe this could be the Pixel's chance to fill a different role in the Android space. A smartly executed Pixelsnap system could bring the kind of consistency and polish Pixel users have been asking for ages. It's a small addition on the surface, but it could have a big impact — one that makes the Pixel feel more like part of a thoughtful ecosystem, rather than a standalone device. For Google, the real challenge is sticking with it and getting every piece to snap into place.
