Wireless charging enthusiasts, gather around. If you’ve been holding out hope that Android flagships would finally hop on the Qi2 bandwagon, you might want to sit down for this. The OnePlus 13, hotly anticipated for its cutting-edge features, has officially joined Google’s Pixel 9 series in sidestepping the much-hyped Qi2 wireless charging standard.
You heard that right. While Apple fans smugly attach MagSafe accessories with the satisfying click of magnets, Android users are still stuck watching from the sidelines. First, Google dashed our dreams by giving the Pixel 9 series “compatibility” with Qi2 but not full certification. Translation? No magnetic rings, no proper Qi2 perks. Now, OnePlus, a brand not exactly known for being ahead of the wireless charging curve, is playing the same game.
For those unfamiliar, Qi2 is the Wireless Power Consortium’s new standard, promising faster charging, better alignment thanks to magnets, and compatibility with MagSafe gadgets. But instead of taking the leap, OnePlus opted for Qi 1.3.3. This means the OnePlus 13 won’t natively support magnetic attachments. Yes, you can slap on a first-party case with magnets (just like Google suggested for the Pixel 9), but the phone itself? Nada.
But hey, expecting OnePlus to lead the charge (pun intended) on Qi2 was always a bit of a stretch. This is the same company that took years to introduce wireless charging at all. Remember the OnePlus 8 Pro? It took until 2020 for OnePlus to embrace wireless charging, long after rivals made it standard fare. So, imagining them as Qi2 trailblazers was probably wishful thinking.
What does this mean for Android fans? Well, if you’ve been eyeing a future where your Android flagship snaps onto MagSafe-style accessories as seamlessly as an iPhone, you might need to dial back your expectations. The good news? The first Android phone with full Qi2 support already exists — it’s the HMD Skyline. But if you’re waiting for Google or OnePlus to join the party, it might be a long wait.
So, OnePlus fans, adjust those expectations. And Google, we’re still side-eyeing you. The Pixel 10 better deliver.
Hillary Keverenge
2323 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
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