Qi is believed to be a vital energy force in Chinese medicine and martial arts, but in the modern world, Qi is a wireless charging standard. Now comes Qi2, which allows certified phones to charge at 15 watts, just like MagSafe, and Belkin’s new MagSafe chargers charge compatible Androids, while having new tricks up their sleeves, too.
The Chinese have known about Qi energy for centuries, but in the modern world, Qi is a wireless charging standard we first saw used by smartphones that could charge on wireless charging pads.
The problem with the original Qi standard is that is only 5 watts, which, in 2024, is a bit slow. Apple refined its wireless charging standard, called MagSafe, to not only attach with magnetic precision, but to charge at 15 watts, which meant wireless charging at triple the speed.
Now it is true that the Qi standard could power iPhones at 7.5w, but that’s still half the speed of 15w MagSafe.
Of course, the Qi standard could stay stuck in the past, so it revised itself and became Qi2, (see Belkin’s info on Qi2 here: https://www.belkin.com/au/products/product-resources/qi2/) which also allows 15 watt charging, not just for compatible Androids, but also making it compatible with the MagSafe charging speeds, too – and given Qi2 devices can have the same kind of magnetic ring as Apple’s MagSafe on the back of its phones, this means the same kind of “secure, alighted connection” which “optimises energy usage and safeguards your device’s battery life”.
So what else has changed? Well, besides Belkin’s 3-in-1 wireless charging stand being a much-copied design over the last few years, and the faster 5w charging the second model brought for Apple Watch Series 7 models (which is 33% faster than earlier Apple Watch charging speeds), there is a new trick.
The new BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Stand, model WIZ023auBK/WH in Black or white (for $229.95 AUD) which now has a smaller base, also has an adjustable tilt for phone viewing angles, so you can have your iPhone or other smartphone facing towards you in landscape or portrait format, so you can make a video call with the camera and screen pointing directly at you.
Other new Qi2 compatible chargers include the BoostCharge Pro Convertible Magnetic Stand and the BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Stand, with all three of the new Belkin Qi2 products being made with a minimum of 72% PCR materials and sold in plastic-free packaging.
BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Magnetic Pad – WIZ021auBK/WH – for $149.95 AUD (in white or black):
This ultra-convenient charging pad delivers up to 15W of fast wireless charging to iPhone 12 models and later, 5W for AirPods and 5W for an additional device from a USB-C® port. The 2-in-1 pad is MagSafe compatible, slim, and compact, allowing users to easily pack it away for travel.
BoostCharge Pro Convertible Magnetic Stand – WIA008auBK/WH – $99.95 AUD (in white or black):
The Qi2 Convertible Stand is the ultimate charging solution for fast charging at work, at home or on-the-go. The MagSafe compatible, convertible design allows users to switch between pad and stand modes for FaceTime, taking calls or streaming video while charging. It is versatile, reliable, compact, and easy to fold, making it the perfect fuss-free travel companion. It delivers fast wireless charging up to 15W with Qi2 technology.
Mother’s Day is coming up soon – one of these stands would make a great and useful gift, too!
