The Peculiar World of Concealed Wireless Chargers

The novelty of using a wireless charger seems to have worn off over these past few years, with new models hitting the market on a monthly basis. 

Although they can’t all be expected to meet the same structural and functional standards, many of them are quite decent considering how far the technology has evolved over time.

With newer models becoming more conspicuous with each iteration, nowadays you can get an under-mount wireless charger that can be concealed into virtually any type of furniture. This would have been unheard of just a few years back, a fact that speaks volumes about how small and versatile these chargers have become.

As many of you may have imagined, there is quite a market for minimalist wireless chargers, a trend that seems to be getting broader as we speak. 

Considering the strides wireless charging technology has made over the years, it’s only natural that people would want newer chargers to be not only compact in size but practical as well.

The wide range of compact wireless chargers

Although new designs are being developed on a regular basis, most wireless chargers tend to come in three main variants: stands, pads, and multi-device chargers, each with its own particularities.

• Wireless charging stands -With a wireless charging stand, you get great versatility along with a slightly more practical design. These types of chargers are very useful when it comes to iPhones or any other smartphone with an integrated Face ID technology. As such, you can rest assured that you will still be able to unlock your phone at any given time with minimal effort on your part. Furthermore, wireless charging stands are great for utilizing your phone while it charges, even when the phone is laying flat. Not just that but stands are also somewhat cheaper compared to charging pads.
• Wireless charging pads -You can set up a pad charger on your bedside or atop any table of your choosing. The range of a wireless charging pad is somewhat reduced, however, but what it lacks in mobility and versatility, a wireless charging pad certainly makes up for in overall efficiency and consistency. The greatest benefit that charging pads have is their inconspicuous design. As such, you can set up an under-mount wireless charger almost anywhere with minimal effort and no additional tools.
• Multi-device wireless chargers –As the name would suggest, these types of chargers are designed to accommodate a variety of Qi-ready devices. Among them, not only smartphones or tablets but smartwatches and headsets. In some cases, these chargers can also be used for electric shavers and a few other prototypical devices that incorporate Qi-charging technologies. Going forward, however, we can expect a wide array of household and office devices to integrate Qi-charging capabilities, no matter how remote or peculiar their usage may be.

Revolutionary designs for a nearly invisible setup

It seems that new designs make use of broadly compatible charging elements while minimizing form without compromising function. Even though some Qi-ready devices are sold with the manufacturer’s proprietary wireless charger, those that don’t can surely benefit from a versatile and accommodating wireless charger.

It also appears that as the market increases its reach globally, new chargers are built to be both practical in their usage and very easy to install. This has to be the case because smartphones are getting slimmer and slimmer with every iteration, and thus most wireless chargers have to follow suit.

A decent wireless charger can be set up underneath the desk with minimal effort. You do, however, need to mark the spot on top with one of the stickers many of these chargers come equipped with. It is important that you do that to ensure that you get an optimal charging speed at all times.

Know that a decent under-mount wireless charger will also shut off automatically once the device is fully charged, which adds to the stealthiness factor to some extent. Think about it, once the charger is properly set up, you can simply place the phone on the table at the designated spot, and then you can go about your business.

New avenues are getting explored regularly

Were you to pay attention to the news, you will notice that new wireless chargers are being released on a regular basis, each time with a set of features designed to set the device apart from the rest. This is true for world-renowned manufacturers as it is for independent groups. Given the widespread availability of Qi-ready devices, it makes perfect sense for charges to follow suit.

For instance, it wasn’t long ago that Tesla announced that their Model 3 owners will soon be able to purchase a company-branded Qi-enabled wireless charging kit. Now, even though more affordable alternatives exist, not many are those who would insert third-party pieces into their car’s dashboards if they can help it.

Needless to say, form is one of the deciding factors for people choosing a wireless charger in this day and age. With the novelty quickly wearing off as new chargers enter the market, the question is no longer – “should I get a wireless charger” but rather if that charger can blend into the environment and still perform well.

Bear in mind that just because the technology has come a long way since its inception many years ago, it doesn’t mean that every single wireless charger is built to meet the same operational standards. If anything, sleek designs sometimes leave a lot to be desired when it comes to the charge they deliver.

To put it bluntly, you’re still going to have to practice caution in spite of the great strides wireless chargers have made over the years, especially if you’re purchasing a wireless charger that looks too good to be true. 

There’s nothing wrong with wanting a slim charger that you can fit underneath your desk, but you still have to ask yourself if the form factor balances the overall performance and whether you’re getting your money’s worth.