Wireless Charging: Why It's Not Worth It - Smartphone Reviews
The Current Limitations of Wireless Charging
Despite its appealing premise, wireless charging, as it exists today, often falls short of expectations. While the concept of truly wireless power transmission is attractive, present technologies are better described as "plugless" rather than genuinely wireless.
Several drawbacks hinder the widespread adoption of current wireless charging solutions. These include reduced convenience, slower charging speeds, and diminished energy efficiency when compared to traditional wired connections.
A Matter of Practicality
Currently, wireless chargers function more effectively as demonstrations of potential future advancements. They showcase what might be possible, rather than offering a significantly improved user experience.
For most smartphone users, utilizing a cable for charging remains the more sensible and efficient option. This is particularly true when considering the time required to fully replenish a device's battery.
Key Disadvantages Summarized
- Slower Charging Speeds: Wireless charging typically takes longer than wired charging.
- Reduced Efficiency: More energy is lost during wireless power transfer.
- Convenience Concerns: Precise alignment is often required for optimal charging.
Therefore, while the evolution of wireless power is promising, the current state of the technology suggests that a wired connection remains the preferred method for charging smartphones.
The Limitations of Wireless Chargers Compared to Traditional Cables
Related: Understanding the Mechanics of Wireless Charging
Wireless charging necessitates positioning your smartphone on a designated "charging pad." This pad, however, remains connected to a power source via a cable, typically situated on a surface like a bedside table. Power transmission to the phone occurs wirelessly only while it remains in contact with the pad; removing it immediately halts the charging process.
Consider this: how do other technologies marketed as "wireless" function? Wi-Fi, for instance, provides connectivity throughout a home. A laptop doesn't require direct placement on the router to access the internet. The core benefit of wireless internet is mobility and unrestricted movement.
Related: The Affordability of Extended Smartphone Cables
In terms of operational flexibility, a charging cable offers a superior experience. While the standard cable included with smartphones is often short, limiting proximity to power outlets, longer alternatives are readily available. Both Lightning cables for iPhones and USB cables for Android devices can be purchased in extended lengths. Using a longer cable allows for continued smartphone use during charging.
For instance, if charging occurs on a bedside table, a longer cable permits lifting the phone for use while still receiving power. Conversely, a wireless charging mat restricts usage to when the phone is physically positioned on the pad.
This advantage extends to other charging locations as well. At a desk, a smartphone can either remain stationary on a charging pad or be connected via a longer cable, enabling use while charging.
The cost-effectiveness of a longer cable is also noteworthy. A wireless charger typically requires an additional expense, often exceeding $50, for a device that may prove less practical.
Furthermore, wireless charging can sometimes be inconsistent. Precise alignment with the charging pad is often necessary for successful power transfer. Frequent placement and removal of the smartphone require repeated accurate positioning, a process that can be more cumbersome than a single cable connection.
It’s important to remember that wireless chargers still utilize a cable connecting the pad to the power outlet. The absence of a wire is solely between the phone and the pad. The phone must be in direct contact with the pad for charging to initiate. The term "wireless" suggests a level of freedom that these chargers don't truly deliver.
Wireless Charging: A Trade-off of Speed, Efficiency, and Heat
Typically, devices are charged by plugging them into a power source. This method of energy transfer via a physical cable remains the most rapid and effective option.
Compared to its wired counterpart, wireless charging exhibits a slower charging rate. According to testing conducted by Anandtech, a Samsung Galaxy S6 requires 1.48 hours to reach a full charge when connected via a wired connection. Conversely, wireless charging for the same device extends to 3.01 hours – a duration more than double that of wired charging. While this difference may be negligible for overnight charging, a wired connection is preferable for quick power boosts.
Furthermore, wireless charging is inherently less efficient. This translates to a greater consumption of electricity to achieve a full charge. A portion of this unused energy is dissipated as heat. Although this heat is unlikely to cause immediate damage, it does contribute to the gradual degradation of the smartphone's battery.
Despite these drawbacks, wireless charging remains a viable option. The charging speed is generally adequate for non-urgent situations, and the increased energy consumption is unlikely to significantly impact electricity bills. The heat generated is also unlikely to drastically shorten the battery lifespan.
However, considering these disadvantages, the convenience of wireless charging may not outweigh the benefits of a simple, wired connection.
Current wireless charging standards permit power transfer from distances of several feet, but this further diminishes efficiency. This results in even slower charging times and increased energy waste.
The concept of truly wireless charging is appealing. A future where smartphones charge automatically within a home environment, or simply by being placed on a surface in a public space, is a desirable goal. However, this level of functionality remains distant.
Based on practical experience with numerous Android smartphones, a wired charger and a longer cable consistently provide a superior charging experience.
Image Credit: Honou on Flickr, Microsiervos on Flickr
Understanding the Inefficiencies of Wireless Power Transfer
Speed and Time Considerations
The fundamental reason for utilizing wired connections lies in their superior speed. Transmitting power through a cable is inherently faster than doing so wirelessly.
As demonstrated by Anandtech’s analysis, the time difference between wired and wireless charging is substantial. A Samsung Galaxy S6 achieves a full charge in approximately 1.48 hours with a wired connection, while the same process takes over 3 hours when utilizing wireless technology.
Energy Consumption and Heat Generation
Wireless charging isn't just slower; it's also less efficient in terms of energy use. More electricity is required to fully charge a device wirelessly compared to a wired connection.
This inefficiency manifests as excess heat. While not immediately destructive, sustained heat exposure can negatively impact the long-term health and performance of a smartphone’s battery.
Practical Implications and User Experience
Despite these drawbacks, wireless charging offers a degree of convenience. For users who charge their devices overnight, the slower speed may be inconsequential.
However, for those requiring a quick charge, the benefits of wired charging are undeniable. The increased speed and efficiency provide a more practical solution.
The Future of Wireless Charging
Advancements in wireless charging technology are expanding the potential range of power transfer.
However, increasing the distance between the charger and the device further exacerbates the issues of inefficiency and energy waste. The ideal scenario of ubiquitous, truly wireless charging remains a future aspiration.