Why Wireless Charging Speed Can't Keep Up with Cables

Wireless charging has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more devices adopting this wireless convenience. However, if you’ve used wireless charging before, you may have noticed that it tends to be slower than charging your device with a traditional cable. But why ? Let’s dive into the world of wireless charging speeds and find out the reasons behind its slowdown.

Reason 1

One of the main factors contributing to the slower nature of wireless charging is the technology itself. While wireless charging offers incredible convenience, it is not as efficient as cable charging. When you plug your device directly into a power source with a cable, the energy flow is direct and uninterrupted. This allows for a faster and more efficient transfer of power, resulting in quicker charging times.

On the other hand, wireless charging works by using electromagnetic fields to transfer energy between a charging pad and your device. This means that the energy has to travel through the air, which introduces some inefficiencies and losses along the way. These losses result in a slower charging process compared to the direct transfer of power through a cable.

Reason 2

Another factor to consider is the power output of wireless chargers. Most wireless charging pads on the market today offer a maximum power output of around 15 watts. On the other hand, cables can support much higher power outputs, ranging from 18 to 30 watts or even higher in some cases. This difference in power output directly affects the charging speed, with cables being able to deliver more power to your device in a shorter amount of time.

Reason 3

Furthermore, the placement and alignment of your device on the charging pad can also impact the charging speed. Wireless charging relies on the alignment of the coils in your device and the charging pad. If your device is not properly aligned, the energy transfer may be less efficient, resulting in slower charging times. This is a common issue with wireless charging, as it can be challenging to find the sweet spot for optimal charging.

Lastly, it’s important to note that not all devices support fast wireless charging. While more and more devices are becoming compatible with wireless charging, not all of them support the fastest charging speeds. This means that even if you have a wireless charger capable of delivering higher power output, your device may not be able to take full advantage of it, resulting in slower charging times.

Wireless Charger

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UNIGEN AUDIO UNIFOLD 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charger
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  • Unigen Audio
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Conclusion

In conclusion, wireless charging is undeniably convenient, but it does come with some trade-offs, and one of them is slower charging speed compared to traditional cable charging. The inherent inefficiencies of transferring energy wirelessly, lower power output, alignment issues, and device compatibility all contribute to the slower charging times. Despite these limitations, the convenience and freedom offered by wireless charging make it a compelling option for many users. So, while it may not be as fast as cable charging, wireless charging still has plenty to offer.