Wireless charging has revolutionized the manner in which we charge our devices, and it has provided a cable free solution which can integrate into our everyday lives. However, as popular as it is there are still many users who are reluctant to use it because they question whether it is that convenient at the expense of the battery of their phone. We should separate the facts and the myths and see what the true effects of wireless charging really are on your device.
How Wireless Charging Really Works
Fundamentally, wireless charging is rather a simple procedure that is grounded on the principles of electromagnetic induction. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- The Charging Pad: Within your wireless charger, there is a copper transmitter coil. This coil produces an alternating electromagnetic field when you are plugging the pad into a power source.
- Your Phone: Your smartphone also has a similar copper receiver coil. As you drop your phone on the charging pad, the magnetic field of the transmitter coil triggers an electric current in the coil of the receiver.
- Power Transfer: This electric current is further converted into direct current (DC), and these electric current charges your phone battery.
The whole procedure is based on the universal Qi standard (pronounced as chee), which was invented by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). This implies that any Qi-certified device will be compatible with any Qi-certified charging pad, regardless of whether it is an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel.
Debunking Common Wireless Charging Myths
Most of the concerns raised about wireless charging are based on old information or lack of understanding. Now, it is time to demystify some of the most perennial myths.
Myth 1: Wireless Charging Damages Your Phone Battery
The Truth: This is probably the most significant issue. However, the truth is not as bad. No more harmful to your battery as compared to wired charging.
The advanced smart phones have advanced battery controls that do not overcharge the battery but when the battery is fully charged, the power supply will be shut off whether the power is wired or wireless. The myth that you can cook your battery every night when leaving your phone on a wireless charger is a myth; the phone safety features and a good charger will collaborate to ensure that this is not the case.
Myth 2: Wireless Charging is Dangerously Slow
The Truth: The initial wireless chargers used to have a small capacity of 5W however, technology has now progressed greatly. Contemporary fast wireless chargers have a capable power output of 15W or more and are thus fast enough to compete with a significant number of wired chargers.
There are various factors that may affect charging speed. Slowing down can be done by using a wall power attachment that does not have enough power, having a puddy phone case, or placing your phone on the pad improperly. To have the best experience, you should make sure that you have a wall plug that is powerful enough (usually 20W and higher) and that you have positioned your phone correctly.
Myth 3: The Radiation from Wireless Chargers is Harmful
The Truth: The levels of electromagnetic fields that are used in wireless chargers are very low-frequency non-ionizing radiation. This is identical radiation emitted by the everyday appliances and is too weak to destroy DNA and cause serious illnesses such as cancer.
Also, the charging device with Qi certification has a design where the electromagnetic field is activated only after a compatible device is detected and they can work within international safety limits. The use of wireless chargers is not scientifically associated with autism and other health issues.
Myth 4: You Can’t Use Your Phone While It’s Charging Wirelessly
The Truth: There is nothing about it that you cannot use your phone when it is on a wireless charger. Indeed, the main advantage of a charging stand is that it ensures that your phone is positioned at an upright position and therefore you can easily check your notifications, make video calls or watch videos as your phone charges.
The fact that the process of charging should be entirely continuous is not applicable to the present-day devices.
The Real Impact on Battery Health and How to Manage It
While wireless charging is not harmfully in itself, some of its behaviors can impact battery health in the long-term. Similar to the Lithium-ion battery found in your phone, it is a natural process which degrades. This is intended to control the aspects that expedite this process.
The main issue with any form of charging is generation of heat. Your phone may be a lot warmer when using electromagnetic induction than when using a wired connection. Overheating in the long run may lead to battery decay.
Pro Tips for a Healthier Battery
With a couple of easy habits, you can reduce the risks and maximize the battery life of your device:
- Charge your battery up to 20-80: Do not always empty your battery to zero or charge to one hundred percent. Top-up charges every half-day or longer are actually healthier in the long term than 0-100% cycles.
- Deal with heating: It is important to always charge your phone in a place that is well-ventilated. Do not leave the charger on a soft surface such as the bed or the sofa that can trap the heat. Whenever you find that your phone is becoming too hot, then leave it off the charger to cool down.
- Use quality certified equipment: Spend on chargers of good brands which are Qi certified. Uncertified and cheap chargers do not have the appropriate safety characteristics and are more prone to malfunctions.
- Select the right power adaptor: The speed and performance of your wireless charger is determined by the type of wall plug. A slow charge will be obtained by using a low-wattage (e.g. 5W) old adapter. To charge within a short period of time, a high-powered wall adapter (e.g. 20W) is required that can supply the required power.
- Be mindful of your case:Cases that are too thick or those containing metal will become a hindrance to the charging capabilities and can make the phone become even hotter. To achieve the highest success, a case of less than 3mm thickness without any metal parts should be used.
Conclusion
Wireless charging is convenient, efficient and safe in charging your gadgets. The prevalent myths of harmful batteries, excessive slowness and harmful radiation have no backing by the technology currently used.
With knowledge on its functionality and basic best practices such as heat management and recharge not every day, you can be assured of the advantages of wireless charging (without cluttering your desk) without fear of losing battery life on your phone. The future is definitely wireless and is meant to be smart as well as safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it okay to leave my phone on the wireless charger overnight?
Yes, it is generally safe. The recent phones and the chargers have inbuilt mechanisms that halt the charging process once the battery is full to help avoid overcharging. Nevertheless, to maintain a long-lasting usage of the battery, you should not leave your phone at 100% all the time.
Can I use a wireless charger with my phone case on?
In most cases, yes. Cases of phones not more than 3mm are generally all right. Nevertheless, extremely thick cases or metals/magnets may block the signal or may overheat. To eliminate such cases, it is suggested to make use of a thinner one to charge.
Does wireless charging work with all smartphones?
The majority of the smartphones in the modern world have the capability of wireless charging using the Qi standard. This covers iPhone phones since the iPhone 8 and Samsung Galaxy phones since the S6 series just to mention a few. A wireless charging adapter might also be required in the case of older phones.
Is wireless charging less efficient than wired charging?
Wireless charging may not be as efficient in terms of energy consumption, and part of the energy may be transferred as heat. Nonetheless the real difference in cost to the common user is minimal and it only amounts to a few cents per year in your electricity bill.
