Wireless chargers. You’ve probably never used one. Your phone probably isn’t even compatible without an additional accessory. No matter. All of the new phones are coming “Qi Wireless Charging” enabled, so you’re better off learning about it now.
As you may know, in April I bought the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. This is the first phone I’ve owned that was wireless charging capable. Over the past 5 months I’ve slowly replaced all of my charging stations with wireless chargers: Bedside table? Check. End table by sofa? Check. Desk at work? Check. In fact, the only place I’m still plugging in my phone is in the car… believe me, I’m working on that.
Wireless charging is great. It uses inductive charging to charge the phone. Depending on 
the strength of the charger it may even charge directly through your case (as long as it isn’t one of those crazy extra thick otterbox cases!). Here’s how it works: You plug the charger into the wall using any 2 amp wall charger. Then you put your phone down on the charger. Hooray, it’s charging!
Yup, the phone will charge a bit slower than it does when you plug it in (see “Fast Charging” below for the solution to this). There’s some energy loss with this method. I like it for overnight charging, and just the ease of keeping it charged.
What? That’s it? Pretty much. Oh, it’s possible you’ll have to try it a few times to find that “sweet spot.” And there’s certainly a bunch of cheap chargers out there that’ll break. On the plus side, there’s also a bunch of inexpensive (relatively) wireless chargers you can buy from companies like Pleson and Anker (and others) that work great and won’t break the bank. You’re going to spend about $20 or so, which is MUCH more expensive than a $5 plug, but, hey… they’re kinda awesome!
If you can buy one with multiple coils then I recommend that. It’s save you the stress of trying to place your phone “just right” on the charger.
One other thing I should mention. If your phone is Qualcomm quick charge capable you can buy a “Fast Charger” that will dramatically increase the charge rate.
Are there any side effects? Hmmm… I’ve noticed that my phone gets a bit warmer when charging wirelessly. It’s also difficult to use it while it’s on the charger. If you’re using one of the magnetic car mounts I’ve reviewed in the past, the metal plate you have in yor case will block the wireless charging coils. You can fix this by moving the plate down to the lowest point on your case so it doesn’t block them. That’s how I do it and it works fine.
There’s also two basic shapes: 1) Round and flat that lay on the desk, and 2) Vertical stand up chargers. I LOVE the vertical chargers.
That’s it! If your phone is wireless capable go out and buy yourself a charger. If you can’t justify the price, ask for one as a holiday gift! It’s exactly the kind of frivolous item people love giving as presents.
Live the dream!
-Humble Dave
Wireless Chargers I’ve tested (and liked) – Amazon
GooDee 2 Coil Fast Wireless Charging Stand
iVoler 3 Coil Fast Wireless Charging Stand
Humble Dave 