HMD Skyline Launch Marks the Android Debut of Qi2 Wireless Charging: What is it?

With the introduction of Skyline, the Finnish mobile phone company HMD (Human Mobile Devices) made its Qi2 wireless charging debut in the Android smartphone market. This is a significant development because, despite the increasing popularity of wireless charging capabilities in smartphones, major tech companies like Google and Samsung have not adopted the Wireless Power Consortium’s (WPC) second-generation wireless charging standard, which was unveiled in early 2023.

What is Qi2

The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), a group that collaborates with tech firms to establish standards for the efficiency, safety, and interoperability of wireless power applications, has released Qi2, their most recent open wireless charging standard.

Based on Apple’s MagSafe technology, the Qi2 charging standard enables Qi2-branded gadgets to have a ring of magnetic coils for better alignment with chargers and quicker wireless charging rates.

Benefits of Qi2 charging

While the previous generation Qi standard was limited to 5W wireless charging, Qi2 certified gadgets allow 15W rapid charging when used with compatible chargers. Qi2 wireless charging further depends on electromagnetic coils that produce a magnetic field. This guarantees improved alignment with a compatible device and boosts charging effectiveness.

Due to their magnetic alignment feature, Qi2 compatible chargers function best with Qi certified devices, although they are still backward compatible, meaning they might charge smartphones that are Qi certified. In addition to enhancing charging, the device’s magnetic coil provides new opportunities for smartphone accessories including wallets, stands, and more.