As someone who not only reviews phones but writes about how to get the most out of various built-in apps and other hidden features, I’ve got a lot of phones on hand at any one time. There’s a shelf filled with recent releases not far from my desk and a box full of even older models downstairs when I have to dig into the wayback machine.
Because I’m jumping from phone to phone at a moment’s notice, I’ve come to develop an appreciation for the little things that separate one device from another. And lately, the feature that has really stood out for me has been full Qi2 wireless charging support.
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iPhone users will recognize this as MagSafe, as there’s now a whole ecosystem of MagSafe accessories for Apple’s phone — not just chargers but external batteries, wallets and more to attach to the back of your iPhone. And this year, many — though not all — Android phones are getting into the magnet-enhanced charging game as well.
Why full Qi2 support matters
(Image credit: Future)
I’ve really become aware of the importance of Qi2 because of all those phones I have on hand. Keep them charged up so that I can test out feature or conduct head-to-head comparisons is a job all unto itself, so being able to place a Qi2-ready phone on a charger with the confidence that I can get a quick charge is a big difference-maker for me.
That becomes really evident when I’m looking at some of the best phones that have come out in the past year. Both iPhone 17 and Pixel 10 models include full Qi2 support; Samsung’s Galaxy S25 phones, in contrast, do not.
Specifically, the Galaxy S25 models do support wireless charging and will work with Qi2 accessories. But Samsung opted not to include magnets on its flagship phones, requiring you to buy a Qi2-friendly case if you want the full benefits of the new wireless charging standard.
I don’t have such a case on hand. So when it’s time to charge my Galaxy S25 Plus, I’ve got to hunt down a separate cable and a free USB-C port or electrical outlet instead of just affixing the phone to a magnetic charger as I do with an iPhone 17 or Pixel 10 Pro.
That’s not terribly convenient, even if you don’t have the mountain of smartphones that I do. Full Qi2 support means a quick and easy way to charge and owners of the latest Samsung flagships are missing out on that.
Will things change with the Galaxy S26?
Galaxy S26 dummy units (Image credit: Sonny Dickson)
The Qi2 wireless charging ship may have sailed with the Galaxy S25, but Samsung could make things right with its next flagship phones arriving in early 2026. And so far, rumors surrounding charging improvements to the Galaxy S26 lineup are encouraging.
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CAD renders of Samsung’s Galaxy S26 models that leaked in September came with the claim that all new models will fully support Qi2 wireless charging. More recently, another set of leaked renders showed a magnetic ring on the back of the Galaxy S26, even with that device tipped to be 0.3mm thinner than its predecessor.
Hidden code in Samsung’s One UI 8.5 software spotted by Android Authority hints at “super fast wireless charging” coming via future Samsung phones. Nothing’s official yet, but it’s another sign that wirelessly charging an S26 model should be a much better experience than with current Samsung phones.
Wireless charging outlook
For now, it’s a waiting game to see if Samsung adds better wireless charging to its upcoming phones. But regardless of what Samsung ultimately does with the Galaxy S26, I think anyone with a phone that offers wireless charging support should pick up a Qi2-compatible charging pad or stand.
Among the Tom’s Guide picks for best wireless phone charger, I like Anker’s MagGo 3-in-1 charging station. While marketed for iPhones, its Qi2 compatibility means it will work with Android devices that support the newer charging standard. It’s also portable, adding a flexible option for travelers and commuters.
Whatever charger you ultimately pick, it’s a technology worth embracing. And the phones that are going be the ones worth grabbing will make sure that the best implementation of wireless charging is front and center.
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