This is important because while we MagSafe enthusiasts have stuck to Android MagSafe phone cases for the past few years, there has always been a caveat that these cases may not work with all MagSafe products. With Qi2 Ready cases, you can rest easy knowing they will work with Qi2 chargers.
It’s worth noting that OnePlus’ latest flagship phone, the OnePlus 13, is not a Qi2 Ready phone, however, OnePlus is selling a magnetic case to allow Qi2 type charge. This is the old approach of adding magnetic charging to phones with basic Qi support, and it will do not turn your phone into a Qi2 device. While it may seem similar, you may not benefit from faster charging speeds, it won’t be as energy efficient, and it’s not guaranteed to work with all Qi2 accessories. Golden says Qi2 Ready phones have “built-in special features” to enable proper Qi2 functionality when paired with a Qi2 Ready case.
Sadly, as soon as you remove these Qi2 Ready cases from the phone, the magnetic functionality disappears. This may not be a problem for most people. Recent statistics are difficult to find, but a 2023 YouGov survey found that approximately 68% of Americans use a phone caseand a 2017 study put that figure at 79 percent. But it stinks for those of us who don’t like using a holster. Pour one out for the caseless friends.
I remember dozens of times I had to remove my iPhone case to connect a wireless microphone to the USB-C port or to mount the phone on a gimbal. Removing the case didn’t change anything because iPhones have built-in magnets, but it’s something that will impact on Qi2 Ready phones, and it’s a frustrating limitation.
I think Qi2 Ready phones are an acceptable intermediate step. Since it’s cheaper than embedding magnets in a phone, I hope this means more budget and mid-range smartphones will be able to take advantage of Qi2 capabilities.
Still, I worry that this will make things confusing for the average person. The new phones will support Qi but not Qi2, but they will have Qi2 Ready cases to enable Qi2 – my brain hurts just writing this. If they just had native Qi2 support, magnetic charging would work with any Qi2 accessory at any time. Very easy.
The good news is that Samsung and Google have committed to launching official Android Qi2 phones in 2025. East on the way, although it seems odd that Samsung won’t end up launching it on its flagship smartphone series.
I’ll settle for a magnetic case (again), but for the love of God, can someone give me my magnetic Android already?
