
Wireless charging has gained good popularity in a short amount of time, mainly because it’s so convenient and works with a variety of devices. If you’re reading this article, I’m guessing you’re wondering, “Does wireless charging damage your battery health?” I am sorry to say this but there’s no one-word answer as you might be expecting. It’s a yes and also a no. How? Let’s unpack.
What’s wireless charging?
Before we dive in, let’s start with a quick rundown of what wireless charging actually is. At its core, wireless charging is a charging type that works through induction where the power gets transferred between two coils: one in the charger (the transmitter coil) and one in your device (the receiver coil). So, instead of plugging your device into a charging cable, a special wireless charging pad transfers energy to your device using electromagnetic induction.
Good or a bad deal?
As I told you already, both!
Pros
We can see a good hype of wireless chargers these days. The main reason behind this is convenience. Wireless charging can actually help extend your battery’s lifespan. Here’s the thing; our laziness is a secret battery-saving superpower. It’s just easier to drop your phone onto a charging pad than it is to plug in a cable, right? This comfort encourages us to charge more frequently, which leads to fewer deep discharges. That, in turn, is good for your battery. So, in a roundabout way, wireless charging can indirectly boost your battery life.
Moreover, one wireless charger can charge multiple devices on the same pad. It also protects your mobile or devices from continuous wear and tear with fewer mechanical stress points on charging ports.
Cons
Well, the downsides of wireless charging are hard to ignore. Wireless charging doesn’t directly harm your battery, but the heat generated during charging definitely can.
Here’s why: during the wireless charging process, the transmitter and receiver coils have to transfer energy through several layers like air, the plastic cover of the charging pad, the back of your phone, and sometimes even your phone’s case. With all these obstacles, some of the energy gets wasted, and the turns into heat. Where does that heat go? Right into your phone (most of it). That heat buildup can contribute to battery degradation over time.
In fact, wireless charging is around 47% less efficient than plugging your phone in with a cable. So, if you’re charging your phone wirelessly, especially on a fast charger, you might want to be a bit cautious.
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Slow and steady wins the race
Now, don’t throw away your wireless charger just yet! The heat problem typically only arises with fast-charging wireless pads. If you’re using a 10W or 15W charger, you’re in the safe zone. These devices charge your phone more slowly, producing less heat and causing little to no damage. On the other hand, fast-charging wireless pads can heat things up really fast, and that’s where the trouble starts.
The bottom line
In conclusion, while wireless charging isn’t perfect, it’s not as bad as some people make it out to be. If you’re using a slower charger, it’s just fine. It’s an easy, convenient way to charge your phone without causing damage.
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