When Google cheerily announced its Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL included support for fast wireless charging, it wasn't telling the whole story. While both new flagship handsets are able to fast-charge wirelessly – the feature doesn't work with just any charger.
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are only able to fast-charge with Google-approved wireless chargers and docks. Naturally, Google's own Pixel Stand, which was announced alongside the new phones during its October hardware event, makes the cut.
However, there aren't a lot of third-party solutions available at the moment which are able to top-up the battery in your Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL at the faster speeds.
If your fast-charging wireless matt isn't specifically approved by Google, you'll be stuck charging at the bog-standard 5W speeds, instead of the maximum 10W available. Given that Google is using the same Qi charging standard as every other manufacturer, it's a little disappointing.
Despite their bitter rivalries, Samsung, Apple and LG are all in agreement when it comes to wireless charging. As such, Samsung wireless charging mats are able to top-up the iPhone XS, as well as handsets from LG, and vice versa.
Frustratingly, that isn't the case with the new Pixel Stand. The Google-designed dock is capable of fast-charging the latest Pixel handsets, but will limit the speed to 5W for any other devices. If you're the sort of person who wants to own a single wireless charger to use across all of your devices – the Pixel Stand really isn't it.
Fortunately, T3 has a roundup of the best Qi compatible wireless chargers to top-up your Android and iOS devices.
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As for the Pixel Stand, a spokesperson for Google told The Verge: “We don’t limit third-party devices, in fact, we’re working with our partners in the Made for Google program to get fast 10W chargers certified for use with Pixel 3 (Belkin announced its 10W Pixel 3 charger already which will launch in the coming weeks).
"Pixel Stand and Pixel 3 work together through the protocol we’ve developed for fast charging. Everything else charges at the industry standard Qi 5W.”
As a former Staff Writer for T3, Aaron writes about almost anything shiny and techie. When he’s not barking orders at Alexa-powered microwaves or gawping at 5G speed tests, Aaron covers everything from smartphones, tablets and laptops, to speakers, TVs and smart home gadgets. Prior to joining T3, Aaron worked at the Daily Express and and MailOnline.
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