Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Launch Highlights the Awkwardness of Qi2 Wireless Charging and the Future of Chinese Wireless Charging Technology

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Launch Highlights the Awkwardness of Qi2 Wireless Charging and the Future of Chinese Wireless Charging TechnologyIn the early hours of January 23, 2025, Samsung launched its next-generation flagship phones the Galaxy S25 series. While boasting upgraded RAM configurations, the charging specifications of the Galaxy S25 series have sparked considerable attention, particularly its "passive compatibility" with Qi2 wireless charging technology, prompting deep reflection on the future direction of wireless charging technology

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Launch Highlights the Awkwardness of Qi2 Wireless Charging and the Future of Chinese Wireless Charging Technology

In the early hours of January 23, 2025, Samsung launched its next-generation flagship phones the Galaxy S25 series. While boasting upgraded RAM configurations, the charging specifications of the Galaxy S25 series have sparked considerable attention, particularly its "passive compatibility" with Qi2 wireless charging technology, prompting deep reflection on the future direction of wireless charging technology.

The charging power configurations of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series are as follows: the standard Galaxy S25 features 25W wired charging, while the Galaxy S25+ and S25 Ultra both offer 45W wired charging. Surprisingly, however, all three models only support 15W wireless charging and are only "passively compatible" with the Qi2 standard, rather than fully supporting it. This means that while they can function with Qi2 chargers, they don't utilize the non-mandatory magnetic alignment and attachment design within the Qi2 specification, thus lacking the magnetic charging experience similar to Apple's MagSafe.

This "passive compatibility" is not unique to Samsung. Currently, except for Apple (non-China models) and a very small number of other models, most mainstream phone brands offer very limited support for Qi2. Data from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) website shows that as of January 24, 2025, Samsung only has one product, the Galaxy Ring smart ring released last year, that has passed Qi2 (2.0.0) certification. Other products support a maximum of Qi1 (1.3.3). The same situation applies to Chinese brands such as Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo, with most products only supporting the Qi1 (1.3.3) standard.

The low adoption rate of Qi2 wireless charging technology is not simply a technical issue. Implementing the magnetic alignment feature in the Qi2 standard requires integrating magnetic components within the phone, increasing manufacturing costs and placing higher demands on internal phone structure and design. According to data from magnetic phone case brands, embedding magnets and shielding layers requires 2-3mm of depth inside the phone. This space must either be taken from the phone's back cover, requiring more precise manufacturing processes, or deducted from the battery thickness, impacting battery size or increasing processing difficulty. Increasing phone thickness would compromise its slim design. Therefore, for most manufacturers, balancing cost and design has led them to choose Qi2 support without adding magnetic functionality as the more cost-effective option.

For Chinese phone brands, Qi2 adoption faces another major obstacle: the "Interim Provisions on the Radio Management of Wireless Charging (Power Transmission) Equipment," implemented in September 2024. This regulation clearly defines the operating frequency range for wireless charging devices, and Qi2's operating frequency falls outside this range. This legally restricts Qi2's application in the Chinese market, explaining why the charging power of iPhones and Apple Watches sold in China were "reduced" last year.

However, the "cold reception" of Qi2 is not solely due to technical and regulatory limitations. A deeper reason lies in the emergence of better solutions. First, before Qi2 introduced magnetic alignment, magnetic phone cases already offered a similar solution. Apple's MagSafe, initially designed for computers, spurred the development of numerous magnetic accessories in the phone market. Third-party case brands have also launched MagSafe-compatible magnetic cases for non-iPhone phones; for example, magnetic accessories are already available for the Galaxy S25 series.

Second, compared to Qi2's weak 15W charging power, Chinese phone brands' wireless charging power has significantly surpassed it. For example, Xiaomi launched a vertical air-cooled wireless charger compatible with the Xiaomi MIX4 as early as 2021. The main reason why the wireless charging power of current flagship phones is limited to 50W is the aforementioned regulation, not technological limitations.

The global wireless charging technology landscape is at a crucial juncture requiring a redefined direction. The limited support for Qi2 and the fragmented approach among brands highlight the need for Chinese brands to lead the future development of wireless charging. Chinese brands possess strong technological reserves in this area. Instead of following international standards, they should leverage their strengths to promote the development of wireless charging standards that better meet market demands.

Given the restrictions of the regulation, phone manufacturers can hardly further improve wireless charging power. Therefore, they should collaborate to create a non-proprietary wireless charging system, pursuing high-power fast charging while enhancing user experience. From an industrial chain perspective, Chinese manufacturers have the capability to build their own wireless charging standards. Considering the widespread application of wireless charging technology in smart homes and the Internet of Things, establishing a wireless charging alliance system centered on Chinese brands could create a technological closed loop for related industries and enhance the position of Chinese brands in the global technology market.

Qi2's "limited support" not only exposes the shortcomings of the existing wireless charging system but also presents a chance for Chinese brands to overtake the competition. Instead of passively supporting Qi2, they should establish their own wireless charging technology system. From user needs to industrial ecology, Chinese manufacturers have the potential to become leaders in wireless charging technology, driving the industry towards greater efficiency and practicality. The fate of Qi2 may be sealed, but the future of wireless charging technology will be written by Chinese brands. Instead of embedding magnets in phones, let's leave that precious space for Chinese manufacturers to set their own rules.