Earlier this week, a rumor emerged that could bring a significant shift in how Android phones charge wirelessly. It is reported that Samsung might introduce Qi2 wireless charging on the Galaxy S25 when it launches early next year, making it the first major Android phone to feature this magnetic upgrade. Qi2, in simple terms, is an open version of Apple's MagSafe. Although not exactly the same, it offers many of the same advantages as the long-standing first generation of Qi wireless charging, including the magnetic aspect. While Qi2 has faced challenges in gaining popularity since its announcement two years ago, adding it to the Samsung Galaxy S25 could give this feature the attention it needs to succeed.

Qi2 Isn't New, but It Still Needs a Push

We first became aware of Qi2 almost two years ago at CES 2023. It was clear from the start what this new standard meant for Android phones - the possibility of having MagSafe-style wireless charging on devices other than the best iPhones and all the tangible benefits that come with it. Unfortunately, that initial announcement was just that - a promise of what was to come. Qi2 wasn't ready at that time, and it took a whole year for the standard to be officially finalized. Until this process was completed, phone makers couldn't incorporate it into their devices. Even after the standard was finalized in 2024, only a single Qi2-capable Android phone - the HMD Skyline - was released. Phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and OnePlus 12 arrived too early to consider including Qi2. It often seems that phone makers releasing later in the year had more opportunities to make it happen. The Google Pixel 9 was particularly frustrating as Google claimed it wasn't even worth including Qi2. I can understand if there were technical challenges that required time to overcome or if the standard was finalized too late for the Pixel 9 design. But Google's nonchalant dismissal of the technology as having "no tangible benefits" really rubbed me the wrong way. Google's actions proved that Qi2 still needed someone to take the lead and drive its adoption. HMD has made some great budget phones over the years, but they aren't a high-profile enough brand to make a significant impact. Phone companies are often slow to adopt new technologies, but as soon as a high-profile competitor starts offering a feature, they all rush to follow suit. Apple is often the one that gets copied the most, but in this case, it doesn't seem to be working. Samsung, as the largest Android phone maker outside of the Chinese market, adding Qi2 to the Galaxy S25 would be the next best step in getting other manufacturers to follow suit.

Qi2 Offers a Bunch of Benefits

At this point, you might be wondering, "What's the point of Qi2? Who wants magnets in their phone?" Let me explain why I've been so excited about Qi2 and all it has to offer. The magnets are just one part of it. The biggest benefit is a significantly improved wireless charging experience. The magnetic ring ensures that the charger and the phone's wireless charging coils are always perfectly aligned when charging. This better alignment leads to a more efficient charging process and reduces energy waste in the form of heat. This is better for your phone's health and your electricity bill, while also reducing recharge time. Qi2 also increases the maximum charging speed from 7.5W to 15W, similar to what we've seen on iPhones. It may not be the fastest wireless charging in the world, especially on flagship phones, but it means that these speeds are available on all Qi2-compliant chargers and devices without the need for a potentially expensive proprietary charger specific to your phone. It goes without saying that having faster charging speeds makes it easier to keep your phone charged and ready whenever you need it. Qi2 also offers adaptive charging instead of a fixed power output, which is better for your battery. Chargers with Qi2 also provide better heat management and foreign object detection, enhancing safety. The magnets also open up a world of opportunities for accessories. We've already seen the wide range of MagSafe-compatible products available for iPhone users. The most common ones are charging stands, but you can also find magnetic grips, tripods, wallets, car mounts, and more. I've even seen magnetic battery packs that can wirelessly recharge your phone on the go. There are no wires to get in the way, which is often the biggest issue with portable battery packs. But all of this depends on phone companies actually integrating this new technology into their phones.

Why Samsung is the Key

Qi2 has a lot of potential, but currently, Android phones can't take advantage of it. Meanwhile, Apple has had MagSafe for 4 years, and users are enjoying its benefits every day. The trend of magnetic charging won't take off until one of the major brands gets on board. Samsung is the ideal company to make this happen. It is a large, established brand that is known for making some of the best Android phones. You get great cameras, excellent performance, and good battery life all wrapped up in a stylish package. Qi2 may not be the main selling point, and it certainly won't overshadow the other benefits, but it is an additional reason to choose a Galaxy S25 over the competition. If Samsung makes the smart decision and includes Qi2 in the Galaxy S25, its biggest rivals are likely to follow suit to avoid being left behind. Of course, this all depends on whether the rumors are true. We won't know for sure until the next Galaxy Unpacked, which is rumored to take place on January 23. We'll just have to be patient for now and hope that Samsung makes the right choice. As useful as MagSafe-style cases can be for non-magnetic phones, the sooner we don't have to rely on them, the better.