iPhone 8 and newer can be charged either through the lightning port or magnetically.

I just received two new iPhone X models today for wife and me. I just assumed (yeah, I know) that there would be a magnetic charging thingy in the package, but nope, just a lightning cable.

My question: Is there any advantage to using a magnetic charger? WOOT! has a Qi charging stand on sale for thirteen bucks. Worth while? Or should I just stick with the old lightning cable?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: V-Tail,

$13 for an inductive charger? Jump on it!

I like them (wireless chargers). Reason: I can keep the phone charged up all the time, as when I'm at my desk it's just as easy to set it down on the charger as on the desk. No need to plug it in every time.

Now if I could only keep the room temp below 96°.

Wireless charging is just a gimmick to me. You can’t use it while it’s charging so there’s no use in having that feature to me.

The only thing I really find practical to charge using my wireless charger are my Samsung Galaxy Buds. Or more precisely, the buds' case. Other than that, I do occasionally place my S9 on the wireless charger, but not enough to miss it if I didn't have it.

For Galasy Buds though I love it. I understand the new apple airpods now have a wireless case. If you had those I'd definitely recommend the wireless charger.

You can use the phone while it's sitting on a charger, it's just that you might not want to that way.

I actually don't, but again my habit is to usually set the phone down onto the charging plate when I'm done using it (for the moment).

It really depends on the user and their usage habits.

Advantage theoretically is less wear and tear from mechanical insertion and removal of that iPhone plug but that’s like scraping a few molecules off each time.

Disadvantage is higher power consumption to charge. Every time you transform energy/electricity, the best you can do is 50% efficiency. But electricity is cheap unless you’re a tree hugger.

Wireless charging of my iPhone X would have little advantage for me. I have a lightning port expander that plugs into my iPhone, providing two lightning ports. I have a power source plugged into one port and my earbuds plugged into the other so I can listen to classical music from various Internet sources (while I browse the web on my iPhone). Doing just that right now.

I use the magnetic all the time. Rarely use the port. I use a stand type charger and have one at home and at work. Much prefer it.

I use a stand type at home and a clamp one in the car. Charges while I’m driving or around the house. If I need it, I can pick it up without having to unplug anything.

I actually have the fast (usb-c to lightning) cables and bricks for home/car in case it’s low and I need a fast charge but it’s rare I let my phone get that low. I just bought another wireless car one for my car at work.

Two of us share a car and he can use it too so I made him pay for half of it.

Limits case choices unless you want to remove case for charging. Needs to be a thin non-metallic case. HD protective cases like Otterbox are too thick and charging won’t work.

Got a magnetic phone holder for the car? Pick one or the other- metal plate on/in the phone/case will not allow for wireless charging.

That said, I do use a wireless charger. Had to buy new holders for the cars though as we had been using the magnet ones.


Here is the one I got on Amazon, very sleek and $16.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod..._title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Be advised most of them do NOT come with the wall wart power brick. Just the charger and cord. Need to supply a QC3 or whatever power source at additional cost if you don’t have one.

My iPhone 8 charges fine through a Magpul case. I've heard the Otterbox is usually OK as well.

My Xr charges through a Lifeproof case.

I have one on my nightstand for my Xs. I like it because if the phone rings, or the alarm clock goes off I can grab the phone half asleep without fiddling with a cord that gets yanked out of the phone or etc,.

Have a wireless mount in the car. Far easier. Lightning cable on the nightstand.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:
Have a wireless mount in the car. Far easier. Lightning cable on the nightstand.

Yes, i have one in the car too. Very convenient. It's nice not fumbling for a cable when driving.

I charge my iPhone X wirelessly at night and also in my car as it has a spot to set my phone. I have an otter box case that causes no problem.

Additionally, cars like the newer Honda Accords have in dash wireless chargers now. I believe since 2018. I'm guessing that there are other car manufactures that also have this feature also.

That said, I actually use both, wired and wireless. Just whatever's convenient. I haven't noticed a difference in charging times or part/full charge difference. I believe I purchased my wireless charger off of Amazon.

Each type of charging has its uses. Lightning cable for overnight or charging, inductive for desktop while working and doing stuff around the house where easy pick up is advantageous. I rarely use my phone for surfing or playing games while it’s plugged in- that is the single greatest destroyer of cords you could engage in no matter whose cord you use.

Wireless, you wont go back.

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by Wayniac:
My Xr charges through a Lifeproof case.

My Xr charges through an Otterbox Defender with no problem.