Google’s Pixel 10 sure looks like it’ll support magnetic Qi2 charging

Leaked image of a magnetic wireless charger attached to a blue Pixel 10 — This definitely looks like a magnetic wireless charger.

Evidence is mounting that Google’s Pixel 10 series will support Qi2 wireless charging, including built-in magnets, finally offering a mainstream Android alternative to Apple’s MagSafe. The latest sign is a leaked image of the Pixel 10 with what appears to be a magnetic wireless charging puck attached to the back.

The leaked image comes from the reliable leaker Evan Blass, and shows a bright blue Pixel 10 — the base model, going by other renders we’ve seen so far — with what appears to be a wireless charging puck attached magnetically to the back. It’s part of a selection of leaked images of the Pixel 10 phones, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2A that corroborate previous leaks.

The puck is likely part of the “PixelSnap” accessory line previously leaked by Android Authority, though we haven’t seen this specific charger before. That leak, along with a separate report of a PixelSnap phone case, left open the possibility that Google would rely on magnets included in phone cases for magnetic wireless charging, much like Samsung has in its S25, Z Fold 7, and Z Flip 7 handsets. Since this image shows the charger attaching directly to the phone, it appears Google has instead followed Apple and included magnets in the phone itself.

Factor in a separate Android Headlines leak claiming that the Pixel 10 line will be very slightly thicker and heavier than the previous generation, and there’s increasing reason to think that Google has decided to opt for full, magnetic Qi2 support.

Qi2 is an industry-wide magnetic wireless charging standard based on MagSafe, developed with Apple’s support. So far only a single Android phone includes it, the HMD Skyline, though those recent Samsung flagships are certified Qi2 Ready since they require a compatible case to supply the magnets. Qi2 was recently upgraded with up to 25W charging speeds, at which point the Wireless Power Consortium announced that “major Android smartphones will join the Qi2 ecosystem.” It looks like the Pixel 10 phones will be the first.

from The Verge https://ift.tt/nGbWLrX

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