Updated October 22, 2019: So it turns out that the Pixel 4's wireless charging situation isn't quite as simple as we initially suspected. While 11W fast charge speeds are more widely available for the Pixel 4, it needs to be used with a charger that supports the Extended Power Profile — also known as EPP. There are currently over 300 chargers that are EPP-certified, meaning fast charge speeds are much easier to get than they were with the Pixel 3, but still not quite as streamlined as we had hoped.
What you need to know
- It's now being confirmed that the Pixel 4 supports fast wireless charging on all Qi chargers.
- Google didn't say anything about wireless charging speeds during the Pixel 4 keynote.
- Last year's Pixel 3 only supported fast wireless charging with the Pixel Stand.
The Pixel 3 was the first Google phone to support Qi wireless charging, but it came with a weird quirk. While it supported all Qi chargers, it only got 10W fast charging speeds when used with Google's own Pixel Stand. We assumed this was the same case for the Pixel 4, but it turns out that's not the case after all.
As discovered by Mishaal Rahman from XDA-Developers, the Wireless Power Consortium lists the Pixel 4 as supporting up to 11W for wireless charging, whereas the Pixel 3 only shows a max speed of 5W — indicating that Google's weird proprietary speed restriction has been removed.
Well, I'll be damned. Turns out the Pixel 4 supports 11W Qi wireless charging. Pixel 3 only supported 5W Qi wireless charging. Not sure why Google never mentioned this.
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) October 21, 2019
Sources: https://t.co/H9NesUxxkHhttps://t.co/tLl5qqgf4Z pic.twitter.com/1rC94MR0kQ
We were also able to confirm this by placing a Pixel 4 XL on a cheap Seneo wireless charger from Amazon, and sure enough, the Pixel 4 XL pulls over 10W when placed on it. This was also confirmed by How-To Geek editor Justin Duino.
While this is a welcome change of the Pixel 4's narrative, it is odd that Google didn't say anything about this during the company's press event last week. In any case, you should feel free to now pick up any wireless charger for your Pixel 4 and get max charging speeds no matter what.
Considering just how poor the Pixel 4's battery life is proving to be, we're sure all of you will be pleased by this news.
Charge on anything
Google Pixel 4
Google's latest Pixel does wireless charging the right way.
The Google Pixel 4 supports Qi wireless charging, but unlike the Pixel 3, you get fast charging speeds no matter what Qi charger you use. This includes Google's own Pixel Stand and any other random third-party charger you decide to use.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
It's time to stop using SMS for two-factor authentication
Not all 2FA is equal. Using SMS to get a code might not be "better than nothing" after all.
Fresh Surface Duo renders are here, reportedly coming to AT&T
Microsoft hasn't exactly been camera shy with the Surface Duo, but a new set of renders have leaked that offer an even closer look at the device. Alongside the leaked images, the leaker says Duo will be headed to AT&T in the U.S.
24 hours with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Big, beautiful, and backwards
It's still too early to give any conclusive thoughts on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, but Samsung's latest flagship is already proving to be a tremendous phone in more ways than one.
Take your Pixel 4 to the next level with these accessories
Google crafted the Pixel 4 to be an immensely powerful phone on its own, but when you pair it with the right accessories, that's when the real fun begins.
