When Oppo unveiled the Find X8 series, one of the biggest new inclusions was support for magnetic wireless charging technology. The series is the first to introduce this feature on Android smartphones, so here’s why I believe it is a game changer for wireless charging.
1. Apple did it first but Oppo did it better
This is one of the few occasions where Android smartphones actually take inspiration from iPhones. Apple debuted MagSafe to make wireless charging more intuitive thanks to magnets. Now, Oppo is taking this technology a step further. In our comparison with MagSafe, I talked about how the MagSafe has better compatibility overall since it’s a seasoned feature in the Apple ecosystem. However, Oppo blows the competition out of the water with charging speeds.
Both OnePlus and Oppo have launched new accessories alongside their latest flagship smartphones that offer a faster charging rate. To recall, the Oppo AirVOOC 50W Magnetic Power Bank launched with 50W charging, which is a lot more faster than Apple’s MagSafe which supports 15W for iPhones.
2. Big Battery in a Slim Form Factor
The Oppo Magnetic Power Bank was launched with a large 5,000mAh capacity. But it is also known as the Magnetic Energy Card power bank. This is thanks to its ultra slim form factor. So one can slap on the Magnetic Power bank via a wireless charging pad that could attach to the back of Oppo’s new Find X8 series. Other notable features include the temperature monitoring and LED indicator lights to show the remaining power levels.
Furthermore, these new charging accessories are built using a compact silver aluminum alloy casing, which measures just 120 grams in weight and 8.8mm in thickness. This makes it slim enough for buyers to carry it in their wallets or pockets, moving away from bulky power banks that are as hefty as bricks.
3. So what does this mean for wireless charging on smartphones?
If more brands adopt magnetic charging technology, it won’t be long for wireless charging to become more viable. As of right now, you typically charge smartphones wirelessly by placing them on a wireless charging pad or a wireless charging dock. But the wireless charging game could change forever with this technology.
You won’t need to carry a hefty power bank, since there is now a lightweight wireless power bank card that can be attached to the back of your smartphone. So charging becomes seamless and unintrusive. There is no longer a need to put your phone down or leave it on a charging pad. This has been one of the biggest complaints with wireless charging since it doesn’t practically offer any major benefits over wired fast charging, which is more efficient, faster, and even more flexible at times.
