When the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL were announced, Google touted the 10W Pixel 3 wireless charging speeds. According to reports, and later confirmed by Google, wireless charging of your new Pixel 3 smartphone is indeed being limited to 5W on existing Qi-enabled wireless chargers.
Google indicates that while the Pixel 3 and 3 XL are Qi-compatible, the wireless charging feature in the new devices uses a secure handshake with certified chargers in order to charge at 10W.
We don’t limit third-party devices, in fact, we’re working with our partners in the Made for Google program to get fast 10W chargers certified for use with Pixel 3 (Belkin announced its 10W Pixel 3 charger already which will launch in the coming weeks). Pixel Stand and Pixel 3 work together through the protocol we’ve developed for fast charging. Everything else charges at the industry standard Qi 5W.”
Belkin’s listing indicates that it is “Google’s proprietary wireless charging technology” and it’s going to cost you a premium. The Belkin option is listed at $59.99USD, while other 10W wireless chargers can be found on Amazon for between $15-$25.
So while the Pixel 3 will charge at 10W with Google’s Pixel Stand (which retails for $79.99USD), users are going to have to wait a while longer for slightly cheaper, compatible alternatives. It’ll also mean that if you want the full 10W charging, you’re likely going to have to look for specific mention of the Pixel 3/3 XL on those chargers.
What do you think about Pixel 3 wireless charging being limited to 5W on existing third-party stands? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
[button link=”https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/10/drm-for-chargers-google-pixel-3-locks-fast-qi-charging-to-its-own-79-stand/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Source: Ars Technica[/button][button link=”https://www.androidcentral.com/heres-why-pixel-3-charges-faster-pixel-stand-other-wireless-chargers?utm_source=ac_tw&utm_medium=tw_card&utm_content=70275&utm_campaign=social” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Source: Android Central[/button]
