Wireless charging verdict

Being able to charge your phone without plugging it in sounds great as cables are the dirge of everyone’s digital life.

But after trying it out for a few months, I don’t think the tech is worth investing in yet.

The problem is at the moment it’s just as easy to plug a cable into a phone than it is to place a phone on a charging pad.

The convenience of casting aside cables comes at a cost - a less reliable charging connection, slower charging times and the cost of charging pads. Also, phones with the tech are expensice and more fragile as they need to have a glass back.

Most of the recent smartphones have the technology, including Samsung’s Galaxy S8 range and Note 8. Apple’s iPhone 8 and iPhone X also have it.

However, it’ll probably take a few years until the tech trickles down to more affordable devices.

Thankfully, most companies are using the same technology - Qi (pronounced ) - which is

I don't think the tech is worth investing in yet.

backed by the Wireless Power Consortium. This means you can use an iPhone on a Samsung charging pad and vice versa.

However, if you do want the benefit of wireless charging without buying a new phone you can purchase a case for older Apple and Samsung phones. Expect to pay about $140 plus another $100 for a charging pad.

Wireless charging will become more valuable when companies release multi-device charging pads.

Then your whole family can plonk their devices down on one pad which would be easy.

Apple is due to release its AirPower wireless charger this year which can handle three at once, while Samsung has plans to develop a model that can charge two phones simultaneously.

The other tipping point will be when wireless charging is available in most cars. Currently, only a handful of car manufacturers are including it in their newest vehicles.

The future for wireless charging looks bright. A company called Pi plans to release a device that can charge several phones at once from up to 30cm away without needing a pad.

One day, wireless charging will be everywhere. Right now it’s not worth spending the extra money for the small increase in convenience.