I’ve become a huge fan of wireless charging of both my iPhone XS Max and Apple Watch, and now I have a wireless charger that I’m an equally big fan of. The Satechi Aluminum Type-C PD & QC Wireless Charger (US$44.99) takes advantage of USB-C to provide quicker charging speeds than you’ll find with many other chargers on the market.
Design
Available in silver and space gray, the Wireless Charger is a thin disk about 3-7/8 inches (9.84 cm) in diameter and weighing 3.8 ounces (107.7 grams). The top is a rubberized black disk with a + embossed on it. In the box you’ll find a USB-C cable but no wall adapter — you will need to have one available, as the Wireless Charger doesn’t work when plugged into a computer USB port. It needs at least 5V, 900mA from the USB wall adapter.
On the back is the USB-C port, while the front has a single blue LED. Plug in the charger and it glows blue for a second, then goes out. Place an iPhone or other Qi-compatible device on top of the charger, and the blue LED stays on to let you know that charging is taking place. For Qi-compatible iPhones and AirPods 2 with wireless charging case, the output is 7.5W while Android phones can charge up at 10W of power. Apparently the light color changes based on whether it is charging a device at 7.5 or 10W — I wasn’t able to test this.
The LED is also used to indicate over-temperature conditions or a malfunction. This is useful, because the charger not only has over-temperature protection built in, but can also detect unwanted metal objects laying on top of it. In these conditions, the LED flashes to indicate a malfunction and cuts off power to your phone.
Function
What can I say? You plug it in (I used the Mu One GaNFast 45W power adapter) and it’s ready to roll. Unlike some Qi-compatible chargers I’ve used, the Satechi charger immediately starts charging my iPhone — with others there can be a delay of up to 10 seconds.
Since it’s charging the iPhone at the maximum possible speed, the Satechi charger is perfect for topping off the battery before you walk out the door.
Conclusion
Satechi’s Type-C PD & QC Wireless Charger is a perfect example of “you get what you pay for”. It’s not the least expensive Qi charger on the market, but it’s definitely the best I’ve seen so far.
