Alas, AirPower, we never knew you. If, like me, you’ve given up on Apple’s wireless charging pad ever seeing the light of day, you’re probably investigating other options. Worth your consideration: Satechi’s cumbersomely named Aluminum Type-C PD & QC Wireless Charger.
It looks good thanks to its sleek, circular aluminum design that’s available in silver or space gray. There’s a small “+” in the middle of the charging pad that lets you know how to position your phone. There’s also a convenient blue charging light that shines on the front of the device. Alas, the beauty of the device is marred slightly by Satechi’s much-too-big branding on its surface.
Boasting Quick Charging (QC) or USB-C Power Delivery (PD) compatibility, the Aluminum Type-C PD & QC Wireless Charger — which I’ll simply refer to as the Wireless Charger from now on, for brevity’s sake — powers the newest smartphones, such as the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max. “Quick” or “fast” charging charges a compatible device 1.4 times faster than standard wireless charging pads.
With charging speeds of up to 10W on compatible devices, the Wireless Charger provides a quick juice-up for your smartphone. (Qi-enabled Apple and Android devices have a max output of 7.5W and 10W, respectively.)
The Wireless Charger also helps keep your iPhone from damage. It has over-temperature protection and foreign object detection (FOD) designed to protect smartphones against temperature spikes and unwanted metal objects. In the event your iPhone overheats, or a foreign object is detected, the LED light will flash to indicate a malfunction and cut off power to the phone.
All this is nice, but I find it irritating that the Wireless Charger doesn’t come with a wall adapter. Sure, at $44.99, it’s reasonably priced, but still….
That said, Satechi’s charger is, overall, a handsome device that provides a good charging bedside (which is how I use mine) or desktop charging solution for your iPhone.
Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★
