Satechi’s new wireless charger can help alleviate the pain over the missing Apple AirPower

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): ★★★★