Could it be that Wireless Charging via Qi2 is in Consideration for the Samsung Galaxy S25? Finland may Provide Some Insight
Finland is rich in advantages. It boasts stunning sceneries. It birthed former Eurovision competitor Käärijä, whose music I appreciate despite not comprehending the language. A Finnish wireless service provider unintentionally released an image of a Samsung Galaxy S25 phone case leak, suggesting potential Qi2-compatibility for the upcoming flagship. This feature is something Android users have been yearning for a while. Without Finland, this possibility may not have materialized.
As an initial image posted on a Finnish telecom site suggests, the Galaxy S25 could have at least two case accessories that cater to the enhanced wireless charging standard. Expect a Samsung-manufactured "magnet case," as 9to5Google names it. Qi2 wireless charging incorporates magnets, ensuring a strong and stable connection.
If these Qi2-compatible cases indeed become available with the Galaxy S25's launch next year, it would mark the first mainstream Android device to offer official compatibility with the spec. Android enthusiasts have eagerly awaited this functionality for quite some time. A year ago, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) announced that the initial range of products compatible with the standard would hit the market during the 2023 holiday shopping season. This development fueled sales for the iPhone 15/15 Pro, which boasted the feature already. Regrettably, Android adoption has lagged behind due to a lack of marketed accessories for users.
The HMD Skyline, a repairable mid-tier smartphone, is currently the only Android device that offers Qi2 charging outright. Slight criticism has been leveled at OnePlus for launching the OnePlus 13 in China without Qi2 charging, but rather a enhanced Qi 1.3.3. In my opinion, OnePlus's approach is a cost-saving measure, allowing for fast wireless charging speeds without raising the phone's price. Furthermore, it offers an insight into the current status of the Qi2 specification. Apple was able to roll out MagSafe with Qi2 capabilities swiftly due to its own supply-chain control, whereas Android has been slower to adopt it due to the absence of marketed accessories.
Samsung, being a prominent brand and the world's top-selling Android brand based on sales and reach, can change the tide if they make Qi2 a standard feature for premium Android devices. Once users grow accustomed to this convenience, it will become an expectation, paving the way for the rest of the Android ecosystem. In essence, we can finally use MagSafe accessories designed for Apple devices with Android phones, offering a better solution than what I currently have with third-party options. I'm often disappointed by the less-than-optimal Magnest connection with these third-party accessories, as the magnets sometimes fail to provide a stable wireless charging experience. I eagerly await Samsung's official announcement of the Galaxy S25 to learn more.
The image leak from a Finnish wireless service provider suggests that the future Galaxy S25 could support Qi2-compatibility, a feature Android users have been eagerly anticipating. If the Qi2-compatible cases are indeed released with the Galaxy S25, it will mark a significant step towards integrating advanced technology into mainstream Android devices.
