Qi
A common industry standard for inductive (wireless) charging.
See: Inductive charging
Qi specifies that compatible devices must include technology to intelligently ensure that the correct amount of power is sent to device being charged.
Qi can provide varying levels of power, measured in watts. The original standard called for 5 watts. Higher-power Qi chargers for phones go up to 15 watts for faster charging.
Qi2 is an evolution of the standard that incorporates technology from Apple's MagSafe, which has always been based on Qi but was technically a proprietary variant prior to Qi2. The most obvious feature of Qi2 (and MagSafe) is a magnet that ensures both coils (in the charger and in the device being charged) are properly aligned for optimal charging.
Qi is pronounced "chee".
Last updated Jun 21, 2024 by Rich Brome
Editor in Chief Rich became fascinated with cell phones in 1999, creating mobile web sites for phones with tiny black-and-white displays and obsessing over new phone models. Realizing a need for better info about phones, he started Phone Scoop in 2001, and has been helming the site ever since. Rich has spent two decades researching and covering every detail of the phone industry, traveling the world to tour factories, interview CEOs, and get every last spec and photo Phone Scoop readers have come to expect. As an industry veteran, Rich is a respected voice on phone technology of the past, present, and future.
