If you've ever stood in front of a shelf of wireless chargers wondering what the difference is, you're not alone. The names don't help. Let's clear it up in plain English.
It just means charging a phone by placing it on a pad, with no cable plugged into the phone. That's it.
The confusing part is that there are three names for it:
Qi, MagSafe and Qi2 explained
Qi
The standard that almost every wireless charger and phone uses
MagSafe
Apple's version, with magnets built into iPhone 12 and newer
Qi2
The newer, shared version of Qi with magnets
So Qi is the base idea. MagSafe and Qi2 add magnets so the phone sits in exactly the right spot, which matters because wireless charging only works well when the coils line up.
What works with my phone?
iPhone 12 and newer
These have magnets built in, so MagSafe and Qi2 chargers click straight on. Older iPhones can still use a standard Qi charger, but they won't snap on.
Samsung Galaxy
Most recent models charge on any Qi pad. Some newer ones are "Qi2 Ready," which means they'll use Qi2 chargers fully if you add a magnetic case.
Google Pixel and other Android phones
Most support Qi. Some of the newest have Qi2 magnets built in.
These points are general, so check your phone's specification for your exact model. If you're not sure, ask us in store and we'll tell you.
Is wireless charging worth it?
Honestly? For some people it's brilliant, and for others it's not.
✓ It's great if:
- You charge by your bed or at your desk, and you like to just put the phone down.
- You're tired of wearing out your charging port.
- You want one stand that charges your phone, watch and earbuds.
× It's not for you if:
- You need the fastest possible charge. A cable is usually quicker.
- You like to use your phone while it charges. Lying flat on a pad makes that awkward, although a stand fixes it.
Does wireless charging harm your battery?
A fair question we hear a lot is whether wireless charging harms your battery. A good-quality charger won't, but heat is the real enemy. If your phone feels hot on the pad, take off a thick case and make sure nothing metal is in the way.
What we have on our site
Here's everything wireless-related on the Fone4U website when we checked. Please confirm on the product page.
Magnetic (MagSafe-style) power banks
These stick to the back of your iPhone and charge it without a cable. They work best with the iPhone 12 and newer.
| Power bank | Price | Stock when checked | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Wireless MagSafe-compatible Power Bank | €19.99 | In stock | The lowest price |
| ANG A28 MagSafe Wireless Power Bank 5000mAh | €24.99 | In stock | 5000 mAh, magnetic charging, and 20W PD fast charging by cable |
| Forcell F-Energy Slim F5K9 | €34.99 | In stock | 5000 mAh, 15 W, QC4.0, and PD3.0 |
Wireless charging stands are sold out or not showing when we checked
Forcell F-Energy 3-in-1 MagNetix
Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible, 3-in-1: phone, earbuds, and watch, up to 20.5W in total, 200cm USB-C cable
Forcell F-Energy Mag Mirror 15W 3-in-1
A pink mirror finish, 3-in-1, up to 15W in total
Choetech T317 2-in-1 Charging Station
For iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods
Forcell Qi Fast Wireless Charger 15W
A single 15W pad with a USB-C cable
Devia Allen Series Ultra-Thin Wireless Charger 15W
A thin 15W pad
WiWU 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Wireless Charging Station 15W
A foldable 3-in-1 stand that's good for travel
Wall chargers to power them
A wireless charger still needs to plug into something. A decent USB-C wall charger makes a big difference to speed.
Before you buy a stand, check which wall charger its product page recommends, because some need a certain power level to reach full speed.
See the full charging and connectivity range and the wireless chargers page.
Which one should you get?
A MagSafe or Qi2 stand, or a magnetic power bank for on-the-go.
A 3-in-1 stand. Check that the watch spot suits your watch, because an Apple Watch needs a charger designed for it.
A standard Qi pad works. If your phone is Qi2 Ready, add a magnetic case to get the snap-on feel.
A magnetic power bank like the ANG A28 or the Blue Star.
A single Qi pad and a Cygnett 20W wall charger to power it.
A few things to check before you buy
Look for MagSafe or Qi2 if you have an iPhone 12 or newer.
A thick case, or one with a metal plate or a card holder, can weaken the charge or the magnet. A thin case is best.
Check which wall charger the product page recommends.
A "15W" charger is the maximum for the whole stand, and not every device gets that. On the Forcell Mag Mirror, for example, the phone gets up to 10W, the earbuds 5W, and the watch 3W.
It varies by product. The Forcell MagNetix has 12 months, and the Mag Mirror has 1 month, so check each page.
Charging habits matter too. Our guides to iPhone battery health and replacing an iPhone battery explain how to keep your battery healthy.
What you get when you buy
Free delivery
Free delivery over €100 (otherwise €4.99, 2 to 3 working days), or free click and collect from Bray, Ballina, or Sligo.
15-day returns
Free 15-day returns for new accessories that are unopened and in their original sealed packaging. Your warranty and your rights if it's faulty aren't affected. See the returns policy.
Flexible payments
Klarna and Humm at checkout to spread the cost. Both are run by separate companies, so check their terms.
Student discount
10% off accessories for students in any shop with a current student card. It's in-store only, with one discount per purchase, and it can't be combined with other offers. See the student discount page.
A magnetic power bank also makes a great stocking filler. See our Christmas tech gift guide for more ideas. And if you're after a new iPhone to go with it, see our guide to which refurbished iPhone to buy.
Come and have a look
Pop into any of our three shops, and we'll help you find the right charger for your phone:
We're open Monday to Saturday 9:30am to 6:30pm and Sunday 12pm to 6pm.
Message us on WhatsAppIf you'd like us to check if something is in stock first, message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Qi, MagSafe, and Qi2?
Qi is the standard behind almost all wireless charging. MagSafe is Apple's version with magnets, built into the iPhone 12 and newer. Qi2 is the newer shared version of Qi, also with magnets, so it works with more phones.
Does wireless charging damage your battery?
A good-quality charger won't. Heat is what to watch out for, so take off a thick case if the phone gets warm.
Is wireless charging slower than a cable?
Usually, yes. A cable is normally faster, but wireless is more convenient for overnight and desk charging.
Does MagSafe work with Android phones?
Not directly. Qi2 chargers, which are MagSafe-compatible, work with Qi2-ready Android phones, and most other Android phones can charge on a standard Qi pad without the magnets.
Can I charge an Apple Watch on a normal wireless pad?
Not usually. An Apple Watch needs a charger made for it, like the watch spot on a 3-in-1 stand.
Do I need a special case for wireless charging?
No, but a thin case works best. Thick cases, and cases with metal or card holders, can get in the way.
Is a MagSafe-style power bank worth it?
If you have an iPhone 12 or newer and hate carrying a cable, yes. They snap onto the back and charge without a lead.
How do I know if a charger is in stock?
The product page shows an "Add to cart" button or a "Sold out" label. You can leave your email on a sold-out page, message us on WhatsApp, or visit a shop.
Ready to choose?
Browse the charging and connectivity range, power banks, and chargers. Stock changes all the time, so check the website for what's available today, or visit your nearest shop in Bray, Ballina, or Sligo.
