Finally, there’s a way to get Apple’s MagSafe-style wireless charging convenience without the premium price tag. ESR has delivered one of the first Qi2 wireless car chargers, and it’s seriously impressive. This new standard eliminates the exclusivity of MagSafe, boosting speeds for iPhone owners while promising Android compatibility soon.
What is Qi2, and Why Should I Care?
Qi2 builds on the familiar Qi wireless charging standard but adds powerful magnets (like MagSafe) for perfect alignment and faster charging – up to 15W for recent iPhones. Apple contributed the tech behind MagSafe to this open standard, meaning more affordable and widely available Qi2 accessories.
ESR’s Qi2 Charger in Action
ESR’s offering is well-designed and remarkably affordable at $35.99 (and often on sale). It’s a breeze to set up – the magnetic charging base attaches to either the included vent clip or the adhesive dashboard mount in under a minute. The vent clip itself is sturdy, with an adjustable foot for stability on different vent designs. However, as with many vent clips, its bulk might be an issue for cars with narrow or shallow vent slats. Thankfully, the alternative adhesive mount offers a versatile way to secure the charger to your dashboard.
Putting aside the vent clip’s size, the real star of the show is the magnetic attachment. It securely holds my iPhone 15 Pro in place, even with a bulky MagSafe case on.
Performance-wise, the ESR charger delivers the promised 15W fast charging for my iPhone 15 Pro. In my tests, it charged the phone from 0 to 100% in roughly the same time as an official MagSafe charger. Just keep in mind that to achieve these speeds, you’ll need to provide your own 18W+ power source.
Minor Downsides
- The magnet, while strong for everyday driving, might not hold firm during extreme off-roading.
- No power adapter is included in the box.
- Due to quirks in the standard, fast-charging Android phones are currently limited to slower speeds on Qi2 chargers.
Who’s It For?
- iPhone 13/14/15 Owners: If you crave MagSafe’s magnetic convenience and speed, Qi2 is finally a cost-effective option.
- Early Gadget Adopters: This is your chance to jump on the Qi2 train before it becomes mainstream.
The Verdict
ESR’s Qi2 car charger delivers on its promises. If you have a compatible iPhone, it’s an easy way to get MagSafe-like performance at a much more attractive price. While the Android side of things needs to catch up, this charger paves the way for a future where both iPhone and Android owners can share the same convenient magnetic wireless charging accessories.
