Should you use MagSafe on Android before your phone is even compatible?

When Apple released MagSafe technology into the wild back in 2020, Android users shrugged and went on with their lives. So many iPhone features over the years have been met with general disdain from Android users, as they often existed on Android phones long before iPhones. Except with MagSafe. While Android phones are capable of wireless charging, the magnetic lock of MagSafe certainly sets it apart. 

Hence the shrug, as Android users are generally not quick to admit when they covet something Apple has created. Yet, it might be a good idea for them to consider MagSafe accessories even if their phones aren't yet compatible with MagSafe, and may never be, because something is coming that will change how Android users accessorize their phones. 

In the meantime

Until that something (and we're buying the lede here), there's plenty of reason to start using MagSafe accessories on your Android phones. This is assuming your phone has wireless Qi charging, which is the case for most newer Android phones. Whether you have a Samsung Galaxy S23, a Google Pixel 8, or a OnePlus 11, you have wireless charging and can use MagSafe accessories. 

One of the current benefits of using MagSafe accessories over anything else at this point in time is just convenience and annoyance avoidance. For instance, it's frustrating when a PopSocket slowly slides off center, or a smartphone case isn't Qi-compatible and makes it impossible to charge your phone wireless. With MagSafe accessories, you at least have that magnetic center that stabilizes charging. Plus, you can swap phone grips without swapping cases (unless your case has a built in phone grip). 

Can I even use MagSafe charging on an Android phone?

Well, yes. But it's not the same. MagSafe isn't a charging standard, but a technology that aligns your phone with a charging accessory through its magnetic technology. You could even use a MagSafe charger with a phone that isn't sporting a MagSafe case, but it'll just slide off. Throw some duct tape on there and it will work. 

Plus, not all MagSafe charges will work with Android phones. Some are built with only Apple's 7.5W profile installed. But most third-party MagSafe charging pads and wireless power banks work perfectly with Qi-enabled Android devices, sometimes pushing up to 10W of charging power (but mostly kicking out 5W). Again, the point with MagSafe is alignment, not necessarily the charging profile or wattage. 

The reason to wait

Qi2. The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) finally announced at CES 2023 that it would be dipping its charging toes into magnetic charging with Qi2. While it's not here yet, it will be soon and will offer a global standard for charging phones. Theoretically, if you are already using MagSafe compatible accessories on your phone, they'll work with Qi2 magnetic charging. This doesn't mean MagSafe will go away, but Qi2 charging offers three huge advantages. 

Compatible efficiency — according to the WPC's website, Qi2 standard will "unify the wireless charging industry under one global standard, eliminating consumer confusion and enabling greater device interoperability." Basically, more things will work with all the things, especially due to Qi2's Magnetic Power Profile technology, aligning devices and chargers for better efficiency and faster charging. 

Sustainability — with Qi2's magnetic standard, just like with MagSafe, it means no more worn out cables and broken charging ports. This reduces waste (all those replacement cables) and lowers your repair bills. 

Future proof — finally, magnetic locking for your chargers, wallets, cases, stands, grips, and other accessories whether through Qi2 or MagSafe means your accessories will last longer. Plus, other devices might come along that utilize wireless charging, and you're already prepared. That's worth waiting for. 

Wireless with WingoCase

Wingo cases are MagSafe compatible, which means that you're already a step into the future of wireless compatibility. Plus, Wingo cases are not only built strong to last, but with ergonomic options to keep your hands and joints just as sustainable as your phone case. And with Qi2 creating a new wireless standard in the near future, protecting your phone with WingoCase means you'll never run out of compatible accessories.