We previously rounded up several wireless chargers for Apple’s latest iPhone Kit, including the Belkin and Mophie chargers sold in Apple Stores. Yet, Satechi’s Wireless Charger is one of the best-looking wireless chargers that we’ve seen thus far.
Satechi’s Qi-enabled offering works with the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. The unit is comprised mostly of aluminum, and features diamond-cut chamfered edges. Does its functionality match its good looks? Watch our hands-on video inside for the details.
Specifications
- Weighty, aluminum build with chamfered edges
- Provides ~5W-equivalent charging
- Includes 5-foot micro-USB cable
- Non-slip feet on bottom of unit
- LED charging indicator
- Available in silver, gold, space gray, rose gold
- Restock in mid-November
The first thing you’ll notice about the Satechi Wireless Charger is how much better it looks and feels compared to almost any other wireless charger available. The Belkin and Mophie chargers sold in Apple Stores are solid from a build-quality perspective, but the aluminum build of the Satechi charger gives it an edge. The charger does lose a few points for the unnecessarily large Satechi branding on its surface, however.
Video walkthrough
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Like all of the other chargers that we’ve covered thus far, Satechi’s offering provides a charge similar to that of the 5W USB Power Adapter included with each iPhone. In fact, wireless charging is actually a bit slower than using a wired 5W charger, so temper your expectations accordingly.
For those of you who are interested in taking advantage of the faster 7.5W charging that Apple is promising as a part of a future iOS update, then it looks like you’ll want to stick with the considerably pricier Belkin and Mophie options sold in Apple Stores.
That understood, wireless charging is definitely a convenience, since all that’s involved is resting your iPhone on the wireless charging pad. It’s not an adequate solution for those times when you need to quickly recharge your iPhone, but it’s great for bedside charging or for charging at your desk while working. If you require a much faster charge, then be sure to watch our hands-on roundup where we consider several USB-C fast chargers that work with the iPhone 8 and iPhone X.
You’ll get about ~20% battery life after 30 minutes of charging
On the side of the charger you’ll find an LED charging indicator that lights up blue while your iPhone is being charged. For Android devices compatible with Qi wireless charging, the indicator light will turn green when the phone is fully recharged, but this doesn’t occur with the iPhone.
Satechi’s Wireless Charger comes with rubber feet to help keep the charger firmly planted on a desk, but the top surface of the pad is relatively slick. This makes it easier for the glass-backed iPhone to slide around when compared to other chargers with rubber non-slip areas on the charging surface.
Unfortunately, it’s not as easy to find Satechi’s Wireless Charger, as it is currently out of stock at many of the top online retailers like Amazon and B&H. It’s even sold out on Satechi’s website. However, you can still find the charger in other places, such as eBay. I reached out to Satechi and was told that the units would be back in stock soon.
If you’re looking for one of the most visually appealing wireless chargers, and you can find one for a good price, then Satechi’s Wireless Charging Pad is worth considering. It’s not perfect, but it’s one of the best-looking chargers that I’ve seen thus far.
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