If you have been shopping for a wireless charger recently, you have probably seen "Qi2" everywhere. But what does it actually mean? Is it the same as MagSafe? Do you need a new charger? And what about "Qi2.2 25W" that started appearing in 2025?
This guide breaks it all down in plain English, no technical jargon. By the end, you will know exactly what Qi2 is, whether your phone supports it, and which charger to buy.
Qi2 in 30 Seconds
Qi2 is the new universal wireless charging standard. It uses magnets to snap your phone into the perfect position on the charger, charges faster than the old Qi standard (15W vs 7.5W), and works with both iPhones and Android phones.
Think of it as "MagSafe for everyone." Apple invented MagSafe magnetic charging for iPhones. Qi2 takes that same magnetic alignment idea and makes it an open standard that any phone maker can use.
Qi vs Qi2 vs MagSafe vs Qi2.2: What is the Difference?
| Standard | Speed | Magnets | Phones Supported | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qi (original) | Up to 7.5W (iPhone), 15W (Android) | No | Most phones since 2015 | 2010 |
| MagSafe | 15W | Yes (Apple only) | iPhone 12 and later | 2020 |
| Qi2 | 15W | Yes (universal) | iPhone 12+, Samsung S25+, Pixel 9+ | 2023 |
| Qi2.2 (25W) | Up to 25W | Yes (universal) | iPhone 16+, Samsung S26 Ultra | 2025 |
Why Qi2 Matters
1. Magnetic Alignment Means Faster, More Efficient Charging
With old Qi chargers, you had to carefully place your phone on the pad and hope the coils lined up. If your phone was even slightly off-centre, charging slowed down or stopped entirely.
Qi2 uses a ring of magnets (called the Magnetic Power Profile) that snaps your phone into the perfect position every time. The charging coils align precisely, which means:
- Faster charging (no wasted energy from misalignment)
- Less heat generation
- You can use your phone while it charges (it stays attached)
2. One Standard for All Phones
Before Qi2, magnetic wireless charging was an Apple-only feature (MagSafe). Now Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and other Android manufacturers are adopting Qi2. The Samsung Galaxy S25 and S26 series both support Qi2 charging speeds.
This means one charger works with every phone. No more buying separate chargers for different devices.
3. Qi2.2 Brings 25W Fast Charging
The latest version, Qi2.2 (also branded as "Qi2 25W"), launched in mid-2025 and can charge compatible phones at up to 25W. That is fast enough to go from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes wirelessly. The iPhone 16 series and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra support this speed.
Does My Phone Support Qi2?
iPhones: Every iPhone from the iPhone 12 onwards supports Qi2 (they have had MagSafe magnets since 2020, and Qi2 is based on the same technology). The iPhone 16 series supports the faster Qi2.2 25W charging.
Samsung: The Galaxy S25 and S26 series support Qi2 charging speeds. However, Samsung chose not to include built-in magnets. You will need a MagSafe-compatible case to get the magnetic snap feature.
Google Pixel: The Pixel 9 series supports Qi2.
Other Android phones: Check your phone's specifications for "Qi2" support. Many 2025 and 2026 Android flagships include it.
What Kind of Qi2 Charger Should You Buy?
There are three main types:
Wireless Charging Pads
Flat pads you set your phone on. Simple, affordable, good for a desk or bedside table. The magnetic alignment means your phone stays put even on a tilted surface.
100W MagSafe Wireless Charger Pad - £9.99
3-in-1 Charging Stations
These charge your phone, smartwatch, and earbuds simultaneously. The most popular format for Apple ecosystem users (iPhone + Apple Watch + AirPods). They are also the most searched-for wireless charger type in 2026.
Our 3-in-1 chargers:
- Qi2 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger
- 3-in-1 Foldable MagSafe Wireless Charger
- Cybertruck 3-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand
- 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger Stand
Car Wireless Chargers
Mount your phone on your car's air vent or dashboard and charge wirelessly while you drive. The magnetic grip keeps your phone secure even on bumpy roads.
15W Car Wireless Charger with Cooling Fan
Do I Need to Replace My Old Wireless Charger?
Not necessarily. Qi2 is backwards compatible with Qi. Your old wireless charger will still work with a Qi2 phone. It will just charge at the slower Qi speed (7.5W for iPhones, up to 15W for Android).
Upgrade to a Qi2 charger if you want:
- Magnetic alignment (no more fumbling with placement)
- Faster charging speeds (15W standard, 25W with Qi2.2)
- The ability to use your phone while it charges
- A multi-device charging station (phone + watch + earbuds)
What to Look for When Buying a Qi2 Charger
- Wattage: 15W is the Qi2 standard. 25W (Qi2.2) is the premium tier. Higher wattage charges faster but costs more.
- Multi-device support: If you have an Apple Watch or AirPods, a 3-in-1 station saves space and cables.
- Foldable design: Great for travel. Our foldable MagSafe chargers collapse flat for your bag.
- Cooling: Fast wireless charging generates heat. Look for chargers with built-in fans (especially car chargers).
- Included adapter: Some chargers do not include a wall plug. Check before you buy.
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