For many consumers, a ‘fast wireless charger’ is viewed similarly as a ‘long life stick vacuum’. Overall, there’s few products in these categories which perform as their name suggests.
As such, welcome Satechi’s Fast Wireless Charger (A$49.99) which claims to take Qi-enabled wireless charging “to the next level”.
The device supports the latest Qi technology, and claims to wirelessly charge devices up to 1.4x faster that standard pads. As an added plus, the charger supports both Apple and Android phones.
It’s also backwards compatible, meaning it supports older Qi-enabled smartphones at standard charging speeds.
Unfortunately, for next-gen capable wireless charging smartphones, you do have to supply your own connecting cable to access faster speeds – e.g. use QC 2.0 or Samsung original adaptor and cable to enable fast charge feature.
Design & Performance
One of my favourite aspects is the device’s sleek, modern aesthetic. The Satechi wireless charger genuinely feels premium, and is weighty, yet relatively thin.
The device is primarily made of aluminium, however, has four plastic rubber legs to ensure your surface is protected.
There’s also a nice metallic curvature, and rubberised centre ‘+’ to mark where you can place your phone.
As someone who enjoys a luxe desk aesthetic, I appreciate the design of the wireless charger, amid a sea of bland, plastic, functional devices.
Using a USB cord, the device is usually kept connected to my work laptop for on-the-go interim charging.
For many people, that’s not a recommended practice. Several consumers have been burnt by wireless chargers which take [what feels like] forever to reach a decent percentage, with many resorting to the guarantee a wall adapter provides.
Others find their wireless charger efficient the first few times, before rapidly decreasing with time.
Having used the Satechi fast wireless charger for over a month, I can confirm the product performs as well as when first used.
I primarily used the device with my Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, and on average a two hour charge would result in over 40% battery (starting from 0%).
A full charge would vary based on the amount of interruptions (phone calls etc.), but generally follows the same guide.
One thing that further enhances the device is a nifty LED light.
The LED light displays blue when charging, and turns green when fully charged.
I’ll warn, without the LED light the charger would not [in my opinion] rate quite as high. There’s definitely a desired ‘best-position’ to place the device – sometimes it isn’t properly aligned and won’t charge. To remedy, a user adjusts the phone’s placement on the pad until the LED light turns blue.
It’s a nifty feature which provides assurance that charging is happening.
If I could be picky, I’d like the charger to be more sensitive, and work irrespective of placement. Correct placement is a touch finicky, but not super frustrating.
Overall, it’s been a pleasure to use the Satechi Fast Wireless Charger, and I especially appreciate its commitment to both form and function in an otherwise bland smartphone accessories world.
Satechi’s Fast Wireless is available to purchase online from macfixit.com.au for $49.99 plus shipping, and is covered by the Australian Replacement Warranty.
