Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts several improvements, including a refined ultrawide camera, enhanced build quality, and a slimmer profile. However, a less-publicized feature might offer the most significant quality-of-life upgrade: compatibility with the Qi2.1 wireless charging standard. While the S25 Ultra retains the 45W wired charging speed of its predecessor, with a slight improvement in overall charging time, its Qi2.1 compatibility makes it the first smartphone ready for the next generation of wireless charging. This innovative feature requires the official Magnetic Wireless Charging Case, and after several days of testing, it’s clear why this accessory is a worthwhile investment for wireless charging enthusiasts.
A Brief History of Wireless Charging Evolution
Samsung pioneered wireless charging in smartphones with the Galaxy S5 series, years ahead of Apple and Huawei. However, the core technology remained relatively stagnant until Apple introduced MagSafe magnetic wireless charging with the iPhone 8 series, revolutionizing the wireless charging landscape. MagSafe addressed alignment and efficiency issues that plagued the existing Qi standard. Recognizing MagSafe’s advantages, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the body responsible for the open wireless charging standard, adopted its magnetic alignment principle for the Qi2 standard. Apple’s membership in the WPC further solidified the importance of this development, ultimately benefiting the entire smartphone ecosystem.
Decoding Qi2 Magnetic Charging
Qi2 inherits the benefits of MagSafe, primarily faster wireless charging speeds and crucial magnetic alignment. This magnetic alignment ensures perfect contact between the charger and the phone’s coils, eliminating the charging inconsistencies caused by misalignment. While manufacturers like Oppo and OnePlus have adopted proprietary magnetic charging standards with higher speeds, Samsung chose to embrace the Qi2 standard, requiring the Magnetic Clear Cover for magnetic alignment.
The Case for Faster Wireless Charging
The Galaxy S25 Magnetic Clear Cover adds magnets to the back of the phone, enabling full Qi2 wireless charging speeds. While first-generation Qi charging is limited to 15W, Qi2 supports up to 25W, although the iPhone 16 series is currently the only phone to utilize this full potential with an updated MagSafe charger. The Galaxy S25 series, while supporting Qi2, is capped at 15W, significantly slower than the 50W wireless charging offered by Oppo and OnePlus.
The clear design of the case allows the phone’s color to shine through, featuring precise cutouts for ports. However, unlike some other cases that offer full port coverage, the Magnetic Clear Cover leaves the charging port area relatively exposed.
Wireless Charging Speed Test: Galaxy S25 Ultra
To assess the effectiveness of the Magnetic Charging Cover, we conducted a charging test. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its impressive multi-day battery life, took approximately 67 minutes to fully charge using a 45W wired charger. This translates to a standardized charging speed of 75 mAh/minute. Wireless charging with the Magnetic Charging Cover and a Belkin 15W adjustable charging stand took considerably longer, clocking in at 3 hours and 20 minutes, equivalent to 25 mAh/minute. In comparison, the OnePlus 13 charges more than three times faster, reaching full capacity in 75 minutes (81 mAh/minute).
A 50% charge with the Magnetic Charging Cover took 1 hour and 35 minutes, significantly longer than the under-30-minute wired charging time. Notably, the initial estimated charging time displayed on the S25 Ultra was 2 hours, which gradually increased to almost 3.5 hours.
Why the Magnetic Charging Cover Remains a Valuable Accessory
Despite the slower charging speeds compared to other solutions, the official magnetic charging cover remains a worthwhile purchase for users who prioritize wireless charging, own MagSafe-compatible accessories, or plan to invest in them. The magnetic alignment simplifies the charging process, making it effortless to place the phone on the charger. This ease of use makes it an ideal overnight charging solution. While the current clear design may not appeal to everyone, and other color options would be welcome, the functional benefits of magnetic alignment outweigh this aesthetic consideration.
