Does The Pixel Fold Have Wireless Charging? Read This Before You Buy

Jul 17, 2023

Google's Pixel Fold comes with several features to compete with other foldables, but does it include wireless charging? Here's what you need to know.

The Pixel Fold has most premium features that users expect from a foldable smartphone, but does that include wireless charging? The Pixel Fold is Google's debut foldable smartphone that's been years in the making, and it's a formidable rival to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4. It features 120Hz displays, IPX8 water-resistance, triple rear cameras, and performance that's similar to the Pixel 7 series.

Another feature the Pixel Fold has in common with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro is wireless charging, putting it on par with the Galaxy Z Fold 4. This enables users to place the phone on a Qi-enabled wireless charging pad and charge it without a cable. Unfortunately, the Pixel Fold doesn't feature fast wireless charging like the Pixel 7 series. While the Pixel 7 phones can wirelessly charge at up to 23W, the Pixel Fold charges much slower at 7.5W.

Related: Does The Pixel Fold Come With A Stylus? What You Need To Know

To put this into perspective, the Pixel Fold features a 4,821mAh battery, which is about 10 percent larger than Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4's 4,400mAh unit. But when it comes to wireless charging, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is twice as fast as the Pixel Fold, charging at a maximum of 15W. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 takes well over two hours for a complete charge with a compatible wireless charger, which means the Pixel Fold's larger battery and slower charging rate will result in even longer wireless charging times.

For those who want to fast charge the Pixel Fold, a wired charger is the best option. Google's tablet-sized phone supports 21W wired charging speeds, making it ideal to use with Google's 30W USB-C charger. Pixel Fold users who prefer charging their phone overnight can make use of the wireless charging feature, but when a quick battery boost is required, wired charging is a far better option.

Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Pixel Fold doesn't offer reverse wireless charging to charge other accessories like smartwatches and earbuds. Those who do want to make use of the Pixel Fold's wireless charging feature can pick up any compatible wireless charger. Google sells the second-gen Pixel Stand for $79, but there are plenty of cheaper Qi-certified charging pads that work with the Pixel Fold, such as the Belkin Quick Charge Pad ($14.99) and the Anker 10W Max Wireless Charger ($15.99).

Source: Google

Fascinated by companies like Apple and Samsung, Shikhar has covered consumer tech for three years. His favorite topics include how-to explainers, guides, and features with a helpful point of view that makes tech easier for others. In the past, he has worked for several technology publications, including Android Fist, TelecomDrive, and is currently associated with Republic World and SlashGear. Other than writing, Shikhar has a knack for social media management. In his free time, he watches the American sitcom Friends or creates videos for his YouTube channel. Shikhar attended Amity University in India for a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication, where he was awarded a gold medal for academic excellence.