The Google Pixel 10 has been tipped to add one of the iPhone’s features, but it might not be as good as we were hoping.
According to Android Authority, which claims to have seen “credible marketing materials intended for retailers”, the Pixel 10 will support Qi2 wireless charging.
This is the next-gen wireless charging technology that Apple pioneered with its own MagSafe standard. It offers slightly better wireless charging speeds, but the main advantage is its magnetised fastening system that ensures a more consistent and convenient charging experience.
However, a subsequent report from Android Headlines suggests that Google’s version will rely on the case, just like the OnePlus 13, and that the phone won’t actually have the technology built in.
If true, it’d leave the HMD Skyline, a relatively humble mid-ranger, as the only Android phone with built-in Qi2.
Meet Pixelsnap
According to the Android Authority report, Google intends to apply its own MagSafe-like branding to the Qi2 standard: Pixelsnap.
As part of this branding push, Google will have three new self-explanatory accessories to offer: Pixelsnap Charger, Pixelsnap Charger with Stand, and Pixelsnap Ring Stand.
However, it’s unclear how that might be impacted by the requirement for a case, assuming the Android Headlines report is accurate.
With Google reportedly planning to bring a Hub Mode to phones, this Qi2/Pixelsnap wireless charging standard could potentially help to turn your Pixel phone into a little smart display, in much the same way Apple’s Standby Mode works with MagSafe charging stands, albeit with the case needing to be applied at all times.
David Price / Foundry
Retail listings have also been discovered for each of these stands, which also serve to reveal that Google’s wireless charging standard will technically be ‘Qi 2.2 and MPP (Magnetic Power Profile)’.
Further digging seems to have revealed that a ConvenientPower CPS4041 controller chip will run the Pixelsnap show on the Pixel 10, which apparently supports a theoretical maximum wireless charging speed of 60W.
Android Headlines also reports that Google will be selling a new 45W USB-C charger. But this is just a dual-port version of the one it already sells, and that didn’t result in 45W charging for any of the Pixel 9 series phones, with the 37W Pixel 9 Pro XL being the fastest.
It’s possible we’ll see further improvements on the Pixel 10 series, but it’s by no means guaranteed.
