The Pros and Cons of Wireless Charging: What's Best for You?

Wireless charging has changed the game, but it hasn’t completely wiped out traditional chargers just yet. While wireless smartphone chargers are certainly the way forward, standard charging cables are still a common way to reach a full charge. Get caught up with the latest tech and find out if wireless charging is right for you!

ROKFORM specializes in functional phone accessories designed for an active lifestyle. Take care of your device with a protective phone case and compatible mounts purpose-built for cycling, motorcycling, or driving. Every iPhone 15, 14, and 13,  ROKFORM case allows for seamless wireless charging, making charging a breeze.

So what’s the deal with wireless charging? How does it really work, and should you be using it to charge up your smartphone? We’re taking a look at the pros and cons of wireless charging to help inform your decision.

Fast forward to 2023, and the hype has simmered, but now wireless charging is available in more smartphones than ever. Almost all new iPhones and Android phones in recent years come with cable-free charging capability. Newer ROKFORM phone cases for Apple and Samsung products allow for easy wireless charging, including protection from drops up to 6 feet and strong magnets to hold onto any magnetic surface.

Wireless charging uses a charging pad to transmit power wirelessly via electromagnetic induction. This works because the charging station creates an electromagnetic field between the charger and phone to transmit the electric current through the airwaves. 

The waves are picked up by a receiver coil embedded in the back of your phone that transforms the electromagnetic waves into usable electricity. This electrical current is then used to charge the smartphone and stored in the phone’s battery.

Wireless charging is often referred to as Qi wireless charging or Qi technology. The Qi standard was introduced in 2008 and has become the principal wireless charging standard in the industry, used across most smartphone brands. Qi uses both resonant and inductive charging, of which the latter requires devices to be close to each other in order to work.

Because the magnetic field has limited range, phones must be placed close to the wireless charging stand. This typically means resting the device directly on the pad. There is normally a circle or other marker that indicates the center of the charging station, but the positioning doesn’t need to be exact to the millimeter.

When you center your smartphone onto a wireless charging pad or magnetic power bank, your phone will display that it is charging. You’ll notice the change of your battery icon from its standard mode to a battery with a bolt in the middle, indicating that your phone is actively being charged. Some different phones display a cool graphic while the device is charging.

Wireless charging has several advantages that make it a popular choice for many people. For starters, it eliminates the need for cords and cables, which can be frustrating to deal with. This makes it much more convenient to charge your devices, as you don't have to worry about finding the right cable or dealing with tangled cords.

• Less cords to worry about.  
• Safer connections. 
• More durable than cables. 
• Doesn't require as much energy. 

Experience the fast way to wirelessly charge your phone in the car using the RokLock Wireless Charger! Learn how to use and install the lightweight, compact charger:

There are a few potential disadvantages of wireless charging that you should be aware of. One of the main concerns is that the charging speed may be slower than with traditional wired charging.

• Not exactly wireless.  
• You aren’t able to use your phone while connected to some chargers. 
• It takes longer to charge your phone. 
• Wireless charging pads cost more than cable chargers. 
• Your phone may experience overheating.

Additionally, wireless charging may not work as well with thicker phone cases or certain materials. If you're using a thicker protective phone case, you'll want a compatible wireless charger that delivers enough power to fully charge your phone. The ROKFORM Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand easily attaches to any MagSafe-compatible phone case, and provides a perfect viewing angle while charging.   

That being said, these issues are relatively minor and most people find wireless charging to be a convenient and reliable way to keep their devices powered up

When you have a compatible ROKFORM case, wirelessly charging your phone is a walk in the park. Some ROKFORM cases come with removable center plugs: one magnetic and the other non-magnetic. Users simply need to take out the magnetic plug when they want to charge wirelessly. New ROKFORM phone cases for the iPhone 14, iPhone 13 and Samsung S23 have these optional plugs as well as the MAGMAX™ magnet array for wireless charging.

If you're using a ROKFORM iPhone 15 case, wireless charging is only compatible with ROKFORM's charging products.  

It’s super easy to pop out that center magnet or you can simply leave in the non-magnetic plug. The advantage of the extra center magnet is an even stronger connection to magnetic mounts or surfaces. The ROKFORM Eagle 3 case is designed specifically for golf and doesn’t have a center magnet to worry about. This lightweight, course-ready case boasts the MAGMAX™ magnet array that always allows for wireless charging.

For wireless charging in your car, mount your phone to the RokLock Wireless Charger! This charger mounts directly to either the RokLock Car Dash Mount or Windshield Mount and stays securely in place inside your vehicle. Then simply attach your phone in its ROKFORM case that twists onto the charger. If your case has a plug, you’ll have to remove the RokLock plug before you can mount onto the accessory.

If you're not planning to utilize wireless charging in your vehicle but still want to stay connected to you're phone's GPS and music apps, ROKFORM offers a full line of car phone holders and truck phone mounts.  

To put it all together, let’s look at the main benefits and potential drawbacks of wireless charging. While wireless chargers can be more expensive at first, their ease of use pays huge dividends each time you charge. Check out the summary below:

Yes. Some ROKFORM cases come with removable center plugs: one magnetic and the other non-magnetic. Users simply need to take out the magnetic plug when they want to charge wirelessly. New ROKFORM phone cases for the iPhone 14, iPhone 13 and Samsung S23 have these optional plugs as well as the MAGMAX array for wireless charging. 

When using one of the above ROKFORM phone cases, a 20W USB-C power adapter is the minimum requirement. We recommend at least 30W to deliver more power to the wireless charger because our cases are thicker than average. We’ve had best results with Anker’s 65W power adapter, but stay tuned for ROKFORM's new 65W 3-Port Power Adapter.

Wireless charging and ROKFORM iPhone 15 cases: The Rugged, Crystal, and Eagle 3 iPhone 15 cases have a built-in MAGMAX™ magnet array and will work with all Rokform wireless chargers. Compatibility may vary with MagSafe wireless charging products not affiliated with Rokform. 

Yes, most wireless charging pads safely trickly charge into your phone battery to keep it topped off without overcharging. Traditional cable chargers are also fine, but old phones with poorly performing batteries might experience slight overheating. 

Taking care of your phone means protecting its external parts as well as its internal components. Wireless charging prevents overcharging that can sometimes lead to overheating. ROKFORM phone cases are heavy-duty and made from premium materials built to withstand drops up to 6 feet.

The simple answer is no, a magnet will not damage your smartphone, but it’s worth knowing why exactly that is the case. ROKFORM’s magnet technology is safe to use with your smartphone and won’t interfere with its internal components or other important functions. 

In this article, we get back to the basics and explain why our magnetic products will not damage your phone. 

While the technology seems straightforward, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when you want to get the most from it. In this article, we unpack MagSafe® wireless charging and accessories so you can enjoy hassle-free charging and connecting in more places. Click here to learn more: https://www.rokform.com/blogs/rokform-blog/what-is-magsafe-your-guide-for-the-best-accessories

ROKFORM is premium handheld innovation made for those who take action seriously. Our products are designed in California, inspired by necessity and first-hand experience, built to last, backed by real people, and engineered by an experienced team.

Whether you're looking for a premium phone case, versatile mounting system, or functional accessories, ROKFORM has you covered! Visit our showroom in Irvine, California, or contact our 5-star support team with any questions, comments, or concerns.