MagSafe: A Brilliant Concept… But Nah, It’s Not Only for Apple
Let me be clear from the get-go: I’m a hardcore Android fan, through and through. I’ve been on the Android train since the Nexus One, long before many of you started messing around with smartphones. Gave an iPhone a whirl once, for work purposes, you know. That lasted a week. I went back to Android faster than you can say “ridiculously overpriced junk.”
But hear me out, I’m no fool. Apple may be packed with pricey gadgets and silly restrictions, but give credit where it’s due: MagSafe? It’s fantastic. Seriously, it’s not just decent, it’s excellent. So much so, I’ve put a MagSafe-compatible case on my Samsung Galaxy Z6 Fold, just to utilize those sleek chargers and mounts on my desk and beside the bed. That, my friends, is a game-changer.
MagSafe — It’s Been Around for Ages
MagSafe, the phone version, mind you, not the original laptop charger that shares the name, has been about for nearly four years now. *Four!* And what’s the Android crowd been up to? Apparently just sitting idle. I’ve been waiting (im)patiently for someone in the Android world to get their act together and replicate it or, dare I say, create something innovative.
Here Comes Qi2: But Android Folks, You’re Slacking’
Finally, we have Qi2, the updated version of the Qi wireless charging standard, which, wouldn’t you know it, comes with a MagSafe-like magnetic attachment. Unveiled back in January 2023, but here we are over a year later, and what do we have to show for it? Absolutely nothing.
I’m looking at you, Google. Where’s my bloody Qi2 on the Pixel 8, eh? Nowhere in sight.
Qi2 – The Sole Android Trailblazer
At the moment, the only Android device embracing this new tech is the HMD Skyline. Ever heard of it? No? Neither have I, because it’s a niche phone with its grand claim to fame being “repairability.” Sure, it’s great it can be repaired, but here’s the deal – Qi2 should be ubiquitous by now! Step it up, Android.
Where’s Qi2 on Android? Nowhere. That’s Where.
So, where are the Android phones that support Qi2? Probably sipping pints in a pub with Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster because they seem just as real. There’s chatter that the Galaxy S25 series might have it, but talk is cheap, and I haven’t seen anything concrete. The Galaxy Ring? Sure, it’s got Qi2, but doesn’t utilize the magnetic latch, so it’s like buying a Bentley and discovering it has a Fiat engine under the hood. Pointless.
Right now, the most action you’ll see with Qi2 is from some wireless charger that’s basically just a MagSafe charger in disguise. This is meant to be revolutionary?
Oi, Phone Makers – What’s the Delay?
Phone manufacturers, get moving, will ya? You’ve had more than enough time to start incorporating this tech into new models. MagSafe’s proven to be a hit, everyone’s snapping up MagSafe mounts and chargers. So why aren’t we getting phones that back it up? Can’t be bothered, huh?
You can find MagSafe adapters for Android devices, which are just silly magnets attached to cases to “align” with your wireless charger. I tried it myself with cases on my Pixel 5 and Pixel 7. It works about as well as a chocolate teapot. The things wouldn’t charge properly, and suddenly I couldn’t use my old vertical chargers. What a laugh.
Oppo’s Half-Hearted Attempt
Oppo’s trying with its forthcoming Find X8, but it’s another lackluster effort. They’ve got a MagSafe-compatible case *and* a charging pad, but guess what? The phone itself doesn’t have Qi2 magnetic latches built-in. Kind of defeats the whole purpose, doesn’t it?
Oppo’s case video shows it functioning with iPhones too. So yeah, looks like they want a slice of the pie, but can’t fully engage in the big game because they fear Apple’s legal team throwing tantrums. Android Authority suspects that even Oppo’s playing it safe, steering clear of a legal whack from Apple. Probably right too.
Sure, We’ve Seen Magnets Before, Boys!
Before we hand out a standing ovation to Apple for “inventing” magnets, let’s not forget, Palm Pre did something akin back in 2009 with their Touchstone charger. And Microsoft’s Surface laptops have had magnetic charging for ages. So why’s everyone behaving like it’s Newton discovering gravity?
Apple’s a significant player in the Wireless Power Consortium, and it’s reasonable to assume there’s a considerable amount of money greasing the wheels behind these so-called “joint ventures.” If I were a wagering man, I’d bet Apple’s ensuring no one steps on their MagSafe toes unless they pay a hefty price.
Here’s Hoping for 2025
Between Oppo’s lackluster effort and smaller brands like Skyline taking a shot, it does seem like MagSafe (or something similar) might be on the horizon for Android. If luck is on our side, maybe by 2025 we’ll be able to use these superb accessories without having to rely on some shoddy, flimsy case that barely works. A lad can hope, right?
Summary
Sure, MagSafe for Android? We Can Only Wish…
C’mon, Android: stop messing around, will ya? MagSafe’s a hit, Qi2’s ready to go, so what’s holding you back? I’m tired of attaching magnets onto my phone cases and wishing for the best. If I wanted to MacGyver everything, I’d have picked up a Nokia brick and some superglue. Get it sorted, folks.
