Google’s new Pixel 10 lineup marks a big step for Android. These are the first major phones to fully adopt the Qi2 wireless charging standard, which was built on Apple’s MagSafe design. Qi2 uses a ring of magnets to snap the phone into the right position on a wireless charger, helping power transfer stay efficient.
What makes the Pixel 10 stand out is that its Qi2 system also includes a secondary magnet, commonly called the “lock” magnet. This smaller piece of the puzzle keeps accessories like wallets, grips, and stands from sliding out of place once they’re attached. The lock magnet is part of the Qi2 2.1 specification, and it means the Pixel 10 is ready to work with a wide range of MagSafe accessories that are already on the market.
Key Takeaways
- The Pixel 10 is the first major Android phone lineup with Qi2 magnetic wireless charging built in.
- The system includes a secondary “lock” magnet that prevents accessories from slipping or rotating.
- This design makes accessories like wallets and stands much more reliable.
- The Pixel 10 offers broad compatibility with many existing MagSafe accessories.
Apple first introduced this idea with MagSafe on the iPhone 12. That system used both a main magnetic ring for alignment and a smaller guiding magnet that locked accessories into position. Without it, accessories would often spin or slide, something users quickly noticed. The Wireless Power Consortium, which oversees the Qi standard, adopted the same approach for Qi2 in what it calls the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP).
For Android users, the difference is noticeable. In the past, many magnetic cases only had the main ring of magnets. Accessories would stick, but they often shifted too easily. By adopting the full Qi2 specification, Google is offering a more stable solution right out of the box. Magnetic wallets stay secure, stands remain steady, and the overall experience feels more consistent.
The move also speaks to a larger industry shift. Qi2 is meant to create a universal standard for magnetic accessories, one that is not tied to a single brand. For consumers, that means more freedom. A stand or wallet designed for an iPhone can now work with a Pixel 10, and vice versa. Google is also launching its own Pixelsnap accessories, but the inclusion of the lock magnet ensures that many MagSafe-compatible products should work well too.
Qi2 also has performance benefits. Since the magnetic system aligns the phone and charger perfectly, less energy is wasted, and less heat builds up. The result is faster and more reliable wireless charging. Pixel 10 devices support charging speeds up to 15W, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL supports the newer Qi2.2 standard with speeds of up to 25W when paired with a compatible charger.
The addition of the lock magnet might seem like a small detail, but it shows that Google is paying close attention to what actually improves the user experience. It brings stability, compatibility, and efficiency to the table, and it helps push Android into a more universal magnetic accessory ecosystem that users can depend on.
FAQs
Q1: What is Qi2 wireless charging?
A1: Qi2 is the new wireless charging standard from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). It adds a magnetic ring to the original Qi standard, which ensures devices align perfectly with chargers for faster and more efficient charging.
Q2: What is the ‘lock’ magnet in the Pixel 10?
A2: The ‘lock’ magnet is a small, secondary magnet positioned below the main magnetic ring. It is part of the Qi2 standard and is designed to stop accessories from spinning or sliding on the back of the phone.
Q3: Can I use my old MagSafe accessories with the Pixel 10?
A3: Yes. The Pixel 10’s Qi2 system, which includes the ‘lock’ magnet, makes it compatible with many existing MagSafe accessories like wallets, stands, and battery packs.
Q4: Does the Pixel 10 support fast wireless charging?
A4: The Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro support Qi2 charging up to 15W. The Pixel 10 Pro XL supports the newer Qi2.2 standard, allowing for charging speeds of up to 25W with compatible chargers.
