We have seen many new innovative feature being added to smartphones today and one of the latest addition is wireless charging. Wireless charging is getting more and more popular with lots of high end and flagship phones being released with the feature. Lumia 920 started off with wireless charging feature along with an array of wireless charges. We also covered some of the best smartphones currently with the wireless charging feature enabled.
Nexus 4, the latest flagship phone from Google is one of the handsets currently having wireless charging. When Google released Nexus 4, they also announced wireless charger accessory. Today we are reviewing the Nexus 4 charger to see if it is worth the money.
Related Reading: 10 Best Wireless Chargers for your Smartphones
What’s In The Box
- Nexus 4 Wireless Charger
- Power Adapter (For use in the United States and Canada only)
- Micro USB Cable
- Quick start guide
- Warranty Card
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 76pi x 53.05(T) (mm)
- Color: Black
- Weight: 130 g
- DC Input: 5Vdc/1.8A
- DC Output: 5Vdc/1.0A
- Charging Time: Approximately 4 hours
The Nexus 4 wireless charger Orb supports Qi wireless charging which is the current industry standard, so this charger might also be compatible with other phones with Qi enabled charging. The design of Orb is true to its name, its a spherical object cut into a slice with an angled surface. Its angled, no-slip surface provides easy visibility of your phone while charging.
The charger is made out of black plastics with good quality and has a matte finish to it, charging portion has a glossy finish. There is no LED indicator on the device and the only confirmation that charging is happening is the from the phone. Charging the phone is simple, you just need to keep the phone on top of the Orb, almost in the center in any angle.
The Orb is connected to power using the standard micro USB cable which is bundled in the box. The charger holds the phone pretty tightly using the suction and a kind of sticky mechanism. Even if you use the phone, it wont fall down from the charger.
Even if you have a case on top of your Nexus 4, the charger is able to charge even if it is away by few millimeters. The Orb is able to charge the Nexus 4 in 4-5 hours from zero charge and this is pretty good performance and this is charging time mentioned by Google.
One of the main problems with the charger is that the top charging surface collects a lot of dirt because of the sticky mechanism and this requires regular cleaning. But overall, Orb does the job well.
Pros:
- Qi wireless charging being an industry standard lets you charge other compatible phones too.
- Well-built and holds to the phone well.
- Angled face allows seamless usage of phone in both landscape and portrait view.
- Consumes less desk space.
Cons:
- Costly
- Sticky rubber face collects dust from the word go.
- Can’t charge phones with thick cases on or it takes longer time.
If you liked the Nexus 4 Wireless charger you can pick it from Google Play store (only US) and it is priced $60.
Binoy XJ contributed to this review.
