Qualcomm has just solved one of the biggest bugbears of wireless charging in the smartphone industry.
We’re talking about metal phones, and their inability to power up wirelessly.
Fortunately, Qualcomm has developed a solution that allows smartphones with metal cases to work with its Rezence wireless charging standard.
Rezence is a rival to the more popular Qi charging standard, although this latest development could see the tables turned.
That’s because manufacturers won’t need to compromise on metal smartphone rears by using plastic or glass instead.
“Building a wireless charging solution into devices with metal exteriors is
He continues: “Today, more device manufacturers are choosing to utilise metal alloys in their product designs to provide greater structural support and, of course, aesthetics.”
By using a higher frequency, the Rezence standard can pass charge through metal much easier than the Qi alternative.
That means full-metal smartphones – the iPhone 6S, perhaps? – could theoretically come kitted with wireless charging.
Related: Best Android Smartphones 2015
Qualcomm says it will be working with device manufacturers to help design metal back covers to meet “the power transfer requirements”.
In the market for a new smartphone? Check out our group test video below:
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.