I spent a 12 months wrestling with MagSafe circumstances on my Google Pixel 9, from misaligned rings to scorching, flaky charging. That’s why Pixelsnap (native magnets plus Qi2) is the one Pixel 10 characteristic I care about.
Whereas my colleagues wax lyrical about digicam and AI upgrades, I’m simply right here reliving a 12 months with the Pixel 9. I’ve at all times envied Apple’s MagSafe wizardry, however including compatibility with third-party circumstances is an train in frustration.
Positive, the overly inflexible dust- and smudge-prone case I ordered from Google alongside my Pixel 9 final 12 months works simply fantastic. However of the eight others from much less exacting manufacturers, seven misaligned the magnetic ring and charging failed or limped alongside whereas getting uncomfortably scorching.
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My magnetic automotive mount barely held, my favourite equipment went flying and even Google’s personal non-magnetic bedside charger was fussy about case thickness and alignment.
Sturdy, dependable magnetic wi-fi quick charging within the automotive was surprisingly exhausting to realize with the Pixel 9 (Picture credit score: Lindsay Handmer)
I discovered workarounds for many points, however my white whale was more durable: MagSafe wi-fi charging in my automotive that might sustain with navigation and music streaming.
After months of trial, error and too many Amazon returns, I lastly discovered a mixture that labored. It’s good, however not nice, and must hog an air vent in summer time to keep away from overheating.
So so far as I’m involved, Pixelsnap is the headline Google act this 12 months and every part else is simply good to have.
Lastly, there’s higher charging and the liberty to do with no magnetic case! Or, for folks like me (who tussle with gravity loads), the reduction of figuring out that even when utilizing a case, correct alignment is now baked into the design.
Pixelsnap 101
Pixelsnap wi-fi charger with stand (Picture credit score: John Velasco)
Unsure what I am on about? You possibly can learn extra about all the brand new options in our Pixel 10 assessment or try our deeper dive on the brand new tech, however I’ve included the important thing Pixelsnap factors under.
- Pixelsnap is on the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Professional, Pixel 10 Professional XL and Pixel 10 Professional Fold.
- Makes use of built-in magnets, plus Qi2 for MagSafe-compatible wi-fi charging and equipment.
- Automated alignment, quicker charging, stronger maintain.
- Cost speeds: 15W or as much as 25W on the Pixel 10 Professional XL.
- Backward compatibility with most MagSafe chargers and equipment.
So what’s the dangerous information?
Pixelsnap is an enormous step up, nevertheless it’s not excellent. Whereas not a characteristic I used too usually, Google has eliminated wi-fi energy sharing to make the brand new magnetic setup work.
Pixelsnap wi-fi charging speeds aren’t constant both – it maxes out at 25W on the Pixel 10 Professional XL, however the remainder of the lineup is restricted to a slower 15W.
MagSafe cross-compatibility is a large win, however the magnetic accent panorama continues to be messy, and older non-Qi2 chargers gained’t hit full velocity, so that you’ll seemingly have to improve.
To not point out, Qi2 continues to be exhausting to search out. Living proof: I accumulate energy banks like Pokémon for our greatest transportable chargers information and relatively few fashions at the moment assist 15W or 25W charging on the Pixel 10.
Now, whereas Pixelsnap is what I care about most, for everybody else, it won’t be the standout cause to improve to the Pixel 10. However it does take away considered one of my greatest annoyances with the Pixel lineup, and for that I am grateful.
Have a MagSafe-compatible or Qi2 setup that simply works? Drop the mannequin within the feedback and I’ll add it to my take a look at checklist.
