Qi2 vs Qi: What Changed? (Simple Explanation)
By WillItSnap Team · March 2026
Qi2 adds magnetic alignment and faster speeds to the original Qi standard. All Qi2 chargers are backward compatible with Qi phones.
What Changed
| Feature | Qi (Original) | Qi2 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 7.5W | 15W (25W with Qi2.2) |
| Magnetic Alignment | No | Yes |
| Positioning | Manual (easy to misalign) | Magnets snap to perfect position |
| Backward Compatible | N/A | Yes, charges Qi phones at 7.5W |
Which Phones Support Qi2?
Built-in Qi2: iPhone 13+ (via software update), Google Pixel 9 series, Samsung Galaxy S25 series (“Qi2 Ready” — speeds but no magnets without a case).
Qi only: iPhone 12 and older, Galaxy S24 and older, Pixel 8 and older, most budget Android phones.
Learn More
Related Terms
Qi2
The next-generation wireless charging standard with magnetic alignment, bringing MagSafe-like features to all phones.
Qi2 vs MagSafe
MagSafe is Apple's proprietary magnetic charging system. Qi2 is the open standard built on MagSafe's technology. They're cross-compatible but differ in speed and ecosystem.
Qi2 25W (Qi2.2)
Also called Qi2.2, this is the latest wireless charging standard supporting 25W with magnetic alignment. First certified chargers arrived late 2025.