Wireless charging becomes common in sub‑200‑euro smartphones

Wireless charging, which uses electromagnetic induction to transfer energy between a charger coil and a phone coil, is no longer limited to premium devices. The Qi standard, adopted by most manufacturers, requires the phone to be placed directly on the charging pad, typically within a few millimetres.

In the budget segment, smartphones priced under €200 are now increasingly offering this feature. Market analyses show that around 20‑25% of these phones support wireless charging, up from roughly 5% just two years ago. Manufacturers achieve lower costs by using simpler coil designs and less sophisticated power‑management algorithms, which can result in slower charging speeds (5‑10 W) and higher heat generation compared to higher‑end models.

While the convenience of cable‑free charging is growing, the technology still faces limitations: reduced charging speed versus wired fast‑charging protocols, the need for precise alignment, and modest efficiency losses. Alternative standards such as AirFuel aim to increase charging distance and support multiple devices, but they remain far less common than Qi.