Just over a week ago, Samsung had their Unpacked 2025 event where they unveiled all their new Galaxy phones. Over the past 18 months there has been an absolute buzz about Qi2 coming to Android phones, and just about everyone thought this event was going to be that moment. Unfortunately, in a bizarre twist, an alteration of the standard was revealed instead, called “Qi2 Ready”.
So, what is this new “Qi2 Ready” standard, how does it work, and what can we expect going forward (including for OpenCase)? Let’s get into it.
What is Qi2 Ready and how does it work?
The simple answer is that Qi2 Ready is just Qi2 without the magnets. If you are shaking your head and asking “Doesn’t that defeat the point?” You are not alone. Although the charging coil and software is updated to Qi2 speeds of 15 watts (doubling its current speed), it cannot take advantage of any of the other items that the magnets provide. This includes features like perfectly aligning the charging coil every time to maximize the consistency and efficiency of charging, allowing for the use of magnetic accessories like wallets, pop-out holders, rings, and tons more…
What to Expect
I’m looking in my crystal ball on this one, so results may vary, but I’m guessing, for whatever reason, that Android phones makers will add the full Qi2 standard to their phones very slowly, probably stopping at Qi2 Ready-ville first along the way, then all at once. I’m guessing that a little competition here may actually speed that up, meaning that the first major manufacturer (now likely Google) to add full Qi2 will be the tipping point that creates the FOMO that tips the apple cart for everyone else in the Android universe.
What Others are Saying
The overall theme I have read from many sources is that Samsung's decision not to go full Qi2 compliant is extremely disappointing. Here are a few quotes and links to articles:
Wired: Samsung Says Its Galaxy S25 Is ‘Qi2 Ready.’ Here’s What That Really Means
- “Just give me my magnetic Android phone already!”
- “Two years is apparently not enough lead time for Samsung to get its act together and add Qi2…”
Engadget: The Samsung Galaxy S25 doesn't fully support Qi2 on its own
- “Qi2 ready" is a far cry from "Qi2 certified.”
- "Unfortunately, it seems the world's largest phone maker still isn't fully committed as the new Galaxy S25 line is said to be "Qi2 ready" instead of fully Qi2 compliant.”
- “…for people who prefer their phones to be caseless or simply want something a bit less bulky, there may fewer alternatives.”
The Verge: The S25 phones don’t have Qi2 — but they are Qi2 Ready.
- “Confused? It just means Samsung’s new flagships lack the magnets that Qi2 certification requires….”
9to5google: ‘Qi2 Ready’ is the official excuse for Android phones to skip built-in magnets
Actually, on this one, I think the title says it all.
OpenCase and Qi2 Ready
Every now and then, I get an email or a comment from a Galaxy user that would love to be able to use OpenCase. We have sooooo been looking forward to Samsung fully updating to Qi2 this year, so that we could share the OpenCase love. For now, we’ll just have to hope next year they go full Qi2.
If you're an Android user, you can make some updates to your case or phone to use MagSafe accessories, but I know, it isn't quite the same.
I guess we will see what Google does later this year with their Pixel update. As Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) said in his review of the new Google Pixel 9 phones last year “ Maybe Qi2 is the only thing missing.”