Qi is the universal standard for the wireless charging of battery-powered devices: mobile phones, MP3 players, cameras…

Energy transmission occurs via electromagnetic induction: energy is not transmitted by a cable, but through electromagnetic fields. The principle is simple: the Qi transmitter (the charging station) transfers energy to the Qi receiver (the phone).

Inductive charging is not new: electric toothbrushes have been using it for years. Qi charging relies on resonant inductive coupling between the transmitter (charging station) and the receiver (phone).

The transmitter periodically sends a signal to detect whether a device is placed on the station, then checks its compatibility with the Qi standard. Once compatibility and the required energy have been calculated, charging begins. When the battery is full, the transmitter and receiver switch to standby mode.

The charger only turns on if a compatible device that needs to be recharged is placed on it. Thanks to this technology and very high-quality insulation of the coils, electromagnetic radiation is significantly reduced.

Just as Wi-Fi™ has become the international standard for wireless internet connections, and Bluetooth® for hands-free kits, Qi is establishing itself as the international standard for inductive charging for all battery-powered devices.

Founded on December 17, 2008, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) adopted the Qi standard that same year. This global standard allows for the universal charging of all Qi-compatible devices: any Qi device can be charged on any Qi station.

The WPC brings together over 250 members, including market leaders such as Samsung, Nokia, LG, Panasonic, HTC, Sony, and Motorola. A database of certified products, maintained by Testronic Labs, makes it possible to verify that a new product works with all previously certified products.

The great advantage of Qi is cross-brand compatibility: phones and chargers from different manufacturers work together, provided that both the transmitter and the receiver comply with Qi specifications.

Many phones from major brands (Apple from the iPhone 8 onwards, Samsung, Sony, LG, Motorola, HTC, Nokia, etc.) are compatible. A single charging station is therefore enough to charge different devices.

Smartphones are multiplying and their battery life is getting shorter and shorter. Every brand, and often every device, has its own charger: we quickly end up with a multitude of different chargers and cables.

With Qi, a single charger is enough for all your compatible devices, without any bulky cables.

Imagine a wireless charging station for all your compatible phones: no more different chargers or tangled cables, just one shared charger at home, the office, or on the go. Lounges, waiting rooms, airports, train stations, bars, and restaurants can integrate Qi stations directly into their furniture.

You can charge your devices whenever you like, regardless of the model or brand, with energy transfer up to 10 watts. The only requirement: a Qi-compatible device, or one equipped with a Qi receiver/charging case.

Minimal. The principle used by Qi has existed for years, notably in electric toothbrushes, with no known health effects.

Given its short range, radiation is very limited: it remains low, only around the base station, and only when a device is placed on it. Additional insulation of the transmitting and receiving coils reduces it further.

No, the capacity of a Qi charger is intended for only one device at a time.