QI Wireless Charger for the Pixel XL – The Best Value
Are you the owner of a brand new, shiny Google Pixel XL? Well, like many of us who equipped our tech arsenals with the same device – you might have been let down on one cool, modern feature. Not to worry, we are going to show you the best Pixel XL Wireless Charger & Adapters for your new phone.
While I’ve tried many other QI Adapters out there, I’ve manage to land on just one. The QI-Compatible “Pixel XL Wireless Charger” from Nillkin. Why? Because it just works.
It’s currently the highest rated or reviewed option to date. Seemingly free of over-heating or quality complaints from competing suppliers. So, to save you time, I wouldn’t bother with anything else. You can get yours right now directly from Amazon.
QI Pixel XL Wireless Charger, via USB-C
As you may have noticed from the above photo’s, it plugs right into the USB-C port found on your Pixel XL. Once plugged in, it nests neatly underneath your phones case.
QI Adapter Fit & Placement
As you can see it installed from the photo’s below, it’s undoubtedly thin. It may not work with every single case out there. However, if you pick it up from Amazon (and run into trouble) you can always send it back or just try another case. You needed another excuse to buy a better case right?
If you look, very closely at the case photo’s – you might notice a small “hump.” The adapter does raise the case slightly in the middle about 1mm+. Right below where the fingerprint sensor is located.
For the particular case I am showing in the photo (the Spigan Rugged Armor Pixel XL Case,) it’s a nice addition. It doesn’t bother me one bit and it does not prevent normal operation of the fingerprint sensor.
The adapter adds a minor curve to the back of the phone that helps with hand placement or “resting grip.” It reminds me a little bit like the curve found on the back of the Nexus 6P.
The Nillkin QI adapter includes a small adhesive which allows you to position it firmly into place. This is to prevent the adapter from shifting around under the case while installed.
Fortunately, It won’t leave any residue behind as I’ve tested installing and removing a few times. It came off just fine without a trace!
Important: This QI Charger does not work with the Google Pixel, but instead the Pixel XL. Reason being; the flex-cable is too long and it would make the charging pad slightly cover the finger-print sensor.
I will update this post with another link to the “Shorter” version of this product soon.
Wireless Charger Support
Since the Nillkin product complies with the QI-Wireless Charging standard, I knew it would work with “most” wireless chargers. So I tested it with two different wireless chargers I had laying around. Both of which use the Standard QI Wireless Charging technology.
The QI-Compatible Wireless Charger from Samsung, and the Tylt Wireless Charger.
QI-Compatible Samsung Wireless Charger
The Samsung Wireless Charger Unit has a sexy Blue LED that lets you know when the device is charging and Green for when Charging is Complete. It’s small, discrete and features a nice silicone grip ring to keep your phone in place.
This charger actually works better with the Pixel XL Wireless charger from Nillkin, than an actual Samsung Phone – placement and performance wise. Simply because the QI charger pad is “outside” of the phone, versus inside. This helps with better power absorption since there are fewer materials for the frequencies to travel through.
Tylt Wireless Charger
The Tylt Wireless Charger, is a very nice option too. It props up your phone and has 3 QI charging coils built in, so it makes it easier to “place” your phone into position when going for a charge. It’s equipped with charging LED’s, albeit more discreet than the Samsung design.
If it’s of any concern to you, the Tylt does rely on a barrel plug for power from it’s included AC power supply. So, if you prefer a Micro-USB and a more portable option – the Samsung might be the better choice for you.
Where to Buy
Currently, the best Pixel XL Wireless Charger is the Nillkin QI USB-C Adapter and is available directly from Amazon. It’s priced at $12.99 at the time of this post and is typically available with free shipping if you are an Amazon Prime member.
If you have any questions, or would like to recommend any other solutions – be sure to let me know in the comments below! If you found this post helpful, be sure to like and share it with your networks!
