When Qi2 was announced in late 2023, it sparked a lot of excitement. The idea of having Apple’s MagSafe-like magnets built into Android phones promised a world where Android users could finally access the sleek ecosystem of magnetic chargers, wallets, and accessories that iPhone users had been enjoying. Who wouldn’t want to just snap their phone to a charger or wallet, no case required?
But as 2024 came and went, the promise of Qi2 integration in Android phones remained unfulfilled. Fast forward to 2025, and we find ourselves still waiting—though there’s a glimmer of hope.
Today, Samsung unveiled the highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series, including the $1,300 Galaxy S25 Ultra. But there’s a catch: the Galaxy S25 isn’t a true Qi2 device. Instead, Samsung confirmed that the Galaxy S25 lineup is merely “Qi2 compatible.”
What does “Qi2 compatible” mean? Essentially, it means Samsung—and its casemaker partners—have created magnetic cases that meet the Wireless Power Consortium’s Qi2 standards. In other words, the Qi2 functionality isn’t built into the phones themselves but instead relies on special cases to deliver the experience.
This workaround is a letdown for those hoping for native Qi2 integration. Rather than embedding magnetic Qi2 rings directly into their phones, manufacturers like Samsung are opting to include them in cases. While it’s a practical solution for now, it leaves users dependent on additional accessories to unlock Qi2’s full potential.
For those interested, Samsung is selling official magnetic cases that include Qi2-compatible rings, and brands like Spigen are also offering certified Qi2 cases. With these cases, the Galaxy S25 technically fits the Qi2 standard—but only when you’re using one of these specially designed cases.
So, to sum it up: yes, the Galaxy S25 can work with Qi2, but it’s far from the seamless, built-in experience we were hoping for. Instead, it feels like another missed opportunity for Android manufacturers to fully embrace what could have been a game-changing standard. For now, magnetic cases are the name of the game. Let’s hope 2025 brings us closer to the Qi2 future we’ve been dreaming of.