Google Explains Why The Nexus 5X & 6P Lack Wireless Charging

Wireless charging seems to be on its way of becoming the norm in smartphones. It isn’t as widespread yet, but at the same time seeing OEMs include that feature no longer comes as a surprise. That being said, it was rumored earlier this week that the new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P would not have wireless charging, which turned out to be true, now Google has explained why.

Speaking during the Reddit AMA in which the Nexus team at Google fielded all kinds of questions, Google’s Hiroshi Lockheimer answered why both the new Nexus (or Nexii as he calls it) lack wireless charging. As it turns out, it had to do with the ease of use that comes with USB Type-C, and the fact that adding wireless charging components makes the phones thicker.

According to Lockheimer, “With this year’s Nexii, we support USB Type-C which has a reversible connector so there’s no more guessing. AND it charges incredibly swiftly: 1% to 100% in 97 mins on the 6P for example (the first ~45 mins of charging is especially fast). Meanwhile, wireless charging adds z (thickness).”

So why did the Nexus 4 support wireless charging then? Lockheimer stated that this was because back then, micro USB was a hassle to plug in as it was tricky trying to determine which way was up, so wireless charging provided a simple solution to that problem. Either way is wireless charging a feature that you are missing?

Tyler Lee
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: Google, Nexus 5X, nexus 6p, wireless charging