Oppo has launched a new wireless charging solution that works when a phone is within 10 cm (3.9 inches) of a charging base. The company showed its wireless charging technology in a 30-second clip on its Weibo page to match MWC Shanghai. The clip shows the rollable concept phone Oppo X 2021, announced in November, charging above the pad, even when held at an angle. The technology offers charging speeds of up to 7.5 W, says Oppo.
The Chinese manufacturer is the latest to announce a truly wireless air charging solution, following the provocations of Xiaomi and Motorola earlier this year. In January, Xiaomi announced Mi Air Charge Technology, which claims to be able to charge multiple devices at 5W “within a radius of several meters”. The next day, XDA Developers reported a demonstration by Motorola that showed one of its phones carrying 100 cm (40 inches) away from a charger.
At 10 cm, the range of Oppo technology is more limited than the competitor of Xiaomi, Android Authority grades. The presenter of the video makes a deliberate effort to hold the phone directly above the charging mat. However, charging is shown to work even when the phone is tilted slightly above the wireless charger and while playing a video.
Distinctions like this are academic now, as none of these technologies have been launched in commercial products. Xiaomi has confirmed that its technology will not be ready for launch this year, and the rollable phone Oppo used for its demonstration also does not have an official launch date.
In addition to developing wireless chargers that work over longer distances, manufacturers are also working to make standard wireless charging faster. Xiaomi is developing an 80W wireless charging solution, announced just a few months after Oppo unveiled its own 65W wireless charging technology.
February 23 update, 6:53 am, Eastern Time: Updated with the official name of the billing solution and more details.