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Google introduced the Pixel 10 line with a new capability: Qi2 wireless charging support. For this, the Pixel 10 phones have built-in magnets working in the same way as Apple's MagSafe technology. But one useful feature was sacrificed in the process.
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Battery Share, or Google's take on reverse wireless charging, was first introduced on the Pixel 5. The feature basically allows you to tap a toggle and then flip your device and turn it into a wireless charger. This way, the Pixel could charge another phone or an accessory like earbuds or a watch.
Before the Pixel 9, the feature was also automatically on when the Pixel was plugged into a power outlet. Well, Google removed this one with the Pixel 9 and removed the entire reverse wireless charging feature with the Pixel 10.
Pixel 10 series. | Image Credit - Google
The official Pixel 10 specs page doesn't list the Battery Share feature anywhere. And yep, for the Pixel 9, it appeared on the list.
Do you use reverse wireless charging (Battery Share) on your phone?
Yes, all the time
20%
Occasionally
30%
Rarely
20%
Never
30%
It turns out that the removal of Battery Share on the Pixel 10 was done in favor of the Pixelsnap technology (the Qi2 magnets). And it's just physical. Basically, the array of magnets presents a physical limitation for reverse wireless charging (by the way, iPhones also don't have reverse wireless charging).
However, Google has stated that the company continues to explore future innovations to improve the Pixel experience, which could potentially mean that, at some point in the future, Battery Share may make a comeback.
Apple is also said to be pursuing reverse wireless charging for future iPhones, but it's most likely not coming this year with the iPhone 17 phones. Right now, the only other Android phone with Qi2 support, the HMD Skyline, supports 5W reverse wireless charging. But it's an older Qi2 standard the HMD phone is using (Qi 2.0.0), while Google may be on Qi 2.1.1. Possibly, the newer standard is posing some new limitations on reverse wireless charging.
I think that people who've been using the feature on their Pixel phone may be disappointed to find out it's not on the Pixel 10. I wonder how many people would think the compromise is worth it. Meanwhile, the possibility of having reverse wireless charging and Qi2 in the future (on Pixels and iPhones) is something I'm personally looking forward to.
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Izzy, a tech enthusiast and a key part of the PhoneArena team, specializes in delivering the latest mobile tech news and finding the best tech deals. Her interests extend to cybersecurity, phone design innovations, and camera capabilities. Outside her professional life, Izzy, a literature master's degree holder, enjoys reading, painting, and learning languages. She's also a personal growth advocate, believing in the power of experience and gratitude. Whether it's walking her Chihuahua or singing her heart out, Izzy embraces life with passion and curiosity.
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