Sometimes you just want the latest functions of a newer iPhone on your existing iPhone.
Luckily, whether it be through apps or gadgets, there is often a way to add additional features to your older smartphone.
In the first of a series of articles we will be looking at ways in which you can use features of the more modern iPhones on older models (such as the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s), without the inconvenience and expense of upgrading.
In this article we will be looking at wireless charging (aka inductive charging) and how you can add a wireless charger for iPhone 6 plus.
“Hi I’m Tom from Aeon Reviews and here we will be looking at Wireless Charging for the iPhone 6 Plus.”
Navigation
Why Older iPhones Don’t Charge Wirelessly Out Of The Box?
Misconceptions About Wireless Charging
How To Setup A Wireless Charger For iPhone 6 Plus?
1/ Anker Wireless Charger Review
2/ Futura X Wireless Charger Review
3/ Tozo Wireless Charger Review
4/ Torras Charging Pad Review
5/ Wuteku Bamboo Wireless Charger Review
Before You Buy
Conclusion
Why Older iPhones Don’t Charge Wirelessly Out Of The Box?
Apple announced that the iPhone 8 onwards will support Qi wireless charging out of the box. Qi (pronounced Chi or Chee) is a wireless charging standard, and is one of the most popular standards alongside the likes of AirFuel Alliance.
Older iPhones don’t support any such standards and require the use of two things in order to charge wirelessly:
Qi Receiver – A device that attaches to your phone that acts as a wireless charging coil
Charging Pad – A charging area where you place you phone to charge.
The Qi receiver will usually connect to your phone’s lighting port, and sits between the phone and the case.
The phone can then sit on the charging pad to enable wireless charging.
There are also a number of charging cases on the market which have the Qi receiver integrated into the case itself.
With these it is simply a case of attaching the new case as you would any other smartphone case, and plugging the connector into the lighting port.
Once you have a Qi receiver attached to your iPhone it should then work with pretty much any Qi charging pad. This is also the case if you are looking for a wireless charger for iPhone 6s.
Misconceptions About Wireless Charging
When people talk about wireless charging there is often this image of placing you phone on any surface at home or in the office and it magically charging out of thin air.
Unfortunately the technology isn’t quite there yet and wireless charging still involves placing your phone on a charging pad.
This does however remove the need to be fumbling around trying to insert your charging cable, and also taking ages finding that sweet spot on an older charger where you have to put the cable in just right so your iPhone charges.
As wireless charging is a relatively modern feature on smartphones there is also a misconception that this means it is faster than wired charging.
Unfortunately this isn’t the case, and wired charging is still faster that wireless (although more modern versions of wireless charging are emerging on newer phones which will address this) .
You will therefore have to decide whether you want the convenience of wireless charging, or the speed of wired charging.
A full charge with these pads is generally achieved in 1 1/2 to 2 hours, but things like phone position in relation to pad and phone case thickness will influence this.
Once you have a wireless charging receiver setup on your phone you can then take advantage of it anywhere where there is support, such as your home, office, or local coffee shop.
How To Setup A Wireless Charger For iPhone 6 Plus?
Firstly choose a Qi receiver for your iPhone 6.
These are easy to pick up on Amazon and can be found here.
Next you need a Qi wireless charging pad for iPhone 6 plus. Here are five great pads you may wish to try…
1/ Anker Wireless Charger
For a great all round wireless charger you can’t go wrong with the Anker Wireless Charger.
The slimline and compact build features subtle LED indicators and non slip pads.
This device offers a fast charge mode for 2 x faster charging (on compatible models), and also comes with built in safety features like temperature control, surge protection and short-circuit prevention. Also comes with an 18 month warranty.
2/ Futura X Wireless Charger from Bezalel
If you are after something just a little bit special in a wireless charger then definitely check out the Bezalel wireless charger.
Bezalel are famous for their reputation for quality and craftsmanship when it comes to their iPhone products. You will instantly feel the quality of this charger from the moment you first hold the milled aluminium base in your hand.
The internal cooling system will also ensure you have no concerns with your phone overheating while using this device.
3/ Tozo Wireless Charger
With it’s aviation aluminium and mirror panel finish, the Tozo wireless charger is certainly a beauty.
And at 5mm thick it boasts as being one of the slimmest wireless chargers around.
Another nice feature is the built in LED lights which change colour depending on whether the pad is ready to charge, charging or fully charged.
The Tozo also comes with all standard safety features you would expect (over-charging, over-heating and short-circuit protection).
4/ Torras Charging Pad
If safety is a big concern for you when using such technology then look no further than this wireless charger from Torras.
The Torras advanced charging system keeps your phone at low temperature when charging to avoid overheating.
It also has features to help you avoid short currents and over-voltage.
If that wasn’t enough it can also detect if there is an abnormal foreign object between your phone and charging pad.
A stylish leather surface and subtle non-dazzling LED indicators finish off this great little device.
5/ Wuteku Bamboo Wireless Charger
If you’re after a stylish and sleep friendly wireless charger then checkout this one from Wuteku.
This charger has a built-in Smart Breathing LED light. This is a soft white breathing light that goes dimmer in the dark so as not to disturb your sleep.
The lovely bamboo look case makes this charger a welcome addition to any home or office.
This ultra thin and lightweight device also comes with a 12 month manufacturer warranty and 30 day money back guarantee.
There are also kits out there which include the Qi receiver and charging pad together, such as this one from Angeliox.
Also for the workplace you may wish to consider a charging pad which is integrated into it’s own stand, many of which can be found on Amazon here.
These devices will work whether you are looking for a wireless charger for iPhone 6 Plus or a wireless charger for iPhone 6s.
Before You Buy…
Make sure if you are purchasing a Qi receiver and you intend to use it with your existing phone case that the case you use isn’t too thick.
Some charging pads won’t work if your case is too thick. For example, a leather Apple iPhone case should be fine, but a really thick armoured case likely wouldn’t work as the wireless signal would be unable to penetrate the case.
As a rough guide, if your case is more than 5mm thick then perhaps consider replacing it if you wish to use one of these pads.
Conclusion
I was sceptical at first about using such technology. But now I really wouldn’t be without the convenience of just being able to place my phone on a pad in order to charge it. Plus it looks pretty damn cool as well!
Ok it may charge slightly slower than wired chargers, but I am now more inclined to put my phone on a charging pad than I am getting the charger out and plugging it in.
I hope you enjoyed this article and it has helped you find a Wireless Charger For iPhone 6 Plus that suits you.
Check out aeonreviews.com for more technology reviews and features.
Good to see there are options for us older iPhone users when it comes to wireless chargers.