The Pixel 6’s wireless charging speeds reportedly go up to 23 watts

By Michael Allison September 1, 2021

Google’s next generation of Pixels is coming with even faster wireless charging speeds than what current models offer. As proof, a new report from Android Police claims that Google is planning a Google Pixel 23-watt WL Stand for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

Alongside the Pixel phones, Google regularly debuts accessories such as cases and wireless charging stands. The Pixel 6 is likely not bucking that trend, as the report, which cites a retail source, notes. The retail source works for a carrier that has already begun to input support for the new accessories as the launch date approaches. The accessories include the Google Pixel 23W WL Stand and a Demo Google Pixel 23W WL Stand, the latter of which is likely for showcasing the phones in stores.

This would represent a substantial jump for the Pixel’s wireless charging speeds. Google has also supported up to 10W charging speeds in the Pixel 4 and Pixel 5 via its Pixel stand. A 23W speed would be over double that amount. This would also be a bit more than the Pixel’s current 18W wired charging speed — one that has always fallen short of the 25W, 33W, or even 60W you could find on rivals from Samsung, OnePlus, and Huawei.

Google is also rumored to be increasing the Pixel 6’s wired speed up to 33W. This rumor comes from a report by 91 Mobiles citing testing going on in the company’s headquarters. Of course, with Google going the same way as Apple and Samsung and leaving chargers out of the box, you’ll need to buy a faster charger to take advantage of the increased speeds. If you’re upgrading from a Pixel 5 or earlier, your charger would be capped at 18W, as already mentioned. At least the option for more, unlike before, is now present.

Speedy charging is a benefit offered by most phones. Even as batteries balloon and last longer, charging time on regular chargers would be sure to drag out. By implementing fast charging support, phone makers are able to offer larger batteries while also shortening charging times. While some people have speculated that these increased speeds could damage batteries, advancements in battery and USB power delivery technology make it likely that your battery will be able to survive the full lifetime of your phone.

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Michael Allison

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A UK-based tech journalist for Digital Trends, helping keep track and make sense of the fast-paced world of tech with a…

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The Google Pixel 6 Pro doesn’t deserve its bad reputation

Pixel 6 Pro in the pocket

The Google Pixel 6 Pro is not having the best month, publicity-wise. A broken software update in December 2021 caused problems before it was halted, but this only compounded the issues owners were already apparently having with the phone. Check Twitter, Reddit, and other online spaces, and you’ll find what appears to be plenty of disgruntled Pixel 6 owners voicing their disappointment with the device, including several high-profile YouTubers.

Has Google’s darling Pixel fallen from grace? Are we ready to strip it of its “Editor’s Choice” badge in our review? No, not yet. While people clearly have legitimate gripes about the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, there are also many who don’t have any issues with the phone at all. I know, because I’m one of them.
What’s the problem?
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro’s Android 12 software seems to be the root of the now widely discussed problems, which were made worse by Google pausing the December software update due to reports of it causing calls to be dropped on some devices. A new software update with a fix has been promised for late January. But frustrations have started to push owners over the edge.

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Google Pixel 6 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Side of the Google Pixel 6 Pro.

It seems Google is tired of having a reputation for producing only midrange phones with great cameras. At least, this is the impression created by the recently released Google Pixel 6 Pro, a flagship smartphone that takes everything great about previous Pixels and adds a range of premium features. These include the powerful Google Tensor processor, a generous 5,003mAh battery, a new triple-lens rear camera setup, and an impressively vibrant 6.71-inch AMOLED display.

Combined with the same great software experience, the Pixel 6 Pro is a decidedly competitive smartphone. Of course, it has competitors, with its main Android rival being the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. This flagship phone improves on its predecessors in several key areas, offering an appealing new design, a jaw-dropping screen, and a very effective camera.

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We compared Samsung’s One UI 4 against Android 12 on the Google Pixel 6 Pro

One UI 4 and Android 12.

When it reached version 3, Samsung’s One UI become one of the best Android interfaces available, due to its coherent design, customization options, varied features, and impressive turn of speed. I enjoyed using it more than Android 11. However, now Android 12 is here, and it’s such a big step forward, it instantly made One UI 3 feel aged, a bit ugly, and slightly ponderous by comparison.

Samsung’s OneUI 4 is based on Android 12 and has now started to arrive on the Galaxy S21, the Galaxy S21 Plus, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra. With the update installed on the Galaxy S21 Ultra, I’ve been using it alongside the Pixel 6 Pro to see if Samsung’s new software can help bring back the phone’s luster, and keep it competing with Google's latest smartphone.
What do I want to see?
One UI 4 is never going to be identical to Android 12 on the Google Pixel, and that’s fine. Not only are there elements of the software that are exclusive to the Pixel, but Samsung will want to maintain its individuality and promote its own apps and services through its own interface. I don’t want it to be the same either. What I want is for Samsung to have selected some of the best parts of Android 12 and integrated them with OneUI 4, and then given the rest a typically polished Samsung spin.