When the OnePlus 6 was launched in May 2018, it positioned itself as a flagship killer, offering top-notch specifications at an attractive price point. Users often seek to maximize their smartphones’ features, leading to the question: does OnePlus 6 support wireless charging? In this article, we will dive deep into the topic of wireless charging for the OnePlus 6, examining its specifications, what wireless charging entails, and alternatives available for charging your device.
Understanding Wireless Charging Technology
Before we examine whether the OnePlus 6 supports wireless charging, let’s first understand how wireless charging works.
Wireless charging utilizes electromagnetic fields to transfer energy between two objects. Typically, this involves a charging station or pad and a device that is equipped with a specific technology. The two most common wireless charging standards today are:
- Qi – This standard is the most widely adopted and is used by many devices from various manufacturers.
- PMA – The Power Matters Alliance standard, which is also a part of wireless charging but less common than Qi.
Wireless charging is convenient and allows users to declutter their charging experience without the need for physical cables. However, it’s crucial for consumers to understand their device’s compatibility with this technology to maximize its potential.
The OnePlus 6 Breakdown
The OnePlus 6 comes loaded with features that appeal to smartphone enthusiasts. First, let’s take a closer look at its specifications:
Key Specifications of OnePlus 6
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.28 inches AMOLED, 1080 x 2280 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB |
| Camera | 16 MP + 20 MP (rear), 16 MP (front) |
| Battery | 3300 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 8.1 (upgradable) |
Does OnePlus 6 Support Wireless Charging?
The short answer to the question is no, the OnePlus 6 does not support wireless charging out of the box. OnePlus opted to exclude this feature in favor of maintaining a sleeker design and possibly added affordability. While many other flagship smartphones released around the same time included wireless charging, OnePlus decided to devote its resources to other aspects of the user experience.
Charging Capabilities of OnePlus 6
Although wireless charging is not available, the OnePlus 6 boasts Dash Charge technology, which is one of the fastest charging solutions on the market. Here’s what sets it apart:
- High-Speed Charging: Dash Charge can deliver a substantial amount of power to the device rapidly, providing a full day’s power in just about 30 minutes.
- Safety Features: With intelligent tech that monitors temperature and stays cool, users can charge their phones in virtually any setting without worry about overheating.
Why Wirelessly Charge? The Appeal of Wireless Charging
For many consumers, wireless charging serves several attractive benefits, such as:
- Convenience: Simply drop your phone on a charging pad and watch it power up without the hassle of plugging it in.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: With no cords to plug in and out, there is less wear and tear on the phone’s charging port, which can lead to longer longevity for the device and charger.
Alternatives to Wireless Charging for OnePlus 6
Given that the OnePlus 6 doesn’t support wireless charging, let’s discuss some viable alternatives:
Using Dash Charge
As mentioned, the fastest onboard charging option for the OnePlus 6 is the Dash Charge technology. Here are some key features:
- Charger: To fully utilize Dash Charge, you need to use the official OnePlus charger and USB Type-C cable provided with the device.
- Power Output: Dash Charge delivers 20W (5V/4A) charging, considerably faster than standard USB charging.
Portable Power Banks
Another effective alternative is using a portable power bank, especially useful for users on the go:
- Capacity: Choose a power bank with sufficient capacity (20000mAh or higher) to charge your OnePlus 6 multiple times.
- Compatibility: Ensure the power bank supports fast charging to speed up recharge times.
Comparison with Competitors
To better understand the landscape for wireless charging, let’s compare the OnePlus 6 to some of its closest competitors:
| Device | Wireless Charging Support | Charging Technology | Battery Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 6 | No | Dash Charge (5V/4A) | 3300 mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy S9 | Yes (Qi) | Fast Wireless Charging | 3000 mAh |
| Google Pixel 2 XL | Yes (Qi) | Pixel Stand | 3520 mAh |
As seen from the table, competitors such as the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Google Pixel 2 XL include wireless charging, making them attractive options for users who prioritize this feature.
Wireless Charging Future: Should You Care?
Looking forward, the smartphone industry is increasingly adopting wireless charging technology. With advancements in design and battery capabilities, wireless charging might become the norm across all devices.
If you’re considering a future device, knowing your preferences is vital. Here are some aspects to ponder:
- Usage Patterns: Do you find yourself often at your desk or bedside where placing the phone on a charging pad is convenient?
- Device Lifespan: While wireless charging demonstrates long-term benefits in preserving the charging port, users should evaluate based on whether they frequently recharge devices.
Conclusion
To summarize, the OnePlus 6 does not support wireless charging. While this feature is becoming increasingly common in smartphones, the OnePlus 6’s strong emphasis on Dash Charge showcases that there are alternative methods to charging that can provide a speedy and efficient experience. Whether you choose to use the robust Dash Charge solution or portable power banks, the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and daily habits.
As technology continues to evolve, it’s worth keeping an eye on future devices from OnePlus and other manufacturers to see how the wireless charging landscape adapts. If wireless charging is essential for you, many other excellent smartphone options are available that support this increasingly popular feature.
Does the OnePlus 6 support wireless charging?
No, the OnePlus 6 does not support wireless charging. OnePlus had made a design decision to omit this feature from the device, opting instead for traditional wired charging methods. The focus was placed on delivering a faster and more efficient charging experience through wired connections, specifically the Dash Charge technology developed by OnePlus.
Dash Charge allows for rapid charging, providing a full day’s worth of power in just about half an hour. While many modern smartphones offer wireless charging capabilities, the OnePlus 6 emphasizes performance through its wired solutions, making it a preferred choice for users who prioritize speed over the convenience of wireless charging.
What charging technology does the OnePlus 6 use?
The OnePlus 6 utilizes Dash Charge technology, which is designed to deliver a fast and efficient charging experience. This technology allows users to charge their device at a rate of up to 20W, ensuring that the battery quickly reaches significant levels within short charging periods. The Dash Charge adapter and cable are included in the box with the smartphone.
Dash Charge’s efficiency comes from its ability to maintain temperature stability during charging, allowing for quicker charging without overheating the device. This ensures that even while using the phone, charging remains fast and effective, making it an attractive feature for users on the go.
Are there any workarounds to enable wireless charging on the OnePlus 6?
<pWhile the OnePlus 6 does not natively support wireless charging, some users have explored workarounds like using wireless charging adapters or cases. These typically involve connecting a small dongle to the phone’s charging port, which allows for wireless charging via compatible pads. However, the performance may not be on par with the speed of Dash Charge.
Using such workarounds can also lead to increased bulkiness and might affect the aesthetics of the device. Moreover, the efficiency and speed of charging will likely decrease compared to using the original Dash Charge technology, which is an important consideration for users who value quick power-up times.
What are the advantages of Dash Charge compared to wireless charging?
Dash Charge offers several advantages over wireless charging, particularly in terms of speed and efficiency. The capability to charge the OnePlus 6 to nearly 100% in just about 30 minutes makes it incredibly convenient for users who lead busy lifestyles. This fast charging is a significant benefit for those who often find themselves in need of quick power-ups.
Additionally, Dash Charge allows users to continue using their phone while it is charging without the significant heating issues commonly associated with wireless charging. This means there’s less risk of thermal stress on the battery, contributing to the longevity and health of the device’s battery over time.
Why didn’t OnePlus include wireless charging in the OnePlus 6?
OnePlus has often prioritized performance and user experience, focusing on features that enhance the overall functionality of their devices. The omission of wireless charging in the OnePlus 6 aligns with their goal to provide users with a faster charging experience using Dash Charge instead. The decision to exclude the feature might also be related to cost-saving measures, allowing them to allocate resources to other areas of the device’s design and performance.
OnePlus also mentioned that the wired charging technology allows for more efficient power delivery, catering to their audience who prefers a reliable and speedy charging solution. Thus, the choice not to implement wireless charging is deeply rooted in their philosophy of delivering high-performance devices tailored to user needs.
What other OnePlus devices support wireless charging?
As of now, the OnePlus 8 series and later models in the OnePlus lineup, such as the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 10, support wireless charging capabilities. This includes the addition of Warp Charge, which offers fast wireless charging speeds, reflecting OnePlus’s adaptation to user preferences. The decision to incorporate this technology in later models shows their commitment to evolving with consumer demands.
These newer devices allow users the flexibility of both wired and wireless charging options, catering to different charging needs. For fans of the OnePlus brand, upgrading to a later model from the OnePlus 6 would provide the desired wireless charging experience along with the rich features of newer generations.