When I look into the future, I think the physical charging port might be removed sooner than we think. Apple already made the first steps for that to not get you a charging block with your new iPhone and they introduced the magnetic charger on the iPhones. More and more brands are introducing wireless charging, so is my Google Pixel 5. I love it! No struggles anymore with putting in the USB-C charger in the dark. Just place it on the pad or stand and you are good to go.
Introduction & Specifications
We’ve looked at the Anker PowerWave Pad already, and that was a nice product. Now, we have the Anker PowerWave Stand, which might even be better. Looking at the specifications, I’m not impressed. They are almost the same compared to the Anker PowerWave Pad. I do like the design and that you can charge your phone standing up or laying on the side. Here are all the specifications of the Anker PowerWave:
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Anker |
| Model: | PowerWave Stand |
| Maximum Power: | 10W |
| Security: | Foreign object detection, short circuit protection, temperature control, and more |
| Input: | 5V-2A / 9V-2A |
| Output: | 5W / 10W |
| Product Size: | 3.15 x 2.68 x 4.49 inches |
| Weight: | 3.87 ounces |
| Package Content: | 1x Anker PowerWave Stand, 1x Micro USB cable (120cm) |
Unboxing
As I bought the double pack, including the Anker PowerWave Pad and Stand, this package is a little different than if you just buy the stand itself. The Anker PowerWave chargers come in a clear and clean box. On the front, we find some engraving. On the back, we find the specifications and some information about the products inside. Inside, we find the two chargers, the Anker PowerWave pad and Anker PowerWave stand, some manuals, and the connecting cables (both Micro-USB).
Hardware & Design
The Anker PowerWave Stand is a nice, good feeling product. It looks good on a desk, or next to your bed. On the back, there is a Micro-USB port to provide the Anker PowerWave Stand with power. I’d love to see it come with USB-C, but a Micro-USB does the trick. The angle of the Anker PowerWave Stand is perfect to look at the screen while it is charging on your desk. For a wireless charger, this is a good product. The downside is that it is missing Fast Charging on all smartphones.
LED Light
There is a handy LED light on the Anker PowerWave stand. This tells you if the device is charging, if it is connected to power, or when an incompatible device is placed on the pad. Simple and easy to understand. Below are the meanings of the LED light:
Features
The main thing for a wireless charger is, of course, that it charges my device without any wires. With the Anker PowerWave Pad you had to position your phone just right to get it charging. The main feature of this Anker PowerWave Stand is that you can place your phone on its side, or straight up, and it just charges. Super handy and it works 100% of the time. What are the other features of the Anker PowerWave Stand?
Ways of Charging
What I love about the Anker PowerWave Stand is that it does not matter how you place your phone, it will always charge. With the Anker PowerWave pad, you could place your phone off and it won’t charge. With the Anker PowerWave Stand, that is no problem at all.
You can either lay the phone on its side (if you are watching a movie for example) or let it stand straight up. Either way will charge your phone without any problem. Love this “foolproof” design. I rather have this one next to my bed as I can just place the phone on there and it will charge, guaranteed.
Charge with a case
Don’t worry if you have your phone in a case. The Anker PowerWave Stand is able to charge your phone even when it is in a case. Anker says this about it: The Anker PowerWave delivers charging power directly through cases up to 5 mm thickâincluding Otterboxes. What else do we want? Just keep it protected and place it on the wireless charger to fill the battery. Lovely.
Security
It is not really clear what kind of security the Anker PowerWave pads have. In other reviews, for example the Baseus iX Qi or the FLOVME Qi, it is more clear on what kind of protection they offer.
This is what is stated on the Anker website about the security for the Anker PowerWave pad:
Our exclusive MultiProtect safety system is equipped with foreign object detection, short circuit protection, temperature control, and more, so you can experience Qi-certified wireless charging with total peace of mind.
Remove the cables from your desk or bedside! Start charging your phone without wires.
Click Here to get the stand.
Click Here to get the bundle: the pad and the stand!
Performance
Using the Anker PowerWave pad is simple, but the output depends on the charger block you use and the device you have. Below is some information on which devices it can charge with 10W, or when it falls back to 7.5W or even 5W.
10W Fast Charge Mode: (Using Quick Charge 2.0/3.0 Adapter)
Samsung Galaxy S20 / S10 / S9+ / S9 / S8 / S8+ / S7 edge / S7 / S6 edge+
Samsung Note 10 / Note 9 / Note 8 / Note 7
7.5W Fast Charge Mode: (Using Quick Charge 2.0/3.0 Adapter)
iPhone 11/ 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max / XS Max / iPhone XR / iPhone XS / iPhone X / iPhone 8 / 8 Plus
5W Standard Charge Mode: (Using 5V/2A Adapter)
All Qi-enabled phones and devices
Pixel 3 / Pixel 3XL (The phone’s screen will display the message: Charging slowly)
Conclusion
The Anker PowerWave Stand is a great product. You can charge it on the side, or standing up straight. On some models, Samsungs, you get fast charging, but that not for all phones and models. Personally, I don’t mind that it is charging slowly as I only charge my phone at night. I don’t need it to be full in 2 hours.
I love the design and the angle of the phone when you place it standing up on the Anker PowerWave. You can easily read the incoming notifications while your phone charges on your desk. The downside is that not all phones are able to fast charge using the Anker PowerWave Stand, just like the Anker PowerWave Pad. I do recommend this wireless charger from a price/performance point of view, but there are others that offer more clear protection and support fast charging.
Anker PowerWave
$20
Pros
- You can charge standing up and on the side
- Design is nice
- Materials feel good and solid
- You can charge with a case
Cons
- Fast support is not widely supported
- Security features are not super clear