Qi Wireless Charging vs PMA
As wearable technology continues to evolve, the need for wireless charging options has become increasingly apparent. Two popular wireless charging technologies are Qi and PMA. Although both technologies aim to make charging easier, faster, and more efficient, they have their differences. In this post, we'll compare Qi wireless charging to PMA to help you decide which technology is best for you.
Overview
Qi wireless charging is a standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) that uses inductive charging. Inductive charging uses an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two coils. It is the same technology used in wireless charging pads for smartphones. The Qi standard has gained popularity, and you can now find it in various devices, including headphones, smartwatches, and fitness trackers.
PMA, on the other hand, stands for Powermat. It is a wireless charging technology developed by Powermat Technologies. PMA uses both inductive and resonant charging. It uses magnetic fields to create an electrical current between two coils, making charging faster and more efficient. PMA is less common than Qi, but you can still find it in some devices, including the Samsung Gear S3, Moto 360, and Pebble Time.
Compatibility
When it comes to compatibility, Qi is the clear winner. Qi is widely accepted and can be found in various devices from different brands, including Apple, Samsung, and Google. If you have a Qi-compatible device, you can use any Qi-enabled charging pad. Qi also offers backward compatibility, which means you can use an older version of the standard to charge a newer device.
PMA, on the other hand, is not as widely accepted as Qi. You can only find PMA in a limited number of devices, and not all charging pads are compatible with PMA-enabled devices.
Charging Speed
Charging speed is another essential factor to consider when choosing a wireless charging technology. PMA uses both inductive and resonant charging, making it faster than Qi. A PMA-enabled device can charge up to 70% faster than a Qi-enabled device.
Although Qi charging is slower than PMA, it's still relatively fast, with most devices charging within a few hours. The charging speed also depends on the wattage of the charging pad.
Price
When it comes to price, Qi-enabled charging pads are more affordable than PMA-enabled charging pads. This is because Qi wireless charging is more widely accepted, so there is more competition in the market, leading to lower prices.
Conclusion
Both Qi and PMA offer wireless charging options for wearable technology, but they have their differences. Qi is more widely accepted, compatible with many devices, and more affordable than PMA. However, PMA supports faster charging, making it a better choice for those in a rush.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the devices you use and your charging needs. If you have a Qi-enabled device, it's best to stick with that. But if you have a PMA-enabled device and need a fast charge, you can opt for a PMA-enabled charging pad.
References
- "Qi (standard) - Wikipedia." 2021. Wikipedia.org
- "Powermat - Wikipedia." 2021. Wikipedia.org
- "Wireless Charging Standards: What You Need To Know." 2021. Digital Trends