Satechi 15W Qi2 Wireless Car Charger review: Setting the new benchmark

Most cars today ship with wired or wireless Android Auto built into all but the base models, with those offering wireless connectivity often including wireless chargers, so Android Auto doesn’t tank the battery. Either way, you can enjoy the conveniences of infotainment and charging together. However, both of these inclusions are relatively recent, and you might not find them on vehicles from even a decade ago. I drive a car from 2012, and it doesn’t have Android Auto, Bluetooth, or even an infotainment screen, for that matter.

I’m not eager to replace my daily driver’s head unit with a touch screen or a tablet running Android Automotive, either. So, when Satechi offered to send in a 15W Qi2 magnetic wireless charger for in-car use, I thought this could be the hardware for my perfect solution — a sturdy mount, wireless charging, the convenience of MagSafe, and an Android Auto emulator running on my phone. I spent a few weeks with this mount in various cars, with Pixel phones and iPhones, and on an assortment of terrains to determine if it deserves your attention and money. Let’s just say the charger has a magnetic appeal.

Price, availability, and specs

Selling immediately and steadily

Satechi’s new Qi2 wireless car charger retails on Amazon and the brand’s online store for $60. That’s $15 more than the previous-gen model that supports the Qi standard — 7.5W wireless charging compatible with iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, with the former requiring a magnetic sticker. The new model delivers 15W of power and features stronger magnets requiring 1.76 pounds of force to yank a MagSafe iPhone off. Magnetic metal ring/disc/plate-style stickers for non-MagSafe phones and cases are sold separately.

What’s good about the Satechi Qi2 Wireless Car Charger?

Holding on for dear life

Unpacking Satechi’s latest wireless car charger reveals every component packed separately in boxes. It also includes a USB-C to C charging cable, a 12V adapter with a USB-C female port, and a dim blue indicator light. This charger clips into your AC vent and has a ball head that interfaces with the wireless charging pad and a collar with a plastic nut for tightening it down.

I like how the hard plastic ball head has a frosted texture to presumably help prevent slipping once the collar is tightened down. The vent grips and wireless charging pad have a smooth and soft rubbery material, while the flip-down foot that prevents the charger from drooping has a textured rubbery material. They work together to grip your dash firmly, and the mount doesn’t wobble or even vibrate over long bumpy stretches.

I found my non-MagSafe Pixel 7 magnetically attached to the charging surface but slid down until the camera visor butted up against the upper edge of the charging pad. However, an iPhone with MagSafe didn’t move an inch once attached since it weighs half as much as Google’s device and has magnetic metal rings surrounding the wireless charging coil.

I subsequently attached an adhesive-backed metallic ring to my Pixel and realized the charger’s magnets are strong enough to keep your phone in place even if you went dune-jumping in the Sahara desert. This year’s model sports faster 15W Qi2 charging and stronger magnetism; that’s evident when you try yanking your phone off.

Charging performance was fantastic, with the vent mounting ensuring the phone and charger didn’t get toasty, even with the metal ring in between effectively functioning as an induction heater coil. The phones received the advertised 15W charging input, with recharge times matching the Qi2 wireless charger on my desk.

What’s bad about the Satechi Qi2 Wireless Car Charger?

Compatible, but conditions apply

Right off the bat, I didn’t like how Satechi doesn’t mention compatible devices prominently. While that isn’t exactly necessary because any phone with wireless charging will work once you add a metal sticker, this charger is designed to work only with MagSafe-ready iPhones out of the box. On the bright side, retrofitting Android devices for compatibility unlocks both portrait and landscape orientation options.

While I’m discussing compatibility, I’d like to mention the provided USB-C to C cable might be useless to you if your 12V port is occupied and your vehicle’s dash only has USB-A ports. Satechi should’ve included a USB-C to USB-A adapter at one end of the included cable. That said, my other minor gripe is the silicone charging pad’s affinity for ambient dust when not in use.

Besides these minor concerns, which don’t affect how the charger performs or clings to your dash, it is nigh impossible to fault Satechi’s design department’s handiwork.

Should you buy it?

For charging or Android Auto on the cheap

While integrated wireless charging or wired Android Auto makes this accessory redundant for modern cars unless you have a second phone, Satechi’s latest product keeps up with the times. Overall, the charger is a well-rounded package, and you shouldn’t need additional hardware to set it up, making it a fantastic deal for $60.

While that’s squarely in the upper-midrange territory, this accessory justifies the sticker price with premium materials and an understated design with rounded corners everywhere. When you consider the smart-ification potential it brings to dated vehicles, that $60 seems like a low price for what’s on offer.