Magnets could be coming to the Pixel 10 and other Android phones
Tech companies tend to make their devices lighter and thinner with each new generation, but the upcoming Pixel 10 smartphones from Google seem ready to buck that trend.
Details on the next-gen Pixel phones have been leaking like a faucet (catch up on the latest Pixel 10 rumors) ahead of their August launch, and now Android Headlines is reporting that the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold will likely be slightly heavier than their predecessors. And except for the Pro XL model, all these devices could also be thicker. The differences in thickness and weight are expected to be small — about 1 mm and 1 to 11 grams, respectively.
Rumor has it there's a simple reason why Google is adding weight for the new Pixel smartphones — magnets.
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As Mashable has reported, the Wireless Power Consortium released new standards for Qi2.2 wireless charging. To make these next-gen wireless chargers more efficient, Qi2 devices utilize magnetic alignment to reduce power loss. For iPhone users, Apple MagSafe technology provides a ready solution. Since the iPhone 12, new Apple smartphones have already featured a ring of magnets around the wireless charger. Now, the Android world seems poised to follow Apple's lead. Frankly, we're surprised it hasn't happened sooner.
Hence, the rumors that the new Pixel 10 smartphones will come with built-in magnets to support wireless charging.
If this rumor bears out, then we expect other smartphone manufacturers to follow suit. The first Qi2 wireless chargers were announced earlier this month, with companies like Belkin and Ugreen set to release faster and more efficient charging products in the months ahead. The Qi2 standard also allows for 25W wireless charging, which will let users juice up their phones more quickly.
Of course, we're speculating, and Google could instead release cases with magnets. 9To5Google has reported on a rumored Pixelsnap series of charging accessories that would mimic Apple's MagSafe products.
Notably, mobile nerds like us have already declared 2025 the year of the ultra-thin phone, and Samsung's new Z Fold 7 is significantly thinner than the Z Fold 6. So, if Google is moving in the opposite direction, we expect they have a good reason why. We don't have to wait long to find out, as the new Pixel 10 phones will be officially unveiled at the Made by Google event on Aug. 20.
And, hey, who doesn't love magnets?
Timothy Beck Werth is the Tech Editor at Mashable, where he leads coverage and assignments for the Tech and Shopping verticals. Tim has over 15 years of experience as a journalist and editor, and he has particular experience covering and testing consumer technology, smart home gadgets, and men’s grooming and style products. Previously, he was the Managing Editor and then Site Director of SPY.com, a men's product review and lifestyle website. As a writer for GQ, he covered everything from bull-riding competitions to the best Legos for adults, and he’s also contributed to publications such as The Daily Beast, Gear Patrol, and The Awl.
Tim studied print journalism at the University of Southern California. He currently splits his time between Brooklyn, NY and Charleston, SC. He's currently working on his second novel, a science-fiction book.
