Galaxy S4
Samsung Galaxy S4 Wireless Charging Receiver Review
The official Samsung Galaxy S4 wireless charging kit is expensive and doesn’t work with most Galaxy S4 cases, but a $27 Galaxy S4 wireless charging receiver is slim enough to slide inside the existing Galaxy S4 back so you can use wireless charging and cases.
With a little investigating I found a Galaxy S4 wireless charging adapter that connects inside the back of my Galaxy S4 without adding any noticeable bulk. This is a Qi wireless charging receiver that retails for just $27 on Newegg and is easy to install.
Once installed the Samsung Galaxy S4 wirelessly charges on any Qi wireless charger, including the Nexus 4 wireless charger.
Read: Best Samsung Galaxy S4 Accessories
For the past two weeks I’ve used the cheap Galaxy S4 wireless charger to charge my Samsung Galaxy S4 without plugging in.
The small, cheap Samsung Galaxy S4 wireless charger.
This Samsung Galaxy S4 wireless charging receiver is designed to connect to the same contacts the official Galaxy S4 wireless charging back does. Users can remove a small sticker to attach the Galaxy S4 wireless charger to the battery, or users can rely on the pressure of the case to hold it in place. I did not use the sticker during my review, and like that there is enough pressure to keep it in place, in case I need to switch batteries down the line.
The Galaxy S4 wireless charger slips inside the back, so cases still work.
This accessory works with the Nexus 4 wireless charger, which keeps the phone at an angle to see notifications. Users can also pick up a different Qi wireless charger from a local carrier store or online. As long as it has a Qi logo it should work.
Installing the Galaxy S4 wireless charging receiver is as simple as removing the back, lining up the contacts and snapping the back of the Galaxy S4 in place. This back is tighter than without, and the middle bulges a bit, but the Galaxy S4 still fits in most cases.
Placing the Galaxy S4 on a Qi wireless charger will immediately start the charging process, and if unlocked it will show a pop up confirmation. Unlike some devices, this Qi wireless charger is not picky about where it needs to sit to charge. The Galaxy S4 sits on the slanted Nexus 4 wireless charger without slipping off, a common complaint with the Nexus 4.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 wireless charging in action.
This Galaxy S4 wireless charging receiver is not as fast as plugging in to a USB port, but it is perfect for charging up at my desk or charging overnight.
Newegg sells the Galaxy S4 wireless charger for $27 and users can purchase a Qi charger for around $40 to $60.
Handi Priyono
07/14/2013 at 1:55 am
Thanks for sharing this awesome gadget news. I will buy this wireless charging.. but i have not enough money :(
Vasek Cekan
07/14/2013 at 4:41 am
What rate does this charger charge the phone? The stock charger is 2amp.
Also of note is that there are also palm touchstone coil kits to make the phone charge off a palm touchstone. This is what I did. Those kits are 25 bucks online and get the same way.
Odisej Wolff
07/14/2013 at 4:53 pm
Sweet. I couldn’t find this charger pad anywhere, though (all are flat and can’t be used as stands like this one). Anyone managed to find it?
Thanks,
Dave
Wilder Thornton
07/25/2013 at 9:42 pm
I bought it on the strength of this review. Took over a week to get here from China, but I was expecting that. Works fantastic, simple as pie to install. Easy and inexpensive. Great review and great photos too. Thanks Josh!
Suzan
09/03/2013 at 1:50 am
This is awesome. I like this device. I am currently using Solgo wireless charger, It’s so convenient. I don’t have to worry about forgetting to charge my phone after late night work. Just put my cell phone on it and that’s it.