Wireless charging remains a popular feature for smartphone users who value convenience over outright speed. While it may not be the fastest method to power up your device, its ease of use and cable-free experience make it an appealing option—especially when time isn’t a pressing concern.
However, there are trade-offs. Wireless charging typically generates more heat than traditional wired methods. Excessive heat can affect battery health over time, but according to Samsung, its official wireless chargers are designed to prevent any negative impact on battery longevity or performance. If a phone’s battery temperature rises beyond safe limits, the charging process is automatically halted to protect the device.
Wireless Charging Capabilities: Galaxy S23 Series
The latest Galaxy S23 lineup—comprising the Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra—comes with support for Fast Wireless Charging 2.0. This specification enables up to 15W of wireless charging power, assuming optimal conditions and compatible accessories. While it’s unclear if third-party chargers can consistently deliver the same speeds, Samsung’s own wireless chargers are confirmed to reach this 15W threshold.
This aligns with the previous Galaxy S22 series, which also supports Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 with the same 15W output. On Apple’s side, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max also support wireless charging up to 15W via Apple’s proprietary MagSafe system.
Testing Methodology
To compare wireless charging speeds across devices, each phone was tested using its manufacturer’s official wireless charging equipment. For both Galaxy S22 and S23 models, Samsung’s 15W EP-P2400 Wireless Charger was used, connected via a 25W EP-TA800 Samsung power adapter and a certified USB-C to USB-C cable.
Apple’s iPhones were tested using the 20W USB-C power adapter paired with the official MagSafe charger, delivering up to 15W as well.
Every test began with each phone at a 1% charge. The “Fast Wireless Charging” setting was enabled by default on all Samsung phones involved in the test, ensuring consistent performance across the board.
Updated Wireless Charging Results
Following initial testing, the Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra underwent a second round of evaluations. This updated round revealed significantly improved wireless charging performance compared to the original results. The improved figures have been reflected in the updated chart and analysis within the article.
These improvements place the Galaxy S23 lineup in a more favorable light when compared with both the Galaxy S22 series and Apple’s current flagships. While the gap between Android and Apple devices remains relatively narrow when it comes to wireless charging speeds, the newer Galaxy models seem to have the edge thanks to firmware optimization and improved power management.
Final Thoughts
Wireless charging has matured into a reliable, if not lightning-fast, option for powering your smartphone. With comparable 15W support across leading devices like the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S22, and iPhone 14 Pro/Max, performance largely comes down to how each device manages heat and power distribution.
Samsung’s updated S23 series demonstrates better optimization over its predecessor, narrowing the margin between charging speed and convenience. For users who appreciate seamless, cable-free charging without compromising too much on speed, the Galaxy S23 series now stands as one of the most well-rounded options on the market.
