From 5W to 65W: Eleven Years of Evolution in Smartphone Wireless Charging

In 2009, a device nicknamed the "Fat Pear" — the Palm Pre — debuted at CES. Requiring a specialized back cover and a compact "TouchStone" charging dock, it took 1 hour and 40 minutes to fully charge its 1150mAh battery with 5W wireless power. This initial experience quietly heralded a new era of liberated energy for smartphones. Eleven years later, OPPO announced the arrival of 65W wireless charging. This leap from 5W to 65W unfolds a technological saga woven with competing standards, corporate triumphs and downfalls, and ambitious visions for the future.

The Standards War: A Wireless "Three Kingdoms"

The roots of wireless charging trace back to Nikola Tesla's unrealized dream. After a century of exploration, the technology crystallized into four main approaches: electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic resonance, electric field coupling, and radio waves. In 2008, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) emerged as the pioneer, introducing the magnetic induction standard "Qi" (pronounced "chee"). Any device bearing the Qi logo gained universal charger compatibility. Early flagships like the Nokia Lumia 920 and Google Nexus 4 became its adherents.

The landscape shifted dramatically in 2012: Qualcomm joined forces with Samsung to form A4WP (Alliance for Wireless Power), focusing on electromagnetic resonance technology, while Duracell Powermat established the PMA (Power Matters Alliance) to promote electromagnetic induction. This three-way standoff proved short-lived. In 2015, A4WP and PMA merged into the AirFuel Alliance, setting the stage for a final showdown with WPC's Qi standard. Ultimately, Qi prevailed as the dominant mainstream standard, bolstered by its first-mover ecosystem advantage.

Smartphones Join the Fray: From Pioneering Trials to Mainstream Adoption

• 2011: The Sharp SH-13C became the world's first Qi-compatible smartphone, though it remained largely obscure.

• 2012: Nokia's Lumia 920 arrived. This optical image stabilization-equipped WP8 flagship wasn't just the first widely recognized Qi-compatible star; its magnetic charging dock also set a new standard for user experience. Sadly, its brilliance dimmed as Nokia was acquired by Microsoft.

• 2015: Samsung embedded wireless charging across its flagship lineup starting with the Galaxy Note 5, becoming a major driving force for adoption.

• 2017 - The Turning Point: Apple's iPhone 8/X series joined the Qi camp. Its immense market influence propelled wireless charging into the mainstream consciousness.

China's Trailblazer: Jinli's Swan Song

While speculation swirled around whether Xiaomi or Huawei would debut wireless charging in China, the answer came from a fading brand: Jinli. Released in November 2017, the Jinli M7 Plus claimed the title of "China's first" with its 14W wireless charging capability. Tragically, its companion charger never reached the market, and the company soon plunged into crisis. This "device launched with the company's last breath" became a poignant, fleeting meteor in China's technological advancement.

The Power Surge: Sprinting into the 65W Era

Apple's entry ignited an industry-wide arms race:

• Huawei Mate 20 Pro (2018): 15W wireless + 5W reverse charging pioneered bidirectional power sharing.

• Xiaomi 9 Pro (2019): 30W wireless flash charging redefined speed expectations.

• Huawei P40 Pro+ (2020): 40W wireless super-fast charging scaled new heights.

• Xiaomi 10 Ultra (2020): 50W wireless charging continued the relentless pace.

• OPPO (2020): The unveiling of 65W wireless charging technology delivered a seismic shock – eleven years of cultivation bearing monumental fruit.

From the Palm Pre's 5W to OPPO's 65W, smartphone wireless charging achieved a twelve-fold increase in power. But the story is far from over: Xiaomi's 80W and 120W laboratory prototypes signal the next frontier. As charging efficiency nears – and potentially surpasses – wired solutions, freeing devices from their last physical tether, this energy revolution sparked by the "Fat Pear" is reshaping how we connect to the world at unprecedented speed. The boundaries of wireless charging's future continue to expand.