Pixel 3 does not load wirelessly at full speed, except on Google approved chargers

If you're thinking of getting one of the new Google Pixel 3 devices, be careful: unless you use a Google Certified accessory, the wireless fast charge will only work at half the phone's maximum charge speed which is 10 watts.

According to reports from Android Police and Verge, unapproved models of wireless fast chargers will only operate at 5 watts with the Pixel 3 line, although it supports the Qi wireless power transfer standard open used by other manufacturers. The Android police wrote that Google had told them that the Pixel 3 line required a "handshake secure" when using the company's Pixel Rack for a 10-watt charge. The method in question is not supported by other chargers. be enabled only for third-party chargers approved through its Made for Google program. To complicate matters a bit, Android Police noted that Pixel 3 still displays a message saying "charge fast" when it is connected to a third party device charging at a lower speed.

Ars Technica wrote that Google told them in a statement that, although Pixel 3 supports Qi wireless charging, it only supports Qi charging via the 5-watt mode. The site also reported the Belkin product description of an upcoming model mentioning Google's "exclusive 10W wireless charging technology".

Finally, Le Verge said Google has confirmed that Pixel Stand Support supports Qi-compatible devices, but only at the lower 5-watt rate.

In a statement to The Verge, Google has denied the imposition of restrictions on third-party devices and announced that new options would soon be available:

We do not limit third-party devices. In fact, we are working with our Made for Google program partners to get 10W fast chargers certified for use with Pixel 3 (Belkin has already announced that its 10W Pixel 3 charger will already be launched in the coming weeks). Pixel Stand and Pixel 3 work together thanks to the protocol we have developed for fast charging. Everything else is billed to the standard Qi 5W.

The Pixel stand costs $ 79. Although it comes with features like Google Assistant and a digital photo frame, it is a significant advantage over third-party chargers, which cost just $ 15. The Belkin charger in question, which seemed to be the only other approved accessory listed to date, has a price of $ 59.99. Conversely, competing devices largely support fast charging speeds in excess of 5 watts with extended cross-compatibility for chargers.

Ars Technica compared the move to digital rights management, noting that consumers will certainly not be pleased to learn that they have to rummage through their wallet to buy an approved device:

This is very disappointing, because Pixel 3 made a big sacrifice for wireless charging to work: it went from metal to the back of fragile glbad. Limiting wireless charging more quickly to its own charger will probably shake some feathers. It's another strange material decision on a phone filled with strange material decisions.

It is indeed a little strange. Google, which held about 2% of the US smartphone market earlier this year and a negligible presence the same elsewhere, has opted for a wireless charging method that will surely frustrate homeowners. While prices are likely to decline over time, there is no guarantee that wireless chargers certified by Google will be widely available over time. You must therefore take this into account in your purchase decision, especially if you are the type of person who regularly needs replacement accessories.

Gizmodo solicited comments from Google. We will update this article if we receive it.