Unlike most flagship devices this year, the OnePlus 5T will not have wireless charging support. While the company admitted that the feature is an exciting concept, OnePlus believes it is not just as good as its wired Dash Charge.
In a post in the company forum, CEO Pete Lau explained that wireless charging is too restricted. It is not as simple as putting a phone on the pad and letting the battery juice up. For it to be convenient, the executive noted that a charging pad should be readily available to use wireless charging, which can be expensive. In addition, it only works efficiently when the device is positioned properly.
"Some of the best wireless charging pads market the theoretical potential of 15 watts of power, but that's only if you position your phone correctly," he said.
However, the primary reason why OnePlus decided not to have the feature on board is power consumption. Dash Charge produces 20 watts of power while a wireless charging pad maxes out at 15, and that number is even further divided when charging more than one device, causing slower charging.
What's more is that users cannot really use the handset while it is charging wirelessly. They cannot pick it up to surf the web or take a photo because if they do, it may stop charging.
"All you need is the Dash Charge cable and adaptor to consistently power your device at superior rate," Lao boasted about their wired charging. "It doesn't matter whether you're gaming or streaming video. Dash Charge stays cool and power efficient."
Now, it is noteworthy that wireless charging and Dash Charge could coexist. Lau did not point that out, but Tech Radar says that might push up the cost of OnePlus 5T. Wireless charging requires remodeling of the phone as well since wireless charging does not work well through metal, and such a revision is no cheap process. Introducing new components and modifying the handset could bump up the price, which is disadvantageous since the company's selling point is its products' relatively low price.
Then again, the company is not entirely ruling out the feature. Lau concluded his post, saying that OnePlus will consider integrating the technology "when the time is right." In the meantime, patrons can enjoy the Dash Charge, which would be included in the upcoming OnePlus 5T. The handset is set to be unveiled on Thursday, Nov. 16.
