The Pixel 11 Pro Fold does not exist yet, and Google has not announced its wireless charging specs. As of mid-2025, the only confirmed foldable is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which supports Qi wireless charging at up to 7.5W. This article explains what is known about Pixel foldables, what Qi2 and 25W charging mean, and what you can realistically expect from a future Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
Current Pixel Foldable Charging Specs
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, released in 2024, supports Qi wireless charging at up to 7.5W. That is the same speed as the standard Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. Google has not enabled faster wireless charging on its foldable, likely due to thermal constraints and the thin form factor. The phone also supports reverse wireless charging at 5W for accessories like earbuds and smartwatches.
For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 supports 15W wireless charging, and the OnePlus Open supports 15W as well. Google’s 7.5W is slower, but it is still convenient for overnight charging or topping up during the day.
What Is Qi2 and Why It Matters
Qi2 is the next generation of the Qi wireless charging standard, introduced by the Wireless Power Consortium in 2023. Its main feature is the Magnetic Power Profile, which uses magnets to align the phone perfectly with the charger. This alignment reduces energy loss and allows for faster, more efficient charging.
Qi2 chargers can deliver up to 15W by default, but the standard does not cap it there. Manufacturers can implement higher power levels, but they must pass additional certification. For a Pixel 11 Pro Fold to reach 25W, it would need to support a proprietary extension or a future Qi2.1 specification that allows higher power.
Currently, no Qi2-certified phone charges at 25W wirelessly. Most Qi2 phones, like the iPhone 15 and 16 series, charge at 15W or 25W with Apple’s MagSafe technology, but that is not Qi2. The Pixel 9 series does not support Qi2 at all—it uses the older Qi standard.
Why 25W Wireless Charging Is Unlikely Soon
There are several reasons why a Pixel 11 Pro Fold might not hit 25W wireless charging:
- Thermal management: Foldables have less internal space for heat dissipation. Wireless charging generates more heat than wired charging, and high power levels can damage the battery or reduce its lifespan.
- Battery health: Faster charging generally degrades batteries faster. Google has emphasized battery longevity in recent phones, so they may prioritize slower, cooler charging.
- Form factor: The thin, two-part design of a foldable makes it harder to include large coils or heat spreaders.
- Competition: Even Samsung’s fastest wireless charging is 15W, and they have not pushed higher on foldables.
If Google does implement 25W wireless charging, it would likely be exclusive to a Google-branded charger, similar to how Samsung’s 15W requires a specific charger.
How Wireless Charging Speeds Are Measured
Wireless charging speed is measured in watts (W), which is the product of voltage and current. A 25W charger can deliver 5V at 5A, but in practice, the phone controls the power draw. The actual speed depends on the charger, the cable, the phone’s software, and the alignment of the coils.
For example, a 25W wireless charger might deliver 15W to a phone that only supports 15W. The phone’s charging IC (integrated circuit) regulates the power to protect the battery. So even if a Pixel 11 Pro Fold supports 25W, it will only charge at that speed with a compatible charger and optimal conditions.
To estimate charging time, you can use the formula: Charging time (hours) = Battery capacity (mAh) / Charging current (mA). But wireless charging is not 100% efficient—typically 70-80%—so you need to account for losses. A 25W charger might deliver 20W to the battery after losses.
Comparing Wireless Charging Speeds
Here is a comparison of wireless charging speeds on current flagship phones and foldables:
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 7.5W Qi
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: 15W Qi
- OnePlus Open: 15W Qi
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 25W with MagSafe (not Qi2)
- Google Pixel 9 Pro: 7.5W Qi (not Qi2)
As you can see, 25W wireless charging is rare. Even the fastest iPhones only achieve it with Apple’s proprietary MagSafe. Qi2 is still capped at 15W for most devices. A Pixel 11 Pro Fold with 25W would be a significant step forward, but it would likely require a custom charger and a new Qi2 extension.
What to Look For in a Wireless Charger
If you are buying a wireless charger for a Pixel foldable, consider these factors:
- Qi certification: Ensure it is Qi-certified to avoid damage to your phone.
- Power output: Match the charger’s output to your phone’s supported speed. A 25W charger will not charge a 7.5W phone faster.
- Cooling: Look for chargers with built-in fans or heat sinks if you plan to charge at high speeds.
- Compatibility: Some chargers have specific alignment magnets for certain phones. For a foldable, you may need a charger with a larger coil area.
Remember that wireless charging generates heat, which can slow charging. If your phone gets hot, it will reduce power to protect the battery. This is normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Pixel 11 Pro Fold have Qi2 charging?
It is possible, but not confirmed. Google has not announced any plans for Qi2 on its phones. The Pixel 9 series does not support Qi2, so the Pixel 10 might be the first to adopt it. If Google does adopt Qi2, it would likely be on the Pixel 10 or later, which could include the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
Can I use a 25W wireless charger with my Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
Yes, you can, but it will only charge at 7.5W. The phone will not draw more power than it supports. Using a higher-wattage charger is safe, but it will not speed up charging.
Is 25W wireless charging safe for the battery?
It can be safe if the phone is designed for it. Modern phones have multiple safeguards to prevent overheating and overcharging. However, faster charging generally causes more battery wear over time. If a phone supports 25W, it is designed to handle it, but you may see slightly faster battery degradation compared to slower charging.
Why is wireless charging slower than wired charging?
Wireless charging is less efficient because energy is transferred through electromagnetic induction, which loses some power as heat. Also, the phone must regulate the power to avoid overheating. Wired charging can deliver more power directly to the battery with less loss.
What is the difference between Qi and Qi2?
Qi2 adds a magnetic alignment ring, similar to Apple’s MagSafe, which ensures the phone and charger are perfectly aligned. This reduces energy loss and allows for faster, more consistent charging. Qi2 also supports a new power profile that can deliver up to 15W by default, but higher power levels are possible with certification.
Should I wait for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold before buying a wireless charger?
If you already have a Pixel foldable, there is no need to wait. Any Qi-certified charger will work with your phone. If you are planning to upgrade to a future Pixel foldable, you might want to wait to see what charging technology it supports, but a good 15W Qi2 charger will likely be compatible with most future phones.
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