Our Verdict
The Choetech Fast Wireless Charging Pad is, in theory, a fantastic device. Unfortunately, only the Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ can take advantage of its faster-charging powers. If you own one of those devices it’s should be a great buy (depending on price); if not, unless you’re particularly interested in future-proofing your equipment, you may be better off buying a cheaper standard wireless charging pad.
The first Qi wireless pad we’ve seen to support fast charging, the Choetech Fast Wireless Charging Pad is a brilliant accessory for the Note 5, or simply for futureproofing your setup. We review the Choetech Fast Wireless Charging Pad. Also see: Best power banks 2015.
You may have heard me whittling on about wireless charging before. I love how simple it is to just throw down my phone when it’s running out of power, and then pick it up when I need to use it, without fiddling about with cables.
But I’ve always had one problem with Qi wireless pads: they’re slow, with most having a maximum output of 5W. If you’ve got time to wait for your phone to charge then great, but if you’re in a rush you’re better off plugging it into a mains charger. Also see: How to add Qi wireless charging to your phone.
Choetech’s Fast Wireless Charging Pad instantly caught my attention, the first I’ve seen to output 10W of power. Unfortunately, right now only two phones support fast wireless charging: the Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+. In time I’m sure that will change, but right now it doesn’t help my Samsung Galaxy S6 charge any faster.
Still, if you’re going to buy a wireless charging pad, you might as well buy one that’s futureproof. (And if you happen to own a Note 5 or Galaxy S6 Edge+ then even better!)
Even if your phone doesn’t support fast wireless charging, the Choetech remains one of the better wireless charging pads out there. It’s basically the Choetech T517 with the addition of fast charging – read our Choetech T517 review.
The Choetech Fast Wireless Charger will be available from Amazon UK, and we’re waiting to hear back from the company on pricing and availability (until then we have refrained from adding a value and overall score to this review).
An LED circles the metal pad, glowing blue or green to denote charging status. Usefully, when you turn out the lights its ambient light sensor detects the change and turns out the LED, so it won’t keep you awake at night.
The Choetech charging pad is also more accommodating than some Qi chargers we’ve tried, and you can put your phone at almost any angle and it will still charge. Also see: How to improve smartphone battery life.
In common with the T517, we found we could charge our phone without removing the case, and appreciated the extra grip afforded by the raised rubber ring – avoiding you accidentally knocking the phone off charge – plus the grippy pad on the bottom to prevent it slipping on a desk.
It looks almost identical to that pad, too, with a minimalistic design that features a silver aluminium pad, white rubber ring and glowing LED outer ring.It’s also available in black, and either should fit comfortably into any room or office.
Also see: Best desktop chargers 2015.
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Specs
Choetech Fast Wireless Charging Pad (T518): Specs
- Qi wireless charging pad
- 10W output (max, applicable only to Note 5 and S6 Edge+)
- 10W Micro-USB input
- 0.5mm charging distance
- 3.3×0.7in
- 64g
- 18-month warranty
Author: Marie Black, Editorial Director
Marie is Editorial Director at Foundry. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she's worked in tech media for more than 17 years, managing our EMEA and LatAm editorial teams and leading on content strategy through Foundry's transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.