Choetech Choe Qi is an affordable fast wireless charging pad [Review]

Wireless charging is one of the nicest and most convenient features added on smartphones in the past couple of years. Increasingly seen on mid-range and high-end offerings, it enables devices to charge simply by resting on a small pad. After experiencing the benefits, you will not want to go back to using a wall charger and cable again.

It is not enough to have a smartphone that offers this feature, as you also need a compatible pad to wirelessly charge it. A very interesting proposition is Choetech's Choe Qi, which offers fast wireless charging at an attractive price point. I have been using it for a few weeks to find out whether it's worth buying, and here are my impressions.

This wireless charging pad is based on the Qi standard, meaning it is compatible with most smartphones that support wireless charging. As Chotech advertises, the list includes Samsung's latest flagships, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, but also older devices like LG G4 and Google Nexus 6. I can also attest that it works just fine with a 2013 Nexus 7 tablet.

But what exactly makes it "fast"? Well, a typical wireless charger delivers a maximum output of 5W, but Chotech claims that its pad can support twice as much -- 10W -- using a compatible smartphone, like Galaxy S7, Galaxy Note 5 or Galaxy S6 edge Plus. This can make a major difference in charging times -- it is said to be up to 40 percent faster than a typical wireless charger -- but you will also need the right wall charger to enable it.

Chotech does not supply a wall charger in the box to enable fast wireless charging on the pad, but if you have a Quick Charge 2.0 or Quick Charge 3.0-enabled wall charger you will be able to unlock the full potential of the pad. Chotech notes that the wall charger that comes with Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge does not suffice, however.

If you do not yet have one, you can buy a Quick Charge 2.0 wall charger for less than $10 off of Amazon. If you have no need at this point for fast wireless charging, you can use a standard wall charger with the pad. Chotech supplies a microUSB cable in the box, so you at least have that part covered.

The fact that there is no wall charger in the box is not a major disadvantage knowing that Choetech's fast wireless charging pad is currently priced at just $19.99 on Amazon. Typically, wireless chargers are pricier, especially if you are going with an OEM product. But, enough of that -- what is it like to use?

The first thing that you notice when taking the Choe Qi pad out of the box is just how small and slim it is. It has a smaller footprint than a smartphone, and when using it to charge my Nexus 7 it looks tiny in comparison. It is also very discreet, with only a subtle indicator to let you know when it is actually charging your handset's battery. To stop it moving on smooth surfaces there are four rubber pads beneath it.

Setting up the Choe Qi pad is very easy, as you might imagine. After connecting the device to the wall charger -- which has to be plugged in, of course -- using the supplied microUSB cable, you are in business. I have primarily used it to charge my Nexus 7, but it also worked well with other devices.

As I explained above, how fast it charges the battery depends on whether the device supports fast wireless charging. But it also depends on how big the battery itself is: the bigger it is, the more time it takes. In my time with it, it has performed as expected, so I would not hesitate recommending it to anyone looking for a (fast) wireless charger.