Wireless Charging Solution

[Silverstar]

Recently got this gadget off Ali:







Works well with iPhone 12 / 12 Pro etc with the Apple magsafe case although if you use the case you have to plug into a charger in the 12V socket under the armrest. If you use the phone naked you can just plug it into the USB port. For all other phones they include a self adhesive metal ring.

I thought about doing some kind of mod to have wireless charging in the armrest storage area but would find it a fuss every time to keep opening and closing the armrest to get the phone out, this seems like a much simpler solution and still looks ok.

 

[Anonymous]

What does that give that a USB to Lightning connector doesn't do?

 

[helmik]

If you drop an iPhone 8 into the bath, trust me I know, it stops you using a lightning cable as it won’t work anymore!! A wireless option is great as it means I haven’t had to get it fixed yet! I use them at home and I’ve got something similar to the op’s post in both my cars.
Mick

 

[Calps]

I find the main benefit is that by taking advantage of the wireless charging, you do not have to plug/unplug the phone when you enter and leave the car - just put it down/pick it up. The charger has a magnet built in which holds the device in place (although some handsets benefit from using the metal ring that OP mentions).

I have a similar solution mounted on the dash of both my cars (within a stretched finger reach from the steering wheel), which I run android auto from. It's a nice clean install, with no wires on show, so they can't in the way, or get tangled etc.

 

[Silverstar]

What does that give that a USB to Lightning connector doesn't do?

As others have mentioned no need to plug the phone in, just get in the car and plonk it down and voila. It works really well with the iPhone 12 which has magsafe since you don't need to attach a metal plate / ring to the phone or case. Mind you I bought it mainly as a mount since there is nowhere in the car to conveniently put the phone the charging part was a bonus.

 

[Anonymous]

What does that give that a USB to Lightning connector doesn't do?

As others have mentioned no need to plug the phone in, just get in the car and plonk it down and voila. It works really well with the iPhone 12 which has magsafe since you don't need to attach a metal plate / ring to the phone or case. Mind you I bought it mainly as a mount since there is nowhere in the car to conveniently put the phone the charging part was a bonus.

What does that give that a USB to Lightning connector doesn't do?

As others have mentioned no need to plug the phone in, just get in the car and plonk it down and voila. It works really well with the iPhone 12 which has magsafe since you don't need to attach a metal plate / ring to the phone or case. Mind you I bought it mainly as a mount since there is nowhere in the car to conveniently put the phone the charging part was a bonus.

Ah well, my Dickensian views on these matters are clearly out of kilter with the ‘yoof’ segment..

I find my iPhone 7 Plus now just replaced by an iPhone 12 Pro sits very nicely in the ashtray in mine plus a short usb cable from a usb charger that sits flush in the lighter socket makes it very neat..not a big fan of wires snaking across the cockpit ..but each to their own.

Out of interest how does the charging rates vary wireless vs toasty usb charger?

 

[Silverstar]

Ah well, my Dickensian views on these matters are clearly out of kilter with the ‘yoof’ segment..

Probably charges a slower than a USB but as I said I didn't really buy it for the charging function. I know what you mean about wires trailing every where but I think I managed to keep this fairly neat with the wire only visible a short distance from the mount to under the armrest. I've got the 12 Pro Max no way of squeezing that thing in the ashtray.

 

[Anonymous]

I pondered about the 12 mini but my unaided eye sight is quite poor so the screen although beautifully rendered is a bit small..the Max was just a bit of a brick for something I hand carry a lot with me...glad I didn’t go with it now that you’ve told me about the cigarette lighter space...

Would have had to get rid the Zed and buy something more suitable given the price of those phones...