The modern user of the flagship smartphone is used to the absence of wires on the desktop, and the Xiaomi ecosystem has long ceased to be an exception to this comfortable rule. If previously the presence of an inductive charging module was the privilege of exclusively top-end devices worth over a thousand dollars, today the company's engineers have implemented this technology in many models of the middle and high price segment. This allows you to simply put the gadget on a special panel and forget about the constant connection of the cable, which is especially convenient at night or in the office.
However, not all devices of the brand are equipped with this feature, and when buying a new device it is important to clearly understand which model you are targeting. In this article, we will discuss in detail which devices support wireless charging, as well as the topic of reverse mode, which turns a smartphone into a powerbank for other gadgets. Understanding the technical nuances will help to avoid disappointment and choose a really suitable device for your needs.
It is worth noting that the rate of energy replenishment varies greatly depending on the generation of the processor and the installed version of the operating system. Some models are capable of receiving up to 50 watts and even 80 watts over the air, which is comparable to the wired solutions of competitors, whereas older versions are limited to the standard 10-20 watts. We will examine these differences so that you can objectively assess the need to buy a branded dock.
Technological features of inductive charging in Xiaomi smartphones
The principle of wireless power transmission is based on electromagnetic induction, where the coil in the charger creates a magnetic field, and the coil inside the smartphone converts it back to electric current. In Xiaomi devices, this process is optimized with special power management chips that control temperature and voltage, preventing overheating.
It is important to understand that the efficiency of energy transfer depends on the density of the device to the base and the presence of foreign objects between them. Thick covers, metal plates or magnetic holders can significantly reduce efficiency or completely block the charging process.
β οΈ Note: Using metal inserts in cases or credit cards in a bookcase between the phone and the charging station can cause overheating and battery damage.
The brandβs current flagships also support Mi Turbo Charge technology for wireless format, which requires the use of an original power adapter and a cable of a certain power. Without these conditions, the smartphone will go to standard Qi mode, which rarely exceeds 10 watts. This means that to get the specified speed you will need a full set of original equipment.
Why does your phone warm up when charging wirelessly?
Xiaomi and Mi series with Wireless Charge support
The bulk of wireless charging devices are the Mi flagship lineup and Xiaomiβs digitally-indexed one, which are the most advanced models, including ultrafast protocols of 50W and higher. If wireless charging is critical to you, this is the first category to look at when choosing a new phone.
Since the Mi 9 series, the company has made this feature the standard for the top segment, and since then almost no flagship has come out without a corresponding coil. Moreover, in the Mi 10 and Mi 11 series, the speed has been increased to record values, ahead of many wired solutions.
- π± Xiaomi 14, 13, 12, 11 series (all Pro, Ultra and standard versions).
- π± Mi 10, Mi 9 series (including Pro, Lite, Ultra versions).
- π± Mi Mix series (all models, including Mix) 2S, Mix 3, Mix 4).
- π± Xiaomi Civi series (some models, such as Civi 3).
The Mi Mix series, which is often a testing ground for new technologies, deserves special attention. For example, the Mi Mix Alpha concept and subsequent models demonstrated the possibility of remote charging, although such solutions have not yet been mass produced.
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All Xiaomi flagship smartphones released after 2019 are guaranteed to have a built-in wireless charging module.
Redmi and Note Sub-brand: Is There a Wireless Charging?
In the Redmi brand, the situation is much more complicated, as the focus is on maximum performance at low cost. The introduction of an inductive charging coil increases the cost of the device and takes up useful space inside the case, which is often allocated to a more capacious battery or main camera module. Therefore, wireless charging in Redmi is extremely rare and is more the exception than the rule.
For a long time, the only representative to get this feature was the Redmi K30 Pro (known globally as the Redmi Note 9 Pro in China, but it is important not to be confused with the global version).However, in global versions of the Redmi Note series smartphones (Note 10, 11, 12, 13), this option is usually absent. Engineers prefer to equip these models with ultra-fast wired charging, which compensates for the lack of wireless convenience with the rate of replenishing energy.
However, the Redmi K lineup, which is often the equivalent of Mi flagships for the Chinese market, sometimes features wireless protocol support. For example, the Redmi K40 Pro+ and some K50 versions have been equipped with this feature. If you are considering buying a device from this brand, be sure to check the full technical specifications of a particular model, as the availability of the feature depends on the region of delivery.
β οΈ Global versions of Redmi smartphones often differ from the Chinese lack of modules NFC or wireless charging, even if the model name has the same indexes.
For users who still want to use wireless charging on Redmi, there are special external receivers that connect via a USB-C port. They are a thin plate that is inserted between the phone and the case. While this solution is less elegant and can interfere with fast wired charging, it allows you to use any Qi-compatible base.
Charging speed comparison: Characteristics table
Air-recharge rate is a parameter that is often overlooked by focusing on function alone. But the difference between 10W and 50W is huge: if the former is good for keeping a charge throughout the day, the latter allows you to fully charge the device in an hour. Xiaomi devices apply different standards, from basic Qi to proprietary high-power protocols.
Below is a comparison table showing the difference in power support for different generations of flagships. Note that to achieve maximum values requires the use of the original Xiaomi station and the power supply of the appropriate power.
| Smartphone model | Max Power (Wireless) | Charging time 0-100% | Reverse support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 Pro | 50 W. | ~55 minutes | Yes (10 watts) |
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | 50 W. | ~50 minutes | Yes (10 watts) |
| Mi 11 Ultra | 67 W. | ~40 minutes | Yes (10 watts) |
| Mi 9 Pro | 30 Watts. | ~70 minutes | No. |
| Redmi K30 Pro | 30 Watts. | ~75 minutes | No. |
As the data shows, newer models not only charge faster, but also manage heat more efficiently. Mi Turbo Charge Wireless technology allows high power to almost 80% of the charge, after which the current is smoothly reduced to maintain the health of the lithium polymer cell, which makes the process not only fast, but also safe for long-term use of the device.
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For maximum wireless charging speed, remove the thick case or use a magnetic ring that centers the phone on the base.
Reversible wireless charging: the phone as a powerbank
Many modern Xiaomi smartphones feature reverse wireless charging, which allows them to be used to recharge other devices, such as headphones, smartwatches or even another smartphone. This is an extremely useful option in situations where there is no network adapter at hand, and you need to urgently add power to accessories.
To use Reverse Wireless Charging, you need to turn on the appropriate switch in the menu and put the compatible device exactly in the center of the back cover of your smartphone. Usually, the indicator on the screen shows that the process is underway, and also displays the level of remaining charge. It is worth remembering that this mode consumes energy quite quickly, so you should not use it to fully charge another phone from scratch.
- π Supported devices: TWS-Headphones, smart watches, other smartphones with Qi.
- π Reverse power: usually limited 5-10 Waht for safety.
- π Automatic shutdown: the system itself will turn off the power supply when overheated or completely discharged.
It is important to note that when you actively use reverse charging, the phone can get significantly warmer. This is a normal physical reaction, but it is recommended not to cover the devices with a blanket or leave them in the sun during the process, and the function may not work if there is a metal plate or a too thick case on the back of the phone.