Galaxy Z Fold7 Wireless Charging Don't Believe the Hype?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Receives Qi 2.1 Certification: What It Really Means

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 has officially received certification from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the organization behind the Qi wireless charging standard. This certification confirms that the device supports Qi 2.1. However, as is often the case with these certifications, the details aren't quite as straightforward as they seem.

While the listing indicates support for the Basic Power Profile (BPP) at 5W, this is highly unlikely to be the full story. For context, the Galaxy Z Fold6 supports the Extended Power Profile (EPP) at 15W. It's reasonable to expect its successor to at least match, if not exceed, that charging speed.

The Nuances of Qi 2.1 and Magnetic Charging

Qi 2.1 introduces new profiles specifically designed around magnetic cases. These are:

• Magnetic Cover Power Enhancement (MCPE): Designed for phones *without* built-in magnets, this profile allows them to work in Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) mode when using a compatible magnetic case.
• Magnetic Cover Power Magnet (MCPM): This is for phones *with* magnets built in. Cases utilize "feedthrough" magnets to strengthen the magnetic field, ensuring a more secure attachment.

It's easy to get lost in the "alphabet soup," as the WPC's naming conventions can be confusing. The key takeaway is that these profiles aim to optimize wireless charging performance when using magnetic accessories.

Deciphering the Certification Details

Currently, the Galaxy Z Fold7's certification page only lists BPP support, which, as mentioned earlier, is almost certainly an incomplete picture. It's highly probable that faster wireless charging capabilities will be revealed closer to the device's launch.

Interestingly, the WPC uses different model number designations than Samsung's standard "SM-F" nomenclature for its foldable devices. For instance:

• Galaxy Z Fold6: "SC-55E"
• Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition: "SM-D269N"
• Galaxy Z Fold5: "SM-D617S"
• Galaxy Z Fold7: "SM-D637U"

This discrepancy adds another layer of complexity when trying to glean information from these certifications.

Will the Z Fold7 Embrace the Full Magnetic Experience?

The certification page features a "Coming Soon" placeholder, further suggesting that the information is still being updated. However, it's unlikely that Samsung will fully integrate magnets into the Galaxy Z Fold7 itself. A more plausible scenario is that the device will follow a similar approach to the Galaxy S25, relying on MCPE-compatible magnetic cases to achieve optimal magnetic wireless charging.

In Conclusion

The Qi 2.1 certification of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is a welcome confirmation of wireless charging capabilities, though the specifics remain somewhat shrouded in mystery. While the initial listing suggests only basic 5W charging, it's highly probable that the final product will offer significantly faster wireless speeds, potentially leveraging magnetic charging accessories for an enhanced user experience. As we approach the official launch, expect more details to emerge, painting a clearer picture of the Z Fold7's charging prowess.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/the_samsung_galaxy_z_fold7_receives_qi_21_certification-news-68081.php