It feels like Google has forgotten the Pixel Stand, but with the Pixel 10 possibly supporting Qi2, now is the time to bring it back.
The Pixel Stand debuted alongside the Pixel 3 and 3XL almost seven years ago, and it was my favorite accessory for those phones. Adding useful Google Assistant features and faster Qi charging made it a must-have accessory for Pixels, and I used it every day.
Outside of the iPhone and HMD Skyline supporting MagSafe and Qi2, respectively, wireless charging has been stagnant since then. 2021’s Pixel Stand 2 made some minor improvements to the Pixel Stand formula, but it wasn’t a significant leap. With rumours that Google plans to add Qi2 charging to the Pixel 10 series, I’m hoping those plans also include a Pixel Stand 3.Faster charging and exclusive features
The Pixel Stand has always been more than just a wireless charger. It was the way you unlocked faster wireless charging and a handy Google Assistant-enabled always-on display. Even the Pixel 9 series can only reach its max wireless charging speeds on a Pixel Stand 2. On a standard Qi charger, the Pixel 9 Pro can only manage a measly 12W, while a Pixel Stand 2 can recharge the phone at 21W.
The faster speeds and unique always-on display are great features that I loved using back when I had a Pixel 3XL, but there’s a problem — Google stopped selling the Pixel Stand 2 in September 2024. Just a month after Google unveiled the Pixel 9 series, the accessory needed for them to charge at their advertised maximum speeds went away.
