Who’s ready to replace their Galaxy S2 or S3, or even the original Galaxy S? Well get ready, the Galaxy S4 is coming soon. It’s been leaked for a few months now and we know it’s coming, its just inevitable. Samsung’s Galaxy S line has already sold over 100 million devices since the original Galaxy S lineup which launched in 2010. Now the latest rumor shows that the Galaxy S4 will have a wireless charging module on board.
According to Korean news portal DDaily, the Galaxy S4 will feature a wireless charging module, one that will be compatible with Qi standard wireless charging which was developed by the Wireless Power Consortium. The report claims that Samsung was considering using a different technology to transmit power wirelessly, one based on resonant magnetic coupling. Resonant magnetic charging differs from electromagnetic induction by allowing charging at distances of 1-2 meters. Compared to Qi, which only allows wireless charging at a distance of up to 4cm. It’s also reported that Samsung has also developed a wireless charger based on magnetic resonance, but the Korean manufacturer found that this isn’t feasible to commercialize the system.
There’s a coil that enables wireless charging will be placed in the back plate of the Galaxy S4. According to this report, the Samsung Galaxy S4 will not come with wireless charging by default. Say what? Samsung will instead sell the wireless charging back plates and chargers separately at a price that will be determined.
If you remember, the Galaxy S3 was supposed to have a wireless charger accessory, but Samsung never made them available. One of the big features of the Nexus 4 was the wireless charging, which that accessory still isn’t available, but is apparently available next month from at least a Norwegian retailer.
I’m really excited to see the Galaxy S4, and I really hope that it uses Qi wireless charging. Then some of the cool wireless chargers we saw at CES last week will become feasible for more people. Who else is excited for the Galaxy S4? Let us know in the comments.