ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger review: a good little charger with added reinforcements
ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger review
The ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger is available at a list price of $24.99 / £22.49 / AU$37.49 on the official ESR website, but at the time of writing it has a lower list price at Amazon, so it's worth checking in there in case there's a saving to be made.
This ESR charger is a similar price to the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad, which was more comfortable to hold when attached to the back of my phone but lacked the reinforced cable that the ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger possesses.
Due to its light weight, the ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger naturally moves about on surfaces if knocked or the cable is pulled. However, its flat base provides a bit more stability than the curved base of the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad. The downside of this flatter design with sharper edges, in contrast to the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad, is that it isn't as comfortable to hold as the curved shape of the Anker charger. Despite this, it was still easy to handle, even with my smaller-than-average hands, and makes a nice alternative to a bulky power bank.
However, the ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger has the advantage over many of the best wireless chargers when it comes to cable integrity. It features a reassuring length of reinforcing cable cover where it meets the charging pad and braided nylon around the wiring. I'm not really a fan of integrated cables: I prefer one that I can remove to make a charger easier to pack away, but at least the robust-looking cable gives me some confidence that it isn't going to get easily damaged in my overnight bag. The magnet strength was also reassuring, passing the dangle test with ease when I hung the pad by the wire with an iPhone 13 Pro attached.
It took the ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger two hours and eight minutes to fully charge an iPhone 13 Pro, which is near enough the same amount of time it took for the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad to do the same.
In summary, this isn't the charging pad I'd choose if my priority was comfort as I continue to use my phone. However, if I planned to take it between locations regularly, the ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger would be my top choice due to the reinforced cable design. The charging time was good for the price, and a teeny bit quicker than the comparable Anker charging pad, so aside from the not-so-comfortable design, the ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger would definitely be my pick of the two.
If you're not certain that a wireless charging pad is the best format for your needs, we have a range of other options to check out in our guides of the best wireless chargers and best iPhone chargers.
ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger review: Price & specs
Should I buy the ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger?
Buy it if…
You want to save space
One positive of wireless charging pads over a charging station is that it won't take up room on your desk or nightstand, and can easily be picked up and placed whenever you need to use your phone.
You need reinforcement
One downside to integrated power cables is that they can take a battering when placed in bags or drawers, causing the cable to deteriorate over time. But with the robust sleeve and braided cable on this ESR charger, it's likely to deal with a lot more stress than an unreinforced alternative.
Don't buy it if…
You don't want cables to get in the way
If this isn't going to be your main charger and you're just looking for something easy to hold so you can use your phone as it's charging, a wireless power bank may prove a more convenient option.
You want your phone to stay put
This charging pad doesn't possess the weight or anti-slip elements it needs to hold its own on a busy desk. If you want your phone to stay in one place then a wireless charging stand might be a better choice.
ESR Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger review: Also consider
Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad
If you regularly use your phone while it's charging, then you might be interested in this more ergonomic charging pad. The design isn't quite as robust as the ESR charger, but I could forgive this as it was really comfortable to hold, even in my smaller-than-average hands.
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