Buy Anker PowerWave instead of the Pixel Stand for Google’s Pixel 3
While there are a bunch of wireless chargers on the market already, it is no surprise that Google announced a new accessory for its Pixel 3 device – none other than the Pixel Stand. I must tell you from the start that the Pixel Stand does more than charging your phone. To be more precise, it also boasts other features such as shortcuts that appear on the Always On display while your Pixel 3 charges or an amazing Sunrise Alarm feature that changes the glow of the Pixel’s screen to help you sleep better and wake up more gently.
Even more, if you have a Nest Hello video doorbell, this is also helpful. When the smartphone is docked into Pixel Stand, a video feed will automatically appear on your Pixel 3 when someone rings the doorbell. And as if these weren’t enough, when the phone is sitting comfortably and charging, you can have albums from Google Photos appear on your phone to act as a screensaver of sorts, just like on a Smart Display.
You should also know that on any other Qi-compatible wireless charging pad your handset charges at 5 watts — half the power, which means it takes twice as long to charge. Having this neat features available only while using the Pixel Stand feels like a very consumer-unfriendly move considering the phone use the Qi standard and can easily charge on any other pad, but aren’t you still willing to try out something different?
Why should you consider other options too? The Anker PowerWave doesn’t enable any fancy docked mode or flip between different angles, but it’s a reliable wireless charger that runs nearly half the price of Google’s own offering and the price speaks for itself. Anker doesn’t include a power brick and you’ll need a Quick Charge 3.0-compatible brick to reach maximum speeds, but just as the Pixel Stand, you can charge in landscape orientation while watching videos, or portrait mode for messaging.
And it is also case friendly: you don’t have to fumble with your phone case as long as PowerWave transmits charging power directly through protective cases. Isn’t it more than decent for no more than $30 at Amazon?
If you want, you can now buy Anker PowerWave instead of the Pixel Stand and your Pixel 3 will still get the thrill of fast wireless charging.
