The launch of the OnePlus 13 kicked off the 2025 season of flagships with a bang. OnePlus has gone all out to deliver a smartphone that ticks almost every box for a high-end device in 2025, except for one. Despite the standard for Qi2 wireless chargers being two years old, its adoption remains underwhelming, and the OnePlus 13 doesn’t natively support it. However, the company introduced a clever compromise that might be the perfect middle ground.
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With the OnePlus 13, OnePlus offers a series of first-party cases that include built-in magnets. These magnets align seamlessly with Qi2 and MagSafe accessories, creating an ecosystem of possibilities. Here’s how it works.
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The Qi2 dilemma
Balancing cost and feature set
As a brand focused on delivering value, OnePlus has had an on-and-off history with wireless charging. While the OnePlus 10 included it, the OnePlus 11 left it out. After feedback from enthusiasts, the feature returned with the OnePlus 12.
The OnePlus 13 continues the trend, supporting wireless charging with impressive capabilities. Using the proprietary AirVOOC standard, it offers up to 50W wireless charging, making it one of the fastest in the market. However, incorporating Qi2-compatible magnets into the phone would have increased its weight and cost, potentially alienating value-conscious buyers.
By unbundling the magnets into optional accessories like cases, OnePlus provides a flexible and personalized solution. This approach allows users to add the feature only if needed and offers the freedom to choose from various styles of cases, such as wood-backed or aramid fiber designs.
So, how well does it work?
OnePlus hopes that putting magnets in a case can replicate the Qi2 experience
I’ve built a large collection of MagSafe accessories over the years, and the OnePlus 13’s magnetic case integrates seamlessly with it.
One of my most used accessories is a MagSafe wallet. I rely on it daily to carry my essential cards. The OnePlus 13’s wood half-back case makes it effortless to attach the wallet and head out. The magnets are strong enough to keep the wallet securely in place, even when sliding the phone in and out of my pocket.
But wallets are relatively light. What about heavier accessories, like a MagSafe power bank? The magnets in the case hold a power bank securely to the phone, offering a reliable solution for on-the-go charging.
Other accessories, such as the MagSafe tripod in my everyday carry, also work flawlessly. The case’s magnets provide a stable connection when propping up the phone to watch videos or snap photos.
Desk chargers are another major use case, and OnePlus’ solution opens the door to the vast ecosystem of MagSafe-compatible accessories. Apple’s consistent design language helped build a mature accessory market, and OnePlus users can now tap into this ecosystem thanks to these magnet-equipped cases.
What’s in it for OnePlus?
With AirVOOC, OnePlus aims to elevate the wireless charging experience.
OnePlus has a vested interest in its magnetic accessory ecosystem, and the new AirVOOC charger is an example. Unlike its desk-bound predecessor, this 50W wireless charger includes magnets to ensure precise alignment for optimal charging.
This new puck-style charger complements the OnePlus 13’s magnetic case, making wireless charging efficient and convenient. The oversized design and built-in fan make it less of a pocketable accessory than you’d expect.
How do OnePlus’ magnetic cases compare to Qi2?
A practical alternative to Qi2
The Qi2 standard, backed by the Wireless Power Consortium, was hailed as a universal upgrade to wireless charging. It introduced features like magnetic alignment for improved efficiency and opened the door to wider accessory compatibility across brands. While Qi2 is built on MagSafe’s foundations, it hasn’t seen widespread adoption.
OnePlus bypasses certain limitations by not integrating Qi2-compatible magnets into the phone. For instance, Qi2-ready magnets would have added extra cost and weight to the phone. This choice might not resonate with value-conscious users. Instead, OnePlus’ case-based approach delivers most of the benefits while keeping the base product streamlined.
Still, there are drawbacks. While OnePlus’ magnetic accessory solution is impressive, it isn’t without flaws. The most noticeable issue is the lack of a stabilizing magnet along the bottom edge, a feature included in MagSafe and Qi2 standards.
Without this stabilizing magnet, accessories like wallets can shift out of place, and tripods require careful positioning. While the circular ring of magnets in the OnePlus 13’s case is strong enough for most tasks, it lacks the precision alignment offered by fully Qi2- or MagSafe-compatible setups.
I wouldn’t call it a dealbreaker. The solution is functional and provides a significant portion of the convenience that MagSafe users enjoy, albeit with a few compromises.
A clever compromise
Striking a balance between the versatility of Qi2 and OnePlus’ focus on value
The OnePlus 13 is another step in the brand’s attempts to balance innovation and value. By taking a thoughtful, user-first approach to wireless charging and MagSafe compatibility, I’d say OnePlus has found a good way to bridge the gap between cost, functionality, and personalization.
While the lack of native Qi2 magnets may disappoint some, the magnetic cases offer a practical alternative that expands the phone’s capabilities without burdening users with added costs or weight. From seamless integration with MagSafe wallets and power banks to compatibility with tripods and desk chargers, the system works remarkably well for various use cases.
The setup isn’t perfect, but it’s an intelligent solution for the challenges of incorporating cutting-edge technology into a value-oriented flagship. OnePlus continues to push boundaries while keeping price points in check. With the OnePlus 13, it’s clear that the company remains dedicated to balancing innovation with practicality. Whether you’re a fan of wireless charging or someone who thrives in a world of accessory ecosystems, the OnePlus 13 has something unique to offer. And I’m here for it.
OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 is a beast of a phone. With a refreshed design, a mostly curveless display, and a massive 6,000mAh battery capable of getting you through a day without breaking a sweat, this could be the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered smartphone to beat in 2025. And hey, it’s got a pretty great camera system, too.
