Samsung Galaxy S5 wireless charging - everything you need to know

Despite being one of the most technologically advanced handsets on the market today, the Galaxy S5 does not have built in wireless charging. Samsung just released two wireless charging cases, and I also tried many third party wireless charging solutions as well. Today, we check out the best ones!

SView Cover Case

First up is the $70 Samsung Wireless Charging S-View Flip Cover. This is a leather flip cover case with a square cut out on the front flap. It’s one of the better cases I’ve used, with genuine feeling leather, and a deep stitching that wraps around its periphery. The window is made out of very tough scratch resistant plastic, and affords the owner the ability to interact with their S5 while its tucked safe and sound.

The subtle Galaxy S5 logo is etched onto the front, and the Samsung logo is on the back. The cutouts are precise and crisp. Overall, the case looks elegant, and feels very good in your hand. The case also has a built in wireless charging. To install the case, one only has to remove the back plate on their S5, place the metal contacts on the back of the phone, and snap the case down.

When the phone is on and the case is closed you will have a smaller version of your lock screen, with quick access to the camera, weather, and pedometer. Your’e still able to see your meeting invites, make phone calls, play with the music player, as you’re able to interact with the phone right through the case. That’s really all there is to it.

The charging pad has not been shipped as of this video, but testing this on other wireless charging pads or docks works just as fine.

Overall I really like the flip style of case, it looks elegant and feels great in the hand. Also being able to access the phone with it being closed, is very cool. I’ve used this case for a few weeks, and it’s still not broken in all the way. I’m not sure if the flap will ever stay shut when its laying on its back. Only time will tell. Also – it seems like Samsung software does not fully recognize this case. Since I still get messages about checking the back casing even though the case is fully secure. Also important to note is that it’s compatible with the Samsung Wireless Charging Pad and all other Qi-certified wireless charging pads.

You can find it on Amazon, here.

Samsung Wireless Charging Cover for the Galaxy S5

Samsung’s Wireless Charging Cover case for the Galaxy S5 is Samsung’s wireless charging back plate for the S5. Priced at $30, the case snaps on the back of your device just like the standard back does. It is a few millimetres thicker, but it’s not a deal breaker by any means, and uses the same material and aesthetically looks the same as its slimmer, non wireless charging capable cousin.

At first glance, the added bulkiness is apparent, but after using it for some time you quickly get adjusted to it. Something else worth mentioning is that when this case is added, slim cases will no longer fit on the device; something to be mindful of.

This too is compatible with the Samsung Wireless Charging Pad and all other Qi-certified wireless charging pads.

See it on Amazon, here.

Wireless Charging Chip – Tylt VuMate

And now we come to the charging pads. These pads have become increasingly popular over the past few years. These are small chips that connect to the metal connectors on the backside of your phone that enable it to achieve wireless charging. I’ve used a few of them to find the best one, and did not have success with anyone of them but one. The Tylt VuMate for the Galaxy S5. The VuMate may cost a bit more than the other ones you can find on Amazon or Ebay for $5, but the price difference is worth it.

To install it just stick it on the battery and connect it to the connectors. Then when closing the case, be sure to apply downward pressure to guarantee the the pads have a solid connection. Then turn your phone back on, and expect it to charge wirelessly when placed upon the appropriate wireless charging pad.

For less than $25, you can add wireless charging functionality without an extra bulk or case, which is pretty awesome. In my tests it worked when putting a case on my S5 as well with no issues.

Get the Tylt VuMate for the Galaxy S5 here.

To sum it up

• The flip cover is really cool, feels elegant and the added functionality while the case is closed is a nice add-on.
• The S Charger Cover works as described, but it does add to the thickness of your device.
• The Tylt VuMate actually worked consistently, and is a good deal at $20-$25 for the functionality it brings.