Original Pixel Stand is a better deal than new, for Pixel 6

With the launch of the Pixel 3, Google launched its first-party wireless charger, the Pixel Stand. Three years later, that original charger is still in place, and it’s now a better deal than its sequel, even for Pixel 6 owners. Here’s why.

While it’s easy to say that all wireless chargers are the same – you put the phone down and it charges, no cables – Google has set the Pixel Stand apart. To do this, they’ve packaged Pixel phones full of (optionally) Pixel Stand-exclusive features, such as Home controls and Photo Frames.

Coinciding with the Pixel 6 series, which offers significantly faster charging than any previous Pixel phone, Google introduced the second-generation Pixel Stand last year. The main change between the two years is the faster charging speed. However, this means it now generates more heat and needs a fan system.

Below ideal conditions, the second generation Pixel Stand can charge Pixel 6 Pro at up to 23W, while the original version only has 10W. In practice, we’ve seen the new Pixel Stand weakly charge at around 19W, while the old one charges at around 8W.

In our testing, we found that the second-generation Pixel Stand was able to boost the Pixel 6 Pro’s battery pretty quickly – from less than 10% to full in about two hours. Other than that difference in speed, the two generations of Pixel Stand perform roughly the same, and even have the same suggested retail price of $79.

Of course, time has passed and the original Pixel Stand has seen a few drops. Right now, you can choose the first generation Pixel Stand for $40 or less – $29 right now on Woot – significantly changes the dynamics. It’s easy to suggest that a charger that can work twice as fast will cost twice as much, but consider where the Pixel Stand is designed to be:

• The Sunrise Alarm, which uses red light to gently wake you up, seems like a good match for the bedside table.
• Google Home and media controls are the top choice for your desk during a workday.
• The photo frame, which displays pictures of family and friends from Google Photos, would be the perfect choice for both.

In short, the best parts of the Pixel Stand are great for placing on a charger as a desk companion or a bedside frame, and in either case, your phone will be able to stay there for hours. Lake. Not to mention Pixels also offer Adaptive Charging, which intentionally slows down to get to 100% how long does your alarm go off?. These are situations where fast charging is completely unnecessary.

If you don’t want to charge the Pixel 6 series as quickly as possible (or at least as fast because Google will let you), the Second Generation Pixel Stand is a solid choice – and honestly your only choice, as Google has locked down fast wireless charging as a Pixel Stand exclusive. But otherwise, most people will be served the same as the original at half price.

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