I Put the Pixel 11 Pro XL’s 25W Wireless Charging to the Test: Disappointingly Slow Performance

While I generally appreciate Pixel devices, one persistent frustration for me is their charging performance. Of course, you could splurge on official accessories like the Pixel Flex 67W charger, which is indeed impressive. However, not all products in Google’s charging lineup meet the same standard, particularly the PixelSnap charger.

It’s disappointing to see Google seemingly favoring PixelSnap over my favored Pixel Stand. Though MagSafe offers certain perks, it has significantly hindered charging speeds. Testing last year’s Pixel 10 Pro XL with PixelSnap revealed it charged more than half an hour slower compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL using the older stand.

The wireless charger struggles to reach its claimed 25W output, with my tests showing it maxed out at only 23W—well below the 31W achieved by the older model. It took quite a while for the charger to stabilize its power output, fluctuating between 9V and 16V for several minutes. Ideally, you expect a charger to give maximum output almost immediately, but this setup took about six minutes to hit its peak.

Moreover, it could sustain this peak output for a mere short period, making its performance rather disappointing. Despite the claims of 25W capabilities, the PixelSnap really behaves more like a 15W charger.

On the brighter side, this year’s model maintains peak power slightly better than last year’s, but it still has shortcomings. The Pixel 11 Pro XL charges in 119 minutes from empty to full, an improvement over the 145 minutes it took with the 10 Pro XL. It also reaches 50% battery in 47 minutes compared to 61 minutes before.

Despite these advancements, higher temperatures during charging remain an issue. The device often feels warm to the touch, with internal temperatures reaching 40°C, leading to throttling after the initial faster charging phase. Overall, charging with PixelSnap remains slower and hotter compared to even a standard wired charger.

This performance is especially frustrating considering Google’s previous success with the Pixel Stand (2nd generation), which charged the Pixel 9 Pro XL significantly faster than PixelSnap does with the Pixel 11 Pro XL. The older model could reach full charge in just 101 minutes thanks to its 30W charging capability and built-in fan to manage heat.

Unfortunately, the Pixel Stand is now painfully slow with the Pixel 11 Pro XL, limited to just 7.5W. This means users can expect charge times that exceed four hours if they attempt to use it, which is impractical for anyone in a hurry.

It’s worth noting that while MagSafe offers convenience, it can also compromise charging efficiency. Many users may appreciate the options for cases and battery packs that align securely with the phone, but it becomes less enticing if battery life is a priority.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL does boast impressive 45W wired charging, but it’s not as straightforward. Realistically, the max output typically hovers around 41W—but only if paired with a compatible charger. This inconsistency can be bothersome for users needing reliable performance.

Moreover, Google’s Extreme Charging feature offers a brief boost but comes with a temperature increase, which is hardly ideal. The potential for device overheating adds more complexity to what should be a simple charging experience.

The Pixel Stand’s internal fan was a strong advantage, allowing for cooler operation and more stable power delivery. A refresh of the stand with built-in magnets for better alignment would be a welcome improvement. Unfortunately, the current pricing for the PixelSnap remains absurdly high, making one hope for significant upgrades in the next generation.