Ahead of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold launch next week, buyers should be aware that the Pixel Stand 2 cannot be used to charge the 2024 Google foldable.
Announced alongside the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, the 2nd-generation Pixel Stand shipped in December of 2021 and still costs $79. You get a 30W USB-C power adapter (PD 3.0 w/PPS) and 1.5m USB C-to-C cable in the box.
The Pixel Stand 2 maxes out at 23W wireless charging on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, while you get 21W on the Pixel 9 Pro and 15W with the Pixel 9.
A Google support document that was recently updated explicitly states that the “Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn’t support the Pixel Stand but it supports many other wireless chargers.”
The company explains how the “position of the charging coil for Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn’t perfectly centered compared to previous Pixel phones. This might make it difficult for you to charge your phone wirelessly.”
To that end, Google shared a diagram that shows where the charging coil is located:
When you use another wireless charger, adjust the position of your phone to get it to charge. To confirm if it’s aligned correctly, check the charging indicator on your phone.
With the Pixel Stand 2, the original Pixel Fold only supports 7.5W — like the Pixel 7a and 8a.
Top comment by Randy Bullard
I have a Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel Stand 2, and intend to get a Pixel 9 Pro Fold so... very relevant article. I'm not going to lose sleep over ditching the Pixel Stand 2, though I use it daily on my desk. Two questions I wonder whether anyone might be able to answer:
It looks like the charging coil is lower (?) on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold than on the other models. Would putting some kind of lift/platform that raises the bottom of the phone by a half inch or so align the charging coil and allow the Pixel Stand 2 to charge the phone? I guess I'll experiment with that, but wondered if anyone has tried that or has an opinion on whether it might work?
What's a replacement stand that will work with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold? I'm okay to replace my stand if there's a perfect replacement that will work well with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
For those bought into the Google ecosystem, this is an unfortunate development, with the company not mentioning this fact more prominently on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s Google Store listing or specs page.
Said specifications only say the Pixel 9 Pro Fold supports “Wireless charging (Qi-certified),” while it’s “Fast wireless charging (Qi-certified)” on the rest of Pixel 9 series.
The Pixel Stand 2 features a “nearly silent built-in fan” with three charging modes for you to select from:
- Optimized (default): Balances charging speed with fan noise for the best out of box experience
- Max: Charge at the highest possible speed, given device conditions, battery charge level, and other factors.
- Quiet: Make the fan run as quietly as possible.
Other software features include Google Assistant integration, Photo frame on ambient display, Sunrise alarm, Screen off when dark, and Do Not Disturb while docked.
More on Pixel 9 Pro Fold:
- Everything you should know about Satellite SOS on Pixel 9 before you ever have to use it
- Google releases Pixel 9 Pro Fold ‘comet’ factory images
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold that arrived early gets unboxing, ships unfolded [Gallery]
- Here’s what Pixel 9 devices you said you pre-ordered
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