Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen) review: Power with finesse

Three years after the launch of its original wireless charger, Google has returned to the market with 2021’s Pixel Stand (2nd gen). Just like its predecessor, the latest Pixel Stand pairs with your Pixel smartphone, imbuing it with functional Google Assistant and other features while charging. It’s much more than your standard wireless charger.

While primarily built for fast charging the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, Google’s second-generation cradle aims to power a wide range of wireless charging smartphones too. Let’s see if that’s the case in Android Authority’s Pixel Stand (2nd gen) review.

• Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen): $79/£69/€79

The Pixel Stand is, first and foremost, a fast wireless charger built for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. It provides 21W and 23W of wireless power to these smartphones, respectively. The stand also supports up to 15W for Qi Extended Power Profile (EPP) certified devices, including previous-generation Pixel smartphones.

The design of 2021’s Pixel Stand is bulkier than the previous model. Its dimensions are 113.9 x 71.6 x 82.0mm, accommodating the built-in fan, while the stand weighs 71g (2.8oz). It’s an all-plastic build here, with a mostly white coating and what can best be described as a mint green bottom to the stand — in keeping with Google’s colorful Pixel 6 series colorways. There’s a single USB-C port on the back to provide power to the stand.

2021’s Pixel Stand is a solid option to fast-charge your Pixel 6 series smartphone. It’s not as fast as wired charging but isn’t far off, at two hours seven minutes to fill the Pixel 6 Pro. The Stand also provides robust wireless charging speeds for a wide range of Qi EPP smartphones, making it a great choice if you have several different handsets in the household.

Based on the table above, we can estimate that the stand is about 80% efficient at sending power over the air. This gives us a maximum charging power of 23W transferred to the Pixel 6 Pro and 15W to a selection of other Qi EPP-compatible phones. I also tested phones with the original Pixel Stand, and there’s a clear and noticeable improvement compared to the basic Qi 5W option supported by the first-gen model and many third-party chargers.

As well as being a great wireless charger, the Pixel Stand offers extra features for your Pixel handset. When charging in the cradle, Pixel phones from the Pixel 3 onwards can become a Google Photos frame, smart home controller, Sunrise Alarm, can be set to do-not-disturb mode, and take all the usual commands via Google Assistant. The Pixel Stand transforms your phone into a tiny Google Nest Hub of sorts. When wireless charging, a prompt appears to guide you through setting up everything just how you like it. If you’re invested in Google’s ecosystem, these features are a nice touch and certainly add extra value over third-party wireless chargers.

However, if you’re running a Pixel 5 or older with Google’s first-generation cradle, you won’t gain anything by moving to the newer Pixel Stand (2021). The features are exactly the same as last time; the main upgrade is faster charging speeds for the Pixel 6 and other phones.

There are a couple of small complaints with the Pixel Stand (2021), though. For starters, it wouldn’t fast-charge the Pixel 6 Pro above 9W without going through the aforementioned Pixel Stand onboarding process. As part of this process, the phone offers you the option to pick Optimized, Max, or Quiet charging preferences. It appears you need to visit this option at least once before fast charging is enabled, but it took several attempts before the setup process made it as far as this screen. This is beyond annoying, especially if you don’t intend to use the charger’s Assistant and other features. However, you can turn these off and retain fast wireless charging afterward.

If you find your Pixel 6 series slow to charge wirelessly, this is likely why. Also, check you’re running software version SQ1D.211205.016.A1 or newer.

I’m also not super hot on the design of the latest Stand. It’s a lot thicker and certainly not as elegant as the first model, owing to the inclusion of a fan that, fortunately, remains silent even during a full charge cycle. The USB-C cable also no longer neatly plugs in underneath the stand, so you’ll need a spare inch behind the Pixel Stand to accommodate the cable as well.

Related: The best phone charging accessories

Google’s second-generation Pixel Stand is built for the Pixel 6 series as it’s much more than a basic wireless charger. With Assistant, smart home, do-not-disturb, and photo frame capabilities, the Pixel Stand is an accessory built to help you make the most of Google’s broader ecosystem while charging your Pixel handsets.

Swanky extras aside, the Pixel Stand (2021) is also an excellent wireless charger. Pixel 6 charging speeds are virtually as good as their wired specs, yet the cradle remains quiet and cool. Furthermore, 15W Qi EPP support means it will charge up a wide range of smartphones and other gadgets in a reasonably timely fashion too.

See also: The best wireless chargers — a buyer’s guide

The only drawback is Google’s steep $79 asking price. If you’re not primarily buying for a Pixel smartphone, you won’t benefit from those extra Google features that just about justify the high price. Instead, you should check out the much more affordable 15W Anker PowerWave II Stand ($39.99) that has you well covered for fast Qi wireless charging.

Top Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen) questions and answers

Q: How long does it take to wireless charge the Pixel 6 Pro?

A: Two hours and seven minutes.

Q: Can it fast wireless charge older Google Pixel smartphones?

A: Yes. The Pixel 3, 4, and 5 series handsets charge wirelessly with up to 10W of power.

Q: Does the Pixel Stand charge other smartphones?

A: Yes, providing they support Qi wireless charging. The Pixel Stand supports up to 15W wireless charging for Qi EPP-certified products and 5W for regular Qi gadgets.

Q: Can it charge my Pixel Buds?