Originally published at: https://tidbits.com/2024/10/17/comparing-kuxius-x40q-and-x55-multi-device-wireless-chargers/
In “Going All in on MagSafe for the iPhone in the Office, Bedroom, and Car” (6 May 2024), I wrote about the KUXIU X55 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Wireless Charging Station. It has served me well as a nighttime charger for my iPhone and Apple Watch, and I have become inordinately fond of how StandBy detects when I look at the iPhone in the middle of the night and displays the time in a dim red font that even my nearsighted eyes can make out without glasses. It was also a boon when traveling because it allows a single adapter to charge all my small Apple devices. The X55 remains available, and if you don’t need another adapter and USB-C cable, the charger alone is on sale for just $29.99.
So when KUXIU wrote to me recently and asked if I’d like to check out the new X40Q charger, I was dubious that it could improve the experience. Nothing bothered me about the X55, and the X40Q is more expensive, listing for $99.99 and currently on sale for $79.99. The extra cost also gets you a 30-watt charger instead of the X55’s 20-watt charger.
The X40Q wireless charger in its native habitat
Functionally, I have noticed no significant difference. The main internal upgrade is that the X40Q supports Qi2, the latest version of the wireless charging technology that improves efficiency with magnetic alignment based on Apple’s MagSafe and provides up to 15-watt charging, just like MagSafe. However, in my testing with a WattsUp Pro power meter, the X55 and X40Q both drew a maximum of about 12 watts while charging my iPhone 16 Pro, regardless of which power adapter they used. Both fluctuated under those maximums most of the time, likely due to Apple’s Optimized Battery Charging. The Apple Watch and AirPods charging pads still charge at up to 5 watts.
From an industrial design perspective, some will see the X40Q as an improvement. It uses an aluminum alloy instead of plastic, which, along with the curved corners, provides a sleek aesthetic, though I also liked the squared-off white look of the X55. You can choose from gray, black, titanium gold, and wood grain finishes.
X40Q on the left, X55 on the right
Relying on metal instead of plastic makes the X40Q 57 grams heavier: 208 grams versus 151 for the X55. That’s not a win if you’re trying to reduce weight in your laptop bag, but it’s less likely to slide or tip when awkwardly groping for the iPhone in bed. Travelers will appreciate that the X40Q folds down smaller, dropping the folded height from 32 mm to 26 mm. If you prefer a compartmentalized approach to packing, the X40Q also comes with a stiff-sided carrying case that also holds the USB adapter and cable.
X40Q on the left, X55 on the right, X40Q carrying case in the back
KUXIU also tweaked other aspects of the design. Whereas the Apple Watch puck previously folded down from its cutout, it now folds up, with a spring-loaded hinge that holds it in place. That positions the watch higher and closer to the top piece, obscuring the Apple Watch screen a bit more and making it slightly more challenging to read. This perturbed me for a day or two, and then I stopped noticing. The X40Q’s hinges are also stiffer than the X55’s, but neither is an issue.
The USB-C charging port and LED indicator moved to the back of the X40Q from their side position on the X55. Whether that matters to you depends entirely on your setup, but I slightly prefer having the LED in the back to reduce its pinprick of light even more.
Ultimately, although I like both chargers, I can’t recommend one over the other—they seem to work identically and differ in small enough ways that any purchasing decision comes down to budget and aesthetic preference. For additional price and design options, KUXIU sells the X40 (which hasn’t been updated to Qi2, seemingly irrelevant to MagSafe users), X40 Pro/Plus (with leather, wood grain, and titanium finishes), X55 Nature Series (with marble and wood grain finishes), and X63 (which has round rather than square pieces). Current sale prices range from $29.99 to $79.99, and KUXIU is offering a 10% discount for TidBITS readers with coupon code KUXIU1010. Shipping from KUXIU is free, but if you prefer, the company’s products are also available on Amazon.