Google Pixel 5 Supports Wireless Charging Despite Aluminium Back: Explained

In order to make wireless charging possible, smartphone manufacturers have been using either polycarbonate material or glass on the back of smartphones for years. That’s because connectivity is hindered by phones with metal backs, which causes a difference in charging speeds as well as experience. But surprisingly, the newly launched Google Pixel 5 flagship smartphone comes with an aluminium back and still supports wireless charging. It also includes reverse wireless charging. How is it possible, then?

The aluminium back of Pixel 5 uses an extra layer named ‘bio-resin’ that is basically a thin layer of plastic. It is the same material that once you hold the phone, you can experience. Instead of giving you a metal ‘feel’, the aluminium component is only to make the back more durable. Google was thus capable of pulling it off. This technology allows the company to cut a physical hole in the aluminium chassis and insert a coil for wireless charging. Since the bio-resin layer is strong enough, you would not be able to feel it.

When questioned why Google did not use glass or plastic on the back instead of the above approach, the company explained that it was the only way the phone could attain the same footprint and thinness.

Although this latest approach also opens up several possibilities for upcoming smartphones and we may see more metal body smartphones with wireless charging support. But, it is yet to be seen that the ‘bio-resin’ layer is as fragile or stronger as glass.