Google Pixel Stand is so much more than just a wireless charger: Review

Wireless charging is no longer a cool factor, but an actual necessity for some. Google, like many other OEMs, added wireless charging support in its latest flagship Pixel 3-series and along with it launched an exclusive Pixel Stand. We've seen many wireless chargers out there, but nothing is like the Google Pixel Stand that does more than just charge your phone wirelessly.

The minimalistic design of the Pixel Stand makes for a perfect bedside accessory or completes your workstation at the office. The round bottom with an oval slanting stand looks like an antiquity you picked from a store, but when you place Pixel 3 XL, a Pixel 3 or any other Qi-enabled smartphones, it starts charging the phone.

But that's what wireless chargers do, isn't it? What's so different about Google Pixel Stand, which retails at Rs 6,900 in India? When paired the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL with Pixel Stand, there can be some wonders.

Setting up the Pixel Stand is as easy as plugging Google's USB Type-C charger to the Type-C port at the bottom. There's a generous 1.5-meter long Type-C cable that can easily cover the distance between your plug point to the bedside table. Oh, and yes, the Pixel Stand charger comes with 18W USB PD adaptor, enabling faster wireless charging up to 10W.

The bottom circular pad has an orange grip at the bottom, which doesn't slide off even when placed on a slight slant table. You can charge your Pixel 3 by placing the phone vertically or horizontally, depending on what you're doing with it. Like watching movies while charging the phone placed horizontally makes more sense.

When you're not using your Pixel 3 or its XL sibling for watching something in the landscape mode, place the phone on Pixel Stand in vertical orientation and carry out other tasks. The Pixel Stand will display a different screen when placed the Pixel 3/3XL on it.

Google's "Do more while charging" page lists down everything you need to know about the things you can do while wirelessly charging the phone. But the biggest and most useful feature is the ability to use Google Assistant while charging the Pixel 3.

The lock screen when placed a Pixel 3 on a Pixel Stand shows some useful commands such as check weather, play news, set an alarm and more. Simply say "Hey Google" and command your way while you relax in your bed. The reason why I'm stressing on it being used as a bedside accessory is due to the cool features that come with it.

Google Pixel Stand with Pixel 3 can help you fall asleep by commanding the Assistant to play soothing nature sounds, carry out bedtime routine every day, gently wake you up by gradually brightening up the screen minutes before the alarm goes off. The sunrise feature works for alarms between 5 a.m. to 11 a.m.

If you need that peaceful sleep, the Pixel Stand lets you activate DND mode to automatically turn off all notifications, including calls. Another interesting feature I loved about the Pixel Stand is the auto turn off Always On Display, which senses your ambience and turns off the screen light when the room goes dark.

Now, these are the features that most of the users can take advantage of. But if you have a smart home setup, the Pixel Stand is ready to astound you. You can control your smart appliances such as AC, thermostat and more by asking the Assistant. And if you have a smart security camera on your network, the Pixel Stand can show you who's at the door – a boon for all those lazy ones out there who refuse to leave the bed even to answer the door.

Google Pixel Stand can charge any Qi-enabled smartphone, so if anyone has an iPhone X, finding the charger won't be necessary. Speaking of charging, the Pixel 3 XL placed on the Pixel Stand charged the phone from 35 percent to 70 percent in an hour. The charging speed is not as fast as the wired charger, but the additional features in the Pixel Stand is clearly worth overlooking the comparatively slow charging.

Now, if you're leaving your Pixel 3 on the charger overnight, it will be full before you wake up. So it's a win-win. The only setback I noticed is that the charger looks quite delicate, especially the slanting stand. Also, I sometimes happen to play games while charging the phone, so the Pixel Stand doesn't let me do that. But it's a good detox.

If you'd ask me, this is the perfect time to buy Pixel Stand as it can be your unique Christmas gift. All you have to do is make sure the person you're gifting the Pixel Stand to has a Qi-compatible phone. And, it's not a bad idea to grab one for yourself too.