[Nexus 5 Accessories] B.Ken:
wireless charger causes high heat?

I didn't see anything about battery temperatures while charging (I may have missed it - but I did a search) - was that a problem?

Did you measure the battery temperature while testing the different chargers? I purchased 3 inexpensive chargers (about $8 each).

This morning at work, using one of the wireless chargers (with the same cable I usually use to charge the phone), my Nexus 5 temp went from 85F to over 104F and the charge went from about 52% to 74% (when it dinged with high temp warning and I pulled it from the wireless charger - see the screen shot - I only blanked out my employers wireless network SSID).

The Nexus 5 Spec sheets says the operating temp is 0-40C - and 40C=104F - so I exceeded the operating temperature.

At home, I tried a similar test (different cable and wireless pad, but USB2 port on desktop computer). The temp on my Nexus climbed high (over 10F in < 15 minutes).

With my son's Samsung Galaxy S4 let it run for about 20 minutes - the temp only climbed about 5F (from about 87F to 92F and then stayed there - until my son needed his phone - using a 3rd party connector inside the case to do the wireless charging).

So...I did another test with my Nexus 5, and recorded the data. I started it from 85% (not around 50% like at work) and got the following results(recorded the temp's, then shut off the screen) - room ambient temperature was around 78F:

time temp battery charge %

21:30 84.2F 85% (start)

21:33 90.0F 86%

21:38 92.1F 88%

21:45 93.7F 91% (end)

EDIT:

I did a wired charge test...using the same cable, unplugged from wireless pad, into usb port of phone:

21:58 86.5F 90% (start)

22:10 87.3F 97% (end)

So wireless does look like it really causes a temperature increase!

(end of EDIT)

So in 15 minutes, the temp rose almost 10F - but nowhere near as high as this mornings results.

According to GOOGLE support - they only support the Nexus 5 branded charger - they assured me my phone wasn't the problem it was the wireless chargers I used (they also only support the charger cable/wall wart that came with the phone).

(see below parts from the chat log with google support tonight):

So...I'm trying a test...I've ordered the Nexus 5 wireless charger from GOOGLE tonight...and will try it (as a test - I'll probably end up returning it and eat the shipping and just plug it in wired...but now I'm just plain curious). The Nexus 5 product spec sheet doesn't say it "only" supports the Nexus 5 charger - but has "Wireless Charging built-in". I'll try to do a similar test - from 50% upto 75% and see what results I get.

I'll report back after I receive it and test...I am thinking, based upon what I've been finding in forums where others are questioning the high heat, that it _seems_ to be a problem with some of the Nexus 5 phones (I've only had mine for < 45 days).

Consecutive (non-edited, other than bolding) from the GOOGLE chat support:

Heather S.

8:25 PM

I can recommend that you use only Nexus chargers and the original USB charger that the phone came with.

________________________________________

me

8:26 PM

I understand you can only recommend that - but I've used different cables (plugged into a computer - so low voltage) without issue...I guess what is the next step? I have to buy the Nexus wireless charger...and if I still have the issue...what happens then?

________________________________________

Heather S.

8:26 PM

As was stated before, you can return the Nexus Wireless charger in like new condition within 15 days from when you received it for a full refund, initial shipping cost not included.

If it's purchased from Google Play.

________________________________________

me

8:27 PM

right...but if I go that route - and it gets too hot still - that would indicate some issue with the Nexus 5 phone itself...how would that be addressed?

since I am outside that 15 day window

________________________________________

Heather S.

8:28 PM

There is not an issue with the way that your Nexus 5 charges, the issue is with the 3rd party Qi charger that you are using.

________________________________________

me

8:28 PM

so the Nexus 5 doesn't work with any QI standard charger - only the nexus charger?

________________________________________

Heather S.

8:29 PM

You have proved this by using the original charging cable, and that has reduced the heat.

________________________________________

me

8:29 PM

is getting a high temp battery a problem - if so, how high then?

how high would be a problem then

________________________________________

Heather S.

8:30 PM

I don't have that answer for you, Ken.

I do know that the only approved charging accessories for the Nexus 5 (by Google) are the original charger, and the Nexus wireless charger.

________________________________________

me

8:31 PM

Hmm...so it looks like I'm back to having to purchase the Nexus QI charger pad...if the issue happens, I'm out the shipping money - and basically that would prove an issue with the phone itself, correct?

If it doesn't happen - then the phone doesn't support QI standard...which would also seem to be a potential issue, correct?

________________________________________

Heather S.

8:32 PM

That is not correct, as I have stated. There is not an issue with your Nexus 5.

You are more than welcome to contact the Qi manufacturer with any questions about the charger itself.

________________________________________

me

8:32 PM

Since the Nexus 5 is made by LG - can I get an LG wireless charger - or only the Nexus charger?

________________________________________

Heather S.

8:33 PM

The only chargers approved by Google, for use with the Nexus 5, is the original charger or the Nexus charger sold from the Play store.