Almost 30 smartphones will be available with 5G compatibility this year, tripling the number from last year. This new cellular standard allows the networks to transmit data at remarkable speed, reducing lag time or latency from seconds to milliseconds. For most of our normal applications, this might not be a noticeable difference, but it could help you download huge files, like a two-hour movie – in mere seconds, allow phones to become more effective and enjoyable gaming devices, or allow for more immersive AR and VR experiences – all of which can additional drains on battery life.

Like all evolutionary technologies, its roll-out will not be immediate. While coverage for larger cities and highly dense areas are in place, broad availability is still some years away. Some early adopters may notice their batteries drain more quickly in the meantime, due to switching between 4G and 5G networks. As the networks become more efficient and 5G chip technology improves, this problem may disappear. But in the meantime, constant access to charging sources will become even more important.

Each of the dozen 5G smartphone makers are members of the Wireless Power Consortium, and are working together to address this looming need. Keeping pace with increasingly power-hungry devices, the Qi wireless charging ecosystem has expanded, averaging over 1 million devices shipping daily and covering thousands of public locations worldwide. 5G devices will likely need top-offs during the day, which is easy to do with wireless charging – just set your phone down.

It’s no surprise that the future of 5G coincides with the expansion of wireless charging. In fact, 50% of 5G smartphones already available in the market feature Qi-Certified wireless charging. The OnePlus 8 Pro, announced in April, includes both 5G and Qi wireless charging. Furthermore, all but one of the Samsung smartphones with 5G compatibility feature Qi-Certified wireless charging.

Recent member announcements show two clear trends: larger batteries and faster charging times. This is designed to make getting power and avoiding battery anxiety easier than ever for consumers. If you’re a smartphone owner or retailer considering the switch to the 5G experience, don’t forget to check for wireless charging. You can check for Qi certification in our always-updated product database. After all, faster phones won’t help you if your phone is dead.