Three weeks into using the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, I found myself in a familiar predicament: my earbuds were dead. Specifically, my Galaxy Buds Pro, those little noise-canceling lifesavers that get me through my daily commute, were flashing a pathetic red light. I was stranded at the coffee shop, battery life dwindling on my phone, and no way to listen to my podcast. Then it hit me: reverse wireless charging. I’d read about it, seen the demos, but never actually used it. This was the moment of truth.
The S24 Ultra, like its predecessors, features Wireless PowerShare, Samsung’s branded name for reverse wireless charging. It’s a feature buried in the settings, typically found under "Battery" and then "Wireless PowerShare." Activating it is simple: pull down the quick settings panel, tap the Wireless PowerShare icon, and then flip the phone over, placing the device you want to charge directly on the back. The phone’s screen displays a cute animation indicating the charge is happening.
My initial skepticism was, well, high. I’d always assumed reverse wireless charging was more of a gimmick than a genuinely useful feature. I imagined it would be slow, inefficient, and ultimately more trouble than it was worth. I was wrong.
Placing my Buds Pro on the back of the S24 Ultra, I watched the tiny battery indicators on the buds’ case light up. Within about fifteen minutes, I had enough juice to listen to the remainder of my commute. It wasn’t a full charge, mind you, but it was enough to get me through. That alone was enough to convert me.
The experience isn’t perfect, of course. The charging speed is noticeably slower than wired charging or even standard wireless charging. Samsung claims a maximum output of 4.5W for Wireless PowerShare on the S24 Ultra. In practice, it feels even slower, especially when charging larger devices like another phone. This isn’t a feature you’d rely on for a full recharge of another phone. Instead, it’s best suited for topping up smaller devices like earbuds, smartwatches, or even another phone in a pinch, when you absolutely need a little extra power.
The placement is also a bit finicky. You have to position the device just right on the back of the phone to ensure a connection. The S24 Ultra is a large phone, and finding the sweet spot can be a bit of a treasure hunt, especially if you’re trying to do it discreetly. You also can’t use the phone while it’s charging another device. The charging pad is on the back, so you’re stuck flipping the phone and setting it down.
Another consideration is heat. Wireless charging, both standard and reverse, generates heat. The S24 Ultra gets noticeably warm during reverse charging, particularly when charging something like a phone. This is perfectly normal, but it’s something to be aware of. Don’t leave it charging in direct sunlight, and monitor the temperature if you’re concerned.
Despite these drawbacks, I’ve found myself using Wireless PowerShare far more often than I expected. It’s come in handy on several occasions. Once, I was at a friend’s house, and his smartwatch was dead. A quick flip of my phone, and his watch had enough juice to make it through the evening. Another time, my wife’s phone was running low, and I was able to give her a quick boost while we were out.
The key is managing expectations. Wireless PowerShare isn’t a replacement for a wall charger or a dedicated power bank. It’s a supplemental feature designed for convenience. It’s a lifesaver in those moments when you’re caught without a charger and need a little extra power to make it through the day.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, as of June 2025, sells for approximately $1,299 for the base model with 256GB of storage. You can purchase it directly from Samsung’s website, major electronics retailers like Best Buy, and through various mobile carriers. Shopping considerations include the size of the phone (it’s a large device), the camera capabilities (it’s fantastic), and the battery life (impressive, even when using Wireless PowerShare).
Where to Buy:
- Samsung.com
- Best Buy
- Amazon
- Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile
Shopping Considerations:
- Price: The S24 Ultra is a premium device, so be prepared for a hefty price tag.
- Size: It’s a large phone, so make sure you’re comfortable with the size.
- Features: Beyond Wireless PowerShare, the S24 Ultra boasts a top-of-the-line camera system, excellent performance, and a stunning display.
- Battery Life: Even with reverse wireless charging, the battery life is excellent.
FAQ
Q: What devices are compatible with reverse wireless charging?
A: Generally, any device that supports Qi wireless charging is compatible. This includes most modern smartphones (Samsung, Google Pixel, iPhones, etc.), earbuds with wireless charging cases, smartwatches, and even some wireless chargers.
Q: How fast is reverse wireless charging?
A: Reverse wireless charging is generally slower than standard wireless charging. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a maximum output of 4.5W for Wireless PowerShare. The actual charging speed will vary depending on the device being charged.
Q: Does reverse wireless charging drain the phone’s battery quickly?
A: Yes, reverse wireless charging will drain the phone’s battery. It’s best to use it sparingly and only when needed.
Q: Can I charge my phone with another phone using reverse wireless charging?
A: Yes, you can. However, it will be a slow process, and you’ll need to ensure both phones support reverse wireless charging.
Q: Does reverse wireless charging work through a phone case?
A: It depends on the case. Generally, thin cases will work fine. Thick or metal cases may interfere with the charging process.
Q: Is reverse wireless charging safe?
A: Yes, reverse wireless charging is generally safe. The phone is designed to regulate the power output and prevent overheating. However, it’s always a good idea to monitor the temperature of both devices during charging.
Q: Is it worth buying a phone specifically for reverse wireless charging?
A: No, probably not. Reverse wireless charging is a convenient feature, but it shouldn’t be the primary reason for buying a phone. Consider it a bonus feature. The S24 Ultra is a fantastic phone for many reasons, but the reverse wireless charging is just one of the many features.