More and more customers are looking at wireless charging technology on smartphones before making a purchase decision. Wireless charging is, of course, a convenient way to juice up the phone without having to plug in. Though slower than wired charging, it’s a perfect solution when you are working at your desktop or when you’re in bed. Further, they serve as universal charging points — you can have an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy S, a Pixel or several other mid-segment or premium phones, they all work with the same pad.

The trend has spawned an accessory industry with a number of players coming up with great-looking charging pads, some of which are covered in leather with an extra compartment to keep trinkets, car keys and so on. Recently we came across Leather Talks Smart Valet Tray (Rs 4,995) with wireless charging from Leather Talks.

The device is well packaged and can accomodate almost all smartphones that support wireless charging

As the name suggests, it’s a tray with a dual purpose — serve as a wireless charging dock as well as a compartment for essentials. The product is large enough to accommodate the latest iPhone 13 ProMax as well as something as compact as Samsung Galaxy S22. The product itself needs to be connected to a power point via USB-C cable, which comes in the box. The length of the cable is substantial.

While charging Galaxy S22+ or iPhone 13 Pro, I simply plonked the phone on the wireless charger and it did its job. For a largish device like iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, I kept the device at a 10-degree angle, and it worked fine. Besides phones, I tried wireless charging on my Nothing earbuds as well as Apple AirPods. Don’t try it on the Apple Watch because it charges differently and needs its own charging system. Wireless output is at 15W, which is fair enough for such charging technology.

Also, cleaning is simple. A microfibre cleaning cloth is the best solution and during the course of 10 days we had no issues. The compartment for keeping accessories is large enough to accommodate a wallet and, of course, keys and cards.

If you have not tried wireless charging, it’s time you switch over because it spares you the hassle of having too many charging cables on your desk, especially if you are using both iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S phones. Go wireless and reduce clutter.