Inductively Charge Your Galaxy S5 with the TYLT VU-Mate and TYLT VU

TYLT VU-Mate

When Judie reviewed the TYLT VU Wireless Charging Pad in January, I was jealous. To use inductive charging with my iPhone 5S, I would need a bulky case. Now that I’m using a Samsung Galaxy S5 things have changed. That’s where the TYLT VU-MATE comes in. For under $25, the VU-MATE lets you inductively charge your S5. I love it.2014 05 007

The TYLT VU is an angled piece of colored plastic that Holds any phone placed on it at a comfortable angle that not only holds it fast but also keeps it in a position for easy reading. If your phone has inductive charging capabilities within a few seconds of the phone being set in place a message will pop up and let you know the phone is charging. It is as simple as that.

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There are some caveats of course. First, phones will likely charge a bit slower if you use inductive charging. That’s because there is more resistance as the energy flows from the stand into the phone. Second, the phone will likely become warm. This too is a result of the energy flowing from the stand into the phone but crossing a few different layers of stand and phone case as it does. Third, while the TYLT VU allows you to place the phone in either portrait or landscape, you will want to double check that it is charging in landscape since that position is a bit more finicky. Those caveats aside, the TYLT VU is a great product.

My Samsung Galaxy S5 is ready for inductive charging. I can buy a replacement back that adds the functionality and, from there, never have to plug the S5 in again. The TYLT VU-MATE offers a different, and less expensive, way to add inductive charging. The VU-MATE is a small stick designed for use with either the S4, S5 or Note 3.The version for the S4 and Note 3 is under $20. The version for the S5 is under $25.The VU-MATE is effectively an inductive charging receiver coil and two constant points that line up with the specific phone’s charging system. When in place and on an inductive charging pad the energy flows from the pad through the outer shell of the phone and not the receiver coil.

TYLT VÜ-MATE is the easiest way to enable your Galaxy S5, S4 or Note 3 for Qi wireless charging. Recommended for use with the highly acclaimed TYLT VU Wireless Charger but also compatible with other Qi wireless charging pads. Watch the video to see just how easy it is to insert the VU-MATE into your device. Once you pop it in, it stays in – and your device will always be ready for Qi wireless charging. The VU-MATE will not increase the thickness of your device or effect the fit of your protective case.

TYLT VU-MATE Video Look

I placed the TYLT VU-MATE on my S5’s battery, lined up the contacts and used the adhesive to secure it in place. I was impressed that the VU-MATE only sticks to the battery. That means you can still swap out batteries if that is your mode for keeping your phone running all day and into the night.

I placed the back cover on the phone and secured it in place. I could see and feel a tiny bulge where the VU-MATE was but it was not overly noticeable. It is worth mentioning that use of the VU-MATE may interfere with the S5’s water-resistance. It is a tradeoff I am happy to make.

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Placing my phone on the TYLT VU, I initially thought it wasn’t going to work. A few seconds later however there was a beep and a message popped up telling me that the phone was now charging. Yes, it does get a bit warm, but the system works. Last night I placed an exhausted phone on the charger and had a full charge by the time I went to bed.

 

 

For me, being able to charge the phone by simply placing it down is a huge deal. The small door that sits atop the charging port and allows the S5 to be water resistant is the flimsiest part of the phone. I always worried I would rip it off when opening or closing it. With the TYLT VU-MATE and VU I no longer have to open the door. That alone is more than worth the price of this simple accessory. You can learn more here. You can buy it through our Amazon Store here.

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MSRP: $24.99

What I Like: Let’s you charge your S5 without cables; Simple to install; Still allows battery swapping

What Needs Improvement: Gets warm when charging; May compromise the water-resistance; Charging rate likely slower

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample of the TYLT VU MATE and TYLT VU

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.