Qi chargers are commodities, but TYLT keeps coming up with new ideas
You can get a Qi-compatible wireless charger from any number of manufacturers in every shape, size, style and quality level. And in this sea of chargers TYLT has continued to make interesting and appealing options that make you look at them instead of the no-name ones out there. They always bring an unmistakable design, to be sure, but are also just well-made and functional accessories.
The latest charger TYLT has to offer, the VU SOLO, is no different — it gets the job done as any other wireless charger would, but also throws in a couple neat features to set it apart from the pack. See how it holds up to our review treatment.
Unlike TYLT's original VU charger that has a somewhat-awkward angled stand style, the VU SOLO is a more "traditional" flat charger that comes in at about a half-inch thick. It has a sleek angled exterior that tapers in at its base and has a nice bit of contrast between the textured plastic around the exterior and small inserts of slick black plastic. The charging portion itself is a 3.5-inch square soft rubberized pad with a raised TYLT logo that comes in four different colors — neon green, blue, red and grey — to fit your style
The rubberized pad holds onto any device you toss on there with confidence, but as you'd expect also picks up some dust and lint from your phone — a worthwhile trade-off, I think. The VU SOLO has one neat little trick for helping you align your phone on the charger, though, and it's actually part of the cable that connects the charger to power. The flat tangle-free USB cable has a small bit of plastic on it that's adjustable, giving you guidance as to where you can place your phone for guaranteed charging. After adjusting the guide once with your phone to get a connection — indicted by a single LED on the front of the base — you can then just place your phone up to the guide and know it'll work, every time.
BUY: TYLT VU SOLO Qi wireless charging pad ($37.95)
The charger base itself isn't all that heavy, so depending on the surface you're placing it on, you may want to consider using the peel-and-stick adhesive pads on the bottom of the VU SOLO. Almost identically to the sticky stuff you'll find on the LG G Watch's charger, just peel off the two coverings (or one, if you want a semi-permanent solution) and place it on a clean surface. You can bump and shake the table all you want without worrying that the charger — or the phone on it — will rattle around.
I'm not entirely sure how many times you'll be able to remove and re-stick the VU SOLO before the pads get worn out, but it's probably not an issue for most people who will find a spot and stick with it. In my time with the charger I removed it (albeit with some force) from my desk and re-positioned it a few times and it didn't seem to hurt its ability to stay put.
I've used a lot of cheap and rickety wireless chargers over the years, and I have to say the VU SOLO is one of the better options out there. It's particularly good for folks with big phones, as the placement guide and large surface area give you plenty of room to place your phone without consuming the charger underneath it. Even without the guide the surface is grippy enough to hold onto your phone, and the grippers on the base will complete the loop. At just about $38 it isn't cheap, but you don't go to TYLT looking for cheap accessories, you choose them for good accessories — and the VU SOLO is a great choice.
