Moshi Otto Q

US $40/ZAR R1000
8.5

Score

8.5/10

Pros

  • Great design
  • Premium feeling top covering
  • Fast wireless charging
  • USB-C
  • Functional LED light

Cons

  • Does not include a power adapter
  • Bottom shell is plastic & might scratch easily

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of any smartphone is its battery capacity, and how long it will last on a single charge. A secondary aspect to this is determining how one can effectively charge their smartphone when needed. In today’s day and age, many new mobile devices support wireless charging using the Qi (pronounced ‘chi’) standard. As such, the days of the ‘plug-in’ charger are numbered, with wireless chargers slowly becoming the norm – even at Starbucks. With this in mind, Moshi’s Otto Q has been designed as yet another option for wireless charging aficionados.

Moshi’s Otto Q is packaged within a seemingly simple white box, measuring 2 cm in height, 11 cm in width and 17.5 cm in length. The front showcases an image of the product, including the colour and design contained within. The rear features Moshi’s warranty information as well as the basic features of the device. Most notably how the charger can charge through cases as thick as 5 mm and how it includes a USB-A to USB-C cable for charging.

The Moshi Otto Q, at least for a charger, is a rather great looking piece of kit. Unlike many other wireless chargers, the Otto Q features a rather unique material finish. In this sense, the wonderful grey and white tartan coating lends the device a nice and premium look. In addition, the silicon Moshi logo and ring do a great job of ensuring whatever device is placed on it will not scratch or move unnecessarily if bumped. The same silicon material is used for most of the bottom of the device, making sure the puck like structure of the Otto Q – measuring 10 cm in circumference and 1 cm thick – remains still and firm on whatever surface it is laid upon.

Despite the wonderful silicon and fabric materials used, the Otto Q is let down by the fact that the rest of the unit is effectively made out of plastic. Thankfully it does appear to be fairly scratch resistant, but dropping the device will most likely cause gashes and dents. With this in mind, I would have preferred an aluminium base to complement the design given the premium feel of the material and silicon used. Despite this, the size, weight and inclusion of USB-C allow the device to be be easily picked up, put away or even used for travel.

Perhaps my favourite aspect of the charger is the fact that it uses a USB-C connection. Where Belkin continues to use proprietary ports for their chargers, Moshi have gone the route of supporting what is becoming the new standard for connectivity. In this way, access to a charger and charging port for use with the Otto Q is more a certainty than not, and most likely why Moshi did not include a charger in the box. It is also why I would choose the Otto Q to travel with, versus other wireless chargers with proprietary connections. In terms of charging, the Otto Q supports both 5W and 10W fast charging. It also has an unobtrusive white LED directly opposite the USB-C port, which slowly pulses when a device is being charged – a great way to ensure that both the wireless charger and device placed upon it are working as they should. It also never gets particularly warm, and I imagine this is courtesy of the silicon and material fabrics used.

Overall, the Moshi Otto Q is a great looking and highly functional charger. The addition of USB-C makes it even more appealing, given how many new devices are incorporating the standard. The overall design and functionality of the device are great, and it performs as expected. Although the use of a plastic base does takeaway from the rest of the premium feel of the unit, it does allow for it to be lightweight and thus a viable option for travellers.


ModelOtto Q
BrandMoshi
CompatibilityQi enabled smartphones and devices
AcquisitionReview product courtesy of Moshi

Owner, founder and editor-in-chief at Vamers, Hans has a vested interest in geek culture and the interactive entertainment industry. With a Masters degree in Communications and Ludology, he is well read and versed in matters relating to video games and communication media, among many other topics of interest.

REVIEW OVERVIEW
Score
85 %
moshi-otto-q-reviewthe Moshi Otto Q is a great looking and highly functional charger. The addition of USB-C makes it even more appealing, given how many new devices are incorporating the standard. The overall design and functionality of the device are great, and it performs as expected. Although the use of a plastic base does takeaway from the rest of the premium feel of the unit, it does allow for it to be lightweight and thus a viable option for travellers.