Nomad Base Station Pro review: Wireless charging on the full route

If you want to power your mobile devices wirelessly, you will often come up against limitations with most chargers. The Nomad Base Station Pro offers complete charging fun. I have tested it for you.

We've all been there: in the evening, out of sheer tiredness, you put your smartphone on the charging pad and didn't really pay attention to whether the device was actually being supplied with power. This can happen, as many models require the device to be placed perfectly over the charging coil. The next morning, you're almost shocked because your smartphone wasn't charged. Nomad has taken on exactly this challenge and launched the Nomad Base Station Pro.

The scope of delivery is impressive

Yes, nowadays the trend among manufacturers is more in the direction of the environment or cost savings by including as few accessories as possible in the scope of delivery. Nomad did not agree to this and included a high-quality, braided USB-C to USB-C cable and a 30 watt fast charger (with UK and US power plug included). At first glance, both actually look unusually elegant and of high quality. In addition, a quickstart guide is of course also supplied. 

The scope of delivery is really generous and very high quality. Thus, the user does not have to buy any additional articles. (Picture: TechnikNews/ Kevin Özgün)

High quality workmanship and a modern design

At first sight, you notice the high-quality workmanship, which you can also feel on the hand. Real leather is attached over the charging coils on the loading area, which looks really elegant. This is no different with the charging cable, which is more than long enough. It is sheathed in nylon and thus ensures a better longevity. Since you do not always have to have a power supply with the required voltage ready, Nomad offers a suitable 30 watt power supply. The design loses almost no flair in the next few years because it is timeless.

The advantage of this charging mat is that it houses the "full power" technology, which means that you can charge your devices almost unlimitedly quickly. The iPhones are still limited with 7,5 watts, which iOS 14 is to blame.

Picture: TechnikNews/ Kevin Özgün

A charging pad for couples or nerds

Anyone who wants to purchase this charging pad is either in a partnership or a tech nerd and owns several devices that support wireless charging. 

The Nomad Base Station Pro Wireless is relatively large and takes up more space than conventional wireless charging stations. It may well take up an entire bedside table, so you can only place a glass of water next to it. However, if you want to power several smartphones at the same time and don't want to worry about the precise placement of the device, this charging pad is the right choice. 

I have mine regularly iPhone 12 Pro Max, my AirPods Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra powered overnight. This brings us to the shortcomings that are irritating.

Power supply not immediately recognizable

If you haven't been using the Base Station Pro for very long, it can be misleading for the user when they try to charge their smartphone for the first time - nothing happens at first. If you put a device on the surface, you initially assume that the smartphone or the charging pad is defective. Because it takes about ten seconds for the smartphone to indicate that it is charging. I also thought several times that something was defective until it started charging a short time later. The only thing that helps here is to be patient and wait - then it really does charge.

Not intended for Apple Watch users

Yes, this large charging pad offers a huge amount of space for contactless charging. Unfortunately, users of a smartwatch or an Apple Watch are left empty-handed, as these cannot be charged. However, I can also tell you something positive, as another charging station from Nomad solves this problem - a test will follow soon here on TechnikNews.

Price-performance more than justified

If you look at the market and compare prices, there is almost no cheaper alternative in these dimensions than the Base Station. At a price of a good 200 euros, it is not exactly cheap, but it is always worthwhile for what the consumer needs.

My conclusion - positive but disappointed

The overall package meets my expectations of a good wireless charging station in every respect. That's why I'm happy to pay the 100 euros. Unfortunately, I am an Apple Watch wearer and cannot fully integrate all these advantages into my everyday life, because I also have to charge my Apple Watch. But with the successor on the way, things can only get better.