Twelve South Valet 25W charger shrinks the leather tray

Twelve South Valet 25W wireless charging is coming in a smaller version of the company’s leather tray, giving buyers more charging power in less space. The new Valet is aimed at nightstands, desks and other spots where the original model may have taken up too much room, according to Twelve South details reported by The Verge.

The updated Valet follows the first model, which debuted at CES earlier this year. The larger version measures 7.5 inches deep and has enough tray space for multiple everyday items, such as keys and a wallet, The Verge reported.

The new model cuts the depth to 4.5 inches. That leaves less room for loose items, but makes the tray better suited to holding one object, such as glasses, while also charging a phone or earbuds.

How much power does the new Twelve South Valet provide?

The smaller Valet raises the wireless charging limit from 15W on the original model to 25W. The Qi2 charger can power compatible smartphones or headphones wirelessly, according to The Verge.

Qi2 refers to the wireless charging system used by the Valet’s main charging pad. In this product, the headline change is the jump to a 25W wireless charging ceiling.

There is one trade-off in wired charging. The original Valet could send 15W to a second device through a side USB-C port, while the smaller version provides up to 10W from that port when the Qi2 charger is also being used, The Verge reported.

What changed from the larger Valet?

The new Valet keeps the same general idea: a premium tray with a built-in wireless charger. It is smaller and less useful as a catchall, but it should fit more easily on compact furniture.

• The new model is 4.5 inches deep, down from 7.5 inches on the original.
• Wireless charging rises to 25W, compared with 15W on the larger version.
• The USB-C side port drops to 10W while the wireless charger is active, compared with 15W on the original.
• The new model costs $129.99, below the larger Valet’s $179.99 price.

Twelve South is also using higher-end materials than many basic wireless chargers. The Valet has a weighted zinc alloy base, and the tray is wrapped in Nappa leather offered in black, brown or taupe, according to The Verge.

The upper portion is bordered by a removable metal frame. Twelve South sells alternate frame colors, letting buyers change the look of the tray after purchase.

At $129.99, the new Valet remains more expensive than many Qi2 wireless chargers, The Verge noted. The pitch is less about lowest-cost charging and more about combining a compact bedside tray, leather finish and faster wireless power in one accessory.

This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.