Nokia Wireless Charging Plate DT-903 Review

Wireless charging has always been better in theory than reality, but Microsoft seeks to change all that with its latest wireless charger, the Nokia Wireless Charging Plate DT-903. This unique accessory offers a much bigger and error-free charging area, emits colorful notifications, and comes in fun colors. What’s not to like?

The problem I had with previous Nokia wireless chargers was that the device could easily be placed off-center, stopping the charging process. So you’d get up in the morning ready to go, but the battery on the phone would be dead. Obviously, that’s a deal breaker.

But with the (terribly-named) Nokia Wireless Charging Plate DT-903, that kind of problem is much less likely. The DT-903 has a much bigger charging surface, for starters, compared to its DT-900 predecessor. So it’s unlikely that you could misplace the phone in the first place. Nor is it likely to slip off-center at any point. Even better, the DT-903 works reliably even when the phone is placed off-center. So unless it’s hanging off the edge, you should be good to go.

Beyond that refinement, however, the Nokia Wireless Charging Plate DT-903 has a few other enhancements over previous Nokia wireless chargers. For example, It’s available in the latest Lumia colors, including green and orange, plus white, so you should be able to find a color that appeals to you. (The DT-900 came in cyan, red and yellow in addition to white and black.)

Better, the DT-903 offers a fun color lighting effect. So when you place a compatible Lumia (or other Qi-compatible device) on the plate, the undercarriage of the device lights up. And it remains lit until the phone is charged, a visual indication that you’re good to go.

I’ve only tested this briefly, but if you pair the DT-903 with your phone using Bluetooth, the plate will also subtly throb the colored light when the phone’s battery is low. This is of course another visual reminder: Hey, you may wish to charge your phone.

Also, you can use the Nokia Devices Hub settings app to configure the DT-903, which is nice. You can set the light brightness, determine whether the low battery notification is enabled, and turn on app notifications too. There’s also a handy Night Mode so that the charging plate isn’t lighting up the room when you’re trying to sleep. It’s all very well done.

Put simply, the Nokia Wireless Charging Plate DT-903 works as advertised, and it’s well worth the asking price of $60. The only issue is finding one: I first saw the DT-903 last August and have been waiting for it to be released here in the US ever since. But even today, it’s not broadly available: I was able to grab one from the Microsoft Store online and don’t see it anywhere else.

Note: To use the Nokia Wireless Charging Plate DT-903, you will of course need a Qi-compatible phone (like my Lumia 930) or a phone with a separately purchased Qi-compatible shell or cover.