Contemporary smartphones offer remarkably rapid charging capabilities.
The era of waiting 5 to 6 hours for a full charge is now a thing of the past. Current flagship devices, such as the Samsung S26 Ultra, can achieve a complete charge from 0 to 100% in under 50 minutes. However, not everyone is able to take advantage of these swift charging speeds, as they rely on advanced charging protocols and high-wattage chargers.
Compounding the issue is the fact that manufacturers have ceased including chargers with their devices, which led me to use my older Apple charger to power my iPhone 14, oblivious to the fact that this would limit its charging speed. Many of you may also be unknowingly charging your phones slowly, just as I did. It is essential to understand the necessary specifications before purchasing a new device to ensure it is compatible with fast charging.
What do the numbers on your charger mean?
The specifications of your charger are extremely important, yet they are often the most neglected aspect. The specification numbers are displayed in a minimalistic manner on chargers, which explains why they may be overlooked. In truth, these numbers are crucial in determining whether your device can fast-charge. Typically, the specifications include three figures: Voltage (Volts), Current (Amperes), and Power (Wattage).
Voltage represents the force that drives the electricity, while current indicates the flow rate of the electricity. Wattage, which signifies the total power, is derived from the combination of the two preceding values. The total charging speed, or wattage, is calculated using the formula V × A.
Charging cables have significantly progressed from bulky bricks with fixed cables designed for single-watt models. USB-A was subsequently superseded by USB-C, which has become a universal connector for all devices; however, this standardization has led to a misconception of uniformity. Most devices have been restricted from achieving their full charging capabilities. Moving into the 2020s, USB-C has emerged as the latest standard, serving as a comprehensive solution for both charging and data transfer for devices such as smartphones and laptops, with USB PD 3.1 enabling power delivery of up to 240W.
If you possess a USB-C charger, you may wonder why your phone continues to charge at a slow rate. The answer lies in the fact that newer smartphones require higher wattage, and your older USB-C charger may not meet these demands. The same applies to the Lightning cable used for iPhones (iPhone 14 and earlier).
To resolve this issue, you simply need to acquire a new charging brick, ideally one that has a wattage equal to or greater than what is specified for your phone. To determine your phone's maximum wattage, visit the manufacturer's website or GSMArena for comprehensive details. As a point of reference, 10W is considered slow charging, while fast charging begins at 18W, extending to over 100W in certain instances.
Sometimes, it's your charging wire holding back your charger
Now that you are aware of which charging brick to select, based on your phone's maximum wattage, it is equally important to consider the charging cable you are utilizing. All cables, regardless of whether they are USB-C or Lightning, may appear similar, but their quality is significantly important as well. Typically, contemporary USB-C cables are rated at either 3A or 5A, whereas older versions range from 0.9A to 2.4A.
Consider these cables as the intermediary between the charging brick and the phone — a subpar cable would fail to transmit sufficient current to the phone if it is not rated appropriately for it. Certain manufacturers implement unique fast-charging protocols; for instance, Samsung employs USB-PD (USB Power Delivery) in conjunction with its proprietary PPS (Programmable Power Supply), while OPPO utilizes VOOC (Voltage Open Loop Multi-step Constant-Current Charging).
For higher wattage applications, there are specialized cables designed for elevated current that are compatible with specific fast-charging protocols. Therefore, even if you possess a charging brick rated at 120W, your cable could significantly limit the output if it does not correspond to the necessary current. When selecting a cable, ensure it aligns with your phone's maximum capacity and verify the protocol it employs on the manufacturer's website or at GSMArena.
If you're buying a new charger, skip the outdated silicon models
Now that we are discussing the acquisition of a new charger, allow me to present GaN chargers for those who may not be acquainted with them. At present, silicon chargers are the norm: they are inefficient, occupy considerable space, and generate excessive heat.
GaN chargers, composed of gallium nitride, represent an advanced semiconductor material that outperforms silicon in every conceivable aspect related to charging.
GaN chargers produce less heat, exhibit greater efficiency, and are more compact in comparison to silicon chargers. Indeed, a 120W GaN charger can easily fit in your pocket, making it an ideal choice whether you travel frequently or not; it occupies less space on your desk and enhances organization. The most advantageous feature is that a high-wattage GaN charger is equipped with multiple ports, allowing you to charge all your devices simultaneously.
Personally, I utilize a GaN charger with my MacBook M4 Air, iPhone 14, and various accessories, including my headphones. GaN chargers are also quite affordable, starting at approximately $25, and they come with multiple ports to accommodate all your charging needs.
You may be ruining your charging speed and your battery life
Utilizing a low-cost and incompatible charger does more than merely slow down the charging process of your phone. The use of inexpensive, unregulated chargers can lead to a reduction in battery lifespan due to excessive voltage stress and heat generation. When searching for a new charger, it is essential to purchase from a reputable brand rather than opting for a cheap imitation.
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