Which charger should you buy for your smartphone?

Summary

In this video, Alo from TechnoStrefa guides viewers on selecting the right charger for their devices, especially in an era when smartphones no longer come with chargers. He explains the role of different charging technologies, including USB Power Delivery (PD) and Qualcomm Quick Charge, as well as the benefits of GaN (gallium nitride) chargers. Alo also highlights key factors like charger power, multi-port designs, and the importance of choosing the right cable. The video, made in collaboration with Hama, offers practical advice for choosing chargers that meet users' diverse device needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Smartphone boxes no longer include chargers, so users need to buy their own.
• 😀 The European Union has pushed for a universal USB-C charger standard for all devices.
• 😀 GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in chargers helps with miniaturization and better heat resistance.
• 😀 Understanding charging standards is crucial when selecting a charger, including PD (Power Delivery) and Quick Charge.
• 😀 PD is a versatile charging technology used across smartphones, tablets, and laptops, supporting variable charging speeds.
• 😀 Quick Charge is mainly used for smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.
• 😀 When choosing a charger, consider the maximum charging power and the number/type of ports available.
• 😀 Multi-port chargers distribute total power across all devices, so the maximum power per port can decrease if multiple devices are connected.
• 😀 GaN chargers, like the 65W model, can charge devices like laptops, with power redistribution features to protect devices from overvoltage.
• 😀 Chargers with higher wattages (e.g., 45W, 65W) can be used for more than just smartphones, including ultrabooks and other power-hungry devices.
• 😀 The cable used with the charger is also important—using the wrong cable can limit the charging speed and power delivery.

Q & A

Why don't manufacturers include chargers in the boxes anymore?

Manufacturers have increasingly stopped including chargers in the boxes as part of a trend towards sustainability and cost-cutting. This is also influenced by regulations in the European Union that push for a standard USB-C connector and more universal charging solutions.

What is GaN and why is it important in chargers?

GaN stands for Gallium Nitride, a chemical compound used in creating integrated circuits for charging. It has replaced silicon in charging systems because it can handle higher temperatures and allows for much smaller, more efficient charging devices.

What are the two main charging standards that most smartphones use?

The two main charging standards are Power Delivery (PD), developed by USB, and Quick Charge, developed by Qualcomm. PD is versatile and works with a variety of devices, while Quick Charge is mainly for smartphones with Snapdragon processors.

What is the difference between a single-port charger and a multi-port charger?

A single-port charger provides power to one device at its maximum supported power. In contrast, multi-port chargers distribute their power across multiple ports, meaning the total wattage is shared among devices connected to the charger.

How does a 35W multi-port charger distribute its power?

A 35W multi-port charger shares its power between two ports. For example, if you connect a device to both USB-C and USB-A, the charger might provide 20W to the USB-C port and 15W to the USB-A port.

What is a key benefit of GaN chargers?

GaN chargers are highly efficient and compact. They can deliver higher power in smaller sizes, which allows for smaller and more portable chargers without sacrificing charging performance.

How does the power distribution work in a GaN charger when two devices are connected?

In GaN chargers, if two devices are connected, the charger renegotiates with the devices to redistribute power. For example, if a laptop is charging and a phone is connected, the charger will adjust the power allocation to prevent overloading and damage to the devices.

What should you consider when choosing a charger for a smartphone?

When choosing a charger, consider the power requirements of your device (watts), the type of charging standard (PD or Quick Charge), and the number of ports. Also, ensure that the cable you use can support the required power for optimal charging speed.

Why is the cable important when choosing a charger?

The cable is crucial because it must be able to handle the required wattage. If the cable cannot handle high power, it can limit the charging speed, even if the charger itself supports fast charging.

Can a 45W charger be used for devices other than smartphones?

Yes, a 45W charger can also charge laptops, especially portable computers that don't require high power. For example, the 45W charger can charge a Galaxy S23 Ultra quickly and power other devices like ultrabooks.