You buy a "fast charger" and your phone still charges slowly. This usually happens because the charger, cable and phone do not speak the same fast-charging standard. Here is how to get it right.
1. Know your phone's charging standard
- USB Power Delivery (PD): used by iPhones, Google Pixel, most laptops and many Android phones.
- PPS (part of PD): needed for Samsung "Super Fast Charging". A PD charger without PPS will still charge a Samsung, just more slowly.
- Quick Charge (QC): common on older Android phones.
- Brand systems (for example, some Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and OnePlus phones): the fastest speed often needs the original charger and cable. Other chargers still work, at a lower speed.
2. Watts: more is fine, but it will not force extra speed
A phone only takes the power it can handle. A 65 W charger on a phone that supports 25 W is safe; it charges at 25 W. A higher-watt charger is useful when you also want to charge a tablet or laptop.
3. The cable matters
- For USB-C to USB-C charging up to 60 W, any good quality cable works.
- For above 60 W (up to 100 W or more), you need a cable rated for 5 A with an e-marker chip.
- Very cheap or damaged cables cause slow charging and disconnects. Replace frayed cables.
4. Why GaN chargers are popular
GaN (gallium nitride) chargers are smaller and run cooler than older chargers of the same wattage. A multi-port GaN charger can replace several adapters when you travel.
5. Multi-port chargers share power
When two devices are plugged in, the total watts are divided between the ports. Check the listing for how power is shared if you want to charge a laptop and a phone at once.
6. Safety
Choose chargers with protection against overheating, over-voltage and short circuits from known brands. Avoid charging under pillows or in direct sun.
Find chargers, cables and adapters in our mobile accessories. Send us your phone or laptop model on WhatsApp and we will suggest a charger that reaches its full speed.
There are no comments for this Article.