USB cable for phone: how to choose and what you need to know?

MicroUSB

The most famous and popular of these solutions is the MicroUSB connector, which allows not only charging the device, but also transferring data. With its spread, there is no longer a need to have its own charger for each gadget, and the MicroUSB/USB Type-A cable has become a universal way to connect a smartphone to both a charger and a computer or laptop.

Important: the phone charges much slower from a PC than from a charger connected directly to an outlet. If you want to charge your device as quickly as possible, put it in airplane mode and use the charger.

The dimensions of the connector are only 7x2 mm. It was compactness that became one of the main factors that played in its favor when manufacturers were choosing between MicroUSB and MiniUSB options. The standard provides power up to 2.5 W and allows you to fully charge the phone in 1-5 hours, depending on the battery capacity, as well as the characteristics of the charger and the device itself. The maximum data transfer rate through such a connector in theory can be up to 480 Mbit/s, but in practice it is limited by many factors and can be several times lower.

In 2009, 13 companies producing smartphones and other digital equipment, including such large ones as Samsung and Apple, signed a document confirming their intention to standardize connectors and interfaces. The reasons are not only marketing, but also political, as well as reputational - European authorities have repeatedly called on manufacturers not to increase the number of different chargers, which then need to be recycled or disposed of.

About a year later, the European Parliament published a statement officially calling on mobile device manufacturers to switch to a single standard. This policy of representatives of various states played a role in securing microUSB as a universal connector for charging gadgets and transferring files. Only a few companies abandoned it. The most famous among them is Apple.

What types of USB cables are there for smartphones?

Thanks to the inexhaustible imagination of Chinese handicrafts, mobile technology users can buy cables of completely different configurations. For example, in the era of proprietaryism, the following “monster” was incredibly popular:

Yes, this charger fits all the main connectors!

Similar “multi-tools” are still on sale, but they have fewer plugs. Here is a 4-in-1 charger that can be ordered on GearBest for less than 200 rubles:

This charger is equipped with all modern plugs - Lightning, 30Pin (both for iPhone), microUSB, USB 3.0. Definitely a “must-have” for the user!

There are other interesting options. Here's a cable from OATSBASF for those who hate cables:

This is called a cable with Stretch function . Visually, it is somewhat similar to the Yo-Yo toy. The wire is pulled out to the length required, and at the end of use it is wound up. This is very convenient, because the owner of the gadget does not have to constantly untangle tangles of wires. The downside of the stretch cable is the price : compared to regular USB cables on GearBest , it is almost twice as expensive.

Here is another interesting solution offered by GearBest - a pocket cable keychain:

This cable allows you to charge two mobile devices simultaneously (for example, iPhone 5 and Android) and has a very tempting price - just over 100 rubles.

In domestic stores and showrooms, the user, of course, will not find such an abundance of different cables as on the pages of the GearBest and AliExpress . In addition, data equipment at retail costs significantly more. For these two reasons, users are recommended to order USB cables from China.

OTG standard

Many models of smartphones and tablets can be connected to the same models of flash drives as a PC - you only need the device to support the OTG standard and a special adapter.

Using it, you can connect to your phone not only a compact flash drive, but also a computer mouse, keyboard or gamepad. The adapter is also suitable for connecting a printer - documents and pictures can be printed directly from a mobile gadget.

Lightning

Previously, the Cupertino company's mobile gadgets used Apple's proprietary 30pin standard, but since 2012 it was replaced by the eight-pin Apple Lightning connector, which is similar in charging and data transfer speeds to MicroUSB. Calls from officials and the media did not lead to the abandonment of its own connector; instead, the company released a number of adapters with which you can charge your iPhone using regular USB chargers.

Various types of USB

Many might now be asking the question: “If USB should be universal, then why does it have a large number of types?” The fact is that all these types of USB connectors perform different functions. This helps ensure compatibility if a device with improved specifications is released. Let's look at the most common types of USB ports.

• Type-A - most cables have a USB connector of this type at one end, and cables from modern keyboards and mice also belong here. The same type of USB is supplied with personal computers and chargers;
• Type-B - This port is used to connect printers and other peripheral devices to the computer. But it's not currently as common as USB Type-A;

• Mini USB was the standard connector for mobile devices before the advent of Micro USB. This connector is smaller than the standard one, as can be understood by its name. This type of connector is also a little outdated and has been replaced by Micro USB, but this does not mean that these types of USB cannot be found anywhere;
• Micro USB is currently the standard for portable devices. All major mobile device manufacturers have adopted it, with the exception of Apple. But Micro USB is gradually beginning to be replaced by USB Type-C. By the way, there are different types of Micro USB connectors, but we’ll talk about that a little later;
• Type-C - such a cable can have the same connector at both ends. Claims faster data transfer speeds and higher power compared to previous USB standards. This is the connector Apple used for Thunderbolt 3. We’ll talk about USB Type-C a little later;

• Lightning is not a USB standard, but has been a proprietary interface for Apple mobile products since September 2012. Until that time, devices used a less compact 30-pin proprietary connector.

USB Type-C and USB 3.1 - what is the difference

The actual information transfer speed is usually several times less than the maximum and can be limited not only by the supported standard, but also by the cable, the port of a smartphone, tablet or computer, the performance of the controller and memory, so the theoretical limit is unattainable in real use scenarios.

Conclusion

Almost all modern smartphones and tablets are equipped with a microUSB connector (all of them comply with USB 2.0 specifications) or USB Type-C with support for USB 2.0, 3.0 or 3.1. Some of them have a fast charging function that requires a compatible charger - the implementation options in models from different manufacturers in this case differ. MicroUSB is slowly moving into the category of a connector for low-cost devices, and USB Type-C is now found not only in flagship smartphones, but also in mid-price gadgets, and sometimes in budget phones. At the same time, buyers should not let their guard down - before purchasing a new device, they should familiarize themselves with its characteristics and clarify which version of USB a particular model supports, if it is equipped with a USB Type-C connector.

An exception that does not use microUSB or USB Type-C is the iPhone - Apple smartphones have a proprietary Lightning connector instead, and to charge them using the USB interface you need an adapter cable.

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USB 3.0 0 type A

Known as "SuperSpeed", this Type A connector is commonly found on computer and hub host controllers and is a flat, rectangular interface. This interface holds the connection in place using friction, making it very easy for users to connect and disconnect. Instead of round pins, the connector uses flat pins that can withstand constant connection and disconnection very well. Connector A provides a downstream connection that is intended for use exclusively on host controllers and hubs. This connector is similar in size and shape to the Type A connector used in USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices. However, USB 3.0 Type A has additional pins that are not found in USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 Type A. The USB 3.0 connector is designed for USB SuperSpeed ​​devices, however, it will transfer data from slower connectors and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports. USB 3.0 A connectors can be distinguished from previous versions by their blue color.

Male:

USB 3.0 type B

The USB 3.0 B-type connector is found on USB 3.0 devices. This connector is designed to transfer data and power USB SuperSpeed ​​devices. Cables with this connector are not backward compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 devices; however, USB 3.0 devices with this connection type can connect to legacy USB 2.0 and 1.1 cables.

Male:

USB 3.0 Micro B

The USB 3.0 Micro B connector is found in USB 3.0 devices. This connector is designed to transfer data and power USB SuperSpeed ​​devices. Cables using this connector are not backward compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 devices.

Male:

Female:

Types of connectors

The types of USB connectors depend on the function performed and the speed at which data is transferred. Thanks to the existence of several types of USB connectors, extended functionality is covered, which allows the user to simplify the connection between the computer and the device (mouse, keyboard, iPad, MFP, scanner, etc.).

When choosing a USB, you need to pay attention to the type of USB cable, the function and transfer speed.

Type-A

This USB connector still ranks among other types. The user encounters such cables every day. These include storage devices (flash drives), USB cables from chargers. Most cameras and routers are equipped with this type of USB cable. It is reliable and safe to use. It is harder to break and disable it.

This type is equipped with a built-in security system. The cable can only be inserted into the computer on one side. If you turn the cord over, it simply will not fit into the connector. Which is an advantage. Especially when using the cable by inexperienced users.

Type-B

Type B is used to connect peripherals - MFPs, scanners, faxes, and so on. A type B cable is not always supplied with the device and often you have to purchase it yourself. There are 2 types of USB type b cables: micro- and mini-USB.

A type of mini USB is an outdated USB port. This is an early version of the micro type. The use of mini USB is kept to a minimum. But still, sometimes there are devices that use this type of connection. You can see what micro USB looks like in the photo.

Type-C

It was invented relatively recently (first appeared on the market in 2014). The USB Type C connector is at the beginning of its development and is not actively used. Has reduced dimensions of both inputs. First used by Apple, which continues to improve this development today.

Wireless chargers

Description

Progress does not stand still, so you can constantly find updates to the range of equipment on store shelves. Chargers have not been left out either; now, improved models of wireless devices for charging phones are being increasingly developed.

At the moment, you can find limited versions of stations for headphones, smart watches and some phone models. However, the developers plan to create universal versions of wireless stations for quick and convenient recharging of electronic devices, which will not be inferior in their characteristics to standard wired versions.

Universal Serial Bus, or simply USB, is an industry standard developed in the mid-1990s to standardize the connection of peripherals to a computer. It has replaced most interfaces and is now the most common connector type for consumer devices.

Today, almost every device, whether portable or stationary, has various types of USB connectors. But everything is much more complicated than beginners think. Today we will look at the types of USB ports and various standards.

Interface compatibility

USB connectors of the same type are distinguished by the version produced. The 3.0 standard interface offers data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbit/s. The cost of the 3rd standard is an order of magnitude higher than the second, but users choose it because the 3.0 standard has increased transmission speed.

The interfaces are compatible, but work with degradation in quality and efficiency. For example, if you insert a 2.0 cable into a 3.0 port, the transmitter will operate at 2.0 speed. This is also observed in the opposite direction.

Therefore, to properly use USB standard 3.0, you need a connector in the computer with the same speed. Otherwise, the money will be given in vain. The speed of information exchange will not change.

USB is a universal serial bus that allows the device to communicate with a computer. USB types depend on the functionality performed by the cable. You need to be careful when choosing a cable; the speed of the device depends on it.

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Type-C

Description

Despite the popularity and ease of use of micro USB, this connector is gradually going out of fashion. It is being replaced by an improved Type-C model. The presented option, according to preliminary data, is capable of providing data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s, which was made possible thanks to the use of modern technology with 24 contacts for receiving and transmitting data.

In addition to the high speed of file exchange, this technology can significantly reduce the time to fully charge the battery to several hours. Additional advantages include the compactness of the device; its dimensions are 8.34 × 2.56 mm. The developers also thought through the structure of the connector and made it symmetrical, which allows the cable to be inserted on either side. In addition, the presented format is able to interact with any type of power source, so you can charge your phone from an outlet, laptop or computer.

What types of connectors are there for charging phones?

The first connector in phones was intended specifically for charging the gadget. Each manufacturer has its own standards, so in the past, often the charger from one cell phone did not fit the size of another. At the beginning of 2000, companies took into account the inconvenience and impracticality of connectors and began to use unified options.

What types of connectors are there for charging phones?

There are several types of universal connectors designed for charging a mobile phone.

Micro USB

Today this connector is used in almost all Android phones, except Type-C. The wire not only charges the gadget, but also transfers data to a computer or laptop. The cord is gradually fading into the background, but remains in demand due to the following advantages:

Providing an OTG phone allows them to act as hosts. If you need to transfer data directly from your smartphone to your computer, then this option will allow you to do this without intermediaries. You can also connect any device to the gadget – storage device, mouse, keyboard, headphones.

Micro USB comes in different types. Version 2.0 of the type is used in gadgets by default. This is the standard for the latest modifications of tablets and phones. The second 3.0 connector is installed only on smartphones and cell phones of some brands.

Lightning

This type of connector is used by Apple, which is the company that created it. The charging type is expensive. The Chinese sell fakes for half the price, but they can quickly fail, since even original cords often break due to their fragility. Benefits of charging:

Type-C

The variety was created in 2014. The cord's connector is oval-shaped and symmetrical, so it can be inserted on either side. The new charger was required to facilitate the operation of the USB 2.0 standard - it has only 4 contacts, while version 3.1 has 24. Thanks to its high power, the connector is universal and has the following advantages:

Previously, phones could be used as PCs by connecting different devices to them. With Type-C, the potential of this function is increased due to its high power. But not all connectors are equipped with version 3.1.

Some companies equip smartphones with Type-C connectors, but install USB 3.0 inside. It has weaker technical characteristics. They may even introduce version 2.0. Therefore, before purchasing a device, you should make sure that it is 3.1.

Type-C charging is installed on the following models:

The Type-C connector has grown in popularity in recent years. Despite this, the usual USB will still not leave the market. It is estimated that about 20 billion devices in the world are equipped with USB Type A charging.

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What types of USB connectors are there for smartphones?

USB cables can be used not only to transfer data from a PC to a gadget, but also to charge a mobile device. Smartphones are capable of replenishing battery “reserves” both from an outlet and from a computer, but in the second case, charging will take significantly longer. A traditional USB cable for an Android or Windows Phone smartphone looks like this:

Similar USB cables can be found in various colors on the pages of the GearBest .

At one of its ends there is a standard USB 2.0 Type-A :

This plug plugs into the USB port on your computer or laptop.

At the second end of the wire there is a microUSB .

It is, accordingly, inserted into the micro-USB connector on the mobile device.

Micro-USB 2.0 is now a unified connector: it can be found on smartphones and tablets from almost all mobile device manufacturers (with the exception of Apple). An agreement on interface standardization was signed in 2011 by representatives of 13 leading companies in the mobile market.

The choice fell on Micro-USB for a number of reasons:

• The connector is compact. Its physical dimensions are only 2x7 millimeters - this is about 4 times smaller than USB 2.0 Type-A .
• The plug is durable - especially when compared to Nokia's slim charger.
• The connector is capable of providing high data transfer rates. Theoretically, the transfer speed via Micro-USB when using the 2.0 standard can reach 480 Mbit/s. The actual speed is much lower (10-12 Mbps in Full Speed ), but this rarely causes inconvenience to users.
• The connector supports OTG function. We'll tell you more about the benefits this provides later.

Micro-USB could compete with Mini-USB . The mini plug looks like this:

This type of USB connector was not suitable as a standard one, and here's why:

• The connector is larger in size - albeit not by much. Its size is 3x7 millimeters.
• The connector is quite fragile - due to the lack of rigid fastenings, it becomes loose very quickly. As a result, transmitting data via cable becomes a real pain for the user.

In the 2000s, a mini-USB connector could be found on smartphones - say, Philips and Alcatel . Nowadays you won’t find mobile gadgets with a mini-jack on the market.

In addition to the USB connectors we mentioned (Micro-USB, Mini-USB, USB Type-A), there are others. For example, micro-USB standard 3.0 can be used to connect hard drives to a PC, and USB Type-B (square) can be used for musical instruments (in particular, MIDI keyboards). These connectors are not directly related to mobile technology (except for the Galaxy Note 3 with USB 3.0), so we will not talk about them in more detail.

Choosing a charger for a smartphone

To choose the right charger, you need to know the technical characteristics that determine the consumer properties of the charger. It is equally important to understand what and in what direction is affected by the discrepancy between the adapter parameters and those specified in the technical specifications for the mobile gadget.

Types of chargers

In most cases, mobile gadgets are equipped with a standard network adapter, and other types must be purchased separately.

Types of charging connectors

At the beginning of the era of mobile gadgets, device manufacturers made connectors for each individual device. This brought them some additional profit, since the owner was forced to purchase only original chargers - others did not match the shape of the plug or voltage, and it was difficult to choose a suitable option. Users had to endure the inconvenience. Now the situation has changed, leading participants in the mobile gadgets market are striving for standardization. Most devices use three types of terminals for charging and data transfer.

Lightning

This connector is used in Apple mobile devices. It replaced the bulky 30-pin terminal and is the standard for gadgets produced by this company, although there is information about the company’s plans to switch to USB Type C. The connector is double-sided - you can connect on one side or the other. This was the first time such a solution was used when developing a connector, and at that time it was a breakthrough.

The advantages of such a connector are its robust design, as well as the ability to be cleaned of dirt when connected.

If you analyze the location and purpose of the pins in the connector, it becomes obvious that the functionality of the pins is asymmetrical. The connection direction is determined at the moment of connection by the built-in chip. The same microcircuit serves as protection against counterfeiting.

MicroUSB

This connector replaced the MiniUSB connector. Its visible difference from the previous modification is its size. In fact, microUSB has other advantages:

The disadvantages include the need for positioning when connecting (the connector is not reversible like Type C or Lightning). This led to a reduction in the use of this terminal.

Charging cords use a type B plug, since the phone in most cases acts as a peripheral device.

Wire 4 defines the purpose of the connector in On-the-Go mode (when additional devices are connected to the phone directly) - a connection to the common wire means that the end is connected to the host, and if the pin is not connected to anything, the connector is connected to the peripheral device.

USB Type C

The most common and at the same time the most promising connector for mobile equipment is USB Type C. It is designed for use with gadgets with the Android operating system, but it is also used by manufacturers of other mobile equipment.

The oval plug contains two rows of contacts - one row is numbered from A1 to A12, the other - from B1 to B12. The contacts are located symmetrically, so the plug can be inserted on either side and no microcircuits are required to determine the position. Contacts can be grouped by functionality.

The power bus is parallelized into two pins. This allows additional power to be transmitted, which can reach 100 watts for some cables. This implies a current of up to 20 amperes at a supply voltage of 5 volts. A regular cord is rated for 1.5 or 3 amperes.

The receiver (RX) and transmitter (TX) pins of the USB 3.0 bus in the cable are crossed (recrossed), so what is the receiver input on one side is connected to the transmitter output on the other side and vice versa. The configuration pin defines:

The SBU pin is used very rarely.

The USB Type C connector has much greater capabilities compared to Lightning and better development prospects. Therefore, information about the possible transition of Apple technology to this type of connector has a basis.

For clarity, we will support the video.

Current parameters

When choosing the type of charger, first of all you need to pay attention to one of the most important parameters - the highest current that the adapter can produce. The lower the current, the longer the battery will charge , and if the charger is designed for a very low current (0.5 A or less), then it can be turned off by overload protection. This charger is suitable for charging wireless headphones and other low-power devices.

For middle-class smartphones, a charger with a current of 1.0..1.5 A (1000..1500 mA) is quite suitable. For more serious phones and other equipment with capacious batteries, you need to choose adapters with a current of 1.5..3 A. If the device supports the fast charging function, then a current of at least 5 A will be required. The easiest way to determine the required current is to look at the parameters on the body of the native charger and purchase a charger with equal or greater power.

Availability of fast charging

Some smartphones support fast charging. It is produced by a large current, so you need to choose a charger with the appropriate parameters (from 5 A). Manufacturers claim that this mode does not damage the battery, but this statement is quite disingenuous. A charging current that is increased within reasonable limits cannot clearly damage the battery, but at the same time the battery life is significantly (several times) reduced. The choice is up to the user. In addition, not every gadget supports this mode. Therefore, before you pay for additional power, you need to find out whether such a function will be needed at all.

Micro-USB connector

It was designed for small devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, portable media players, navigators, recorders, etc. As a rule, under the Android operating system, from here we often hear: “There is a cable for Android” and immediately understand which one it is. . This connector is often called “For Samsung” - Samsung uses this particular standard for its smartphones.

USB cable selection

In addition to the network adapter, you need to pay attention to the wire. It is removable and sold separately.

Cable shape

Cables are most often flat or round. The form does not affect the charging current and time, it is simply ease of use (mostly personal preference):

The length of the cable is more important - the shorter it is, the less it limits the charging current. There are fewer losses in a short cord, which is important when charging from a PowerBank. But a long one is preferable in some cases - when you need to work and charge the gadget at the same time, and the power source is far away. In some situations, it is convenient to use a cord curled in the shape of a spring - it is also not prone to tangling.

You can make a spiral cord yourself. To do this, you need to wrap it around a suitable mandrel (the ends can be secured, for example, with plastic clamps) and heat the cable with a hairdryer . After complete cooling, the resulting spiral cord is ready for use. If you don’t have a hair dryer, the wire wound around the mandrel can be briefly immersed in boiling water, making sure that the liquid does not get into the connectors.

When heating the cable, it is important not to exceed the temperature so that the insulation does not melt. You should also avoid heating the plastic parts of the connectors - they can become deformed.

Braid material

Most cords are produced in regular PVC insulation. It has excellent electrical properties, but its resistance to mechanical stress, including abrasion, is low. Also, such a cord is highly likely to break the conductors when bent under small radii. Therefore, charging cables are often supplemented with braiding, which is made from various materials (in descending order of protective properties):

The additional sheath does not affect the electrical characteristics; when repairing the cable, it is often simply removed.

Throughput current

The thickness of the conductor and the material determine whether it will heat up at a sufficiently high charging current. In fact, wires with a cross-section of 0.75 square meters. mm (diameter without insulation 1 mm) of reasonable length is enough to work without problems at currents up to 8 A. This is enough for all occasions. Wires of smaller diameter are not used for reasons of mechanical strength. And it’s not easy to determine the cross-section of a conductor even by eye - it is under insulation.

But if there is a suspicion that the thickness of the conductors is still small in relation to the declared current, it is better to refrain from purchasing such a cord. Overheating and even fire are possible. The final charge current is determined by the lower of two values ​​- the highest current of the adapter or the highest permissible current of the cord.

Pros and cons of magnetic plugs

Not long ago, magnetic phone connectors began to go on sale and quickly gained popularity. The essence of such a connector is that an additional adapter is inserted into the phone socket, on one side of which there is a plug corresponding to the phone terminal, and on the other side there are two (or more) magnetic contact pads.

On the cord to the charger there is a mating part, which mates with the adapter through a magnetic field created by permanent magnets. At a distance of about one or two centimeters, both sides are attracted and become in working position. In this case, you do not need to visually or by touch search for the exact location of the socket on the phone and you do not need to determine the polarity of the connection for the microUSB connector. This is especially convenient when driving in a car . At the same time, the cord does not get twisted again, which extends its service life.

Mechanical loads on the phone socket are reduced several times, which also extends the period of reliable operation. Another advantage is the protection of the gadget’s internal connector from dirt.

But such a connector also has disadvantages. First of all, this is the appearance of an extra detachable contact, which means an additional source of unreliability. In addition, this contact slightly reduces the charging current and increases the energy replenishment time. Contamination of the exposed surface of the connector can lead to poor contact quality and further limit the charging current, and the magnet can attract metal dust. Particulate matter on the surface also interferes with a secure mating.

Many magnetic connectors have only two contact pads dedicated to charging voltage. This means that there are simply no conductors in the cord for data transfer, and, for example, it is impossible to download files from a computer using such a cable. For those cords that provide this opportunity, you need a special adapter with large dimensions. It noticeably protrudes beyond the dimensions of the gadget. And an important fact is that a magnetic cord costs more than a regular one.

Video review of magnetic cables.

Fast charging standards and compatibility with your phone

We have already mentioned the fast charging mode in passing; it’s time to look into this issue in more detail. The idea of ​​this technology is as follows. After connecting the charger to the smartphone, the latter tells the adapter what current and voltage it requires. If the memory is able to provide these parameters, it issues them. If not, or the smartphone itself does not support fast charging technology, it is produced with standard five volts. In this case, the current, as noted above, will depend on the desires of the mobile device.

But in order for a charger and a smartphone to agree, they must support certain standards. Standards, in turn, depend on the technology used, of which there are quite a lot today. Here are the main ones:

• Quick Charge - from Qualcomm. perhaps the most common standard.
• Pump Express - from MediaTek. The main competitor of Quick Charge.
• Power IQ - from Anker.
• TurboPower - from Lenovo specifically for Motorola smartphones.
• Adaptive Fast Charging - from Samsung.
• VOOC Fast Charging - from BBK specifically for OPPO smartphones.
• Dash Charge is from OnePlus.
• Super Charge - from Huawei.
• Super mCharge - from Meizu.

Thus, when choosing a charger for a smartphone, you need to find out what technology the gadget supports and buy the appropriate one. Otherwise, we will simply throw money away, since most (with some exceptions) technologies are incompatible with each other. If we buy, for example, a charger with Super Charge technology and connect it to a smartphone that does not support this protocol, we will get a regular five-volt charge for quite a lot of money.

Expert opinion

Alexey Bartosh

Specialist in repair and maintenance of electrical equipment and industrial electronics.

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Important! In addition to the protocol itself, it is necessary to pay attention to the version of the technology. Quick Charge, for example, already has five versions that are only compatible from top to bottom. That is, if our smartphone is equipped with Quick Charge 4.0 technology, and the Quick Charge charger is 2.0, then charging will be carried out according to the standard of the lower version. And vice versa. And the lower the version, the less effective fast charging is.

Quality of Chinese chargers and cables

Cheap chargers and cables from unknown manufacturers in Southeast Asia may be of poor quality. First of all, this applies to the use of alloys of unknown composition in conductors instead of copper. This may result in overheating or limited charging current. The same effect is caused by an undersized wire cross-section and poor-quality soldering (or even crimp connection) of the connectors. Simplified circuit design can lead to non-optimal charging modes, which reduces battery life. And the simplest, but most unpleasant thing is that the lifespan of such devices is, as a rule, short, and such an adapter can fail at any time.

You need to consciously choose a charger for your mobile gadget. Otherwise, not only disappointments, but also technical problems cannot be avoided. And in the worst case, even financial losses.

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What current and voltage are needed?

Almost all smartphones, regardless of manufacturer and model, come with a 3.7 V battery. Thus, five volts is enough to charge them. An exception may be gadgets that support fast charging technology (more on this below), but even in this case, the smartphone can be charged with a five-volt adapter.

Now about the current strength - everything will depend on the capacity of the installed battery and the supported fast charging technologies. Typically, the charging current is 0.9–1.0 A for mid-range smartphones and 2.0–2.1 A for high-end flagship models. If we don’t know what current our particular gadget requires, then we can’t go wrong when choosing a charger with the maximum current. But if we have a “native” charger in our hands, then it is better to read its characteristics on the case markings and take the same one. This will allow you to save a lot of money, since powerful chargers are much more expensive, but do not increase charging time in any way.

Expert opinion

Alexey Bartosh

Specialist in repair and maintenance of electrical equipment and industrial electronics.

Ask a Question

Important! You can often hear that an overly powerful charger can burn out a gadget. If the output voltage of such a charger corresponds to what is needed for a smartphone, then nothing like this will happen, even if the charger is capable of delivering a current of 100 A. The mobile phone itself will deal with the current and take exactly as much as it needs.