Charge current
The maximum current that the device is capable of delivering to the charging output. This is one of the key parameters for any charger, it directly determines its power and, accordingly, its efficiency with certain batteries. These points are described in detail in the “Power” paragraph below, but here we note that if several values are indicated in this paragraph, it means that the design provides for several connectors with different current specs (or several groups of connectors, each with its own amount of amperes per port) .
As for specific numbers, when charging from USB (used in most modern chargers), the maximum current up to
1 A is considered very limited,
1.5 A is low,
2 A,
2.1 A and
2.4 A are average values, and in the most powerful chargers, this figure can be
3 A,
3.4 A and even
5 A.Power (with 1 device)
The maximum power that the charger is capable of delivering to one rechargeable gadget (for models with 1 connector or with 1 wireless platform — the actual charging power). We emphasize that for wireless devices, it is the power in the wireless format that is indicated here (even if the design has a USB port with a higher power). Wired chargers usually list the USB power with the highest charging current or with support of the most powerful fast charging technology.
The smallest value of this metric nowadays is actually
5 W. Other popular options include
10W,
12W,
15W, and the most powerful models have
18W or more
to charge laptops(up to
100W).
Higher output power allows you to speed up the charging process; and in the case of wireless devices, a value of more than 10 watts already allows us to talk about the presence of fast charging. At the same time, a number of nuances are associated with this parameter. Firstly, not only the charger, but also the gadget being charged should support the appropriate power — otherwise the speed of the process will be limited by the specs of the gadget. Secondly, in order to use the full capabilities of the charger, it may be necessary to support not only the appropriate charging power, but also a
...certain fast charging technology (see "Fast charging"). Thirdly, in a charger with several charging connectors, the maximum power per device can only be achieved if the other ports are not used.Features
—
Operation indicator. In some models it also provides additional information about operating modes, malfunctions, etc. Most often, such a light indicator is in the form of a separate light or a clearly visible backlight system. And additional information can be provided by changing the colour of the backlight, by blinking, etc. However, even without these features, the operation indicator provides additional convenience in use. In particular, it allows you to determine whether the charger is receiving power and working normally — this can be useful when diagnosing various problems. It is also possible to use non-standard backlighting — for example, as a night light that makes it easier to navigate in an unlit room (especially since gadgets are often put on charge just at night).
—
Display. Own display on the charger case. This is usually the simplest screen with a few characters, but it is enough to display various additional information that makes life easier for the user: current voltage and current values, fast charging status, error codes, etc. On the other hand, this complicates the design, but in fact such information is required less often; Therefore, very few chargers with displays are produced.
— Detachable charger power cable. Cable for connecting the charger to the power source, which has a removable design. By itself, connecting to a power outlet using a separate wire (both re
...movable and non-removable) is rarely used in charger devices — mainly in devices for which the “plug on the case” type design is not suitable (this is primarily wireless models, as well as wired charger devices with an abundance of connectors and corresponding dimensions). Specifically, the removable design is convenient in two ways: firstly, the wire can be removed and compactly folded for storage and transportation, and secondly, if the cable is damaged, it can simply be replaced, no need to bother with repairs. The disadvantages include an increased probability of losing the cable, as well as a slightly lower reliability than with a non-removable design (the latter, however, becomes noticeable only with frequent connections/disconnections that wear out the connector).
— Non-detachable charger power cable. Cable for connecting the charger to the power source, rigidly fixed to the device and not intended to be disconnected. It occurs much less frequently than the removable one described above, since it is less convenient if necessary to compactly fold the device; and if the wire is damaged, most likely, you will have to carry the charger to a service centre. On the other hand, you can lose such a wire only together with the charger itself.Cable included
The presence
of a cable in the delivery kit of the charger, or any other specific type of included cable.
The presence of a cable is indicated mainly for wireless devices (see “Type”) — in such cases, we are talking about the power cable of the charger itself. For wired models, the type of connectors on the stock wire (s) for charging gadgets is usually specified. At the same time, the USB port is used by default to connect to the charger itself, so this plug may not be mentioned in the description of the wire. On the other hand, there may be such connectors:
—
USB-C. A miniature version of the USB connector, gradually replacing microUSB in modern portable devices. It has a convenient reversible plug design, and can also provide some advanced power options not available with microUSB. Also note that USB-C can be used in a cable not only to connect to a gadget, but also to connect to the charger itself (along with traditional USB); so on the market you can find corresponding cables like "USB-C — microUSB", "USB-C — Lightning", etc.
—
microUSB. Universal connector, extremely popular in portable gadgets of various types; only relatively recently has it begun to give way to the more advanced USB-C (which differs from it in its one-sided design and lower power supply).
—
Lightning. Universal connector, used e
...xclusively in portable Apple devices. Like USB-C, it has a two-way layout, but a slightly different design.Power adapter
Whether or not
a power adapter is included with the charger.
This feature is relevant primarily for wireless models, including the ones for cars(see "Type"). Such devices usually consist of three parts: the charger itself with a platform/stand/latch, a charger power cable and an adapter for connecting the wire to a power outlet or cigarette lighter. If the presence of an adapter is initially indicated in the specifications, then the charger is supplied in a complete set; it is these models that you should pay attention to if you want to use the device right out of the box, without the hassle of finding additional accessories.
Also, this feature can be indicated for individual car chargers of the traditional, wired type. This usually means that the device is similar in layout to wireless models: main unit, power cord and cigarette lighter adapter. This design allows you to use the charger at some distance from the dashboard of the car — for example, take it to the back seat, giving passengers the opportunity to charge their phones. In this case, the adapter can have its own charging outputs (usually USB) and can be used separately from the main unit.
