The Evolution of Smartphone Chargers: A Comprehensive Guide
Back in our day, phones used to come with chargers – now you’re lucky if you get a cable. The good news is that USB-C and USB charging standards have done away with the compatibility issues of the past (well, mostly), so a few good chargers are all you need. This means that you have to pick the chargers yourself, though. Here are the ones we use. And yes, you do need multiple – for your home, maybe for work and your car, and even for travel. Below, we have separated them into groups based on use-case.
Table of Contents:
Wall Chargers
These are the simplest kind there is – a wall wart with one or two ports, the kind you used to get in the box. With this in mind, chargers from phone brands are a good starting point.
The Google Pixel Flex Dual Port 67W charger is one of the first with support for “Adjustable Voltage Supply” (AVS), the standard that iPhone 17 phones use. Either port can deliver up to 67W to an AVS device, but it also supports basic USB-PD and the more advanced USB-PPS. It’s essentially a Swiss Army knife of a charger, and we got one for testing at the office since we expect AVS to gain wider adoption while PD and PPS are already widespread.
If you are looking for an iPhone charger specifically, Apple’s 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max is the obvious choice. It can deliver 60W for around 10-15 minutes before it drops to 40W, which aligns perfectly with the iPhone’s charging needs.
Samsung hasn’t adopted the AVS standard yet, so chargers like the 45W Power Adapter (EP-T4511) only support PD and PPS. This charger claims super low standby power—under 5mW—meaning it doesn’t waste electricity when left plugged in. A basic USB charger can burn through 0.1-0.5W when idle, which adds up over the years, despite not being the environmentally friendly choice.
Looking beyond phone brand chargers, we also got a Baseus Enercore CJ11 with a retractable USB-C cable at the office. This charger has two USB-C ports and is perfect for home use or travel, ensuring you never forget a USB-C cable. For dedicated travel chargers, refer to the section below.
We also have several ACEFAST chargers. For instance, the ACEFAST PD65W charger has three ports—two USB-C and one USB-A for those older cables you still use. Its transparent design is attractive, making it almost a shame to plug it into an out-of-the-way socket. Use code SKYZRQMI for $20 off.
For those who need to charge multiple devices at once, something like the Baseus Picogo 100W is a solid option. With a capacity of 67W + 12W + 12W across three ports (two USB-C and one USB-A), it also features a handy display to show how much power is being delivered.
Similarly, Anker’s Nano series offers a great balance between size and power. The Anker 735 Nano II 65W can output up to 65W on one of its USB-C ports and offers versatility with up to 22.5W on the USB-A port and 40W + 12W + 12W when all three ports are in use.
Laptop Chargers
Modern laptops usually support USB-C charging; for some, it’s the only method available. For laptops, you need a charger that can deliver at least 65W, often much more. These chargers can also be used to charge large power banks.
Apple sells powerful chargers, like the 96W and 140W USB-C Power Adapters, which were added for MacBooks and iPads before the iPhone. For a MacBook Air, you don’t need a lot of power, but MacBook Pros will definitely benefit. Both chargers have a single USB-C port, but can charge other devices while the laptop is not in use.
The Anker 140W Laptop Charger can deliver up to 140W on one of its top two USB-C ports—suitable for all but the most demanding gaming laptops. If using all four ports, it offers 65W on the top USB-C port, followed by 45W and 12W on the next two, and up to 12W on the single USB-A port. This charger also features a display that shows power draw and several operating modes, such as High Performance or Cooling Mode.
The Anker Prime Charger 250W takes it a step further with six USB ports (4x USB-C + 2x USB-A). The top USB-C port can deliver up to 140W while the total output can go to 240W with multiple ports in use. An LCD display shows the charging status and there’s a dial for prioritizing ports as needed.
For a more affordable option, look at the Baseus EnerFill FH11 GaN charger, which can deliver 140W to a single laptop or split to provide 70W for two laptops, or 65W + 45W + 9W + 9W if all four ports are in use.
Car Chargers
New cars are equipped with at least some USB ports – USB-A or USB-C, depending on the vehicle’s age, while some even feature Qi wireless charging. However, not all cars come with these ports, and when they do, they are not always powerful. It’s essential to have a reliable charger, especially if you’re using features like wireless Android Auto.
In one of our older vehicles, we rely on the 90W UGREEN charger. The retractable cables help minimize clutter, which is particularly useful in a car. It has a standard USB-C port and a USB-A port for additional devices. If 90W seems excessive, UGREEN also offers a 60W variant.
Baseus also offers car chargers with retractable cables. The Baseus Ultra-Mini Car Charger provides up to 60W with a 31.5” retractable USB-C cable and includes a split USB-C port for added convenience.
For more demanding needs, the Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max cranks out up to 163W, featuring two retractable cables and both USB-C and USB-A ports. They also offer a 240W variant, but do ensure your vehicle can handle that amount of power.
Travel Chargers
Travel chargers are essential for keeping your devices charged on the go. These vary from tiny options that can fit in your backpack with ease to robust models that work in multiple countries.
While USB-C has achieved dominance in DC power, AC remains a different beast. The Baseus Encore CG11 is a universal travel adapter that can handle 70W, compatible with sockets in over 200 countries. It offers one universal AC port, a retractable USB-C cable, a standard USB-C port, and two USB-A ports, minimizing the gadgets you need to pack.
Another great option is the Anker Nano Travel Adapter, which can plug into any wall outlet and features one US outlet along with two USB-C and two USB-A ports. However, the built-in USB ports are somewhat limited at 20W, so they may not be suitable for charging laptops.
If your travels don’t take you far from home, consider the Anker Nano options available in 30W or 45W. They’re compact enough to forget in your bag and powerful enough to keep your phone charged, with the 45W model weighing only 2.11oz (60g) and measuring just 1.3 x 1.26 x 1.5in.
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Image Credit: www.gsmarena.com
