Have you ever bought a phone charger only to realise it wasn’t compatible with your mobile device? Or are you confused about what to look for in a new USB wall charger–especially if your device didn’t come with one out of the box? Luckily, we are here to help make the decision easier for you. Here are some essential qualities to look for when choosing a wall charger.

1. Fast Charging Capability

One of the most important features of modern wall chargers is fast charging. Chargers with high wattage, such as 20W or more, can significantly reduce the time it takes to charge your devices. Always choose a charger with rapid charging technology, like Qualcomm Quick Charge or USB Power Delivery (PD).

2. Charging Port Type

When looking to buy a new charger, you must have encountered chargers labelled “universal” or “USB Type-C,” but what do these labels mean?

 They are called “smartphone charging ports”, and they are;

Lightning port (mainly used by Apple)

Micro USB (A portable version of the USB 2.0 standard that also supports OTG function and is compatible with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0)

Type-C port (connection interface of the USB 3.1 standard and most popular mobile port)

3. Number of Supported Charging Ports

For versatility, a good wall charger should have multiple ports that allow you to charge several devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful if you have multiple devices. To better charge more devices, look for chargers that offer a mix of USB-A and USB-C ports to cater to different devices.

4. Safety Features

Safety is paramount when it comes to electronics. A reliable wall charger should have built-in safety features such as over-voltage protection, over-current protection, short-circuit protection, and temperature control. These features help prevent device damage and reduce the risk of overheating or electrical fires.

5. Charging Speed output

A charger with a low wattage output, like a 5V 1A charger, will charge your mobile phone slowly. For context, a 5V 1A charger is a 5W charger (5Vx1A=5W), while a 5V 2A charger is a 10W charger (5Vx2A=10W). The higher the wattage, the faster its capacity to charge your devices. 

6. Compact and Portable Design

A good wall charger should be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your bag or pocket. Foldable plugs and detachable cables also enhance portability and convenience.

7. Rugged Build

Look out for wall chargers with robust casings, reinforced connectors, braided cables or cables made with non-flimsy materials to ensure durability.  A well-constructed wall charger with the above qualities will last longer and withstand daily wear and tear. 

8. Compatibility of Charging Protocols

Check the charging protocols to ensure it's compatible with your devices. You can check the charging protocol information on the manufacturer's website or the charger packaging. 

Choose Quality Wall Chargers

Now that you know the qualities to look out for in a wall charger, it’s time to choose one with these qualities. For quality wall chargers you can trust, choose digifon.