USB plug chargers

[Buckman]

For awhile I have been wondering why it has been taking so long for phones, laptops etc to recharge using Samsung USB chargers. Issue is when you buy something that needs USB-C recharging, very seldom do you get the USB-C charger with the item, i.e. Samsung. The charger and cable are separate purchases. Anyway decided to do a bit of research to find out any reason.

Except for one charger they are all USB chargers and not USB-C chargers. The USB chargers work and do charge the units plugged in, but are very slow and phones keep throwing up error messages asking to check the connection. None of these USB chargers are rated showing the wattage only the amp which in most cases is 1amp. i.e. Output 5v=1amp. As our Samsung units are fairly new and under 2- 3 years old, the connection charger should be USB-C and at least 25w. Ideally they should be 45w so it looks like we will need to purchase 2 - 3 USB-C chargers and the good ones are not exactly cheap especially when buying 2-3 of them. Then we have the problem of buying the USB-C cables as need at least three of them.

Lastly I hate throwing away something that is working so not too sure what to do with all the old USB chargers and old USB to USB-C cables?

 

[otherclive]

For awhile I have been wondering why it has been taking so long for phones, laptops etc to recharge using Samsung USB chargers. Issue is when you buy something that needs USB-C recharging, very seldom do you get the USB-C charger with the item, i.e. Samsung. The charger and cable are separate purchases. Anyway decided to do a bit of research to find out any reason.

Except for one charger they are all USB chargers and not USB-C chargers. The USB chargers work and do charge the units plugged in, but are very slow and phones keep throwing up error messages asking to check the connection. None of these USB chargers are rated showing the wattage only the amp which in most cases is 1amp. i.e. Output 5v=1amp. As our Samsung units are fairly new and under 2- 3 years old, the connection charger should be USB-C and at least 25w. Ideally they should be 45w so it looks like we will need to purchase 2 - 3 USB-C chargers and the good ones are not exactly cheap especially when buying 2-3 of them. Then we have the problem of buying the USB-C cables as need at least three of them.

Lastly I hate throwing away something that is working so not too sure what to do with all the old USB chargers and old USB to USB-C cables?

Give them away on Freecycle or Trash nothing. Alternatively shops like BQ or Curry's have small appliance collection bins for recycling small appliances.

 

[RogerL]

I bought one of these chargers recently, plus a Belkin USB-A to USB-C cable as our phones have different charger connections https://www.amazon.co.uk/Charger-Ad...rds=usb+c+charger&qid=1751626983&sr=8-15&th=1

 

[Sam Vimes]

Not all chargers are equal despite having perhaps the same wattage. Chargers need to match the protocol needed by the device being charged.

Some devices are proprietary technology and only work with the same make charger.

Others use protocols like USB-PD or QC 3. These allow for faster charge rates. However you also need a cable that supports these and just because it's got a USB-C connector on the end it doesn't mean it will work.

Many cheap cables have wires missing and just provide the basic for data and charging. Some USB -C cables may work only one way around despite supposedly being symmetrical.

Buyer beware😁

 

[Mr Plodd]

The output in amperage is what determines the charging time. 1 amp output is fine for phones, but tablets and sat nav's etc need 2 - 2.5 amps.
I have a multi output mains USB charging hub that has 4 x 1 amp and 4 x 2.5 amp sockets, by experimenting with what gets plugged into which output I have determined the above.
Phone chargers are only good for charging mobile phones because phones have pretty weedy batteries in them.

 

[Buckman]

The output in amperage is what determines the charging time. 1 amp output is fine for phones, but tablets and sat nav's etc need 2 - 2.5 amps.
I have a multi output mains USB charging hub that has 4 x 1 amp and 4 x 2.5 amp sockets, by experimenting with what gets plugged into which output I have determined the above.
Phone chargers are only good for charging mobile phones because phones have pretty weedy batteries in them.

The correct USB-C charger for our Samsung S24 phones should be 3A and 45 watt for normal charge and not the super fast charging. Our current Samsung USB chargers at 1A do not work very well at charging them.

 

[Sam Vimes]

The output in amperage is what determines the charging time. 1 amp output is fine for phones, but tablets and sat nav's etc need 2 - 2.5 amps.
I have a multi output mains USB charging hub that has 4 x 1 amp and 4 x 2.5 amp sockets, by experimenting with what gets plugged into which output I have determined the above.
Phone chargers are only good for charging mobile phones because phones have pretty weedy batteries in them.

Not entirely true.

Device current needs will vary. I have a phone that for fast charging needs 5A, one that needs 3A and others that need just 1A.

Tablets that also vary and numerous LiPo or Li-Ion powered gadgets that also vary in current needs.

Charge voltage may also vary from 5v to 48v

Power ratings can be as high as 240W for some devices. My laptop can be charged/powered via USB and needs 60w.

Phone chargers is really a generic term for USB chargers. They can charge pretty much anything if it's the correctly rated type of charger.

You can use a Fast Charger on a low power device or a Slow (low power) charger on a device capable of Fast Charging....times will just vary.

Some multiple port chargers can limit the charge current the more devices you plug in.

Cables are important for Fast Charging. Since some fast charging devices may need upto 5A you need a cable that can handle this. Plus it needs the wiring to be able to communicate with the device to determine the correct charging conditions.

Pays your money etc

 

[ProfJohnL]

The correct USB-C charger for our Samsung S24 phones should be 3A and 45 watt for normal charge and not the super fast charging. Our current Samsung USB chargers at 1A do not work very well at charging them.

I'm sure the 1A charger is working perfectly, but it will take longer to recharge your phone. Its not the chargers fault. You simply need to get the correct charger for your phone to minimise the recharge time.