You love your Android device when it’s powered up and on since you’ll use it throughout the whole day, or as long as the battery holds up. But sometimes the battery doesn’t last and you need a charger. To keep your
Apple iPhone or smartphone juiced up, you need to know some of the key things to consider when shopping for the best cellphone charger out there.
There are many available on the market, and they all come in different shapes and sizes, and usually with similar pricing. Since it’s a good idea to go for a lightweight and inexpensive option to charge most essential devices, the question should be, how do I choose the most efficient ‘juice-box’ for my gadget?
Several types of chargers suit different capabilities. Wall chargers, for example, are the default charger type that’s included with your phone. Car chargers, on the other hand, will go into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter and have 12 volts of power. Such types boast a high Ah (amperes per hour) to charge your battery rapidly. This is called ‘fast charging,’ and it’s always advisable to check whether your phone battery supports it or not before buying a charger.
As you shop around, you’ll likely come across
portable chargers. To keep it simple, these are like big batteries that charge the smaller, exhausted ones. Also on the market are battery-only chargers that can save the day if you’re fond of carrying an extra battery on your person. If you have multiple devices, such a charger can be part of the “dead battery” solution.
More consideration should go to the voltage output and battery power capacity of the cell phone charger. To get this right, you first need to know your device’s battery capacity. Once you’ve determined it, you can then easily choose the best cell phone charger out there that matches your phone’s capacity. It’s also advisable to go with a charger that’s preferably double the amount of your phone’s capacity.
Standard cell phone chargers give you a variety of connectors to attach to multiple outlet types. A universal adapter is specially made to charge virtually every USB-enabled or compatible device. For a long-lasting charger, make sure its compatible with your make and model of phone.
Would you hate a charger that could also charge your
Bluetooth wireless headphones? The benefit goes to you, if the chosen cell charger can do it. Many chargers are designed to support numerous devices other than phones. Such versatility is useful since it reduces the number of chargers you need for every device. The only caution to exercise here is making sure that a special charger does not overload certain devices.
Are you thinking of going wireless? Just check whether your phone can charge without a connection. Wireless chargers usually only require you to place your phone on the charging station, and that’s it.
If you’re ready to look at some more of these factors in depth and talk about price point, read on!
Price
For a charger that’ll serve your phone for a long time and keep it powered throughout the day, you’ll spend anywhere between $10 and $40. Of course, there are more expensive cell phone chargers that go beyond the $40 price tag. But the difference in price relates to the charger’s model, charging capability, the number of devices it can support, the accessories included and the technology incorporated. However, you can consider buying a cheap cell phone charger if you’re looking for something without lots of the premium features.
Features
After you’ve thought about all the consideration factors, you may want to know which features to look out for as you begin shopping. We’ve compiled a list of the most common features, and we recommend referencing it as you’re out shopping. They are…
- Type - Some of the available options include the wall, portable, wireless and others
- Size - What are the dimensions of the type of charger you’re looking to buy?
- Power - What’s the input and output voltage of your charger? Can it deliver enough power to juice up your device?
- Connections - How many ports does the charger have? Do you want a single or multi-port charger?
- Compatibility - Is the charger you’re looking to purchase compatible with your type of device?
Construction and Design
Phone accessories in the market compete vigorously when it comes to quality, and cell phone chargers are no exception. The eminence of a product goes hand-in-hand with the company that made it, and the same applies to cell chargers. Don’t be fooled by the prices that manufacturers use to lure you into buying. The wrapping of your charger is a significant factor in its durability. For example, it is wise to go for an anodized and slim shell that surrounds the interior electronics. It should also be compact and stable enough to prevent damage if it falls.
You want a charger that you can easily carry. Most of them are not too gaudy, and possess a cylindrical or block design. Other than the design, the size also matters. Bigger chargers tend to have more power and fast charging, but small sizes are easier to move with, an important point to consider if you don’t have a bag with a lot of space, or if you just hate carrying a bag.
Plastic construction should not keep you away from a charger. What you need to look at is how the plastic encompasses the internal details, and, above all, make sure it doesn’t look cheap. The threading of the outer casing is crucial to how your charger will perform and how long it will last.
Performance and Ease of Use
How your charger handles the charging is critical to its general performance. A charger that you can use at home and in the office, among other places you visit, may never leave your company. Wired chargers have dominated for quite a long time, and they have proven to be reliable. Opting for a wireless mode eases everything, especially if you’re tired of tangled wires and losing cables once in a while. The wireless mode will help you charge your phone as you browse and navigate through your favorite playlist. It’s also possible to call without interrupting the charging capability. Most of the wireless options available are much easier to set up and use.
How compatible is your choice? A charger that’s best for your devices will charge most of them, if not all. It gets easier if you can charge your Galaxy Note 5 and a Huawei tablet with one adapter. Speed is a significant factor, so powering up your phone shouldn’t take long if the charger can handle the voltage and current requirements of the different devices.
Heating up is another performance issue. A charger that stays at room temperature or considerably warm until your battery is fully charged is what you should pick. The internal construction should include a method to dissipate heat. Chargers that support USB and micro-USB offer more convenience when it comes to charging multiple devices.
All new phones come with an adapter for recharging your battery. A suitable charger should charge your phone following the phone’s input specifications. The best charger should also offer great compatibility and should come with a reasonable price tag. Our 5 top cellphone charger picks have all these and more!
We hope that our guide was helpful in your journey to find the best charging device for your phone. If you didn’t find the right one, or if you’re still undecided on which one to choose, you can check out other products made by our 5 recommend brands. These brands were chosen because they have a wide range of products and great customer care, which assures us that you’ll find something you love!
