The Plug: What cable does my phone use?

Nowadays, the industry has agreed on a common standard, making our lives much easier.

• USB-C (or Type-C): This is the ultimate global standard. All Android phones (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) use it, as well as all new iPhones (from iPhone 15 onwards). It’s the small oval plug that fits no matter how you turn it.

• Lightning: You only need this if you have an older Apple model (iPhone 14, 13, 12, etc.).

The Charger Port: Which "brick" should I get?

If you open the box of a modern smartphone, the cable you’ll find inside usually has the small plug (USB-C) on both ends.

• Choose a charger with a USB-C port: This is the modern connector. It allows you to plug in your new cable and offers maximum speeds.

• Avoid chargers with only USB-A: USB-A is the old, large, rectangular port (like on old USB sticks). If you get such a charger, your modern phone cable won’t fit.

Speed: How Many Watts (W) Do I Actually Need?

Watts indicate the power of the charger. The more watts, the faster it can deliver power, as long as your phone supports it.

• For iPhone & Basic Android: A charger from 20W to 30W is ideal. It will charge your device quickly (about 50% in 30 minutes) without spending a lot of money.

• For Android "flagships" (Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, etc.): These phones are built for extreme speeds. Look for chargers from 45W to 67W (or even higher), so you can fully charge them in less than an hour.

The Big Myth: "If I get a very powerful charger, e.g. 65W, I'll burn the battery of my small phone!" 

The Truth: Today's phones are "smart." Your phone will draw exactly as many Watts as it needs from the charger, and not a single Watt more. In fact, it's a great idea to get a powerful charger (e.g. 65W), so you can safely charge your phone, tablet, and even your laptop with the same brick!

The Magic Word: GaN

If you see the word GaN in the title of a charger, that's an excellent reason to buy it. It comes from the material Gallium Nitride and its practical value is immense:

• The charger is much smaller in size and lighter.

• It almost never overheats, even when charging multiple devices at the same time.

• It is more environmentally friendly and better for your device.

The "Language" of Communication: PD and PPS

For your phone to charge quickly, it needs to be able to "communicate" properly with the charger.

• Power Delivery (PD): This is the basic and safest "language" of fast charging. If the charger states that it supports PD, it will charge almost all phones on the market perfectly.

• The secret for Samsung (PPS): If you have a modern Samsung Galaxy and want to see the "Super Fast Charging" message on your screen, the charger must support the PPS protocol. If you get a powerful 100W charger that doesn't have PPS, your Samsung will charge slowly!

Don't Forget the Cable!

The best charger in the world becomes useless if you use a cheap, old cable. The cable is the "pipe" through which the current flows.

• If you buy a charger up to 30W, a simple good cable is enough.

• If you buy a charger of 60W or more, make sure to get a cable that states it supports 100W or 5A (Amps). This way you ensure that the speed won't be "bottlenecked" along the way.

Wireless Charging (MagSafe & Qi2)

If you're tired of tangled cables on your nightstand, wireless chargers are here.

• MagSafe: Apple's solution for iPhones. The charger has magnets, "snaps" perfectly to the back of your phone, and delivers power safely.

• Qi2 (The new standard): This is the brand-new evolution of wireless charging. It brings the convenience of magnets and fast speeds (15W) to all compatible phones, including Androids. If you're looking for a wireless charger today, Qi2 is the most "future-proof" option (meaning the one that will last over time).

And don't forget that apart from chargers, at Skroutz you can also find the best Powerbanks on the market to take full advantage of their technologies as well as the portability they offer, ideal for charging your phone wherever you are!