Charging areas
Number of wireless zones in the charging design.
The basic option is
1 zone, allowing you to charge one device at a time. To charge several gadgets overnight, models are available for
2 zones,
3 zones and even
≥4 zones. At the same time, at least one zone is made large - it is intended for a smartphone. Other zones can be made in the same caliber as the main one or have smaller sizes, and in some cases they are suspended structures for wrist gadgets (see “Watch charging zone”). Auxiliary zones are usually used to charge another smartphone, a case with headphones, smart watches and other portable devices.
Power (with 1 device)
The maximum power that the charger is capable of delivering to one rechargeable gadget (for models with 1 connector or with 1 wireless platform — the actual charging power). We emphasize that for wireless devices, it is the power in the wireless format that is indicated here (even if the design has a USB port with a higher power). Wired chargers usually list the USB power with the highest charging current or with support of the most powerful fast charging technology.
The smallest value of this metric nowadays is actually
5 W. Other popular options include
10W,
12W,
15W, and the most powerful models have
18W or more
to charge laptops(up to
100W).
Higher output power allows you to speed up the charging process; and in the case of wireless devices, a value of more than 10 watts already allows us to talk about the presence of fast charging. At the same time, a number of nuances are associated with this parameter. Firstly, not only the charger, but also the gadget being charged should support the appropriate power — otherwise the speed of the process will be limited by the specs of the gadget. Secondly, in order to use the full capabilities of the charger, it may be necessary to support not only the appropriate charging power, but also a
...certain fast charging technology (see "Fast charging"). Thirdly, in a charger with several charging connectors, the maximum power per device can only be achieved if the other ports are not used.Power (for all ports)
The total power provided by the device while simultaneously charging the maximum possible number of gadgets. This parameter is indicated only for models that can work with several gadgets; for a 1-socket charger or a wireless platform, the operating power is given in the “Power per 1 device” paragraph.
When evaluating this parameter, two points should be taken into account. First, when the charger is fully loaded, the power of each individual port and/or wireless platform may be lower than the maximum possible value. For example, some models with 2 USB ports for 2 A and 1 A (10 W and 5 W), with simultaneous operation of both ports, can output only 5 W each, that is, only 10 W in total (this is the number and indicated in this paragraph). Secondly, the distribution of power over individual connectors can be different — depending on the current on each port and supported fast charging technologies; these nuances are best specified in the official documentation.
Features
—
Operation indicator. In some models it also provides additional information about operating modes, malfunctions, etc. Most often, such a light indicator is in the form of a separate light or a clearly visible backlight system. And additional information can be provided by changing the colour of the backlight, by blinking, etc. However, even without these features, the operation indicator provides additional convenience in use. In particular, it allows you to determine whether the charger is receiving power and working normally — this can be useful when diagnosing various problems. It is also possible to use non-standard backlighting — for example, as a night light that makes it easier to navigate in an unlit room (especially since gadgets are often put on charge just at night).
—
Display. Own display on the charger case. This is usually the simplest screen with a few characters, but it is enough to display various additional information that makes life easier for the user: current voltage and current values, fast charging status, error codes, etc. On the other hand, this complicates the design, but in fact such information is required less often; Therefore, very few chargers with displays are produced.
— Detachable charger power cable. Cable for connecting the charger to the power source, which has a removable design. By itself, connecting to a power outlet using a separate wire (both re
...movable and non-removable) is rarely used in charger devices — mainly in devices for which the “plug on the case” type design is not suitable (this is primarily wireless models, as well as wired charger devices with an abundance of connectors and corresponding dimensions). Specifically, the removable design is convenient in two ways: firstly, the wire can be removed and compactly folded for storage and transportation, and secondly, if the cable is damaged, it can simply be replaced, no need to bother with repairs. The disadvantages include an increased probability of losing the cable, as well as a slightly lower reliability than with a non-removable design (the latter, however, becomes noticeable only with frequent connections/disconnections that wear out the connector).
— Non-detachable charger power cable. Cable for connecting the charger to the power source, rigidly fixed to the device and not intended to be disconnected. It occurs much less frequently than the removable one described above, since it is less convenient if necessary to compactly fold the device; and if the wire is damaged, most likely, you will have to carry the charger to a service centre. On the other hand, you can lose such a wire only together with the charger itself.Power adapter
Whether or not
a power adapter is included with the charger.
This feature is relevant primarily for wireless models, including the ones for cars(see "Type"). Such devices usually consist of three parts: the charger itself with a platform/stand/latch, a charger power cable and an adapter for connecting the wire to a power outlet or cigarette lighter. If the presence of an adapter is initially indicated in the specifications, then the charger is supplied in a complete set; it is these models that you should pay attention to if you want to use the device right out of the box, without the hassle of finding additional accessories.
Also, this feature can be indicated for individual car chargers of the traditional, wired type. This usually means that the device is similar in layout to wireless models: main unit, power cord and cigarette lighter adapter. This design allows you to use the charger at some distance from the dashboard of the car — for example, take it to the back seat, giving passengers the opportunity to charge their phones. In this case, the adapter can have its own charging outputs (usually USB) and can be used separately from the main unit.
