Min. charge current
The smallest current that the device can provide in charge mode. If this parameter is specified in the specifications, this means that this model has the ability to adjust the charge current (otherwise, only the maximum current is indicated).
Charging current is one of the most important parameters for any charger: see “Maximum charge current. And the general range of current adjustment depends on this indicator: the lower the minimum value (with the same maximum) — the more extensive the possibilities for setting up the "charger" for the specific specifics of work.
Max. charge current
The highest current that the device can provide when charging the battery (or the nominal value of the charging current, if it is not adjustable).
Charging current is one of the most important parameters for any charger: it determines the speed of the process and compatibility with certain batteries. In general, the higher the current, the faster the process, the less time it takes to charge. At the same time, some batteries may have recommendations for the optimal current strength and restrictions on its maximum values. Therefore, mindlessly chasing a powerful charger is not worth it: at first it's ok to clarify how justified such power will be.
Note that in multi-channel devices (see "Independent channels"), the maximum current strength can be achieved when only part of the channels are operating. The indicators provided when all channels are operating simultaneously are indicated separately for such models (see "Charge current (all channels)").
Number of settings
The number of separate charge current settings (see above) provided in the design of the charger. For example, a device with 4 settings may provide options for 200, 400, 800 and 1000 mAh. In general, the larger this number, the more accurately you can choose the charging current for a particular situation.
Preliminary discharge
Pre-discharge is useful for batteries that are prone to memory effect - they need to be charged only after the charge is completely depleted. In accordance with the name, a charger with this function is capable, if necessary, of discharging the installed battery “to zero” before starting charging. At the same time, some models are able to automatically detect the presence of residual energy and turn on a preliminary discharge, in others it must be turned on manually.
USB output charging gadgets
The ability to use the charger to charge portable electronics - smartphones, tablets, players, etc. As a rule, for this, a
USB port is provided in the design, for connection to which an appropriate cable is required; in fact, you can charge from such a device not only mobile gadgets, but also any equipment that can be powered from USB. True, it is worth noting that some manufacturers do not recommend using third-party devices for their equipment if they are not officially approved.
Overheat protection
A function that prevents critical heating of the batteries installed in the charger. Excessive heat on its own is usually a sign of a problem or abnormal operation, and an increase in temperature can cause a fire or even an explosion of the battery.
Overheating protection systems usually use special sensors that monitor the state of the battery and turn off the heating if necessary.
USB charging power
The ability for the charger to receive power from a standard USB port (and, accordingly, charge batteries from this port).
USB connectors are extremely widespread in modern electronics, both in stationary equipment like PCs and in portable ones like laptops or tablets. Due to this, such power can be useful both at home or in the office, and in the absence of outlets nearby. And in general, this function greatly expands the possibilities of connecting the memory. True, you need to take into account that
USB ports differ in the power of the supplied power, and some models may be with weak USB charging. And also there are chargers with a round DC port, for which only the native cable is suitable.
Mains plug on cable
Chargers with a plug for connecting to a socket on the tip of the mains cable. Models
with a plug on the wire provide freedom of placement of the “charger” (especially in cramped free space near the outlet). So that the cable does not get tangled at hand, in many models it is made removable, which makes it easy to store the charger.