Educate me on Multi-USB Chargers please

SexyGreyFox

SexyGreyFox

SexyGreyFox

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Time to update my multi charger.
I'm looking at something like this but can anybody explain the different ports and what I would use them for?
Which one would I plug my Sony Experia 5ii into which uses an 18 watt charger for example?
Could I plug anything into any port and the tech would just work it out?
Obviously something that needed the PD-45W wouldn't charge as fast if it was put into the 5v-2.4A.



usbcharger.jpg
 
With limited info, I'd say the top and bottom are the only ports that would "negotiate" a higher rate of charging.

The middle ports are just dumb power ports. You'll want to read the reviews/spec and see if this thing can sustain multiple high draw devices at once.

FWIW, I stick with Anker* on Amazon as the quality is good, the price is inexpensive, and the specifications are very clearly written.
 
dLockers said:
With limited info, I'd say the top and bottom are the only ports that would "negotiate" a higher rate of charging.

The middle ports are just dumb power ports. You'll want to read the reviews/spec and see if this thing can sustain multiple high draw devices at once.

FWIW, I stick with Anker* on Amazon as the quality is good, the price is inexpensive, and the specifications are very clearly written.
Click to expand...

I'd agree with this.
The bottom port will max out your phone.
The top port is for laptops (they will charge slow)
The middle ports (Inc usbc) are all 2.4*5 standard ports for everything else.

My best charger is my 100w PD
It can deliver 100w to one USB - c port for my laptop
 
It's also worth noting that most chargers will split the maximum power between ports as they are used. So you might get 45w from the top USBC Power Delivery port until you plug something in one of the other ports. Then it might drop.
 
Hades said:
It's also worth noting that most chargers will split the maximum power between ports as they are used. So you might get 45w from the top USBC Power Delivery port until you plug something in one of the other ports. Then it might drop.
Click to expand...

Yeah on a proper spec you'll get this info. And it is quite important!

Example below of mine

aA2agsO.jpg
 
SexyGreyFox said:
Thanks

So it seems I would never use the PD-45W.

What is the difference between the Type-C and USB 3?
Click to expand...
Faster, better, quicker, different connector.

The world will shift entirely to USB-C but it is a slow process.

PD is only worth it if you want to charge a laptop (very slowly). Some mobile phones only hit ludicrous mode through USB-C (or more consistently hit it, I would say). My S20 seems to really prefer a USB-C to USB-C cable to superfast charge, versus regular USB which seems to be hit and miss, and charger dependant.

You want to look out for PowerIQ or Qualcomm QuickCharge in addition to just raw power numbers.
 
Also look out for GaN chargers (Gallium Nitride) whcih are more compact that older chargers.
 
There's a lot of unknown / unfamiliar brands in this space so I'd be mindful of buying a recognised brand such as Anker or Belkin if you want more peace of mind with respect to possible fire.

I wouldn't bother with anything less than 65W PD as most laptops I've seen need at least that, some Apple ones I think need 100W or more. Look at what standards your next likely phone will want there's a few different standards that exist now. If you don't get one with a high enough wattage, the laptop probably won't charge at all because it will detect it doesn't have the right charger attached. At least that seems to be the case with my HP. If your thinking of taking it abroad some also come with different slide on and off adapter pieces.

I would look at something like this if buying another one...

https://www.anker.com/es/products/variant/65w-piq-30-typec-charger/A2713021
 
FWIW if you don't want Laptop charging, I have this for my 'low priority' devices. It also has a travel adaptor.
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01MXXOQTE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For my mobile I use these (or similar ones, seems RavPower have been deleted from Amazon!). Where possible with USB-C to USB-C cables.
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Charger-...ords=anker+usb+charger&qid=1623929292&sr=8-16

If it was as "serious" requirement as OP, I'd get this:
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Anker-Ch...ords=anker+usb+charger&qid=1623929292&sr=8-14


Avoid no-brand/no-name for sure. Not worth the lack of sleep.
 
SexyGreyFox said:
What is the difference between the Type-C and USB 3?
Click to expand...
Type C denotes the connection type, USB 3 is the USB standard being used.

Type C initially was mostly seen replacing Micro USB which were really Micro Type B) connectors and is slowly starting to replace Type A connectors in a lot of applications too.

They're often conflated as they were developed at similar times.
 
VincentHanna said:
Anker Innovations is a Chinese electronics company based in Shenzhen, Guangdong.
Click to expand...

But unless you know of a GB alternative then sometimes it's necessary to source an alternative and where that's necessary I'd rather have a known brand rather than something that could be a fire hazard.
 
I've never heard of these chargers before.

I remember the days when ya just plugged in the USB cable and it charged.
 
Kenai said:
Type C denotes the connection type, USB 3 is the USB standard being used.

Type C initially was mostly seen replacing Micro USB which were really Micro Type B) connectors and is slowly starting to replace Type A connectors in a lot of applications too.

They're often conflated as they were developed at similar times.
Click to expand...

I know that, I wanted to know what the differences are in charging on the example in my picture.
It seems I need to get Type C to Type C for efficiency.
 
thenewoc said:
There's a lot of unknown / unfamiliar brands in this space so I'd be mindful of buying a recognised brand such as Anker or Belkin if you want more peace of mind with respect to possible fire.
Click to expand...

I'm also a fan of Green Cell, they produce excellent eBike batteries of which I have two.
 
BowdonUK said:
I've never heard of these chargers before.

I remember the days when ya just plugged in the USB cable and it charged.
Click to expand...
Long gone I'm afraid. No chargers are made equal. They are their own integrated circuits now, and a 'digital conversation' and negotiation on throughput happens. Prior to that you needed to know your 'ampage'.
 
thenewoc said:
But unless you know of a GB alternative then sometimes it's necessary to source an alternative and where that's necessary I'd rather have a known brand rather than something that could be a fire hazard.
Click to expand...
You aren't boycotting then are you? How daft.
 
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