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TH55

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Original poster
Nov 5, 2011
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I know they transfer data faster but do they charge faster?
 
I think that depends on how strong (wattage) the charger brick or port is that you connect it to.
 
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I know they transfer data faster but do they charge faster?
It doesn’t transfer data faster. Its all usb 2.0 speed for iphones

charging is the same if the wattage of the power brick is the same.

but its hard to find usb-a with higher wattage than about 10W. usually usb-c chargers are called PD for power delivery and can go to 100W
 
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It doesn’t transfer data faster. Its all usb 2.0 speed for iphones

charging is the same if the wattage of the power brick is the same.

but its hard to find usb-a with higher wattage than about 10W. usually usb-c chargers are called PD for power delivery and can go to 100W
What about the power brick that comes with the phone?
 
Prior to USB-C, I would always use the 12W USB-A charger that usually came with the iPads. You will have to buy a USB-C power adapter separately as others have mentioned, there is plenty on Amazon and I recommend 30W cause why not and you don't have to buy another next year if they do increase the charging speeds again. The iPhone itself dictates the charging speed it can pull from the charger so depending on which model you get these are the charging rates for the 13 series.

13 and 13 Pro - 20W charging
13 Pro Max - 27W charging
 
This should give you an idea:


The speed difference between 12W USB and 18W USB-C charging isn't huge. The peak power of the USB-C chargers is only used part of the time because the power begins to taper at higher state of charge. Of course 5W USB charging is much slower.
 
This should give you an idea:


The speed difference between 12W USB and 18W USB-C charging isn't huge. The peak power of the USB-C chargers is only used part of the time because the power begins to taper at higher state of charge. Of course 5W USB charging is much slower.
What about 30-50 watts vs 12 watts? Does faster charging/more wattage age the battery faster?
 
Prior to USB-C, I would always use the 12W USB-A charger that usually came with the iPads. You will have to buy a USB-C power adapter separately as others have mentioned, there is plenty on Amazon and I recommend 30W cause why not and you don't have to buy another next year if they do increase the charging speeds again. The iPhone itself dictates the charging speed it can pull from the charger so depending on which model you get these are the charging rates for the 13 series.

13 and 13 Pro - 20W charging
13 Pro Max - 27W charging
Does brand matter, like is it worth spending $15 for an Anker vs $8/9 for an off brand?
 
I use Anker and Aukey. Stay away from the really cheap priced chargers. If at all possible either use the one Apple sells, look for ones that are UL Listed (for the US) or a brand that has really good reputation. I like to stay with lower wattage chargers as I prefer slow charging.
Can I ask why you prefer slow charging, is rapid charging harmful to the battery life? What wattage do you use? I’m looking at this brand, love to hear your thoughts.

 
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Can I ask why you prefer slow charging, is rapid charging harmful to the battery life? What wattage do you use? I’m looking at this brand, love to hear your thoughts.

Right now I am using a 12 watt Aukey charger. Slow charging means less heat and that is better for the battery. I usually charge at night where fast charging is not needed anyway. I am aware that my 13 Pro Max is capable of using a 30 watt charger. I think some of this comes down to a philosophy on how you treat and use the phone.
 
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What about 30-50 watts vs 12 watts? Does faster charging/more wattage age the battery faster?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max maxes out at ~27W (smaller and older phones are less), but then it has a massive battery for an iPhone. It will probably age the battery a bit faster, but I doubt Apple would allow it if it was severe.
 
Does the brand I linked look a bit cheap?
I know nothing about that brand, so I can’t say if it is good or bad. If you have a 5 watt charging brick you can use that as well. If you are trying to save money then use what you currently have to charge the phone. It isn’t the end of the world if you slow charge your phone.
 
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The iPhone 13 Pro Max maxes out at ~27W (smaller and older phones are less), but then it has a massive battery for an iPhone. It will probably age the battery a bit faster, but I doubt Apple would allow it if it was severe.
Gotcha. How about 20W on a 12Pro? What is the standard usb A wattage?
 
With a USB Type A (5V) charger iPhones max out at 12W (they don't support QC). Higher wattage can only be achieved when using a USB-C PD charger.
Right I’m asking how much more damaging a 20W USB C charger would be
 
I'm not sure why this is confusing. Unlike Android, Apple has made it easy, by adopting the standard USB-PD as their fast charging method instead of a proprietary one like Xiaomi/OPPO did.

Simply get a charger that support USB-PD. You don't even have to bother about the Wattage or anything, just make sure it explicitly stated USB-PD standard. If it doesn't say that, avoid. Simple. Most of the time, USB-PD charging is supported via a USB-C port, thus that makes your decision even easier, to just use USB-C to lightning cable. Done deal.
 
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