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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.
Ok, but to be clear there are USB-C to lightening cables that are NOT USB-PD?
 
I am still using my old 5W brick I got with my 5S now with 13 Pro. Fast charging is pointless if you only charge overnight (my case). In my iPhone lifetime (started with 4S, I only charge my iPhones when traveling and using Maps. I don't recall any other situation where I would need to top of my phone in the middle of the day.
 
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Since I charge up overnight I deliberately use the apple 5w charger bricks. Nice slow charging which puts the least stress on the batteries. The daily use phones in the house that have done that are still at 93% battery life after 2 years. Meanwhile the one phone that was using the 12W charger is at 86%. (All bought at the same time and charged overnight) YMMV
 
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Since I charge up overnight I deliberately use the apple 5w charger bricks. Nice slow charging which puts the least stress on the batteries. The daily use phones in the house that have done that are still at 93% battery life after 2 years. Meanwhile the one phone that was using the 12W charger is at 86%. (All bought at the same time and charged overnight) YMMV

YMMV for sure. I have an 8+ here that’s four years old and being charged with whatever currently is available. Now sits at 83%. Can’t complain, four years of absolutely not caring about the charging method.
 
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Since I charge up overnight I deliberately use the apple 5w charger bricks. Nice slow charging which puts the least stress on the batteries. The daily use phones in the house that have done that are still at 93% battery life after 2 years. Meanwhile the one phone that was using the 12W charger is at 86%. (All bought at the same time and charged overnight) YMMV
That’s anecdotal at best… ??‍♂️
 
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Ok, but to be clear there are USB-C to lightening cables that are NOT USB-PD?
No there are not. I’m sure Apple mandates it (they have a set of specs you have to follow to even sell a Lightning cable). If a cable broke charging they would not certify it and sue the maker for trademark violation and license breach.

Besides that USB-C cables meant to charge from USB-C bricks have always supported PD as far as I know. Maybe if a cable had extremely bad wiring it could refuse PD (but I think it would also refuse to send any power too). But on the other hand, USB-C on the device side and USB-A on the other side does not support PD, only legacy USB charging.
 
Idk sounds pretty logical and conclusive
It says nothing about how or how much the devices were actually used which has a bigger impact on the battery health than charging type does.

I use slow charging for overnight and fast charging to top-up throughout the day when needed. Fast charging is significantly more convenient for a quick boost or when time is limited.
 
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I’ve purchased two USB-PD charger bricks in recent years. They’re both 18W & have 2 x USB-A ports & 1 x USB-C port.

One’s in the kitchen, (more for the AirPods Pro), for quicker than average charging when needed [USB-C] & one‘s in the daily-driven vehicle [USB-A], used every day (whilst using Maps, streaming, calls etc.). USB-A is enough to keep the phone charged for a work day.

Once I get the iPhone 13, I’ll replace the USB-A cable in the vehicle with the USB-C cable & I’ll have faster charging in the vehicle as I do at home.

18W max is enough, & these chargers didn’t cost much (Anko brand, from Kmart).

I also have a wireless charger (same brand) used with Apple’s 5W brick, used to charge the iPhone over night.

My iPhone X is at 93% after nearly 4 years of use.
 
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