Can picking the wrong charger damage your expensive new smartphone purchase? Here's the facts you need to know.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/20241961

Can picking the wrong charger damage your expensive new smartphone purchase? Here’s the facts you need to know.

  • QuadratureSurfer@lemmy.worldEnglish
    22·
    9 hours ago

    If you read the article, it’s more of an “it depends” answer.

    Most phones have safety mechanisms built in to them to protect from things like overcharging or overheating during fast charging. They will also default to a low power charging state if it doesn’t detect the correct signal from the charger.

    There is a very rare possibility that a charger may not be grounded correctly and that’s why it’s recommended to stick with big brands if you’re going with a 3rd party charger.

    • Avid AmoebaEnglish
      4·
      6 hours ago

      Unfortunately the battery temp limits are often too high and let the heat at go really high which shortens the lifespan of the battery. If I let my Pixel fast charge as it pleases, I’d have drastically reduced battery capacity today. Instead I use USB-A to USB-C cables and older chargers to limit the charging current and therefore heat.

      • RandomgalEnglish
        3·
        5 hours ago

        Could you say more? What model pixel and what temp? I’ve never noticed mine getting hotter than a mild warmth.

        • yesmeisyes@sopuli.xyzEnglish
          21·
          5 hours ago

          I have a Pixel 8 and often use a generic 65W charger with it. The phone gets noticeably hot when charging more than 20%, I try to keep it between 40-80%.

          • Avid AmoebaEnglish
            1·
            2 hours ago

            Pixel 8 Pro here. It just did a bulk charge session at peak 5A, average 4.5A. That’s nearly 1C. I didn’t record the temp but just like yours it was noticeably hot. I only fast charge when I’m in a bind.

            • BearOfaTime@lemm.eeEnglish
              2·
              2 hours ago

              That’s the key.

              That said, I’ve always bought ~2 year old phones. They usually have batteries at 85% life (or more).

              I haven’t had fast charging hurt one significantly yet, and I’ve used it a lot on some phones.

              Of course, I avoid using it as much as possible. I use a slow charger (1A,max) overnight and it’s on a timer. On rooted phones I use a charge limiting app.