A wall charger is a device used to charge your electronic devices while they are plugged into an electrical outlet. It is also known as a USB charger.
GaN Charger
GaN is short for Gallium Nitride – which replaces tradition silicon inside electronics making them smaller, lighter, faster & generate less heat. GaN technology is quickly becoming the standard in portable charging as it enables manufacturers to make more efficient chargers.
So Many Wall Charger Options - How to know which one is right for me?
When looking for a wall charger, there are several things to look for, starting with a reputable brand. Most basic things to consider would be which charging protocol your device uses & how much power does it require. Older phones would work well with standard 2.4A/ 10W charging. New ones these days demand power as high as 120W. Most brands these days use their own fast charging protocols example Dash, VooC, Flash, PPS , QC are some of the commonly heard ones. There is no one-size-fits-all solution as yet due to this varying technology. So you need to look specifically for the charging protocol & the wattage required for your device. Another factor to consider would be number of charging ports required & type of charging portsThe number of ports you need in a charger is the second point to look at. Various wall adapters consist of USB-A & USB-C ports, and you might even find some that have multiple USB-C ports. The speed at which your wall charger will deliver its charge is the third thing to look for as fast charging is a standard feature nowadays that makes it crucial to know if your devices can handle Qualcomm's Quick Charge or USB-Power Delivery.
What's the difference between GaN & Power Delivery?
GaN (gallium nitride) and power delivery are not directly comparable as they are two separate concepts in the field of electronics. However, GaN can be used to improve power delivery in certain applications.
GaN is a semiconductor material that has several advantages over other materials such as silicon. It can operate at higher frequencies, handle higher voltages, and operate at higher temperatures, making it suitable for high-power and high-frequency applications. GaN-based power devices have been developed for use in power electronics, such as power supplies, inverters, and converters.
Power delivery, on the other hand, refers to the process of delivering electrical power from a source to a load. This can involve transforming the voltage or current to meet the requirements of the load, ensuring efficient transfer of power, and managing power flow to prevent damage or overload.
GaN can improve power delivery in certain applications by enabling the development of more efficient and compact power electronics. For example, GaN-based power devices can reduce switching losses and improve thermal performance, leading to higher power densities and smaller form factors in power supplies, inverters, and converters.
Why Should I use Gan Chargers ?
Modern chargers with built-in components made of gallium nitride, a semiconductor, are known as GaN chargers. When compared to chargers that use silicon transistors, GaN components achieve a better balance between volume, performance, & safety. They are smaller, more energy efficient, & use less power. On the contrary, it speeds up the rate at which the charger delivers energy to the connected device. Yes, they are correct for a device as these chargers generate less heat, which keeps them safe & durable. As they are small, portable, and compact, it is easy to carry them around in a backpack or purse.
Should I have different chargers for my Laptop & Phone?
With older generation laptops which work on DC charging, the adapter is dedicated to the laptop and does not facilitate charging another device. So the user has no option but to use a separate power source for the phone. However new generation laptops which come with Type C port charging have opened up a plethora of shared charging options where the consumer only needs one common charger. Often these chargers offer multiport Type C & USB-A ports. How amazing is that. If the charger is powerful enough then you could even charge upto 3-4 devices at the same time including a laptop ! Checkout our section on Travel Chargers for such amazing options.
