Since the year 2000, when the Ericsson 380 marked the dawn of the smartphone era, progress has been astonishing. Twenty-four years later, INSEE reveals that 94% of young people between the ages of 15 and 29 own a smartphone, while even among those over 80, 36% have one. Of course, these devices must be charged via an electrical outlet, and in our daily frenzy and forgetfulness, the quick chargercapable of recharging a phone in record time, even in less than 30 minutes for a 100% complete cycle. However, behind its practicality there are lesser-known sides: greater electricity consumption and the risk of reducing the battery life of your phone. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of these chargers.
It makes sense that a fast charger requires more energy than a traditional one, similar to the way a luxury car uses more fuel than a city car. A fast charger can consume between 15 and 30 watts, compared to 5 watts for a standard charger. Even if it consumes more, the problem is more evident if left constantly connected, even without a phone. Although fast chargers are more expensive, their greater power shortens charging times, therefore reducing total consumption for the same time if unplugged after use.
The phone’s battery suffers with fast charging
The marketing of fast chargers sometimes omits a crucial aspect: the impact on the battery. A traditional charger sends a balanced amount of energy to the device, while a fast charger causes the battery to “overcharge”, generating more heat and accelerating its wear. This is especially critical for older phones that are not designed to withstand high voltages. The most recent and high-end models, however, are compatible with fast charging. While some more modern devices are designed to handle high power optimally, fast charging still places significant pressure on battery cells, which could impact their overall efficiency in the long term.
How to limit the damage?
To minimize problems, just use the rapid charger only when absolutely necessary, such as in emergencies. Overnight charging can be entrusted to a slow charger: in six hours, the phone will still be ready when you wake up. Another trick is to unplug the charger from the socket when not in use to avoid wasting energy. Using the fast charger sparingly also helps preserve the battery.
Fast chargers remain extremely useful for those who are always in a rush or tend to forget to charge their smartphone. However, it is best to balance practicality and care to maintain the performance of your device in the long term.
