On a charge
It’s a plug but not as you know it. USB-C plugs are the new promotional charging companion says Matt Pluckrose
Charging your device is getting easier. With EU regulations changing for the good of the consumer and the environment even the likes of Apple is now changing all its devices to USB-C ports and looking for ways to charge them more quickly.
USB-C chargers are more convenient as they are smaller and a more powerful way to charge all our devices quicker and safer than ever. Like all technology advances, this opens up opportunities for our industry as such sought after accessories make for great promotional gadgets to use in marketing campaigns and as rewards or gifts, delivering a long term, higher return on investment. Products with long life cycles such as this are also better for the environment.
How to choose
Smartphones, tablets, laptops and accessories let you work, play, and stay in touch, anytime, anywhere – until your battery runs down. You want to make sure you can charge your devices whenever you need to, and charge them fast. If you’re ready for a better alternative to your old plugs, it’s time to look at upgrading to the right USB-C wall charger.
What is a USB-C charger?
A USB-C charger uses the USB-C power delivery (USB-C PD) standard, enabling slimmer and lighter gadgets than chargers from the past. But don’t let the size fool you. USB-C chargers also deliver more powerful, faster charging.
Key benefits
They are faster than old basic chargers as they recognise your device’s power requirements and adjust to power it safely in as little time as possible. With a USB-C PD charger, your smartphone can charge up to 160% faster than a charger with 5-watt capacity.
A 20-watt USB-C PD charger powers an iPhone battery from 0% to 50% in 24 minutes compared to 63 minutes with a 5-watt charger.
They also have universal compatibility. Apple, Samsung, Google, Sony, LG, HP, Lenovo, DELL, Microsoft, and Nintendo all use the USB-C PD protocol.
You can find a USB-C charger that provides the wattage you need for fast charging of any device. Refer to the wattage of the charger to see if it’s right for your device.
|
USB-C Wall Charger Wattage** |
Devices |
|
18-27W |
Smartphones, cameras, drones |
|
27-45W |
Tablets, small laptops |
|
45-100W |
Large laptops, displays |
Next generation USB-C chargers also need the right cable to work to their full capability. Larger laptops and displays need to be paired with a 5A cable to support charging up to 100 watts, instead of using a standard 3A cable that only supports charging up to 60 watts or standard cables that only allow charging to 20W. So, look carefully at the charging cable and opt for the Fast Charge cable to go with your USB-C wall charger.
All ways are up
USB-C wall chargers are more user-friendly than USB-A chargers. Symmetrical USB Type-C charger plugs don’t require you to orient the cable in a certain way. With the reversible connector feature, you can easily connect your universal laptop charger or phone charger to all USB-C cables.
More power
Some USB-C chargers are small, sleek and easy to carry. The reason is a material called Gallium Nitride (GaN), which is now used in semiconductors. Space-age GaN, used on solar arrays and satellites, is a crystalline material that conducts electricity faster but also generates less heat. That means components within the charger can be closer together, and chargers can be smaller and still meet safety standards.
Single and multi-port options
If you want to charge a smartphone, tablet, laptop, and more, a dual USB-C charger or multi-port charger is a smart investment and a more useful promotional gadget. A multiport wall charger allows you to charge all of your devices at the same time.
A tip on branding
Add names and logos to the USB-C plugs and you will guarantee your plug will be viewed very differently in future. Keep up with tech trends and you will be ready to assist your client with their next gadget accessory brief.
Matt Pluckrose is managing director of Desktop Ideas
