Why Does a New Smartphone Take Long Hours to Get Charged?
Have you ever found yourself waiting endlessly for your new smartphone to charge? While many factors can lead to slow charging, the most common reason is often a mismatch between your device and the charger you're using. Sometimes, using an inappropriate cable or an outdated charger can significantly extend the charging time. In this article, we will explore various factors that contribute to slow charging and provide solutions to enhance your charging experience.
Using the Wrong Charger
The first and foremost reason for slow charging is the wrong charger or cable. It's not uncommon to find that the charger provided with your phone is not the same as the one you used previously. This can significantly affect the charging speed due to compatibility issues. Additionally, if the cable seems too loose or too tight, or if it appears old and worn out, it could be causing the delay in charging.
Original Charger
For optimal charging, it's crucial to use the original charger that came with your smartphone. Modern USB C ports are designed for faster data transfer and charging, but they only work efficiently with compatible devices. Therefore, using the original charger is a recommended practice for faster charging. If you're experiencing slow charging and have switched to a local charger, consider reverting to the original one to see if it resolves the issue.
Charger Speed and Battery Capacity
Another factor that affects charging time is the speed of the charger and the battery capacity of your smartphone. A smartphone with a 5000 mAh battery will take longer to charge than one with a 3000 mAh battery when using a 15W charger. Specifically, it will take approximately 2.5 hours to charge a 5000 mAh battery. If you find the charging time to be excessively long, consider using a 2-amp charger, which can significantly increase your charging speed.
Thermal Limitations and Smartphone Design
Besides cable and charger compatibility, the thermal limitations of smartphones also play a significant role in charging time. Smartphones are designed to avoid the use of fans or radiators, which means they don't have dedicated cooling systems. This limitation restricts the amount of power the phone can draw from the charger, thereby slowing down the charging process. Furthermore, high temperatures (above 60°C) can negatively impact the lifespan of your battery, which is why it's crucial not to let your phone overheat during charging.
Optimizing for Fast Charging
Smartphone manufacturers frequently optimize their products to work efficiently with specific chargers. For instance, an older iPhone may charge faster using a 12W charger originally designed for iPads. This is because the iPhone can consume up to 12W and charge approximately twice as fast. Additionally, advanced communication standards developed by Qualcomm enable smartphones to take advantage of higher current power USB power adapters. USB C also includes current and voltage negotiation to improve charging efficiency.
Solutions to Slow Charging
While waiting for a new smartphone to charge slowly can be frustrating, there are several solutions you can try to mitigate the issue. The simplest solution is to replace your current battery with a newer one. Power banks are another excellent option for charging on the go, although there might still be a cord that connects your power bank to your smartphone.
Remember, while charging time might be a nuisance, the actual battery run time and degradation are more significant concerns for many users. If you're experiencing slow charging and are not getting satisfactory results from the above solutions, it might be time to consider a repair or upgrade to a newer model with better charging capabilities.