Apple, Google, Samsung Will Not Include Charging Adapters. What are the Best USB-C Chargers for Replacement?
By: Anthony Oliva
Tags: Charger, Environment, Phone Accessories, Apple, Technology

Apple, Google, Samsung Will Not Include Charging Adapters. What are the Best USB-C Chargers for Replacement? Anthony Oliva Just now·9 min read

Photo by SCREEN POST on Unsplash

According to the verge, following Apple and Samsung, Google has decided not to include a charging adapter with the Google Pixel 6. The cost-saving might be the most significant consideration in this decision, the report says. Google claims that most people have USB-C charger, which is no longer essential. If necessary, customers can purchase it on Google store for $35.

Since the iPhone 12, Apple has removed the charging adapter from the box because of environmental stewardship. In early 2021, Samsung also announced that the Galaxy S21 would not come with a charger. It seems like all these tycoons have a consensus on removing the in-box chargers and promoting environmental protection. Removing in-box chargers can reduce the cost and change customer’s habits. The box design and size can be streamlined, which increases the shipping amount with a lower cost. In addition, they can sell the charging adapter individually, which increases the profit of phone accessories. If you remember the day Apple changed the 3.5mm headphone jack to lighting, most people had opposing views. However, Apple provided an in-box adapter to maintain the use of traditional headphones. Many standard headphones have changed their habit during the accommodation period and started using Bluetooth headphones or Apple lightning headphones. Apple finally decided to stop providing in-box adapters after iPhone XS. But the public has already adopted the use of lightning ports unconsciously. This is only one of the classic examples of how Apple changing customer’s habits. Therefore, what does “removing in-box charger” really mean to manufactures and us? How will it change our using habits? I think they have the answer already.

On the other hand, environmental consideration is also another significate factor of not including the in-box charger. Samsung’s TM Roh believed that it could address the issue of sustainable consumption.

“We believe that the gradual removal of charger plugs and earphones from our in-box device packaging can help address sustainable consumption issues and remove any pressure that consumers may feel towards continually receiving unnecessary charger accessories with new phones.”

It is an effective way to address the excess problem and provide options to customers to purchase chargers based on their needs. When Lisa, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, promised to be carbon neutral by 2030 in late 2020. It added the persuasiveness that the reason for not including the charging adapter is based on environmental protection. Sustainable development involves the economy, society, and environment. Their decision demonstrates their social responsibility of promoting sustainable development. Although there are some oppositions from the public and green groups because they believe this move only increases the sales of charging accessories and Apple should give up the use of lightning cable if they genuinely support environmental protection, it is clearly all these tycoons are working on it, which is excellent news to the world. Ecological protection is never a one-day effort. It needs to be well-planed and put into practice consistently. Let’s wait and see what’s their next move!

Photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash

Although the charging adaptor is no longer included in the box, it doesn’t mean that the demand for the charging adaptors doesn’t exist. Customers still need a powerful charger to support their new electronic devices and reduce the charging time. Meanwhile, the competition of charging adaptors has already started in the phone accessories market. Different phone accessory manufactories are now targeting the charging adaptor market and fighting over Apple and Android users. In today’s world, everything relates to efficiency. When it applies to the charging adaptor, speed, effectiveness, and size are the primary measurements. Customers are looking for a compact, quality, and safe, fast charger for their electronic devices. Traditionally, Apple only provided a 5w charging adaptor and no fast charging. The customer might not notice how slow it is before they try a fast-charging adaptor. There is no return after owning a fast charger because the 5w charger no longer fulfills your satisfaction. People thought 3G networks were speedy before. But I believe no one would like to go back to the 3G network now because we love a convenient and efficient life and always look for improvement.

Photo by Onur Binay on Unsplash

What’s fast charging?

A charging adaptor usually indicates a “V/A.” “V” refers to the voltage, and “A” refers to the current. To multiply the voltage and current, you will get the wattage: the higher wattage, the faster the charging speed. In addition, fast charging also requires permission for fast charging protocols. The most common fast-charging protocols in the market include PD, PPS, QC, AFC, FCP, Apple, etc. Each protocol corresponds with different branding or model of electronic devices. If the 20w charging adaptor doesn’t have protocols, it can’t fast charge your devices. Meanwhile, people have to ensure the cable and the machines can both support the same wattage. Otherwise, fast charging wouldn’t work as well. Therefore, fast charging is a tripartite operation.

“Fast Charging can complete 0–50% charging in 30 minutes, which shortens the charging time rapidly.”

Fast charging is a new trend, and it will be accelerated while all these phone brands stop providing in-box chargers. We can foresee much higher wattage fast chargers with multiple functions in the future. The charger is no longer only supports phone devices but also laptops, tablets, and even large electric appliances. The technology of a charging adaptor will develop rapidly and bring us a new life experience.

How should we pick the right USB-C charger?

There are many USB-C chargers in the market, and here are some points we can keep a keen eye on, other than the wattage.

1. Branding

We should purchase a charger from trustworthy brands because of the quality guarantee, such as Anker, Ugreen, INIU, and Amoner. At the same time, they usually have better customer services to support the product’s issue and customer’s inquiry.

2. Compatibility

Before purchasing the charger, we must ensure that the fast charging function can support your phone model. Different phone models might have a different fast-charging protocol; even their brand is the same. Therefore, read the compatibility before your purchase.

3. Safety

The fast charger has high wattage to provide enough for your phone. But it might bring some safety issues, such as heating problems, short circuits, case melting. Therefore, we should look at the protection design of the charger before we place the order.

4. Design, weight & Size

A charger is no longer just a charger. It can be designed in different appearances and colors. The weight and size are also part of the consideration. It will be an extra point if a charger is well-designed with lightweight and mini size.

5. Price

The price is always a consideration while shopping. You can compare the price and function of different chargers and see which one has the best cost-effectiveness.

6. Warranty

A responsible branding should provide a warranty. The longer warranty they provide, the higher confidence they have in their products.

Top 5 USB-C Charger at Amazon

Source: INIU

INIU Safest 20W PD Fast Charging Wall Charger $13.99

Pro

l Fasting charging for both Apple and Android

l UL-V0 rated fire-retardant casing

l 3-years warranty

l Little green indicator

l Low Price

Con

l A bit bulky

l Unfoldable

INIU is an uprising brand, which provides a 3-years warranty on all their products. This charger is designed for the new iPhone and matching up the 20w fast charging capability. It can charge iPhone 12 up to 60% in 30 minutes. Although it is advertised as a fast-charging iPhone series, it also supports fast charging Android phones. The UL-V0 rated fire-retardant casing also improves the safety of using a high wattage fast charger, protecting both chargers and your electronic devices. The little green light also signals if the charger is working or not, which is user-friendly. This charger is only selling for 13.99 at Amazon, which is relatively cheap but of high quality.

Source: Anker

Anker 30W PIQ 3.0 USB-C Fast Charger Adapter $23.99

Pro

l Foldable plug

l Little blue indicator

l 18-month warranty

Con

l Not cheap

l A bit bulky

l Not enough power for MacBook Pro

Anker is a well-known brand in the phone accessory industry, and they produce quality products which the market and customers have approved. This charger is capable of iPhone, Android phones, and Apple Macbook, which is impressive. The 30w output can provide more than enough fast charging for phone accessories, but it’s a bit slow for MacBook charging. The foldable plug also saves space and minimizes the size of the charger. The little blue indicator is user-friendly as well. It’s $23.99 at Amazon now.

Source: INIU

INIU 25W PD 3.0 Fast Charging Mini Wall Charger [2 Pack] $15.99

Pro

l 2 Pack

l 25w Output

l Mini size

l 3-years warranty

l UL-V0 rated fire-retardant casing

l Low Price

Con

l Unfoldable

l Only Black color

This is another INIU 25w charging adaptor, which provides super-fast charging for Samsung phones and fast charging for all iPhone series plus iPad. It can fully recharge the iPad Pro in 2.2 hours. The size of the charger is also impressive, which is 48% smaller than the Samsung 25w charger. The 3-years warranty and UL-V0 rated fire-retardant casing provide comprehensive support and protection to you and the charger. You can get it for 15.99 at Amazon, and it’s 2 packs.

Source: UGreen

UGreen 20W USB C Wall Charger — PD Fast Charger [2-Pack] $19.99

Pro

l Mini size

l Foldable plug

l Intelligent chip

l 2 Pack

Con

l 20w only

l A bit heavy

l Not cheap

UGreen is also another well-known brand in the industry, which has excellent quality products. This charger is 50% smaller than the Apple 20w charger and provides max power output to the iPhone series. Recharging iPhone 12 from 0 to 58% within 30 minutes. The foldable plug is always a great design for the customer, which reduces the difficulty of carrying around. The intelligent chip also avoids the heating issue. You can get it for 19.99 (with a coupon) at Amazon.

Source: Anker

Anker 20W Fast Charger with Foldable Plug [2-Pack] $23.99

Pro

l Mini size

l Foldable plug

l Lightweight

l 18-month warranty

l 2 Pack

Con

l 20w only

l Not cheap

Another Anker 20w charger is capable with iPhone, iPad, Samsung phones, and other brands. It can charge iPhone 12 series to 50% in 25 minutes. The mini size and light weight make it easy to carry around, plus the foldable design reduces space usage. With the Anker quality and 18-month warranty, you don’t worry about any product issues. It’s $23.99 at Amazon.