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If you are looking for a new phone, you might be wondering whether you should get a wireless charging phone or a fast charging phone. These two types of phones have different ways of charging their batteries and offer different benefits and challenges. In this article, we will explain how each type of charging works and what are the pros and cons of each. We will also compare some of the popular phones that support each type of charging and show the difference between them in terms of time, efficiency, and safety.
1. How Wireless Charging and Fast Charging Work
Wireless Charging
Wireless charging is a method of charging a phone without using a cable or a plug. It uses electromagnetic induction to transfer energy from a charging pad or a stand to a phone that has a compatible receiver¹. The phone and the charger need to be in close contact or alignment for the charging to work. Wireless charging is also known as Qi charging, as Qi is the most common standard for wireless charging devices.
Fast Charging
Fast charging is a method of charging a phone with a cable and a plug that can deliver more power than a regular charger. It uses a higher voltage or current to increase the charging speed and reduce the charging time. Fast charging is also known as quick charging, turbo charging, or adaptive charging, depending on the brand and the technology.
2. Pros and Cons of Wireless Charging and Fast Charging
Wireless Charging
Some of the pros of wireless charging are:
- Convenience: Wireless charging eliminates the need for cables and plugs, which can be messy and inconvenient. You can simply place your phone on a charging pad or a stand and let it charge without worrying about finding a socket or a port. You can also use your phone while it is charging, as long as you keep it on the charger.
- Compatibility: Wireless charging is compatible with most phones that support Qi standard, which is the most widely used standard for wireless charging devices. You can use the same charger for different phones, regardless of their brand or model. You can also find wireless chargers in many public places, such as airports, hotels, and cafes.
- Safety: Wireless charging is safer than cable charging, as it reduces the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the phone or the charger. Wireless charging also prevents the wear and tear of the charging port and the cable, which can affect the charging performance and the phone's lifespan.
Some of the cons of wireless charging are:
- Slow speed: Wireless charging is slower than cable charging, as it loses some energy during the transfer from the charger to the phone. Wireless charging also depends on the alignment and the distance between the phone and the charger, which can affect the charging efficiency. Wireless charging can take up to twice as long as cable charging to fully charge a phone.
- High cost: Wireless charging is more expensive than cable charging, as it requires a special charger and a receiver that are not included with most phones. Wireless chargers also vary in quality and price, depending on their power output, design, and features. Wireless chargers can cost from $10 to $100 or more.
- Limited mobility: Wireless charging limits the mobility of the phone, as it needs to be in contact or close proximity with the charger. You cannot use your phone freely while it is charging, as moving it away from the charger will stop the charging process. You also need to have a flat and stable surface to place the charger and the phone.
Fast Charging
Some of the pros of fast charging are:
- Speed: Fast charging is faster than regular charging, as it can deliver more power to the phone in a shorter time. Fast charging can reduce the charging time by up to 50% or more, depending on the phone and the charger. Fast charging can fully charge a phone in less than an hour or even half an hour.
- Availability: Fast charging is available for most phones that have a USB-C port, which is the most common port for modern phones. You can use any USB-C cable and plug to charge your phone, as long as they support fast charging. You can also find fast chargers in many places, such as stores, offices, and cars.
- Flexibility: Fast charging gives you more flexibility to use your phone, as you can charge it quickly whenever you need it. You can also use your phone while it is charging, as long as you have a long enough cable. You do not need to worry about running out of battery or waiting for a long time to charge your phone.
Some of the cons of fast charging are:
- Heat: Fast charging generates more heat than regular charging, as it increases the temperature of the phone and the charger. Heat can affect the battery performance and lifespan, as well as the phone's functionality and durability. Heat can also cause the phone to slow down or shut down, especially if it is used while charging.
- Incompatibility: Fast charging is not compatible with all phones and chargers, as there are different standards and technologies for fast charging. Some phones and chargers might not support fast charging, or might support different versions of fast charging. You need to check the compatibility of your phone and charger before using fast charging, or you might damage your phone or charger.
- Cost: Fast charging is more costly than regular charging, as it requires a special cable and plug that are not included with most phones. Fast chargers also vary in quality and price, depending on their power output, design, and features. Fast chargers can cost from $15 to $50 or more.
3. Comparison of Wireless Charging and Fast Charging Phones
To illustrate the difference between wireless charging and fast charging phones, we will compare some of the popular phones that support each type of charging. We will use the following criteria to compare them:
- Time: How long does it take to charge the phone from 0% to 100%?
- Efficiency: How much energy is wasted during the charging process?
- Safety: How safe is the charging method for the phone and the user?
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the best phones that support both wireless charging and fast charging. It has a 5000 mAh battery that can last for a whole day of use. It also has a 108 MP main camera, a 6.8-inch dynamic AMOLED screen, and a Snapdragon 888 processor.
- Wireless charging: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra supports 15W wireless charging, which is the maximum power output for Qi standard. It also supports 10W reverse wireless charging, which allows it to charge other devices wirelessly. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to charge the phone from 0% to 100% with wireless charging. Wireless charging is less efficient than cable charging, as it loses about 20% of the energy during the transfer. Wireless charging is safer than cable charging, as it reduces the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the phone or the charger.
- Fast charging: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra supports 25W fast charging, which is the maximum power output for USB-C PD standard. It also supports 45W super fast charging, which requires a special charger that is sold separately. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to charge the phone from 0% to 100% with fast charging. Fast charging is more efficient than wireless charging, as it loses only about 5% of the energy during the transfer. Fast charging is less safe than wireless charging, as it generates more heat that can affect the battery performance and lifespan, as well as the phone's functionality and durability.
iPhone 12 Pro Max
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is one of the best phones that support both wireless charging and fast charging. It has a 3687 mAh battery that can last for a whole day of use. It also has a 12 MP main camera, a 6.7-inch OLED screen, and an A14 Bionic processor.
- Wireless charging: The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 7.5W wireless charging, which is the maximum power output for Qi standard. It also supports 15W MagSafe wireless charging, which requires a special charger that is sold separately. MagSafe wireless charging uses magnets to align the phone and the charger for optimal charging efficiency. It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to charge the phone from 0% to 100% with wireless charging. Wireless charging is less efficient than cable charging, as it loses about 20% of the energy during the transfer. Wireless charging is safer than cable charging, as it reduces the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the phone or the charger.
- Fast charging: The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 20W fast charging, which is the maximum power output for USB-C PD standard. It also supports 18W fast charging, which requires a special charger that is sold separately. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to charge the phone from 0% to 100% with fast charging. Fast charging is more efficient than wireless charging, as it loses only about 5% of the energy during the transfer. Fast charging is less safe than wireless charging, as it generates more heat that can affect the battery performance and lifespan, as well as the phone's functionality and durability.
Huawei P40 Pro
The Huawei P40 Pro is one of the best phones that support both wireless charging and fast charging. It has a 4200 mAh battery that can last for a whole day of use. It also has a 50 MP main camera, a 6.58-inch OLED screen, and a Kirin 990 processor.
- Wireless charging: The Huawei P40 Pro supports 27W wireless charging, which is one of the highest power outputs for Qi standard. It also supports 5W reverse wireless charging, which allows it to charge other devices wirelessly. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to charge the phone from 0% to 100% with wireless charging. Wireless charging is less efficient than cable charging, as it loses about 20% of the energy during the transfer. Wireless charging is safer than cable charging, as it reduces the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the phone or the charger.
- Fast charging: The Huawei P40 Pro supports 40W fast charging, which is one of the highest power outputs for USB-C PD standard. It also supports 27W super fast charging, which requires a special charger that is sold separately. It takes about 50 minutes to charge the phone from 0% to 100% with fast charging. Fast charging is more efficient than wireless charging, as it loses only about 5% of the energy during the transfer. Fast charging is less safe than wireless charging, as it generates more heat that can affect the battery performance and lifespan, as well as the phone's functionality and durability.
Conclusion
These are some of the differences and similarities between wireless charging and fast charging phones, and how they can affect the user experience. Whether you prefer wireless charging or fast charging, you can find a phone that suits your needs and preferences, based on your budget and availability. So, what are you waiting for? Compare and contrast the features and specifications of the phones that interest you, and make your choice today.