How to Choose a GaN Charger?
In today's fast-paced world, staying connected and keeping our devices charged is more important than ever.
With the rise of powerful and compact GaN (Gallium Nitride) chargers, choosing the right one can make a significant difference in how efficiently we manage our electronic devices.
Here, we'll explore the essential factors to consider when selecting a GaN charger, tailored to different needs and prferences, to help you make the best choice for your needs.
What is GaN Charger?
GaN charger meaning is a charger that uses GaN technology. Compared to traditional silicon-based chargers, GaN chargers are more efficient, smaller, lighter, and have higher power density.
Simply put, GaN is a compound material, and GaN chargers use GaN transistors. The small parasitic capacitances of GaN transistors allow for high switching frequencies, enabling the use of smaller transformers. The smaller transformer size allows for a more compact charger design while maintaining high output power.
You can read this blog to learn more information about GaN Charger.
GaN Charger VS Normal Charger
GaN chargers outperform traditional silicon-based chargers in terms of efficiency, size, and power density, making them a better charging option.
There are several compelling reasons that GaN chargers are considered better than regular silicon-based chargers:
- Lower Energy Loss: GaN devices have lower on-resistance and higher electron mobility, resulting in reduced energy loss during power conversion. This makes GaN chargers more efficient, as less energy is wasted as heat.
- High Switching Frequency: GaN chargers can operate at higher switching frequencies compared to silicon chargers. This allows for faster power delivery, enabling quicker charging times for devices.
- Compact Design: The high efficiency and high switching frequency of GaN devices allow for the use of smaller passive components like inductors and capacitors. This results in a more compact charger design, making GaN chargers smaller and lighter than their silicon counterparts.
- More Power in Less Space: GaN chargers can deliver higher power outputs within the same or smaller volume compared to regular chargers. This higher power density means they can support fast charging for larger devices like laptops and tablets, not just smartphones.
- Reduced Heat Generation: GaN's higher efficiency means less heat is generated during operation. This reduces the need for extensive cooling mechanisms, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the charger.
For a thorough comprison between GaN chargers and regular chargers, please read Is a GaN Charger Better Than a Normal Charger?
What to Look for When Choosing a GaN Charger?
Nowadays, the market is flooded with various USB-C GaN chargers, and the sheer number of options can often be overwhelming, making it difficult to determine which one is best suited to your needs whether you want to buy a GaN Charger for iPhone or MacBook Pro.
In the following section, we will explore the key factors to consider when purchasing a USB-C GaN charger, focusing on both the product features and the specific usage scenarios, to help you find the charger that best meets your requirements.
Key Features to Consider
Power Output
Each electronic device, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or another gadget, requires a certain amount of power to charge properly.
If the charger's power output is too low, it won't be able to charge the device at all or will do so very slowly. On the other hand, if the power output is sufficient or high, it ensures that the device charges quickly and safely.
Choosing a GaN charger with the right power output ensures that all your devices are charged quickly and reliably, even when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.
The following are the charging powers of common electronic devices.
Before choosing a GaN charger, make sure you know the charging power of your device. The output power of the charger should be equal to or greater than the maximum charging power of the device to ensure that the device can charge at its fastest speed.
If the output power of the charger is lower than the charging requirements of the device, the device may charge slower or fail to charge properly in some cases.
In addition, if the output power of the charger is higher than the needs of the device, the device will only draw the required power and will not be damaged due to the higher power.
For example, if your device supports a maximum of 20W charging and your charger can provide 30W, the device will still only charge at 20W.
Number of Ports
The number of ports is an important consideration when choosing a suitable GaN charger.
The number of devices directly affects your need for the number of charger ports. If you only want to charge your smartphone, you can choose a 20W to 30W single-port GaN charger. If you have multiple devices to charge, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc., you need a charger with enough ports to charge these devices at the same time without multiple chargers or constantly changing devices.
Here are three examples to illustrate the selection of the corresponding number of GaN charger ports and specifications based on the devices you have:
1. GaN charger for an iPhone 15
A single-port USB-C GaN charger is recommended, which supports at least 20W of power output, which is enough to meet the fast charging needs of iPhone 15. Since you only need to charge one device, there is no need to consider GaN chargers with multiple ports.
2. GaN Charger for a MacBook Pro, an iPad and an iPhone 15
A GaN charger with at least 3 USB-C ports is recommended, and each port preferably supports different power outputs, such as one that supports 100W for MacBook Pro, one that supports 30W for iPad, and one that supports 20W for iPhone 15. This ensures that all your devices can be charged at the best speed.
3. GaN Charger for a MacBook Pro, an iPad an iPhone 15, and an Apple Watch
A GaN charger with at least 4 USB-C ports and 1 USB-A port is recommended. The specific configuration can be:
- One 100W USB-C port (for MacBook Pro)
- One 30W or higher USB-C port (for iPad)
- One 20W or higher USB-C port (for iPhone 15)
- One 15W or higher USB-C port (for small devices such as AirPods)
- One USB-A port (for Apple Watch charging)
This configuration can meet the charging needs of all devices at the same time and ensure that each device can be charged at the fastest speed.
Size and Weight
Size and weight are also important considerations when choosing a suitable GaN charger, especially for those who travel frequently.
A small GaN charger can not only reduce the overall weight of your luggage but also save you space. Therefore, while considering power output and the number of ports, give priority to GaN chargers with compact design and lightweight features, which will bring greater convenience to your journey.
Fast Charging Protocols
Before choosing a USB-C GaN charger, you first need to know which fast charging protocols your device supports.
Most modern smartphones and tablets usually support the PD protocol, while some Android devices may also support the QC protocol. If your device is a newer smartphone or laptop, it may still support the PPS protocol.
To ensure that the charger can provide the best charging experience for all devices, it is recommended to choose a USB-C GaN charger that supports multiple fast charging protocols. For example, a charger that supports PD, QC, and PPS protocols can meet the charging needs of a variety of devices, whether it is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
The PD protocol can dynamically adjust the output power, usually between 5W and 100W. This means that the charger can automatically adjust the output power according to the connected device, ensuring that the device is charged at the best speed without damaging the device due to excessive or insufficient power.
The QC protocol supports different versions (such as QC2.0, QC3.0, QC4+) and is backward compatible. This means that even if your device does not support the latest version of the QC protocol, you can still use this charger to charge quickly.
The PPS protocol allows the charger to dynamically adjust the voltage and current during the charging process, making the charging process more efficient and reducing energy loss.
Price
GaN chargers are usually more expensive than ordinary chargers. When choosing a GaN charger, if your budget is limited, it is recommended to first ensure that the power output and support fast charging protocols of the charger can meet the needs of the main devices. The demand for other additional features such as the number of interfaces, size, and weight can be appropriately reduced to control costs.
If you travel frequently or have multiple devices that need to be charged at the same time, you can consider a multi-port GaN charger with worldwide travel adapters at a slightly higher price but full functions to avoid additional expenses for re-purchase due to insufficient functions in the future.
By balancing price and performance, looking for cost-effective products, and paying proper attention to promotions and after-sales service, you can find a high-quality GaN charger that meets your needs and fits your budget. This can not only enhance your charging experience but also reflect greater value in long-term use.
Choosing for Your Needs
GaN Charger for Travel
For people who travel frequently, choosing a suitable USB C GaN charger can not only improve the convenience of travel but also reduce the trouble of carrying multiple adapters.
The following are factors that travelers should consider when choosing a GaN charger:
- Support fast charging: When we travel, we often carry multiple electronic devices, so we need a GaN charger that is compatible with various devices. Make sure the charger supports multiple fast charging protocols (such as PD, QC, and PPS), which can provide the best charging speed for different devices.
- Multi-port design: A GaN charger with multiple USB-C and USB-A interfaces can charge multiple devices simultaneously, reducing the waiting time for charging. This is especially important for long-distance travel or time-constrained business trips.
- Support global voltage: When traveling across countries or to a certain country, you need to consider the voltage standards of different countries and regions. Therefore, choosing a GaN charger that supports 100-240V global universal voltage can ensure safe use worldwide without worrying about voltage incompatibility.
- Equipped with worldwide travel adapters: Some GaN chargers provide replaceable adapters (European standards, British standards, etc.) for socket standards in different countries. This is especially convenient for people who travel abroad frequently, saving the trouble of purchasing conversion adapters separately.
GaN Charger for Office
In the office, especially when two or three people need to carry laptops for a discussion, choosing a suitable GaN charger can not only ensure that all devices are continuously charged but also improve meeting efficiency and flexibility.
There are some factors to consider when choosing a GaN charger:
- Multi-port design: In the office, it is common to need to charge multiple devices at the same time, especially during team meetings or discussions. Choosing a GaN charger with multiple USB-C and USB-A ports can ensure that laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and other devices can be charged at the same time, avoiding power loss due to insufficient sockets.
- High power output: To ensure that multiple devices can be charged at high speed, the total power output of the GaN charger must be high enough. For example, the EXINNO 300W GaN Charger with 6 Ports can power three laptops at the same time with 3 ports all delivering 100W, ideal for studying or meetings, whether you're in the office or at a coffee shop.
- Wide compatibility: The devices used in the office may be even more different, including laptops, mobile phones, and tablets of various brands. Therefore, choosing a GaN charger that supports multiple fast charging protocols (such as PD, QC, PPS) can ensure that no matter what the brand or model of the device is, it can be charged at the best speed to avoid affecting the meeting due to device compatibility issues.
GaN Charger for Desk Decor
For those who are interested in desk decor, choosing a suitable gallium nitride charger not only needs to meet functional requirements but also pay more attention to aesthetics and design.
As part of the desk organization, you can consider the following features when choosing a GaN charger:
- Simple and modern design: Desk setup enthusiasts usually pursue simple and modern design styles. Choosing a GaN charger with a simple appearance and smooth lines can perfectly blend with various desktop styles. For example, a GaN charger with display, matte or glossy surface treatment, is more textured and high-end visually.
- Small and exquisite: For desk decor lovers, the neatness and orderliness of the desktop space are crucial. Choosing a GaN charger with a small size and exquisite design can effectively save desktop space while avoiding messy wires and large devices that destroy the overall beauty of the desktop.
- Touch and detail processing: In addition to appearance, touch and detail processing are also the focus of desk decor lovers. Choosing a charger with a comfortable feel and fine details, such as products with smooth edges and comfortable button designs, can bring a more pleasant experience for daily use.
Conclusion
When choosing the right GaN charger, power output, number of ports, size, and weight, fast charging protocol, and price should be considered.
Whether you are a frequent traveler, a professional having teamwork in the office, or someone who values desk decor, GaN chargers can provide excellent performance and unique design to meet your special needs.
By evaluating these factors, you can find the charger that suits your lifestyle, enhancing both your work and living environment.
I hope the suggestions in this article can help you make an informed choice.
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