How to choose a mobile phone charger for desk and car in 2024?

Do you also find that the power from your smartphone, tablet, headphones or smartwatch is disappearing
at rocket speed? To make sure you never find yourself without juice, we'll give you some advice on how to choose the
best-value mains charger or car charger.

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Today, it is definitely no longer the case that all devices must be charged from the mains. But even so, at SWISSTEN.eu we have a wide range of mains chargers with micro USB and USB-C to suit most of your devices. There are also much more advanced wireless charging technologies available and, of course, car chargers that allow you to charge all your devices while driving (even when you stop).

And if you don't know which charger to prefer? It's best to have all types on hand and always use the most convenient one.

Mobile phone chargers for the desk

Whether you're at home, in the office, at work or at school, you need to have a mobile phone charger on hand at all times to keep everyone within easy reach. However, there is a wide variety of different mobile phone chargers on the market, so it can sometimes be hard to keep track of them.

If you want a fast charger, it should have a power of at least 10 W (but you should expect up to 40 W for the latest phones).

If you're trying to be environmentally friendly and friendly to your phone, reach for a charger with SMART IC technology.

If your device supports fast charging with Power Delivery or Qualcom 3.0 technology, it's a good idea to use cell phone chargers compatible with this hyper-fast technology.

Which parameters to look for when choosing a mobile charger?

• Output voltage and current - In order for all your devices to be successfully charged and for the charger to be sufficient for them, it should have a high enough voltage and output current.
• But beware, too high a voltage could damage your smartphone.
• Charging time - this is an important factor that will affect how long the downtime will be before your smartphone can recharge. The shorter the time, the more efficient the charging process. Charging speed depends not only on the size (or capacity) of your phone's battery, but also on the power of the charger.
• Some chargers also support the new PD or QC fast charging technology.
• Compatibility with your phone - it is definitely not true that every charger will charge every phone.
• Carefully check the connector on the charging cable and the ports on your phone - both must be identical.
• Wireless or with cable - wireless chargers are becoming increasingly popular, such as those that support MagSafe technology.
• But there is also a wide range of chargers on the market with a traditional cable, Lightning cable and other types of cables.
• Connectors on the charger - some types of chargers allow you to charge different types of devices and have a special cable for each.
• If this is the case for you, get all the cables you need, otherwise your charger is useless.
• Safety considerations - when a charger overheats, it's not an ideal situation and the devices being charged are at risk.
• Therefore, make sure that the charger has basic safety features integrated - especially surge protection and overheating protection.
• Appearance and design - Finally, consider whether you like the charger you have chosen. There are so many models on the market that you don't have to buy the first one you come across.
• Choose based on design, shape, colour or whether you want a charger with a stand.

Mains chargers

Mains chargers are a classic, which can charge both button phones and smartphones; both Android and iOS phones. They can also be used to charge other devices that just need to be connected to them with the appropriate charging cables - smartwatches, headphones, electronic cigarettes, tablets, iPods and more. For charging, just find a conventional socket and plug the charger into it.

Advantages and disadvantages of mains chargers

• More cost-effective than wireless chargers.
• They can charge almost all devices.
• For all mobile phone models.
• Faster charging than wireless.

• Need to carry the appropriate cable for each device.
• Cables can break.
• Connectors wear out over time.
• If you don't have a power outlet, don't charge.

Wireless chargers

All you need is for your smartphone to support the Qi wireless charging standard and you can charge wirelessly in no time. We offer a large number of wireless chargers that work just as well for charging your smartwatch, headphones or tablet. However, you have to take into account that this wireless charger must also be connected to the mains (or perhaps to a car charger) in order to charge itself and transmit energy to your devices.

Advantages and disadvantages of wireless chargers

• No need to carry different types of cables with you all the time.
• There is no wear and tear on the connectors.
• Charging is very easy.
• Many different types of devices can be charged.
• They look more aesthetically pleasing than the tangle of cables on mains chargers.
• Can be combined with a charger and stand (2in1).

• Some phone models are not compatible.
• Some leak power when charging.
• If the phone is moved, contact is lost and charging stops.
• Charging is slower with some types than with mains chargers.

MagSafe wireless chargers

A modern type of wireless chargers are those that work with MagSafe technology. The principle of this technology is that magnets (18 in total) are placed under the cover of the new iPhones, which securely attach the smartphone to the charger and thus start charging. It's easy, safe and these chargers are also compatible with Qi wireless charging.

Advantages and disadvantages of MagSafe chargers

• Wireless charging.
• iPhone securely holds thanks to magnets, won't fall off.
• The phone can not shift on its own and charging is not interrupted.
• Charges all devices supporting MagSafe technology.
• Minimal energy loss during charging.

• Suitable for compatible devices only - iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro.
• iPhone 8 and above can be charged with compatible cases.
• Not suitable for Android devices.
• Need to be connected to the mains while charging.
• More expensive than traditional wireless chargers.

Chargers with integrated SMART IC technology

There are also special chargers with integrated SMART IC technology. They are indistinguishable at first glance from conventional mains chargers, they also need to be plugged into the mains when charging and do not support wireless technology. Their advantage is that they manage to ensure that the charging current is always optimal. This prevents degradation of the phone battery (or other devices).

Advantages and disadvantages of chargers with integrated SMART IC technology

• Protects the battery of your mobile phone or other device from degradation
• Ensures charging current without any fluctuation
• Charges all devices

• It is necessary to connect it to the mains when charging
• Does not support wireless charging
• Need to carry appropriate cables

Car chargers

A special category of mobile phone chargers is certainly car chargers. They look completely different and work differently too, but they are becoming more and more popular.

If you are often on the road and drive a car, a car charger is a unique tool to keep your mobile phone (but also your tablet, headphones, smartwatch and other devices) charged and ready for use at all times.

The car charger plugs into the car charger socket and uses the voltage that is there. It can charge not only while driving, but for most cars even when the engine is off. Some chargers almost blend in with the interior and fit exactly into the car charger. They are produced in both classic and durable versions.

A convenient alternative can also be the SWISSTEN MagSafe car mount with wireless charging, which can be placed on both the windscreen and the dashboard and features MagSafe technology designed for iPhone 12 and above. Combined with a compatible MagSafe case, this holder can also charge iPhone 8 and up.

When making your selection, be sure to keep an eye on the product's basic specifications, especially:

• output voltage
• number of output connectors
• whether it has only USB-C output or also supports micro USB or Lightning
• dimensions
• support for Power Delivery or Qualcomm 3.0 fast charging
• color

You can buy not only the car charger itself (you can often find it under the specific name self-charger), but you can also buy a whole set containing several different cables with different types of connectors.

Depending on the type of location of the car charger, you can choose from different options:

• Car chargers on the dashboard
• Car chargers on the windscreen
• Car chargers for the grille

Advantages and disadvantages of car chargers

• Almost all devices can be charged from a car socket.
• In some cars they work even when the engine is off.
• Usually have multiple outputs.
• Different types of cables can be connected.
• Also available in durable or different coloured versions.
• Some are compatible with Power Delivery or Quick Charge 3.0.

• Works in the car only.
• Some cars do not allow charging with the engine off.
• Charging too often without starting can drain the car battery.
• Do not allow wireless charging.