After posting last week’s survey on smartphone charging speeds, we monitored it. was higher than But then things started to change.
Surprisingly, the poll ended with the top 15-minute option, by a large margin. People have really gotten used to fast charging. The 15-30 minute response and the 30-45 minute response are still evenly matched, but well behind the ultra-fast option.
As usual, there were concerns about the negative impact fast charging would have on battery life. However, another opinion emerged. As the requirements for apps and games tend to rise over time, a two-year-old phone can start to feel sluggish. Then start looking for a new phone, even if the battery life is still excellent.
Put another way, battery degradation is only a concern if it happens faster than other phones age. Depending on your use case, the chipset may still feel fast enough. But as new display and camera technology emerges and manufacturers stop issuing OS updates for older phones, you’ll eventually want a new phone.
Fast wired charging is now great. Some of the comments have stated that they prefer using his USB Power Delivery (industry standard) to proprietary solutions. But even they support USB-PD, but not at the insane 100+ Watt, or even he 200+ Watt power levels that the proprietary technology offers.
Last week there was a second poll on wireless charging. This was another interesting result. Wireless charging is a much-requested feature, but charging speed isn’t an issue.
A slow, steady pace is useful if you charge overnight or if you have a wireless charger at your desk at work. Wireless charging has other benefits as well. Charge select headsets and smartwatches without having to carry a cable.
In the end, both polls won by convenience. Ultra-fast wired charging takes the worry out of your battery. Plug it in for a few minutes and you’ll be fine for the rest of the time. Wireless charging is great when speed isn’t an issue, but you don’t want to tether your phone to a wire.
As for those demanding the return of user-replaceable batteries, the EU may get your wish.
