Fast charging is one of the most useful features on a modern phone, but only if your charger, cable and device all speak the same language. Pick the wrong combination and your phone charges at a crawl. This guide explains the standards in plain English and shows you how to choose a charger and power bank that are fast, safe and future-proof.
The quick answer
- Choose a USB-C charger with USB Power Delivery (PD). It works with iPhone, Android, tablets and most laptops.
- For Samsung's fastest speeds, make sure the charger also supports PPS.
- GaN chargers are smaller and run cooler than older designs of the same power.
- Use a cable rated for the power you need: 60W for phones and tablets, 100W or 240W for laptops.
- A 10,000mAh power bank covers a day out; 20,000mAh suits travel and laptops.
USB Power Delivery: the standard that matters
USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is the universal fast-charging standard for USB-C. The charger and device agree on the best voltage and current before charging starts, so you only ever get as much power as your device can safely accept. That means a powerful charger is safe to use with a small device: a 65W charger will happily charge earbuds or a phone at the lower power they need.
PPS for Samsung and other Android phones
Programmable Power Supply (PPS) is part of the USB PD standard. It adjusts the voltage in small steps, which reduces heat. Samsung's 25W and 45W Super Fast Charging require a PPS charger, and several other Android brands use it too. Look for "PD 3.0 with PPS" on the spec sheet.
How many watts do you need?
- Phones: 20W to 30W covers almost every iPhone and most Android phones at close to full speed.
- Tablets: 30W to 45W.
- Laptops: 45W to 65W for ultrabooks such as a MacBook Air, and 100W or more for larger laptops.
- Several devices at once: a multi-port charger of 65W to 100W shares power across ports. Check how the wattage is split when more than one port is in use.
Why GaN chargers are worth it
Gallium nitride (GaN) components handle power more efficiently than traditional silicon. In practice, a 65W GaN charger can be around the size of an old 20W phone plug, wastes less energy as heat and can replace several chargers in your bag.
Don't forget the cable
A cable can quietly limit your charging speed. Standard USB-C cables carry up to 60W (3A). For anything above that, you need a 100W or 240W cable with an e-marker chip that tells the charger it can handle the extra current. If your laptop charges slowly from a powerful charger, the cable is the first thing to check.
The EU common charger rules
Under the EU's common charger directive, phones, tablets, cameras, headphones, earbuds, portable speakers and many other small devices sold in the EU have had to use a USB-C charging port since 28 December 2024, and laptops followed from 28 April 2026. Devices can also be sold without a charger in the box. One good USB-C PD charger can now cover nearly everything you own.
Choosing a power bank
Power bank capacity is measured in mAh at the battery's internal voltage, and some energy is lost converting it for your device. As a rough guide, you get about 60 to 70% of the rated capacity in practice.
- 5,000mAh: roughly one phone charge, pocket-sized.
- 10,000mAh: about one and a half to two phone charges, the everyday sweet spot.
- 20,000mAh: three or more phone charges, or a meaningful top-up for a laptop if it supports 45W output or more.
Look for USB-C PD output, and USB-C input so the power bank itself recharges quickly. Magnetic power banks that snap onto MagSafe-compatible iPhones and Qi2 phones are convenient, though wireless charging is slower and less efficient than a cable.
Flying with a power bank
Airlines require power banks to travel in your cabin bag, never in checked luggage. Most allow batteries up to 100Wh without approval, which covers typical power banks up to about 26,800mAh. A 20,000mAh power bank is around 74Wh. Some airlines have stricter rules about using power banks during the flight, so check with your airline before you travel.
Charging safety tips
- Buy chargers and power banks with CE marking from reputable sellers, and avoid unbranded bargains.
- Charge on a hard surface, not on a bed or under a pillow.
- Stop using any charger, cable or power bank that is swollen, damaged or unusually hot.
- Keep batteries out of direct sun and hot cars.
Frequently asked questions
Does fast charging damage my phone's battery?
Not in any meaningful way. Phones control how much power they accept and slow down as the battery fills. Heat is the main enemy of battery health, so turn on your phone's optimised or adaptive charging feature and avoid charging in hot places.
Can I use a laptop charger to charge my phone?
Yes, if it is a USB-C PD charger. The phone will only draw the power it needs.
Why is my phone charging slowly on a fast charger?
Check three things: the cable rating, whether your phone needs PPS, and whether other ports on a multi-port charger are sharing the power.
Need to upgrade your setup? Explore chargers, cables and power banks at Mazin Gadgets.