November 2, 2023, 11:21 a.m. |
Reading time: 3 minutes
Should you charge the smartphone battery in the traditional way using a cable or inductively? We explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Modern smartphones, but also other electronic devices such as smartwatches or Bluetooth headphones, can be charged in the classic way via a direct power supply via cable – or wirelessly (or “wireless”) via induction. But what is actually faster and better for the battery? And what should you pay attention to when charging? TECHBOOK gives an overview.
How does wireless charging actually work?
If the smartphone battery is empty, you simply connect it to the power supply. Nowadays, thanks to high speed, devices can be fully recharged within a very short time. You can either charge via cable – usually with a USB-C port – or completely wireless charging with a charging station.
Incidentally, this was first possible with the so-called Qi standard on a Nokia cell phone in 2012. After that, wireless charging first became established in the upper class of smartphones and then across the board.
Wireless “inductive” charging works via a magnetic field. This is set up by the charging station and generates electricity thanks to alternating voltage, which is then transmitted using an alternating coil inside the smartphone. This is why smartphones get hotter on an inductive charging station more quickly than when charging via cable.
Also interesting: tips on how to properly charge your smartphone battery
Advantages and disadvantages of wired charging
Charging via cable is more widespread and, if in doubt, uncomplicated. If you already have such a cable on hand, you can also use it for data transfer, for example to transfer photos from your cell phone to a laptop. In addition, it is often the faster variant that generates less heat.
Constantly plugging and unplugging cables leads to wear and tear over time. If you’re not careful, you could damage the connection on your cell phone. The cable itself is also susceptible to restrictive signs of wear. In addition, you often need the right adapter to hand because the major manufacturers now offer cables and adapters separately. If you want to charge on the go, you need to have both with you or a power bank instead of the adapter.
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Advantages and disadvantages of wireless charging
On the other hand, if you rely on wireless, you obviously save a few cables. It is often simply practical to place your smartphone on the charging station. Depending on the size of the station, you can also charge several devices at once and the connections of the devices to be charged are protected.
At the same time, you limit yourself somewhat. Due to the short range of the charging stations, the device has to be placed directly on it. This means, for example, that telephone calls are only possible with a loudspeaker. As of now, inductive charging is often even slower than wired charging.
The charging stations also cost more than a normal charging cable plus adapter and the technology is comparatively more damaging to the battery. On the one hand, this is due to the higher temperatures caused by the magnetic coil. On the other hand, there is no direct connection to the power source when charging, so that the battery’s power storage cells are alternately charged and discharged. This leads to greater wear and tear.