Introduction

With the growing demand for faster and more efficient charging, GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology has become a popular choice in chargers. GaN chargers are compact, energy-efficient, and capable of delivering high power in a small size. This guide aims to help you select the best GaN charger for everyday use by examining the technology and important features to consider.

Understanding GaN Technology

What is GaN Technology?

GaN, or Gallium Nitride, is a semiconductor material that enables the development of smaller, faster, and more efficient chargers compared to traditional silicon-based options. Unlike silicon, GaN allows for greater power efficiency and heat resistance, contributing to the compactness and durability of GaN chargers.

GaN Charger VS Normal Charger

• Compact Size: GaN chargers are significantly smaller and more portable.
• Energy Efficiency: They waste less energy in the charging process.
• Higher Power Density: GaN chargers can handle high power output in a compact form.
• Enhanced Durability: Designed to better manage heat, which prolongs their lifespan.

If you need to know about GaN charger and normal charger, you can real our previous article :GaN Chargers vs. Silicon Chargers: The Advantages of GaN Technology for Electronic Devices

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a GaN Charger

Power Output

Every electronic device, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or another gadget, needs 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 it will charge very slowly. However, if the power output is enough or higher, it ensures the device charges quickly and safely.

Choosing a GaN charger with the right power output makes sure all your devices charge quickly and reliably, even when multiple devices are plugged in at the same time.

The following are the charging powers of common electronic devices.

Before choosing a GaN charger, make sure you know your device’s charging power. The charger’s output should be the same or more than the maximum charging power of your device to let it charge at the fastest speed.

If the charger’s output power is less than your device needs, it may charge slower or, in some cases, not charge properly.

Additionally, if the charger’s output power is more than your device needs, the device will only take the power it needs and won’t be harmed by the extra power.

For example, if your device supports up to 20W charging and your charger provides 30W, your device will still only charge at 20W.

Charging Protocols

PD (Power Delivery)

The USB-PD protocol is a fast charging standard developed by the USB-IF organization and is suitable for a variety of devices, including mobile phones, laptops, etc. It supports many different voltage and current combinations, with a maximum power of 100W. The USB-PD protocol needs to be implemented with a Type-C interface, supports two-way power transmission, and has the characteristics of front and back blind insertion.

Even the latest PD 3.1 supports 240W power, so charging two-wheeled electric vehicles is not a problem.

QC (Quick Charge)

The QC protocol is a fast charging technology proposed by Qualcomm. It has now developed to the QC5.0 version, with a maximum charging power of more than 100W. The QC protocol supports dual charging/triple charging technology, adaptive input voltage and other functions

PPS (Programmable Power Supply)

The PPS protocol is a programmable power supply protocol based on the USB-PD protocol. It can provide more flexible voltage and current configurations to adapt to the needs of different devices.

FCP（Fast Charge Protocol）and SCP（Super Charge Protocol）

Both of these are Huawei’s own proprietary protocols. The FCP protocol came out earlier. It uses a high-voltage and low-current solution similar to QC2.0. The output specification is 9V2A 18W. The SCP protocol was launched after 2016, using a “low voltage and high current” solution similar to OPPO. The output specifications are 5V 4.5A or 10V 4A. Later, Huawei added charge pump technology based on the SCP protocol to reduce the current from 4A is increased to 8A, realizing super fast charging with a charging power of 40W. Later, there will be 65W super fast charging with dual battery charging. However, the SCP fast charging protocol can only be used with the support of a charging cable, which requires a charging cable that supports 5A high current.

VOOC

VOOC flash charging is OPPO’s fast charging technology, which uses a low-voltage and high-current solution. The latest SuperVOOC super flash charging technology can support 65W charging.

Port Configuration

When choosing the right GaN charger, the number of ports is an important factor.

The more devices you have, the more ports you’ll need. If you only need to charge a smartphone, a single-port GaN charger with 20W to 30W power is a good choice. However, if you have multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, or laptops, you’ll want a charger with enough ports to charge them all at once. This way, you won’t need multiple chargers or have to keep switching devices.

• Single vs. Multiple Ports: Choose based on the number of devices you typically charge.
• Power Distribution: Look for chargers that can allocate power to multiple devices efficiently.

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 16
   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 16. 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 16
   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 16. This ensures that all your devices can be charged at the best speed.
3. GaN Charger for a MacBook Pro, an iPad an iPhone 16, 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 16)
   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.

 Safety Features

• Overheat Protection: Prevents overheating to protect the charger and devices.
• Over-voltage/Over-current Protection: Guards against power surges and overloads.
• Warranty: Preferably a charger with a solid warranty, ensuring reliability.

Many people may have the question” why my GaN charger become hot during charging”. Then the seller may tell you this is normal. So why they said it’s normal? For chargers in the range of 20W to 65W, the typical operational temperature is between 40°C to 70°C As you move to higher wattage chargers (e.g., 100W to 300W), the operational temperature can increase to around  70°C. However, even at higher outputs, manufacturers design these chargers with features like better thermal control and heat dissipation, such as GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, which allows them to operate more efficiently and at lower temperatures compared to traditional silicon chargers.

While the safe maximum temperatures are broadly consistent across different wattage ranges, higher-power chargers typically come with more advanced safety measures to handle the extra heat, ensuring they stay within the safe range and avoid overheating, which could lead to fire hazards or damage to the devices. Therefore, the temperature limits for chargers of different powers are aligned with safety protocols, but the methods of thermal management vary depending on the power output.

Size and Weight

A small size 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.

Durability and Build Quality

• Materials and Finishing: High-quality materials are essential for durability.
• Heat Dissipation Design: A design that dissipates heat well helps extend the lifespan.

Price

GaN chargers are often more expensive than regular chargers. If you’re on a budget, focus first on choosing a GaN charger with the right power output and fast-charging support to meet the needs of your main devices. You can compromise on extra features like the number of ports, size, and weight to help control costs.

For frequent travelers or those with multiple devices to charge at once, consider a multi-port GaN charger with global travel adapters. While this option may cost slightly more, it provides full functionality and can prevent the need for additional purchases later.

By balancing price and performance, looking for cost-effective options, and checking for promotions and reliable after-sales service, you can find a high-quality GaN charger that suits both your needs and budget. This approach not only improves your charging experience but also adds long-term value.

Types of GaN Chargers and Use Cases

• Compact GaN Chargers (20W-45W): Suitable for phones, tablets, and smaller devices.
• High-Power GaN Chargers (65W-100W+): Ideal for laptops and multiple-device fast charging.
• Home vs. Travel Use: For home use, multi-port chargers provide convenience, while compact, foldable chargers are better for travel.

For travel use, these are two different type, one is universal charger and another is GaN charger with changable plug.

Tips for Evaluating GaN Chargers

• Read Reviews and Compare Brands: User reviews offer insights into performance, while brand comparison can help evaluate features and price.
• Check for Warranty and Customer Support: Look for a warranty of at least one year and responsive customer support.
• Test for Compatibility with Your Devices: Ensure the charger is compatible with your devices and can deliver the necessary voltage and current.

Conclusion

Choosing a GaN charger requires considering power, compatibility, safety, and convenience features. By focusing on your needs and evaluating options based on these criteria, you can find a reliable GaN charger that fits seamlessly into your daily routine.