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Why Your USB-C Charger Isn't Charging Your Laptop Properly (And How to Choose One That Will)
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Mexico /Technology

Why Your USB-C Charger Isn't Charging Your Laptop Properly (And How to Choose One That Will)

From El Universal · (2d ago) Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • USB-C ports are now common across devices, but not all USB-C chargers deliver the same power.
  • Many chargers designed for phones lack the wattage needed for laptops, leading to slow or no charging.
  • To ensure proper laptop charging, look for chargers with sufficient total wattage, a primary port that can deliver full power, and devices that can communicate power needs.

The ubiquitous USB-C port promised a unified charging experience, but the reality is far more complicated. While the connector may be the same, the power delivery capabilities vary wildly, leading to user frustration when a phone charger fails to power a laptop effectively. This article clarifies that the issue isn't a faulty laptop but an inadequate power supply, akin to using a garden hose for a fire hydrant. It emphasizes that laptops require significantly more energy than phones, especially when in use. Many chargers bundled with phones or marketed as 'fast chargers' for mobile devices are simply not built with laptops in mind. The piece advises consumers to check for sufficient wattage for laptops, a primary port capable of delivering that power, and a communication protocol between the charger and device. It highlights the UGREEN Nexode 100W GaN charger as an example that meets these criteria, though it notes limitations in power distribution when multiple devices are connected simultaneously and its relatively high price point, even with a significant discount.

El conector es el mismo. El cable entra igual. Pero lo que viene detrรกs puede ser completamente diferente.

Explaining the core issue with USB-C chargers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.