Chargers

TheVoid · 10-12-2012, 21:50

Hey all,

I have just bought a Sony Xperia phone, and my old LG mobile car charger fits the connection on the phone. Is it alright to use the car charger for a different phone? Will it charge it just as quick? Can it cause any damage?

Thanks

Schadenfreud · 10-12-2012, 23:00

As long as the voltage output is the same, then there shouldn't be a problem.
If the milliamps output is lower, then it may charge slower, if it's higher then it will be fine.

TheVoid · 10-12-2012, 23:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schadenfreud

As long as the voltage output is the same, then there shouldn't be a problem.
If the milliamps output is lower, then it may charge slower, if it's higher then it will be fine.

How do I find that out?!

c4rv · 10-12-2012, 23:24

If its a micro-usb then it will be fine, its a standard that was agreed upon several years ago.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_...l_Power_Supply

Thine Wonk · 10-12-2012, 23:26

Micro USB chargers are always 5V I think. It'll say on it though OP.

TheVoid · 10-12-2012, 23:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by c4rv

If its a micro-usb then it will be fine, its a standard that was agreed upon several years ago.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_...l_Power_Supply

I presume it is, why do they sell all different car chargers then? Surely they should all just be universal now?

The LG one fits my Sony, so that's ok to use then?

c4rv · 10-12-2012, 23:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVoid

I presume it is, why do they sell all different car chargers then? Surely they should all just be universal now?

The LG one fits my Sony, so that's ok to use then?

In theory they are universal, but as with all things quality varies though personally I use a 99p car charger and it work fine.

One thing to bear in mind is that some phones need 1amp to actually charge due to large screen, GPS, blue-tooth, sat-nav, etc all running at the same time. I would say its worth paying the small amount extra to ensure your car charger supports this.

As to chargers between brands, that is not an issue a sony charger for my HTC and my HTC charger for a S3 and they all work fine.

LostFool · 10-12-2012, 23:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVoid

I presume it is, why do they sell all different car chargers then? Surely they should all just be universal now?

The LG one fits my Sony, so that's ok to use then?

All the manufacturers sell expensive branded versions of their chargers as some people are stupid enough to buy them and they are almost all pure profit - they cost pennies to make but can be sold to suckers for over a tenner.

For most phones and a 99p charger will work however some of the more powerful ones and tablets may need a higher rated one. For example, the Nexus 7 needs a 2A charger.

c4rv · 10-12-2012, 23:57

[quote=LostFool;62904488]All the manufacturers sell expensive branded versions of their chargers as some people are stupid enough to buy them and they are almost all pure profit - they cost pennies to make but can be sold to suckers for over a tenner.

For most phones and a 99p charger will work however some of the more powerful ones and tablets may need a higher rated one. For example, the Nexus 7 needs a 2A charger.[/QUOTE]

There are plenty of reports that it will still charge at a lower rate using a standard charger but I suspect not when it is switched on.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1823377

This is the case for most tablet devices. One thing I have noticed is that on the higher amp chargers, apparently the data lines on the USB are not connected.

Anyway, 2 amp car chargers don't cost much extra,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Micro-Dual...item35c1a67fcb

MGS4SnakeRulez · 11-12-2012, 20:43

I still use the micro USB charger for my old HTC phone and I've had about 4 phones since then and they've all been fine.

10-12-2012, 21:50	#1
TheVoid Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2,642	Chargers Hey all, I have just bought a Sony Xperia phone, and my old LG mobile car charger fits the connection on the phone. Is it alright to use the car charger for a different phone? Will it charge it just as quick? Can it cause any damage? Thanks

10-12-2012, 23:00	#2
Schadenfreud Guest Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 1,291	As long as the voltage output is the same, then there shouldn't be a problem. If the milliamps output is lower, then it may charge slower, if it's higher then it will be fine.

10-12-2012, 23:15	#3
TheVoid Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2,642	Quote: Originally Posted by Schadenfreud As long as the voltage output is the same, then there shouldn't be a problem. If the milliamps output is lower, then it may charge slower, if it's higher then it will be fine. How do I find that out?!

10-12-2012, 23:24	#4
c4rv Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Essex Posts: 16,218	If its a micro-usb then it will be fine, its a standard that was agreed upon several years ago. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_...l_Power_Supply

10-12-2012, 23:26	#5
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	Micro USB chargers are always 5V I think. It'll say on it though OP.

10-12-2012, 23:27	#6
TheVoid Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2,642	Quote: Originally Posted by c4rv If its a micro-usb then it will be fine, its a standard that was agreed upon several years ago. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_...l_Power_Supply I presume it is, why do they sell all different car chargers then? Surely they should all just be universal now? The LG one fits my Sony, so that's ok to use then?

10-12-2012, 23:33	#7
c4rv Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Essex Posts: 16,218	Quote: Originally Posted by TheVoid I presume it is, why do they sell all different car chargers then? Surely they should all just be universal now? The LG one fits my Sony, so that's ok to use then? In theory they are universal, but as with all things quality varies though personally I use a 99p car charger and it work fine. One thing to bear in mind is that some phones need 1amp to actually charge due to large screen, GPS, blue-tooth, sat-nav, etc all running at the same time. I would say its worth paying the small amount extra to ensure your car charger supports this. As to chargers between brands, that is not an issue a sony charger for my HTC and my HTC charger for a S3 and they all work fine.

10-12-2012, 23:42	#8
LostFool Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 59,737	Quote: Originally Posted by TheVoid I presume it is, why do they sell all different car chargers then? Surely they should all just be universal now? The LG one fits my Sony, so that's ok to use then? All the manufacturers sell expensive branded versions of their chargers as some people are stupid enough to buy them and they are almost all pure profit - they cost pennies to make but can be sold to suckers for over a tenner. For most phones and a 99p charger will work however some of the more powerful ones and tablets may need a higher rated one. For example, the Nexus 7 needs a 2A charger.

10-12-2012, 23:57	#9
c4rv Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Essex Posts: 16,218	[quote=LostFool;62904488]All the manufacturers sell expensive branded versions of their chargers as some people are stupid enough to buy them and they are almost all pure profit - they cost pennies to make but can be sold to suckers for over a tenner. For most phones and a 99p charger will work however some of the more powerful ones and tablets may need a higher rated one. For example, the Nexus 7 needs a 2A charger.[/QUOTE] There are plenty of reports that it will still charge at a lower rate using a standard charger but I suspect not when it is switched on. http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1823377 This is the case for most tablet devices. One thing I have noticed is that on the higher amp chargers, apparently the data lines on the USB are not connected. Anyway, 2 amp car chargers don't cost much extra, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Micro-Dual...item35c1a67fcb

11-12-2012, 20:43	#10
MGS4SnakeRulez Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 16,705	I still use the micro USB charger for my old HTC phone and I've had about 4 phones since then and they've all been fine.

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