The 6 Different Types of Phone Chargers: Maplin’s Complete Guide
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Time to read 4 min
Choosing the right phone charger can be somewhat confusing. With USB chargers, wireless charging pads, power banks, car chargers, multi-port adapters and desktop charging stations, each option serves a different purpose.
This guide breaks down the six main types of phone chargers, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your device, whether you're charging at home, at work, or on the go.
Table of contents
1. USB Chargers (Standard & Fast Charging)
USB chargers remain the most common way to charge phones and tablets. They include USB-A and USB-C wall adapters, with USB-C now being the preferred modern standard.
Types of USB Chargers
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USB-A Wall Chargers – traditional chargers used for older phones and accessories
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USB-C Fast Chargers (PD) – deliver faster, more efficient charging
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GaN USB-C Chargers – compact, high-power chargers ideal for phones and laptops
Why choose a USB charger?
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Most reliable and fastest method
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Compatible with most devices
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Ideal for everyday home and office use
Best for:
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Smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, etc.)
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Tablets
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USB-C laptops (with higher-watt chargers)
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Accessories (earbuds, cameras, speakers)
2. Wireless Chargers (Qi Charging Pads & Magnetic Chargers)
Wireless charging is available on iPhones and many flagship Android phones, but not on many mid-range or budget devices.
Pros:
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Convenient, cable-free charging
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Great for desks and bedside tables
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Reduces wear on charging ports
Cons:
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Generally slower than USB-C fast charging
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Only works on phones that support Qi wireless charging
Best for:
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iPhone 8 → iPhone 15 (MagSafe-style chargers for newer models)
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Samsung Galaxy S/Note series
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Google Pixel 3+ (select models)
3. Portable Chargers (Power Banks)
Power banks are essential for travel, commuting, festivals, long days out, or emergencies.
What to look for:
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Capacity:
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10,000mAh → everyday use
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20,000mAh → long trips or multiple charges
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USB-C PD Output: fast charging for modern smartphones
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Number of ports: for charging several devices
Best for:
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Travelling
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Work on the move
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Keeping in bags, cars or pockets
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Charging phones, tablets, cameras, earbuds
4. Car Chargers (12V Vehicle Charging)
Car chargers plug into the 12V “cigarette lighter” socket to power your devices while driving.
Why car chargers are useful:
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Keeps your phone charged for navigation
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Great for long drives
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Works with USB-A and USB-C cables
Best for:
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Road trips
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Taxi/Uber drivers
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Anyone who relies on GPS navigation
5. Multi-Port Chargers (Charge Several Devices at Once)
Multi-port chargers combine multiple USB-A and USB-C ports into one wall adapter.
Benefits:
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Charge multiple devices from one plug
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Ideal for families, offices, shared spaces
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Often include fast-charging USB-C ports
Best for:
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Charging phones + earbuds + tablets
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Desk setups
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Bedside charging stations
6. Desktop Chargers (Charging Hubs & Stations)
Desktop chargers sit on your desk or table and offer a high number of charging ports — often 3, 5, or even 10.
Why choose a desktop charger?
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Keeps cables organised
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Charges multiple devices simultaneously
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Great for home offices or studio setups
Best for:
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Work-from-home setups
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Multi-device creators (photographers, streamers, videographers)
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Gadget-heavy households
Types of Charging Cables (What You Need to Know)
USB-C → USB-C
Best for fast charging and data transfer on modern Android phones, iPads, laptops. See Maplin's range of USB-C to USB-C Cables.
USB-C → Lightning
For older iPhones (iPhone 14 and earlier). See Maplin's USB-C to Lightning cables.
Note: iPhone 15 now uses USB-C.
USB-A → USB-C
Useful if you have an older wall charger. Check out our USB-A to USB-C cables.
USB-A → Micro-USB
For legacy devices such as older cameras, Bluetooth speakers, or accessories.
Important: Charging speed depends on both the charger and the cable. See our USB-A to Micro-USB cables.
How to Choose the Right Charger (Quick Guide)
✔ Fastest charging:
USB-C PD charger (20W–30W for phones)
✔ Charging phone + earbuds + tablet:
Multi-port USB charger
✔ Travel / commuting:
Portable power bank (10,000–20,000mAh)
✔ For the car:
USB-C car charger (preferably 18W+)
✔ Desk setups:
Desktop charging hub
✔ iPhone 15:
USB-C → USB-C cable + USB-C PD charger
✔ Older iPhones:
USB-C → Lightning cable + USB-C PD charger
FAQ: Phone Charger Types
What type of phone charger is the fastest?
USB-C Power Delivery (PD) chargers are the fastest and most efficient option.
Is wireless charging as fast as a cable?
Usually no. USB-C PD chargers deliver far faster speeds.
Can I use any charger with my phone?
Yes, most chargers are safe, but for fast charging you need both:
A PD-compatible charger
A compatible fast-charging cable
Do all phones support wireless charging?
No. Only iPhones and certain flagship Android models support Qi wireless charging.
What wattage do I need?
Phones: 20W–30W
Tablets: 30W–45W
Laptops: 65W–100W (GaN recommended)
Is a multi-port charger safe for my phone?
Yes, quality chargers regulate power automatically.
About the author
Pete Luckhurst is a Website Manager at Maplin.After getting an early start in the world of computing with C64 & Amiga computers, Pete now spends much of his spare time in PC VR and dabbling in game development. He also has a strong interest in film, photography and music.
Among other endeavours, he previously worked in a Maplin store, so it was a no-brainer when the opportunity arose to work on the modern incarnation of Maplin online. Besides writing for the blog, Pete works alongside the Maplin team to help keep the online store running smoothly.
