Is Big Charger a Scam? What Type of USB-C Chargers Do You Use?

ihfree on 11/09/2022 - 14:50
Last edited 11/09/2022 - 15:10

USB-C Chargers often generate some controversy when posted here. I am curious as to what the wider community uses.

There are arguments made for first-party chargers such as quality of components, safety, quality of power, longevity.

The arguments for third party chargers (other than cost) would be that they all implement the PD standard and there is no perceivable difference when spending more. The arguments against third-party chargers based on reviews and feedback from Ozbargain users around way of failure, rates of failure and potential damage to expensive electronics.

Taking chargers of ~20W charger as an example, there is a fair amount of variation in price with an unbranded charger costing about $6 - $30. In general, all chargers are going to work - they do all implement the PD standard. The main differences would be in failure rates, quality of the power delivered, what happens in event of failure.

What do you choose and if you care to elaborate, why?

Besides general commentary, I am interested in:

  • The opinion of anyone who has experience in an associated industry - electrical engineers, insurance, etc.
  • Experiences of those with failed devices requiring insurance claims and the impact of uncertified chargers (Also any other experiences with failed overseas electronics requiring insurance would be interesting)

Poll Options expired

  • 15
    Reputable First Party (Apple, Samsung, etc)
  • 58
    Reputable Third Party (Anker, Belkin, etc)
  • 1
    Third Party - with Australian certification
  • 0
    Third Party - without Australian certification
  • 4
    Unbranded chargers
Electrical & Electronics USB Charger

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 11/09/2022 - 15:09
    +2

    given the choice, i'll go with first party or reputable third party, it's often only $5 - $10 more, for a little peace of mind.

    i'd probably choose reputable third party first, purely out of spite, as apple, samsung and the others stop offering the charging brick out of "environmental concern", yet fail to lower the prices accordingly to account for this, and charge extra on the side for a new one. if you're paying $600 + for a phone, you should be getting a charging brick included, or at least the option to redeem a "free" (not really, you paid for it) brick.

  • pegaxs on 11/09/2022 - 15:10
    +3

    Blitzwolf or Anker are the only chargers I buy now. Never had issues, they have never failed in a way that would make them dangerous (one I had, out of 5 ports, one stopped working randomly but the rest still worked.)

    What I wouldn't buy is Fkduegwouds or Pagrusnfura random letter named ones that Amazon dropshitters advertise on this site.

    • Clear on 12/09/2022 - 01:37

      In the near future it could just be Anker. Blitzwolf have had mass staff layoffs recently :(

    • ihfree on 13/09/2022 - 17:40

      I think Blitzwolf dropped in quality and personally avoid them now.

      • USB 3.1 A to C cable that didn't connect properly
      • Blitzwolf BW-S16 multiport charger with various issues reported.

      Their older stuff was pretty good. I'm still using older Blitzwolf products such as micro USB cables without issues.

  • bobbified on 11/09/2022 - 15:17
    +2

    Taking chargers of ~20W charger as an example, there is a fair amount of variation in price with an unbranded charger costing about $6 - $30

    The cheaper ones can be overrated and not deliver as much power as it states on the label.

    I always go for a charger made by a reputable company. I leave a lot of chargers plugged in and even a small fire can cause quite a bit of damage to the surrounding area. I live in an apartment as well. If for some reason there's a fire, it's not just me that's screwed.

  • AustriaBargain on 11/09/2022 - 15:26
    +2

    I've read too many articles about people dying from cheap Chinese brand chargers. I'm not going out like that, so I only use Apple chargers and reputable multi chargers.

  • Switchblade88 on 11/09/2022 - 15:27

    they all implement the PD standard

    The problem is that many, many chargers don't correctly meet the standards they claim (not just USB PD). Even when they do, the lack of clarity means they meet a lower level than expected. First party should be better, but not always the case.

    A brand that has enough funds to get into big-box stores also has likely spent more on R&D and QA than a generic Amazon import - even at the same price point. Thus Anker and Belkin etc will represent the most trustworthy purchase.

    • avoidfullprice on 11/09/2022 - 15:57
      +2

      Not only about correctly implementing the standard, but also what that port in a charger will deliver matters.

      For example, 20W charger might have two usb ports, but each can only charge up to 10W each. So you will not get 20W out of this charger onto a single device.

      Likewise, you might have a 65W charger with two ports. But if the charger chipset cannot operate the two ports at different voltages (5V, 9V, 15V, 20V) and you have two USB devices which not all support the higher voltages, you still are not getting the rated power charging.

      Hence the premise of OP statement “ In general, all chargers are going to work - they do all implement the PD standard. ” is a misunderstanding of the standard, the product and market expectation of the product. Otherwise, charge everything using the original USB of 2.5W output, it still works.

      The opinion of anyone who has experience in an associated industry - electrical engineers, insurance, etc.

      I am one of them

  • Mechz on 11/09/2022 - 15:36

    I've literally never bought a charger that wasn't for the car.

    I top up / charge phones from 65w laptop chargers or a 30k power bank mostly. Otherwise if I plug my phone in overnight it's to a 5w 1A charger because fast isn't required.

  • Edsanwong on 11/09/2022 - 18:30

    I am using Kmart chargers, so far so good.

  • Davo1111 on 11/09/2022 - 19:07

    what is a big charger?

  • thatonethere on 11/09/2022 - 19:34

    House fire on the cheap

  • payless69 on 12/09/2022 - 10:26

    My S21U came without brick. Then the existing one fully supported Power Delivery 5 to 9V so all is fine.

    The A20 from my missus also had no brick. It is all fine and compatible with the legacy S6s brick, kudos to the Koreans to save our earth!

  • javawoo on 13/09/2022 - 11:58

    i wonder if there's reliable chargers on market.

    anything above 65w all reviews saying that it's been stopped working after a few days or weeks.

    • ihfree on 13/09/2022 - 17:44

      Which chargers are you looking at?

      I've been using Apple Chargers without issue. I also have Belkin 68W Gan chargers. The American model reviews well on Amazon.com.

      • javawoo on 13/09/2022 - 17:55

        i'm not seeking for 135w or 165w

        just need a 100w charger with at least 2 C type ports

        I'm using apple 65W charger too.

        and Belkin has so many reviews that charger stopped working after from a few days of using to 6 months

        • ihfree on 13/09/2022 - 18:12

          Satechi 165/108/100 are worth a look depending on the power split required. I like the Satechi 165W as the power split with two devices allows full speed charging at 100W.

          There is also the Anker 547 or Belkin 108W.

          • javawoo on 13/09/2022 - 19:13

            @ihfree: Even satechi charger has negative reviews. Not like other cheaper brands tho.

            Is Belkin more reliable than Anker?

            • ihfree on 13/09/2022 - 20:56

              @javawoo: Hard to say honestly but Belkin do have more of a presence in Australia and a connected equipment warranty.

              If you have concerns, I would consider the 108w Belkin from somewhere with a decent returns policy if you have issues.

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