The smartphone has become the centre of our universe as we progress farther into the digital age. Battery life and charging safety are two factors that often get overlooked yet are crucial to our experience with these gadgets. This advice is meant to further emphasise the significance of users only charging their smartphones through official cords, as there has been a recent uptick in awareness of this issue.
Type-C USB and the Dawn of Fast Charging
By drastically decreasing the amount of time it takes to go from a low battery warning to a full charge, fast charging has completely transformed how we power our smartphones. The Type-C USB port, which has been praised for its adaptability and speed, is now available. Most modern smartphones use this method of charging, and it has been adopted by industry heavyweights including Huawei, Samsung, and Apple.
Oppo’s head of South African operations, Liam Faurie, summed up the consensus of experts when he said, “Smartphone owners should never use a third-party charger when recharging. If you use a charger other than the one that came with your smartphone, the manufacturer makes no promises about how long it will last.
The Risks of Using Unauthorised Payment Processors
Unreliable voltage and power inputs are a major concern when using a charger from an unknown source. Inconsistencies like these can be harmful to your device’s battery, reducing its longevity or, worst case scenario, causing it to explode, as happened with the Samsung Note7.
Overheating can occur if you use a third-party charger with the incorrect voltage, which could even start a fire. If you want to avoid damaging your smartphone or having an accident, you should double-check that your charging cable is compatible with your wall outlet and your phone.
Apple is moving to Type-C charging, and it is recommending that its customers only use Apple-approved peripherals. Apple advised their customers to “use only accessories that Apple has certified and that come with the MFi badge” in an online statement. Apple is not responsible for how you decide to use any third-party service or product.
Rapid Charging’s Increasing Popularity
Significant progress in fast charging has been made despite the concerns. Oppo’s 240W Super VOOC charging technology, which can fully charge a 4,500mAh battery in under nine minutes, was introduced in 2022. These developments have exciting implications for the future of technology, but they also highlight the importance of standardised, secure charging protocols.
Maintaining Secure Charging Procedures
According to most authorities, using anything other than the charger that came with your new phone is not a good idea. By taking this safety measure, you can rest assured that your charger will work with your smartphone. This guidance is more important than ever as the switch to USB Type-C continues. When your battery is low, it can be tempting to grab any charger you can find. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all chargers are the same.
The need for safe charging practises remains even though the tech industry is constantly improving our smartphones. To extend the life of our devices and protect ourselves from harm, it is our duty as consumers to use only officially licenced chargers. A phone can be replaced, but your health cannot. Never put your safety in jeopardy when using any kind of technology.
About The Author:
Lebohang Mokoena is an award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience in business reporting. She specializes in innovation and technology in South Africa and beyond. Lebohang holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and has previously worked for top-tier publications before joining Africa Nova.