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How bad is it for a mobile device to be "slow charging"? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 4 weeks ago* (last edited 4 weeks ago) by vortexal@lemmy.ml to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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I bought a new tablet but I'm unable to use the charging cable it came with until I can get an adapter because I don't have anything that can except USB type C. I have multiple cables with a USB A connector but the tablet says that it's "slow charging" when I use them. I tried to look this up before posting but for some reason, a lot of websites refer to "normal changing" as slow charging now and I'm unable to find anything relevant to my issue. Would I be fine to use the other cables I have until I can get an adapter?

Edit: I no longer need help with this. I originally made this post because, for several years, I was told and had read that both slow and fast charging damaged batteries significantly more than normal charging. But, as multiple users have stated, it seems like I was being told and reading false information and slow charging is actually better for a battery than normal charging.

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[–] Fubarberry@sopuli.xyz 60 points 4 weeks ago (2 children)

Slow charging is actually better for battery longevity than fast charging. For example, my phone will limit it's charging speed at night when I have an alarm set, because it assumes I won't need it until my alarm goes off, and the slower it charges the less damage is done to a battery.

In general, lithium batteries are damaged by heat. Rapid charging creates extra heat, so it's worse for the battery. Manufacturers work hard to minimize the damage of quick charging, but it's still somewhat better to slow charge when you have the time.

[–] vortexal@lemmy.ml 3 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

When you say "slow charging", are you talking about actual slow charging or normal charging? As I stated in my other comment, I've only ever heard that about normal charging and never about slow charging.

[–] Fubarberry@sopuli.xyz 25 points 4 weeks ago* (last edited 4 weeks ago)

The slower the better for battery health.

Usually slow charging is just the standard USB 2.0 output, which is 5v 0.5A (so 2.5 watts). That was all the USB standard officially supported for a long time, but many devices and chargers actually supported up to 5v 1A (5 watt) or 5v 2A (10 watt) charging. Those would usually be considered normal charging.

Fast charging has a couple different specs and voltages, but can go up much higher. My steam deck supports 45w charging, and some laptops support 65w or higher.

[–] communism@lemmy.ml 3 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

For example, my phone will limit it’s charging speed at night when I have an alarm set, because it assumes I won’t need it until my alarm goes off

Is this a setting I can use in Android/Graphene?

[–] Fubarberry@sopuli.xyz 5 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

I have a pixel phone, and it may be a pixel specific feature rather than a default android feature.

Here's Google's webpage on it.

[–] communism@lemmy.ml 2 points 4 weeks ago* (last edited 4 weeks ago) (1 children)

Thanks! I also have a Pixel but with Graphene not stock Pixel Android OS. I'll see if I have that setting :)

Edit: That link seems to suggest it's for Pixel 4 only, which is not my phone. Shame, but I'll check later to see if I have the setting anyway

[–] Fubarberry@sopuli.xyz 3 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

That link was just specifying that there was a difference between adaptive charging on the pixel 4, and later pixels. All pixel phones from 4 onwards have it, but I'm guessing it's a pixel software specific feature.

[–] communism@lemmy.ml 2 points 4 weeks ago

Ah right, my bad. Well I'll check if Graphene has it when I have the time to look through my settings today