What is a GaN charger, how is it different and do you really need one?

What is GaN, and why is it used in the chargers?

In today's world, charging technology for smartphones is just as important as their battery performance. It's no longer 2010 when we could swap smartphone batteries whenever we wanted. Now, we need to leave our smartphones plugged in for a while to ensure they last all day. To make this process faster (and charging times lower), companies have been increasing the power wattage of chargers. This increase enables smartphones to support quick charge and fast-charge technologies.

However, this can result in bulky chargers. So, alongside making the process of charging faster, companies have also been working on making power adapters smaller. And that's exactly where GaN technology comes in. GaN stands for Gallium nitride. It's a semiconductor material that gained prominence in the 1990s and is starting to (gradually) replace silicon in gadgets. It was first used for manufacturing LEDs, but today, it's used in a variety of areas, including chargers. But to understand the full context, you will need to understand how fast charging works and how GaN makes it easier.

Before the introduction of fast charging to the world of batteries, most of the chargers were limited to five-watt speeds. In fact, even recent devices like the iPhone SE (2020) came with slow charging adapters. Companies did this to avoid overheating a battery and to avoid shortening the life span of the battery. However, as fast charging technologies emerged, chargers became larger and generated more heat. This is where GaN comes to the rescue.

GaN-based chargers produce less heat than traditional silicon-based chargers, therefore allowing for component to be placed more compactly. As a result, the size of the chargers can be smaller, enhancing portability and overall usability. Not only this, but GaN also enables chargers to be compact all while maintaining their power capabilities and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Thanks to GaN technology, chargers can be smaller and more efficient than ever before.

Some advantages of GaN

Faster Power Delivery:

Modern-day chargers are computers themselves. Based on the device connected, they can judge the amount of power to be delivered, among other things. With GaN, this process becomes faster. With GaN, this process becomes faster, in comparison to the silicon-based chargers. Moreover, GaN chargers can deliver current efficiently and maintain high wattage for longer periods without overheating.

Universal Charging:

Since GaN chargers can recognize the connected device and adjust the current accordingly, only a single port can be used for charging all the devices. This means you can use a 100W GaN charger without any issues for both charging your iPhone and your MacBook. The charger will adjust the current to be delivered ensuring safe charging.

Compact and Portable:

Unlike older silicon chargers, GaN chargers are smaller and easier to carry around. They generate less heat, allowing components to be placed closer together. This means GaN chargers have a similar size to traditional chargers but can deliver high currents for longer durations without overheating.

How do I know if my smartphone supports GaN charging?

Most modern smartphones, such as the Galaxy S23 series, Pixel 7, and the iPhone 14 series, support fast charging. However, if you're unsure if your smartphone supports GaN fast charging or not, the best way to know is by checking the official product page. Manufacturers usually mention details about fast charging support in the smartphone's specifications or marketing materials. If you still cannot determine if your smartphone supports GaN charging, then we recommend checking out the product packaging or in the official documentation.

You will also need to note that there are different fast charging technologies, like Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge (QC), and you will need to make sure that your smartphone also supports the same fast charging standards as the GaN charger.

from : https://pocketnow.com/gan-charger-explained/