Since Apple stopped providing power bricks in the box, new iPhone users need to buy a new charger. However, with many options and power delivery standards out there, finding a viable charging solution can become a headache. Luckily, this doesn’t have to be the case. This guide covers some tips that’ll help you choose the right charger for your iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Tips to Choose the Right Charger for iPhone 16 Pro Max
From its wattage to the number of ports, there are several things you must consider when choosing a charger for your iPhone 16 Pro Max. Here are the five most important tips to help you make a choice:
1. Check the Charger’s Wattage
The wattage is the first thing you should check when purchasing a charger. It dictates how quickly you can charge your devices once they are plugged in. The iPhone 16 Pro Max needs at least 20W of power when plugged in via USB-C or 25W when charging wirelessly via MagSafe. Even though you can still use a 5W or 10W charger from older iPhones, it isn’t recommended as they offer significantly slower speeds.
On the other hand, selecting an adapter that can output more than 20W ensures it can also be used to charge other power-hungry devices, such as your iPad or MacBook, alongside your iPhone. Although some may argue against it, chargers with higher wattage are fairly safe to use. Your iPhone, like most other devices, is designed to cap its charging speeds and only draw 20W or 25W of power as needed.
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2. Check for PD Charging Support
If you plan on using a single charger to power your iPhone and other devices, such as your laptop or an Android device, you should invest in a charger that supports the USB PD (Power Delivery) standard.
PD-compliant chargers can deliver up to 240W of power and charge your devices quickly by dynamically adjusting the voltage and current based on their specific requirements. The USB PD protocol also requires manufacturers to offer several safeguards against overcharging, overheating, and short-circuiting.
3. Consider its Durability and Safety
Whatever you do, you must never purchase the cheapest power brick and call it a day. Always look for options from reputable manufacturers with the necessary certifications, like UL, CE, or FCC. They ensure the charger meets the requirements to protect you and your devices from electrical hazards.
Similarly, you must prioritize the charger’s durability and only buy ones that use premium materials. Not only will they last longer, but they’ll also be far more efficient and help slow down battery degradation.
4. Prefer a GaN Charger for Portability
You might want to consider purchasing a GaN (Gallium Nitride) charger for your iPhone. GaN chargers can deliver higher wattage in a smaller and lighter form factor compared to silicon-based chargers. This makes them highly suitable as portable charging solutions to recharge power-hungry devices. Apart from that, they don’t generate much heat, which translates to faster charging speeds and improved efficiency.
5. Choose a Charger With Multiple Ports
Choosing a charger with multiple ports can be a practical solution for charging several devices simultaneously. They eliminate the need to use multiple adapters, making them perfect for desk setups and traveling.
With a dual or triple-port charger, you can juice up your iPhone 16 Pro Max alongside other devices, like an iPad, AirPods, or Apple Watch, all at once. Moreover, many multi-port power bricks come with both USB-C and USB-A ports, making them compatible with most devices regardless of the cables they use.
Remember that even the best charger won’t help if your battery drains quickly. Here are the best tips to optimize your iPhone’s battery life.
Which Charger Should I Get for My iPhone 16 Pro Max?
You should pick an adapter that offers a blend of everything mentioned above. Most importantly, you should choose something that meets your current requirements and budget. However, if you still need help deciding, here are our top five picks for the best iPhone chargers that you can purchase right now:
- Apple 20W USB-C Adapter: The original 20W charger from Apple, designed specifically for your iPhone 16 Pro Max. It’s a no-brainer if you’re looking for a no-fuss charging solution that’s easy on your pocket.
- Spigen ArcStation Pro 35W: A compact 35W adapter that can fast-charge your iPhone 16 Pro Max at 20W via USB-C or 25W via MagSafe. It also has another 10W USB-C port to charge your other devices.
- Belkin 40W Dual-Port PD Charger: This dual-port power brick outputs 20W of power per device. It can charge your iPhone 16 Pro Max and other accessories, such as AirPods or Apple Watch, simultaneously.
- UGREEN Nexode 65W GaN Charger: A great option to charge your iPhone 16 Pro Max and MacBook Air at once. Apart from Apple devices, you can even use it to charge Android devices, laptops or handhelds.
- Anker Prime 100W GaN Charger: Perfect for charging your MacBook Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and any other device at once. Thanks to GaN technology, it’s highly portable compared to other 100W chargers.