Tired of constantly shelling out big bucks for new iPhone chargers every time you upgrade your phone? It’s a common frustration among iPhone users, and the cost can quickly add up.
But what if we told you that you might not need to buy a new charger for your iPhone 13? That’s right, you may be able to use your old 5W charger to keep your new iPhone charged and ready to go.
Despite rumors to the contrary, the 5W charger that came with your old iPhone may still be a viable option for charging your iPhone 13. In fact, recent tests have shown that using a 5W charger can be just as effective as a higher-wattage charger for charging your iPhone 13.
Of course, there are some caveats and considerations to keep in mind. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of using a 5W charger to charge your iPhone 13, and how to make sure your old charger is compatible with your new phone.
Is it safe to charge an iPhone with a 5W Charger?
If you previously owned an older iPhone model and have since upgraded to an iPhone 13, you must also own the older iPhone charger. Now that you are considering using the old charger, you must know your iPhone 13’s compatibility.
Check compatibility
If you’re considering using an old 5W charger to charge your new iPhone 13, it’s important to check whether your old charger is compatible with your new phone.
While older iPhone chargers may work with newer models, they may not be optimized for the higher battery capacity of the iPhone 13.
Charging speed
Using a 5W charger to charge an iPhone 13 may not be the best idea. The iPhone 13 has a 20W battery capacity, which means that charging it with a 5W charger will take significantly longer than using a more powerful charger.
This could be inconvenient, especially if you need to charge your phone quickly.
Potential battery damage
In addition to being slower, using a 5W charger could also potentially harm your battery over time.
Because the charger is not optimized for the higher battery capacity of the iPhone 13, it could cause the battery to degrade faster or cause other issues with the phone’s performance.
Optimal charging power
To ensure that your iPhone 13 is charging as efficiently and safely as possible, it’s recommended that you use a 20W charger that’s designed specifically for the iPhone 13.
This will provide you with optimized charging power and help extend the lifespan of your battery.
High-quality lightning cable
In addition to using the right charger, it’s also important to use a high-quality lightning cable. While you don’t necessarily need to buy a new cable if you have an old one that’s in good condition, using a low-quality or damaged cable can also impact your charging speed and battery health.
Caution
While it’s technically possible to charge an iPhone 13 with a 5W charger, it’s not recommended for optimal charging speed and battery health.
Invest in a high-quality 20W charger and lightning cable to ensure that your iPhone 13 stays charged and is ready to go when you need it.
How many watts can an iPhone 13 handle?
The iPhone 13 is capable of handling a 20W charge, which allows for quick charging of the device. Apple recommends using the most recent 20W charger for best results.
It’s important to note that using a non-Apple charger could potentially damage the battery in your iPhone, so it’s best to stick with official Apple chargers.
If you already have a 20W charger, there’s no need to purchase additional chargers for your iPhone 13. However, if you only have a 5W charger, it is still possible to use it to charge your device.
Just be aware that charging with a 5W charger will take significantly longer, and you should allow for at least 3 hours of charging time to get the maximum battery life out of your iPhone 13.
Differences Between 5W and 20W Chargers
When it comes to charging your iPhone, there are different charging speeds and power outputs to consider. The most common chargers are 5W and 20W chargers.
These two types of chargers have different charging capabilities and are compatible with different iPhone models.
5W chargers are the standard chargers that come with most iPhones. They have a maximum power output of 5 watts and are capable of charging your iPhone at a slower rate.
A 5W charger can take up to 3-4 hours to fully charge an iPhone 13. They are compatible with older iPhone models, such as the iPhone 6, 6s, 7, and 8.
On the other hand, 20W chargers are the latest and most powerful chargers available for iPhones. They have a maximum power output of 20 watts, which means they can charge your iPhone at a faster rate.
A 20W charger can charge an iPhone 13 up to 50% in just 30 minutes. They are compatible with newer iPhone models, such as the iPhone 12 and 13.
The Benefits of Fast Charging
Using a 20W charger for your iPhone has numerous benefits, the most obvious of which is faster charging times. With a 20W charger, you can charge your iPhone 13 from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes, compared to the 3+ hours it takes with a 5W charger. This can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time and need your phone charged quickly.
Another advantage of fast charging is that it can prolong the lifespan of your battery. Slow charging can generate heat, which can damage your battery over time, while fast charging minimizes the amount of time your battery spends at a high temperature. This can help preserve your battery’s overall health, so you can get more out of it over the long term.
In addition, fast charging can be especially useful for people who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. If you’re constantly using your phone for work or entertainment, you may find that your battery drains quickly.
With a 20W charger, you can quickly top up your phone’s battery during a short break or while you’re on the go, so you can keep using your phone without interruption.
Can I use a 5W Charger for iPhone 14?
A 5W charger is considered slow for new iPhones. You can use a 5W charger if you are willing to wait 3–4 hours for your iPhone to fully charge.
However, not everyone has the time to sit for 3–4 hours and wait for a 5W charger to charge their device completely.
For this reason, people favor 20W chargers over 5W chargers. For your iPhone 14, you can still use a 5W charger, but you will lose the benefit of fast charging.
How to Choose the Right Charger?
When choosing a charger for your iPhone, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you get the best charging experience. Here are some tips for selecting the right charger for your needs:
Charging speed: If you’re looking for a fast charging option, then a 20W charger is the way to go. However, if you don’t mind slower charging times, then a 5W charger may suffice.
Compatibility: Make sure the charger you choose is compatible with your iPhone model. For instance, if you have an iPhone 13, you’ll need a charger that can handle a 20W charge.
Cost: While you may be tempted to go for the cheapest charger option, it’s important to consider the quality and safety of the charger. Choosing a cheap, low-quality charger could potentially damage your iPhone or even pose a safety hazard.
Brand: It’s always a good idea to go with a reputable brand when choosing a charger for your iPhone. Apple chargers are known to be safe and reliable, but there are also other brands that offer high-quality chargers that are compatible with iPhones.
Additional features: Some chargers come with additional features, such as multiple USB ports or the ability to charge multiple devices at once. Consider whether these features would be useful for your charging needs.
Conclusion
While it is possible to charge your iPhone 13 with a 5W charger, it is not the optimal choice. With a 20W charger, you can enjoy faster charging times and preserve the health of your battery in the long run.
Using a non-Apple charger may also pose a risk to your device, so it’s best to stick to the recommended charging methods.
That being said, if you have no other choice but to use a 5W charger, make sure to be patient and give your phone enough time to charge fully. It’s also recommended to charge your iPhone 13 at night to ensure you have a fully charged battery for the day ahead.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your iPhone 13 remains charged and ready whenever you need it.