One charger for your phone, tablet and laptop: how many watts?

What does the wattage of a charger mean?

Wattage (W) tells you the maximum amount of power a charger can deliver.

A phone usually needs less power than a tablet or laptop. The connected device determines how much power it takes from the charger. So, if your phone supports a maximum of 25W, it will not suddenly take 70W when connected to a 70W charger.

With newer, higher-power USB-C chargers, AVS (Adjustable Voltage Supply) can also play a role. It allows a compatible device to request a specific voltage from the charger, instead of choosing only from a number of fixed voltage levels.

For example, a device that needs 18W from a 20W charger will already take only the power it needs through USB Power Delivery. AVS becomes more relevant for higher-power devices. It allows the voltage to be adjusted more precisely to the needs of the device, helping to deliver higher charging power efficiently.

How many watts do you need?

As a general guide, you can use the following:

These are general guidelines. Always check the specifications of your device to find out exactly which wattage and charging protocol it supports.

How many watts does an iPhone need?

Apple has supported fast charging since the iPhone 8. Newer iPhones, especially newer Pro models, often support higher charging power.

You can still use a more powerful charger with an older iPhone. The main advantage is that you can use the same adapter for other devices, such as your tablet or laptop.

How many watts does a Samsung Galaxy need?

With Samsung Galaxy phones, charging power varies by model. Plus and Ultra models often support higher charging power than the standard models.

For compatible Samsung Galaxy models, the charging protocol is just as important as the wattage. Samsung Super Fast Charging uses USB Power Delivery with PPS (Programmable Power Supply). This allows the voltage and current to be adjusted during charging. To achieve the highest supported charging speed, check whether your charger supports the required PPS profile.

The charging times shown are a guideline. Actual charging speed can vary depending on factors such as battery level, temperature and whether you are using your phone while it is charging.

How much power is right for your devices?

Choosing the right charger does not have to be complicated. Focus on three things: how much power your devices need, how many devices you want to charge at the same time and whether your cable and ports are suitable.

1. Choose enough power for your most demanding device

If you charge your devices one at a time, check which device needs the most power. This determines the minimum wattage your charger should be able to deliver.

For example, if your phone needs 25W, your tablet 30W and your laptop 65W, choose a charger that can deliver at least 65W. You can then charge all three devices separately at their maximum supported power.

The Zens Compact USB-C Power Adapter is available in 30W, 45W, 70W and 100W, so you can choose the power level that matches your most demanding device.

2. Do you want to charge multiple devices at the same time?

Then you need more total power.

A multiport charger distributes its available power between the connected devices. A 100W charger, for example, does not automatically provide 100W to your laptop and another 100W to your phone at the same time.

If you want to fast charge a 65W laptop and a phone at the same time, choose a charger with enough total power for both devices.

3. Check your cable and ports

Your cable also needs to support the right amount of power. If you use a 100W charger with a cable that only supports 60W, you will not get the maximum charging power.

For higher power levels, you can use the Zens Charging Cable USB C-C Pro 3, for example. It supports up to 140W when combined with a compatible power adapter.

Also check which ports you need. New devices mainly use USB-C, but an older e-reader, headphones or another accessory may still use USB-A.

This way, you are not just choosing a charger with enough power, but a complete charging solution that fits the devices you use at home and on the go.