How to Choose Phone Chargers and Accessories: Buying Guide
Phone accessories seem simple, but wattage and capacity numbers on chargers and power banks are easy to misread. This guide clears up what those specs mean for actual charging speed.
What to look for
Charger wattage
Your phone only draws as much power as it's designed to accept, so a higher-wattage charger than your phone supports won't charge it faster — but it can still be useful for charging other devices like tablets or laptops.
Power bank capacity (mAh)
A power bank's rated capacity is higher than what actually reaches your phone due to conversion losses — expect roughly 60-70% of the rated mAh in real-world usable charge.
Connector type (USB-C, Lightning, MagSafe)
Confirm the exact connector or wireless standard your phone uses before buying — USB-C is now standard on most Android and newer iPhones, but check your specific model.
Case protection rating
Drop protection is often measured in feet (e.g., rated for drops up to 6ft), which gives a rough comparison point between cases, though real-world results vary by surface and angle.
Common types
- Wall chargers: Match wattage to your fastest-charging device, not just your phone, if you'll also charge a tablet or laptop.
- Power banks: Balance capacity against size and weight — a huge mAh rating adds bulk you'll be carrying around all day.
- Cases and screen protectors: Confirm the case is made for your exact phone model and year — camera cutouts and button placement change between generations.
- Phone stands and mounts: Check the weight rating and grip mechanism (clamp vs. magnetic) match your phone, especially with a case attached.
Ready to compare specific models? See our Mobile & Accessories catalog or jump straight to our best Mobile & Accessories picks for 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Will a 65W charger damage my phone if it only supports 20W?
No — phones negotiate charging speed with the charger and only draw what they're built to accept, so a higher-wattage charger is safe to use.
Why doesn't my power bank fully charge my phone as many times as advertised?
Rated mAh capacity doesn't account for conversion losses between the power bank and your phone, so real-world usable capacity is lower than the number on the box.
Do I need MagSafe specifically, or does any wireless charger work?
Any Qi-certified wireless charger will charge an iPhone, but MagSafe adds magnetic alignment and can charge faster on supported iPhone models.