Confused about which GaN charger to buy for your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Galaxy S23 Ultra? You’re not alone. Navigating the world of fast charging can be tricky, but this guide will help you choose the right charger and cable for blazing-fast charging speeds.
The Anker 313 is the only GAN charger we have that charges Samsung flagship phones at their max ratesMost USB-C chargers won’t charge your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or S23 Ultra at their maximum speeds.
Remember the days when phones came with optimal chargers? Sadly, those days are gone. Now, we’re faced with a confusing array of charging options, and finding the right one for “Super-Fast Charging 2.0” on Samsung flagships isn’t straightforward.
Decoding Samsung’s Super-Fast Charging 2.0
Samsung’s official guidance is minimal, mentioning the need for a 45W Travel Adapter and a 5A cable supporting adaptive fast charging. This leaves third-party charger shoppers in a quandary. Many chargers advertised as “45W” and “Samsung Super Fast Charging” actually max out at 28W, falling short of Super-Fast Charging 2.0’s 45W potential.
Why Most USB-C Chargers Aren’t Fast Enough
While the OEM Samsung 45W Travel Adapter works, it’s expensive and bulky compared to sleek GaN chargers. Also, beware of counterfeits when purchasing the official charger. Many assume that a higher wattage charger (65W or 100W) will automatically deliver faster speeds, but this isn’t the case with Samsung flagships. Even with dozens of USB-C chargers, finding one that maximizes charging speeds for these phones can be a challenge.
Even an advanced GAN charger that meets the wattage may not charge your phone at its maximum rateA 45W GaN charger doesn’t guarantee maximum charging speed. This Elecom 45W charger doesn’t exceed 26W (blue line), even with a low battery level.
The Key: 4-5 Amp PPS Support
Even advanced USB-C chargers with Programmable Power Supply (PPS) might not deliver Super-Fast Charging 2.0. My Elecom CW-102, with a PPS profile of 3.3V to 21V at 2.25A, couldn’t achieve the required 45W. The key is a PPS profile supporting 4-5 amps.
The Anker 313 Ace 45W GaN charger provides the solution. Its 3.3V to 11V at 5A PPS profile is the magic formula for maximizing Samsung flagship charging speeds. Even Samsung’s OEM charger offers a slightly lower 4.05A profile.
The Importance of a 5-Amp Cable
A 5A USB-C to USB-C cable is also essential. While some claim incompatibility even with 5A cables, Samsung specifies only 5A with an eMarker chip as a requirement. All 5A USB-C cables (both 100W and 240W versions) include eMarker chips. Tests with an Anker 10-foot 100W cable confirmed 42W charging speeds on the Anker 313 and a Galaxy S23 Ultra. Standard USB-C cables without eMarkers, limited to 3A, will restrict charging to 26W, preventing the phone from utilizing the necessary 4-5A PPS profiles.
The Anker 313 with a 5 amp cable will charge a Samsung flagship phone at its maximum 45-watt charge rateThe blue line demonstrates the Anker 313 and a 5-amp cable charging a Samsung Galaxy Ultra flagship at nearly 45W.
Is Super-Fast Charging Worth the Investment?
The value of super-fast charging depends on your usage habits. If you consistently drain your battery and need a rapid recharge, it’s a game-changer. The Anker 313 and a 5A cable can charge from 1% to 25% in 10 minutes and 50% in 20 minutes. A full charge takes about an hour. While less impressive at higher charge levels, the rapid charging when the battery is low is invaluable. This eliminates the need for bulky battery packs, as a few minutes at an outlet provides enough power for the day.
The correct charger and cable will mainly benefit those who run their phone down to near empty and need it charged up quickly.This graph (blue line) shows the charging curve of a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra using an Anker 313 and a 5-amp cable. The biggest advantage is evident when the battery is low.
Conclusion
For truly fast charging on your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or S23 Ultra, invest in an Anker 313 GaN charger and a 5A USB-C cable. While other chargers might work, this combination ensures you’re getting the maximum charging speed possible.
