iPhone X Fast Charging: Apple Let Consumers Down Badly

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While the new Apple smartphone has predictably sold out rapidly, and been reviewed favorably, there has been some controversy over iPhone X fast charging. This feature of the premium smartphone from Apple was supposed to be one of the critical new aspects of the handset. But there has been criticism of the standard of charging delivered by the entry-level unit.

iPhone X Fast Charging

Many have commented that the charger that comes complete with the new release is actually rather poor. Considering that iPhone X fast charging was one of the major selling points for many consumers, this will certainly not go down particularly well.

50 percent claim

According to Apple, iPhone X fast charging is possible up to the level of 50 percent charge of the battery in just 30 minutes. Yet actually achieving this speed will be rather tricky, as Apple has neglected to include any of the kit required in the actual iPhone X box. The only charging devices available with its premium handset is a power brick, which actually works rather slowly.

There are two possibilities open to those seeking iPhone X fast charging. The first is to utilize USB-C and a Lightning cable, with a power supply that supports the USB-C Power Delivery (USB-C PD) specification also requisite. While this is a decent solution to the problem, it should also be noted that it will be rather expensive.

The cable can be purchased directly from Apple…and that is ultimately your only option! Apple has declined to enable any third-party manufacturers to develop their own USB-C to Lightning cables that are compatible with the iPhone range as of yet. And considering that the cable will go directly into a phone of that cost $1,000, it certainly isn’t advisable to take any chances.

USB-C power bricks

These devices are also pretty expensive, despite the USB-C Technology being an open standard. Apple has also declined to confirm the maximum fast charging speed for the new smartphones, although it has stated that it achieved its best results with its 29W, 61W, and 87W USB-C chargers for the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros.

Although Apple again manufactures a USB-C charger, at a $49 price tag it is undoubtedly financially beneficial to look elsewhere for a deal. If you want to achieve iPhone X fast charging then any of the following possible possible units should assist with the process:

  • Anker PowerPort Speed 30W USB-C ($27.99)
  • Aukey 27W USB-C charger ($23.99)
  • Google 18W USB-C charger ($35)

Slower system

There is also a slightly slower solution to iPhone X fast charging available. This is by utilizing an existing iPad charger, or really any 12W, 2.4A brick. Apple added support for this with the iPhone 6 generation, and the benefit of utilizing this method is that it will end up being significantly cheaper. Indeed, many iPhones X consumers will already have one available, while you can use a regular USB Type-A to Lightning cable as well.

While this approach does have its cost advantage, the detrimental aspect of charging a smartphone in this manner is that it will not achieve true quick charging speed. In testing conditions, this approach to iPhone X fast charging proved to be around 50 percent slower than the ideal USB-C solution.

Other wireless charging solutions are available, with any Qi Wireless charging mat having a positive impact on your iPhone base unit. There are three particularly outstanding options available from Amazon.com, which are listed below.

  • Belkin BOOST UP Wireless Charging Pad – $59.99
  • Mophie Wireless Charging Pad – $59.99
  • RAVPower Fast Wireless Charger – $49.99

So although iPhone X fast charging may not be as easy to achieve as would be ideal, it can still be delivered with the purchase of a couple of items and a little bit of perseverance. And the iPhone X has sold particularly well in its embryonic existence, with the Apple share price shooting upwards as a result.

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