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Are Cheap Chargers Dangerous? How to Choose the Best Charging Accessories

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When your phone battery is running low, a charger is something you can’t do without. But while it’s tempting to grab the cheapest car charger or cable from the corner shop, using uncertified accessories could cost you much more in the long run. Cheap chargers and cables can damage your phone, shorten your battery life, or even become a safety hazard.

In this guide, we’ll explain how charging works, the risks of cheap chargers, and how to choose the right charging accessories for your devices in South Africa.

Understanding How Charging Works

Every charging setup is made up of three parts:

  1. Your device (phone, tablet, smartwatch, speaker, etc.)
  2. The charger (wall adapter, car charger, power bank, wireless pad, UPS supply)
  3. The cable (USB-C, Lightning, or Micro-USB)

Your device controls the maximum charging input. For example, if a phone supports 25W charging, that’s the fastest speed it can draw. Even if you plug it into a 45W or 100W charger, it will regulate itself down to 25W.

The charger must provide at least what your device can accept. A 10W charger will work on a 25W phone, but it will charge slowly. A 25W or higher charger ensures full charging speed.

The cable must support the same power level as the charger and the device. A low-quality cable might cap charging at 15W or lack safety features, making it the weakest link and potentially damaging your device. A PD-certified cable (Power Delivery) ensures full speed is delivered safely.

👉 For the fastest and safest charging, all three components – device, charger, and cable – need to match or exceed the required wattage of the device.

The Risks of Cheap Chargers and Cables

At first glance, a R50 charger or cable looks like a bargain. But many of these cut corners on safety and quality. Here’s why they can be dangerous:

  • No safety features: Cheap chargers often lack built-in chips to prevent overheating, overvoltage, and short-circuits. This can lead to the battery swelling in your device or even be a fire risk.
  • Unstable power delivery: Poorly made adapters deliver inconsistent voltage (known as “dirty power”), which stresses your phone’s battery over time.
  • Weak build quality: Cheap cables use thin wires and poor insulation. They fray quickly, connectors break, and some can spark inside your charging port.
  • Slower charging: Many generic chargers don’t support fast-charging standards like PD (Power Delivery) or QC (Quick Charge). Your device may take twice as long to reach full battery.
  • Short lifespan: Because they fail more often, you end up buying replacements more regularly, costing more in the long run.

⚡ In short: cheap chargers can work, but they can also damage your device and aren’t worth the risk.

What to Look for in Safe Charging Accessories

When choosing charging accessories, here are the key things to look for:

  • Certified standards: Look for Power Delivery (PD), Quick Charge (QC), or Adaptive Fast Charge support.
  • Trusted brands: Samsung, Anker, UGREEN, Snug, Choetech, and INTOUCH all design accessories with built-in safety features.
  • Correct wattage: Match your device’s maximum charging input. If your phone supports 25W, use a 25W or higher charger and cable.
  • Quality cables: Use cables that are rated for fast charging. A poor-quality cable will bottleneck your charging speed even if your charger is powerful.
  • Warranty & guarantees: Good brands back their chargers with warranties – cheap imports usually don’t.

Power Banks vs Portable UPS Power Supplies

One of the most common questions in South Africa is the difference between a power bank and a portable UPS power supply.

  • A power bank is a portable battery pack you carry on the go. It charges phones, tablets, headphones, smartwatches, portable speakers, cameras, and other small devices with the right cable. Perfect for travel, work, or emergencies.
  • A portable UPS power supply is designed to keep equipment like Wi-Fi routers or fibre boxes running during load-shedding. Unlike a power bank, it offers pass-through charging, which means it powers your device while charging itself.

👉 If you’re on the road, get a power bank. If you’re at home and need your internet during load-shedding, get a UPS supply.

Matching Your Device to the Right Charger

Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right accessories:

  • Check your phone’s maximum input: For example, many iPhones support up to 25W fast charging.
  • Choose the right charger: If your phone can charge at 25W, get a 25W (or higher) charger that supports PD or Adaptive Fast Charge.
  • Pick a quality cable: Make sure your cable is rated for the same speed. A weak cable = slower charging.
  • Go wireless if you prefer: Wireless charging pads are convenient, but usually slower than wired fast charging.

Best Charging Accessories for South Africa

In South Africa, with load-shedding and travel always in mind, the most useful accessories include:

  • Power Banks – stay powered on the move.
  • Car Chargers – keep your phone topped up on long commutes.
  • Wall Chargers – fast-charging GaN adapters for home or office.
  • Wireless Chargers – hassle-free charging for Qi-compatible devices.
  • UPS Power Supplies – keep your Wi-Fi and small devices running during outages.
  • Charging Cables – high-quality USB-C and Lightning cables to unlock full charging speed.

Trusted brands we recommend:

Final Thoughts

While cheap chargers and cables may save you money upfront, they put your devices – and your safety – at risk. A swollen battery or damaged charging port will cost far more than investing in a quality accessory.

At GotYouCovered, we stock a wide range of certified charging accessories from Samsung, Anker, UGREEN, Snug, Choetech, and INTOUCH. Whether you need a car charger, wall chargers, power banks, wireless charging chargers, or portable UPS power supply, we’ve GotYouCovered.

👉 Shop safe, reliable charging accessories today: Browse our Charging Collection

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