Accessory Compatibility Overload!

[Android Central Question]

I finally gave up my Note 4 Edge thanks to the pressure to modernize after being enthralled the 10 Plus. I did things backward because I bought the phone; then I bought accessories that seemed compatible; now its time for research!! I did say I do things backward, right? I'm reading now that it's the little pesky details that matter the most. Details such as USB 3.1 and Gen2 and 10Gbps are staring me in the face. Add the issue of PPS and e-markers, plus quick charge vs fast charge...I'm starting to think about my uncomplicated and reliable Note 4.

I created a pdf List of my purchases. I think I've got the proper cables, but I'm confused about the wireless car charger mount; the quick charge car charger; the portable power bank; and the adaptive fast charger.

I'm afraid my house is going to explode in flames when I start putting things together. Q: Is there a place on this Android forum where I can upload my shopping list and get feedback on what needs to be replaced for optimal speed and compatibility?? I copied each item's description directly from the Amazon pages to create my list of accessories. Thank you!

 

[VidJunky]

Welcome to AC forums. There are several areas that are accessible to registered members of the community including a "gadget corner", so to speak, where you can discuss gadgets to no end. Here is a link that will help you start an account here... https://forums.androidcentral.com/ask-question/409154-join-android-central-community-new-post.html

Here are a couple...
https://forums.androidcentral.com/accessories/

https://forums.androidcentral.com/more-google-devices-services/

 

[Mooncatt]

I don't have the Note 10, so I can't answer everything. I can answer a few things on the battery, though.

First, you won't blow up your house. I'm pretty sure you meant that sarcastically, but so do I. The USB standards are backwards compatible. The devices and cable all communicate with each other now to negotiate the proper charging protocol. If that can't be done (I.e. A cable isn't e-marked), then it reverts to standard USB charging and is safe to use.

Now that I mentioned e-marks, forget about looking for cables with that. E-mark just means there's a chip in the cable to facilitate the charge negotiations. It does not indicate the cable is automatically capable of the USB 3.1 Gen 2 specs. USB 3.1 Gen 1 (aka USB 3.0) and some USB 2.0 cables are also e-marked, but would not be compatible with Samsung's 45W charger for full 45W speeds. If you want the full 45W speeds, look for cables that are 3.1 Gen 2 and nothing more. That spec includes the e-mark as required by the USB standards, and also includes the speed and power requirements (10Gbps/100W). Saying you want a 3.1 Gen 2 cable that is also e-marked is redundant.

I also wouldn't be too concerned with getting the 45W charger. Reports from the few that had the Samsung one and used it on the Note 10 with the correct cable have shown barely any reduction in charging speeds. Something like a 5 minute savings on a 0-100% charge cycle. You'll only see the speed benefit while the battery is at a lower capacity, and then it'll taper off. Because it's not recommended to drain Li-ion batteries completely, the amount of time you'd actually see increased speeds will be minimum and not worth the price IMHO. Because you're moving from a phone with removable battery to a sealed one, you may also want to read up on general Li-ion care.

https://batteryuniversity.com/index.php/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries


If you do still want a 45W charger, make sure it has USB Power Delivery with PPS. Standard power delivery can do 45W, but not how the Note 10 wants it. PD uses 15V@3A to get 45W. The Note 10 uses PPS, which does 10V@4.5A. I think right now, only the official Samsung 45W charger meets this spec.

 

[Rukbat]

Fast charging also cuts off at about 70% to keep from overheating the battery and, since you should never let it drop below 40% before charging it or turning it off, that's about 30% charging at the higher speed.

Also, the 10Gbps speed is only available if what you're plugging in is USB 3.1 Gen2. It's backward compatible back to USB 1.1, but not at that speed. So if your PC has USB 3.0 ports, your theoretical maximum will still be only 5gbps, or about 4.66Gbps.