2pin (USA) and 3pin (UK) Charger: Charging time differences. Need help.

Question

Level 1

8 points

2pin (USA) and 3pin (UK) Charger: Charging time differences. Need help.

I had my iPhone 3Gs imported from USA. It is unlocked from AT&T, but thats not the point. I got the Apple original 2pin charger with it.

Now, I have recently got a new iPhone 4, imported from UK. It comes it an original Apple 3pin charger, as common in UK.

In my country, I can use both types of chargers. As far as I know, both supply the same amount of power. The thing is: my iPhone 4 (3pin) charger takes around 5hours to charge my phone from 10-100%. The battery lasts for a day at most. Now if I use my 3Gs charger (2pin) with my iPhone 4, it charges incredibly fast. From 10-100%, it takes an hour and a half at most. The battery lasts for a day with this charger as well.

Now, my question: is there any difference in the amount of power supplied from both chargers? Will using the 2pin (original) charger with my iPhone 4 somewhat damage it? Like excess current short circuiting the internal power supply or whatnot? Because I like the battery to get charged quickly, but I cant risk short circuiting it (there's no Apple Store around my place for miles, so I cant take my iPhone to one in case I damage it.)

Experts please help. Thanks.

iPhone 4, iOS 5.1.1, 16GB

Posted on Jul 12, 2012 12:28 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Apple4Eva Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 13, 2012 2:32 PM in response to GZukes

So you mean that I'm better off using the 2pin? Does it the time it takes to charge seem to be abnormally fast?

In contrast, does the time taken by the 3pin seem to be abnormally slow?

Should I get another 3pin charger for my iPhone 4, or is it OK if I continue charging it with my 2pin?

Thanks for your help.

Reply

Answer 2

GZukes

Level 4

1,590 points

Jul 13, 2012 7:54 AM in response to Apple4Eva

The 3 pin charger may not be putting out the power it should. An iPhone 4 should charge (0-100%) in about just over 2 hours to 3 hours.

Reply

Answer 3

GZukes

Level 4

1,590 points

Jul 13, 2012 4:19 PM in response to Apple4Eva

A charging time of about an hour and a half to go from 10-100% doesn't seem to be unreasonable. My figures are based on using the iPhone charger. Using an iPad charger will charge the battery quicker, but I have not done any time testing using my iPad charger. This is because the iPad charger can put out 2.1 amps as opposed to the iPhone charger that puts out 1 amp. Using a charger that puts out more amps than required shouldn't hurt your iPhone since the iPhone should limit the amount of amps it draws.

5 hours to charge your iPhone seems slow. Does the 3 pin charger say it outputs 5v, 1 amp?

Reply