Can I use an iPAD (2.1Amp) charger to charge the iPhone?

My wife's picky about what charger to use for what, particularly after-market.


On a road trip, her iPOD got totally wiped by using an after-market charger.


Further; I want to get a wall-USB unit (it's part of the wall outlet). So; it's a wall-mounted outlet that has 2 USB ports. It's 2.1A. I would plug my Apple USB charger into it.

iPhone 4S, iOS 6.1.2

Posted on Feb 22, 2013 11:03 AM

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4 replies

Feb 22, 2013 1:37 PM in response to wegras

My concerns are:


1. Quick-charging usually shortens battery life. Since the iPhone 4S comes with a 1A charger, I have to wonder if utilizing a 2.1A charger will have this issue. Since changing a battery on an Apple product is such a monumental task (ie: not consumer ready), I want to take care that the battery is designed for 2.1A charging.


I don't know if Apple's charger somehow senses what's plugged into it and downgrades its amperage accordingly.


2. Since we had a problem with a cheapo charger actually damaging an iPOD's programming (reload was needed - no hardware damage), I'm wondering if it's OK as long as I use Apple's cable (plugged into this aftermarket wall adapter).

Feb 22, 2013 3:54 PM in response to wegras

Easy, easy. Let's just call them "Non-Apple charging devices".


I was relaying an experience from years ago but the one in question isn't "cheap" - but it is non-Apple and it is a constant 2.1 Amps.


Some chargers can auto-sense and auto-adjust their output. Its possible this Apple one can do that - I was trying to clarify if you knew whether this one had that sophistocation. So; maybe it maxes at 2.1 Amps but downgrades itself.


While looking elsewhere for an answer; it appears that the ideal charge amperage for iPOD and iPhone is 1 Amp. It follows that any 2+ Amp charger would shorten the battery life - or at the least shorten the length that charge will remain.


For my kid who uses it constantly; extended battery life can matter. I'll pass on this 2.1A device.


Thanks

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Can I use an iPAD (2.1Amp) charger to charge the iPhone?

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