Smartphones usually come with an AC adapter for charging. It plugs into an electrical outlet, and then plug the phone’s USB cable into the adapter.
The iPhone 4s has a really small AC adapter for USB-A, about the size of a walnut.
The Google Pixel 4a has a really big AC adapter for USB-C, about the size of a deck of cards.
Why is one AC adapter so much bigger? Something special about USB-C?
Thanks!
In: Technology
AC is rectified in order to be turned into DC. This is in part done by using a transformer. A transformer isn’t like other electronics like transistors that can be made smaller and smaller. New smartphones charge quickly because they are charged on like 25 watts. This means you need a bigger transformer. This is probably the majority of the bulk.
Latest Answers