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Compatibility Checker

Check if products are compatible with your devices

Why check compatibility?

  • ✓Ensure products work with your specific device model
  • ✓Get maximum charging speeds and performance
  • ✓Avoid purchasing incompatible accessories

How Device Compatibility Affects Charging Speed

A charger, cable, and device must all “speak the same language” to reach maximum charging speed. If any link in the chain uses a different protocol or is rated for lower power, the entire chain throttles to the weakest component. The compatibility checker above removes the guesswork — select your device and see exactly which products deliver full-speed charging, partial speed, or basic 5 V power only.

Why Compatibility Matters

Plugging in a charger that technically “works” doesn’t mean you’re getting fast charging. Consider these real-world scenarios:

  • An iPhone 16 supports USB PD up to ~27 W. A generic 5 W adapter charges it in ~3.5 hours; a matched 30 W PD adapter does it in ~80 minutes — the same device, 2.5× faster.
  • A Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra supports 45 W PPS. A standard 15 W QC 3.0 charger will charge it — but at one-third the speed and without engaging Samsung’s Super Fast Charging protocol.
  • A MacBook Pro 16″ draws up to 140 W via USB PD 3.1. A 65 W charger will keep it alive but may drain the battery under heavy workloads. Our laptop charging requirements guide lists the exact wattage every popular model needs.

Charging Protocols Explained

ProtocolMax PowerCommon Devices
USB PD (Power Delivery)Up to 240 WiPhone, iPad, MacBook, Dell XPS, Pixel
USB PD + PPSUp to 240 WSamsung Galaxy S/Z series, Pixel 9
Qualcomm QC 3.0 / 4+Up to 100 WOlder Android phones, budget Xiaomi/Realme
Apple 2.4 A12 WOlder iPhones (pre-USB-C), iPad (non-Pro)
Qi / Qi2 (wireless)5–15 WiPhone 13+, Samsung Galaxy, Pixel (with Qi2 case)

For full definitions of every charging term, visit our Charging Glossary or read the comprehensive USB-C Charging Explained article.

How to Use the Compatibility Checker

  1. Select your device. Choose your phone, tablet, or laptop from the dropdown. The tool covers hundreds of models including every current iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, iPad, MacBook, Dell XPS, and Lenovo ThinkPad.
  2. Review compatible products. The results show every charger, cable, and power bank that supports your device, sorted by compatibility level: full speed, partial speed, or basic charging.
  3. Check cable requirements. Each result notes whether you need a specific cable to unlock full speed — and links directly to compatible USB cables.
  4. Buy with confidence. Click any product to view full specs, reviews, and pricing. Every recommended product ships free in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a charger is compatible with my phone?

Select your phone model from the dropdown above. The tool shows which chargers deliver full fast-charging speed, which provide partial speed, and which offer basic 5 V charging only.

Will a USB-C charger work with any USB-C device?

Basic 5 V charging works universally. Fast-charging speeds depend on matching protocols — a USB PD charger fast-charges iPhones and MacBooks, while PPS is needed for Samsung Super Fast Charging.

Can I use a laptop charger to charge my phone?

Yes, safely. USB PD chargers negotiate the correct power. A 96 W MacBook charger connected to an iPhone will only deliver ~20 W — exactly what the phone requests.

What does “partial compatibility” mean?

It means the charger will safely charge your device but can’t reach maximum fast-charging speed. The tool recommends a fully compatible upgrade when available.

Does cable choice affect charging compatibility?

Yes. A thin USB-A cable caps at 10–12 W regardless of charger wattage. Use a USB-C to USB-C cable rated for 60 W+ (or 100 W+ for laptops) to unlock full speed.

Related Tools & Guides

Use the Smart Product Finder for personalised recommendations, the Charging Speed Calculator to estimate charge times, or compare products side-by-side. For deeper reading, explore our phone charger guide, USB PD 3.1 guide, or battery health article.