Gallium Nitride Chargers vs. Traditional Chargers: Why GaN Is Revolutionizing the Charging Technology Landscape
Amid the widespread popularity of mobile electronic devices, the balance between charger size and power has become a core consideration for consumers. The emergence of gallium nitride (GaN) chargers is breaking the performance limitations of traditional silicon-based chargers and redefining the charging experience.
I. Size Gap at the Same Power: Core Advantage of Lightweight Mobility
Constrained by material properties, traditional silicon-based chargers inevitably see increased size and weight as power rises. Tests show that a 65W traditional silicon-based charger has a volume of approximately 120cm³ and weighs 200g, with most featuring non-foldable plugs that occupy significant space in portable backpacks.
In stark contrast, leveraging material advantages, a 65W GaN charger can be compressed to under 60cm³ in volume and weigh only around 100g. Some models also come with foldable plugs, improving overall portability by over 50%. According to industry standards, the power-to-volume ratio of traditional chargers is about 0.54W/cm³, while GaN chargers can reach over 1.08W/cm³—far exceeding the industry average. This perfectly caters to the lightweight mobility needs of business and travel users.
II. Low Heat Generation & High Conversion Efficiency: Core Principles of GaN Technology
In terms of material characteristics, gallium nitride has a bandgap width more than 3 times that of silicon and a breakdown electric field strength 10 times higher. This enables it to effectively reduce energy loss during high-frequency operation. Tests indicate that traditional silicon-based chargers typically have an energy conversion efficiency of 85%-88%, with the remaining energy dissipated as heat. At room temperature (25℃), the outer shell temperature can exceed 60℃ after 1 hour of continuous charging.
GaN chargers, however, maintain a stable energy conversion efficiency of 93%-95%. Under the same conditions, the outer shell temperature is only around 45℃ after 1 hour of continuous charging—well below the safety temperature threshold. From a manufacturing perspective, GaN chargers feature more compact circuit layouts, combined with high-temperature resistant flame-retardant PC shell materials. This not only ensures heat dissipation efficiency but also enhances usage safety, addressing the pain points of severe heat generation and low conversion efficiency in traditional chargers.
III. Multi-Scenario Adaptability: Selection & Usage Tips for GaN Chargers
Home Scenarios: For simultaneous charging of laptops, smartphones, and headphones, a 100W multi-port GaN charger is recommended. Tests confirm that this power-rated charger can simultaneously supply power to a 65W laptop and a 20W smartphone, with remaining power sufficient for headphone charging—all while maintaining stable power distribution across ports.
Business/Travel Scenarios: A 65W single-C-port or dual-port GaN charger is ideal. Its compact size fits easily in pockets, making it suitable for air travel, high-speed rail, and other mobility scenarios. Business travel test data shows that a 65W GaN charger can charge a 16-inch laptop to 60% battery in 1 hour, meeting the power needs of short trips.
Power Distribution Notes: Most multi-port GaN chargers adopt dynamic power distribution rules. Tests show that when two ports are outputting simultaneously, the original 65W single-port power automatically adjusts to a 45W+20W combination. If a third device is connected, power is redistributed further. Users should reasonably plan the charging order based on device power requirements to avoid reduced charging efficiency due to insufficient power.
