Every other day we see a new company boasting about how fast their new smartphone can charge. But what all these manufacturers don’t tell you is that faster charging comes at a cost. We explain everything you need to know in this article.
Fast Charging Briefly Explained
Your battery works with two poles, a negative and a positive. At the negative end, you have a ton of free electrons while the positive end has less. Naturally, those electrons just want to flow to the positive end.
And as they flow, they will power any component you place along their path. Once all the electrons are at the positive end, your battery dies. Conversely, charging comes in to create the difference again by using electricity to push electrons back to the negative pole. So really all fast chargers doing is push those electrons back faster. But there are some problems with this.
Less Battery Capacity
For starters, it means that in any given amount of space, you have to get less battery capacity. In every battery, between the positive and negative poles, you also need a separator. It exists to make sure that the electrons don’t just go straight from one side of the battery to the other and that they actually go through the circuits that you want them to.
To keep the battery stable while charging faster , you need to make the separator much thicker. Likewise, the actual quantity of usable battery space you have, also known as Battery Density, reduces. And if you want to charge ultra-fast , like all these new phones are starting to do, you want to take this a step further. You’ve got to split the battery itself into two separate batteries — which obviously takes up even more space.
Fast Charging Causes Overheating
Fast charging generally creates more heat because of the faster electron movement. Heat is one of the battery’s worst enemies as it changes the battery structure over time; the battery’s ability to hold a charge reduces. As a very rough estimate, if you keep your battery at 30 degrees celsius, you could expect to lose 20% of your battery capacity over a year.
And if you kept it a 40-degree celsius, about 40% could just disappear over time. This is why it’s recommended to not use your phone when it is charging . The charging alone will get it warm enough, using it simultaneously only adds to that. You might have seen some gaming phones recently which have a USB-C Port positioned to be able to charge while gaming.
I wouldn’t do it. The only exception is if you’re going to use Bypass Charging . Bypass charging is a unique feature that forces your charger to power the components of your phone directly and not touch the battery. So the battery percentage does not increase or reduce, like with the Asus ROG Phone 3 .
Fast Charging Has Diminishing Returns
The more powerful (and faster) chargers become, the more diminishing returns you’ll notice. You must have noticed how manufacturers use the starting figure to quote how fast their chargers are. For example, they state how fast can it charge the first fifty percent. This is because the charging wattage indicated on your charger is not the actual power that the phone will charge at constantly.
It’s just the maximum it can charge at. That maximum figure will be hit somewhere during the early stages of charging. As your battery starts to get full, no matter how powerful the early charging speed is, you have to drastically slow down to protect the battery’s health. And as a result, a 60-watt charger is not twice as fast as a 30-watt charger, and a 120-watt charger is not even close to twice as fast as a 60-watt charger.
One way or another, fast charging does mean you get less battery as you use your phone. And this is precisely why some companies are including the option to slow charge , even marketing it as a feature. This might sound crazy but it makes a bit of sense.
Despite all the problems that come with fast charging, it is not as bad as some people make it seem to be. There are some redeeming factors.
All Chargers Degrade Batteries
To start with, some people have this notion that slow chargers are good for the battery’s life . I wish this was true, but no. No matter how careful you are, no matter what charger you use on your phone, after two years of charging and using it, the battery is not going to be able to last as long as it once did.
Smartphones Have Charging Buffers
Fun fact, when your battery shows 100%, it’s not actually fully charged. Most manufacturers add a buffer to the smartphone. The buffer ensures that even though the battery looks full, there will be a bit of reserved capacity. That prevents damage caused to the battery by completely filling it.
But on top of that, historically, one of the problems with fast charging is that your device would charge up pretty quickly but then continue to receive charge when it’s full, which could be damaging.
Some Phones Have Smart Power Bricks
Nowadays, most manufacturers design their included power bricks to be able to communicate with the phone they were made for. The brick actually cuts the power when you hit 100 percent. So overcharging isn’t really a problem either. And the cherry on top is that a lot of phones now use something called Optimized Charging.
Optimized Charging
With optimized charging, the battery will be prevented from hitting 100% until it needs to. For example, an iPhone can actually learn that you usually get up in the morning at 7:30 a.m. So when you go to bed and plug it in, it’ll charge to 80 percent pretty quickly.
Then throughout the night, it’ll just sit at that 80 percent figure right up until an hour before you wake up when it’ll start filling itself. That is now a default feature on iOS 13 onwards. Some Android phones do it too.
Is There a Sweet Spot?
Yes, there is— sort of. In 2020, 30-watt charging should suffice to provide the needed speed to charge your device and keep the heat relatively low. This speed will also allow for a large high-density battery. Besides, going down this route to having a higher capacity battery will naturally speed up your charging anyways.
Think of it like this, if you charge both of a 3000mAh and a 5000mAh with the same power, at the same time, the 5000 mAh will reach 3000 way before the 3000 mAh cell will. That is because of the whole concept of charge slowing down as a battery starts to fill up.
However, when I see anti-fast charging campaigns, I understand. It’s for the same reason that display resolution on phones hasn’t really gone up in the last six years. It is for the same reason that we are not seeing 4K and 8K screen panels yet. Similarly, faster charging often has strong diminishing, and often negative, returns.
I’m sure that, over the years, we’ll be able to shift that sweet spot with the introduction of new materials like graphene . However, I believe that the compromise between charging speed and capacity; the sweet spot, will stick around for a while.
George Kimathi a tech writer based in Kenya, passionate about exploring how technology shapes everyday life across Africa. From mobile innovations to digital trends, he covers the tools and ideas driving the continent’s digital transformation. When not writing, George enjoys testing gadgets, exploring local tech communities, and staying curious about what’s next.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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