HACKER Q&A
📣 jononomo

Why can't I buy a phone charger with a 2-prong wall plug?


Ideally, I would like a multi-charging cable (such as this one: https://www.amazon.com/Charging-USAMS-Multiple-Connectors-Compatible/dp/B07QXVCFD1) but which doesn't have a USB connector at the other end, but rather just has an integrated 2-prong plug.

Why don't phone charging cables that plug directly into an electrical outlet exist?

  👤 KMnO4 Accepted Answer ✓
Your house has 120V AC and your phone needs 5V DC (slightly more if it’s a modern USB C phone).

Converting to that voltage requires some electronics. If you’re asking why not just include them in the cable, like laptop chargers —- well you could, but why? It will be just as bulky but if the cable becomes frayed you’ll be generating a lot more ewaste than just getting a new USB cable.

👤 smoldesu
Why can't you buy the one you linked and then just plug it into a regular charging brick?