Tokyo Gadget

Reviews & guides for smartphone gadgets

Power banks Charge to 80%? Habits That Extend Your Battery's Life
Is it true you should only charge your battery to 80%? This guide explains how lithium-ion batteries degrade, lays out both sides of the '80% rule,' and shares practical charging habits you can start today to make your battery last.
Cables How to Choose a Durable USB-C Cable That Won't Break
USB-C cables tend to fail right at the connector. This guide explains why they break, then covers what makes a cable durable—braided jackets, reinforced strain relief, wattage and length—plus picks by type. Includes a hands-on note on a cable we've used for a year.
Chargers Charging Abroad Made Simple: Plug Adapters, Voltage, and Picks
Packing your phone charger for an overseas trip and unsure if it will just work? This guide explains the basics of voltage and plug shapes, the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter, how to choose without mistakes, and recommended travel adapters.
Power banks Don't Leave Your Power Bank in a Hot Car This Summer
A parked car in midsummer—and even a pocket in the heat—is a harsh, high-temperature environment for a power bank. This guide explains why heat is risky, how to store and use your power bank in summer, the warning signs like swelling, and how to choose a reliable product.
Chargers Anker vs UGREEN vs CIO vs Belkin vs Elecom: Which Charger Brand? (2026)
Short answer: Anker when in doubt. UGREEN for value, CIO for compact Japanese design, Belkin for Apple-first setups, Elecom for domestic support. Each brand's tendencies and picks by situation, without the hype.
Power banks Dispose of a Power Bank in Japan: 3 Signs It's Done and Where It Goes
Fast drain, slow charging, or a swollen case mean it's time. Never put a power bank in household trash—use JBRC collection boxes or your city's small-appliance program, with extra care for a swollen unit. Step-by-step disposal, plus how to choose a safer replacement.
Chargers 240W USB-C Charger (USB PD 3.1): Do You Need It, or Is 100W Enough?
Most laptops charge fully at 65–100W; 240W (USB PD 3.1 EPR) matters only for 140W+ laptops and multi-device desks. What the numbers mean, which cable you need (eMarker, EPR), and practical picks by use—for beginners.
Chargers Why Your Phone Isn't Fast Charging: Common Causes and Fixes
If your phone won't fast charge, it's usually because the charger, the cable, or the phone itself isn't compatible. This beginner-friendly guide walks through the causes in order and shows you how to switch to a charger and cable that actually work together.
Power banks Best Power Banks for Disaster Preparedness (Blackouts & Emergencies)
Earthquakes, typhoons, sudden blackouts—when disaster strikes, a dead phone means no news, no way to reach family, and no cashless payments. If in doubt, choose a 20,000mAh-class, PSE-certified power bank from a major brand. This beginner-friendly guide covers capacity, how to choose, and picks by use case.
Power banks How to Choose a Safe Power Bank: The PSE Mark and Fire Prevention
The first thing to check when buying a power bank in Japan is the PSE mark. This guide explains what it means, how to spot it, how to choose and use a power bank to lower fire risk, and how to recognize products worth avoiding.
Chargers Best Qi2 25W Wireless Chargers for iPhone 17: A Beginner's Guide
Want faster 'just set it down' charging on your iPhone 17? The short answer is to pick a Qi2 25W charger. This guide explains how the new standard works and how to choose one for your desk, bag, car, or bedside.
Power banks Which Anker Power Bank to Buy? 2026 Comparison by Capacity and Use
Anker makes many power banks; this 2026 guide compares them by capacity (5,000-20,000mAh), weight, and use (everyday, travel, MagSafe) so you can quickly pick the right one instead of guessing.
Chargers Best Car USB Chargers (Cigarette Lighter Type): 7 Beginner-Friendly Picks
Your phone has become essential inside the car. Map apps stand in for a dedicated navigation system, music a…
Chargers What Is a GaN Charger? Why It's Smaller and Charges Faster (2026 Guide)
A GaN charger is smaller, lighter, and runs cooler than a standard one, so one compact unit can fast-charge your laptop, phone, and more. Here is what GaN means and how to pick the right wattage and ports.
Power banks Best High-Capacity Power Banks for 2026: 7 Picks + How to Choose
Never get stranded with a dead phone again. This 2026 guide compares high-capacity 20,000mAh+ power banks by real capacity, weight, and output, with 7 picks for travel and heavy days, plus how to choose the right one.
Chargers How to Choose an iPhone Charger: A Beginner's Guide with Recommendations
Let's start with the conclusion. If you're unsure which iPhone charger to buy, pick one that is USB-C, rated…
Power banks 5 Best Lightweight Power Banks for 2026 (Pocket-Sized Everyday Carry)
Want a power bank that will not weigh down your bag? These lightweight 5,000-10,000mAh picks slip into a pocket for everyday carry and still charge a phone once or twice. Here is how to choose by weight, capacity, and ports.
Power banks Best MagSafe Power Banks for Beginners: 5 Easy Picks for Cable-Free iPhone Charging
Let's start with the conclusion. If you're a beginner, you can avoid buying the wrong MagSafe power bank by…
Power banks Power Banks on Planes in Japan (2026): 160Wh Limit, 2-Unit and Seat Rules
Carry-on only, 160Wh max, up to 2 units over 100Wh, and since July 2025 keep it at your seat—not in the overhead bin. A quick mAh→Wh check (10,000mAh is about 37Wh), what to expect at security, and travel-friendly picks.
Cables Best 100W USB-C Cables for Beginners | Fast-Charge Your Laptop, Too
Let's start with the conclusion. If you want to fast-charge everything, including your laptop, with a single…