Tokyo Gadget

Reviews & guides for smartphone gadgets

Wireless chargers Why Wireless Charging Is Slow or Hot — Causes and Fixes
Wireless charging feels slow, or your phone gets hot? This guide covers the common causes—misalignment, thick cases, low charger output—with a fix for each, plus tips to charge comfortably with Qi2/MagSafe, for beginners.
Chargers USB PD, PPS, QC Explained: Charging Standards and How to Tell Them Apart
USB PD, PPS, QC—too many fast-charging standards to keep straight? This guide explains the main charging standards, why charging won't go fast unless they match, and how to tell what's supported, in beginner-friendly terms.
Power banks Power Backup Checklist for Outages and Disasters (Phone & Home)
What will you do to charge your phone if the power goes out? This guide organizes your emergency power prep into a staged checklist—one person, family, and stay-at-home evacuation—covering when to use a power bank vs a portable power station, and how to store them.
Power banks How to Use a Power Bank: The Complete Beginner's Guide
A complete guide for anyone who just bought a power bank and isn't sure how to use it. Covers charging the unit, reading the ports (input/output), thinking about capacity (mAh), using it safely, and care, storage, and lifespan—explained for beginners.
Power banks Portable Power Station vs Power Bank: Which Should You Choose?
What's the difference between a portable power station and a power bank? This guide sorts out capacity, AC (outlet) output, and size in a clear comparison table, and explains which to choose by use—phone-focused vs disaster prep, outages, and the outdoors.
Wireless chargers Best 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers [iPhone, Watch & AirPods in One]
A 3-in-1 wireless charging station charges your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods together. This guide explains how to choose one (Qi2/MagSafe magnetic alignment, Apple Watch support, stand vs folding) and recommends picks by type.
Chargers Choosing a Charger for the Switch 2 [20V, 54W+ — Best GaN Chargers]
The Nintendo Switch 2 draws relatively high power in dock (TV) mode. This guide explains how to choose a charger for the Switch 2 (20V output, 54W+, USB PD), how handheld vs docked differ, and recommends easy-to-use GaN chargers.
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 Should You Buy? (2026 Picks by Use)
Which charger brand to buy? Anker when in doubt, UGREEN for high output and value, CIO for compact Japanese designs, Belkin for Apple-first setups, Elecom for domestic support. Picks by use and each brand's strengths and weak spots—no 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 Should You Buy? 2026 Comparison: 5,000–26,250mAh by Weight, Output and Use
Anker sells dozens of power banks. This 2026 comparison sorts them by capacity (5,000 to 26,250mAh), weight, output (22.5W to 300W) and use—everyday, travel, MagSafe/Qi2, laptop—so you can pick the right one in a minute instead of guessing. Official specs, who each suits, and the weak points.
Chargers Best Car USB Chargers (Cigarette Lighter Type): 7 Beginner-Friendly Picks
Charging your phone in the car? Start with a major-brand 12V socket charger with USB PD over USB-C and at least two ports. How to avoid slow charging and too few ports, plus 7 beginner-friendly picks.