What is it?

Technology has evolved and advanced significantly. And it will undoubtedly continue to progress, but with every device requiring regular charge. We hope that someday there might be an electronic device that functions without the need for regular charging, but until then, we have to live with the current devices. All of these need power and thanks to our constant usage they need more and more of it.

Toreto's new rapid charger is an accessory that plugs into the 12V outlet in your car. The new TOR 402, like other chargers, will help in charging your smartphones, tablets and all 5V devices in your car. So whether you are commuting to work or out on a long road trip, this one will also service your constant power needs. However, this has an advantage of providing power for two devices at a time and with a power output of 5V, 3.4A it does it at a faster rate.

What's in the box?

The neatly packaged box has one small charger that will easily fit inside your palm. The sleek dark grey device has a nice smooth texture to it. It has a sturdy build too. There's also a warranty card in the box with service centre details and warranty information. It will give you instructions on safety - how to and how not to use the device. There are no USB cables provided, so you will have to use the ones provided with your electronic device.

How to install?

Just like other chargers that fit into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket, the TOR 402 can also be simply plugged into the socket. Using the existing USB cable, you can straightaway connect and charge any of your devices. Be it your smart phone, GPS or Sat-Nav device, tab, power-bank or smart camera, the charger will provide charge to any 5V devices. This charger has a compact design that fits securely into the 12V outlets without blocking much of the usable space.

How does it work?

Generally, the normal dual USB chargers provide 5V and 2.0/2.1 amps maximum total output. So two devices plugged simultaneously receive approximately 1.0 amps each. Since the TOR 402 has a higher total output of 3.4 amps, there is one port that provides 2.4A and the other 1.0A. Meaning, you can charge two devices simultaneously, with the one plugged in at 2.4A receiving maximum charge. That way, at least one device can draw more current and eventually charge faster than the conventional charger. We used the charger in our car, which enabled AC charging mode on the device and not USB charging mode. Thus a quick charge was provided. The charger also didn't get heated up despite prolonged extensive use. Note that as long as your device can draw more than 2.0A and up to 2.4A, this power supply’s 2.4A slot will ensure a quick charge.

Accordingly, you can effectively charge two phones/MP3 players at the same time or charge a tablet and a phone/MP3 player at the same time. However, it is recommended that you use the 2.4A port for your tablet and the 1A port for your phone/MP3 player. You can use either port for your device if you are not charging a tablet.

Furthermore, the TOR 402 is built with an over-charge protection fuse. This protects it from harmful short circuits, over-currents, overheating and other power spikes. The charger also switches to a 50mA trickle charge once a connected device's battery is full.

How much does it cost?

There are several USB car chargers available in the market with different sets of features to charge your power hungry devices. And these are available at lower rates than this Toreto's rapid charger for Rs 599. So, in comparison, this might look like an expensive one. But check if these can draw currents up to 3.4A or 2.4A. Chargers with 2.0A rating and dual USB ports might only be able to provide 1.0A of max amperage.

Also, consider the positives of TOR 402 over the other cheaper ones. This one has a premium look and feels reliable due to its tough built. It doesn't have many connected panels. Consequently, its unibody structure makes it a robust product. Due to the power short-circuit protection, connected devices will safely draw maximum power without damage. It also stays cool at relatively low temperature levels even after extensive usage. It has a warranty for a year for any manufacturing defects. The tiny LED indicator around the front face does exude an overall elegant feel. Furthermore, it is bright but it still doesn't distract you while you are driving. So it’s a good product overall. Similar specced Belkin, Xiaomi, Capdase and other chargers are more expensive. It's only the Mivi that comes close to this competitive price of Rs 599.

Specs

Specifications -

2 USB Ports

Input: DC 12-24 V

Output: 5V, 3.4 A

Inbuilt LED light

Pros

- Sleek and compact device

- No screws or packing that might come off with continuous usage

- Simple to use

- LED light not too bright to cause a distraction at night

- fits tightly and doesn't pop out easily

Cons

- No separate indication when device is connected

- No separate switch to switch off charging

- Availability in stores

Pictures by Kapil Angane