Understanding fast charging protocols: Everything you need to know

When it comes to charging your devices quickly, you’ve probably come across terms like USB PD, Qualcomm Quick Charge, SuperCharge, and others. These are all fast charging protocols that help power up your phone, tablet, or laptop in less time. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from each other?

Let’s break down the most popular charging protocols, from USB Power Delivery (USB PD) to Qualcomm Quick Charge, Huawei SuperCharge, and more.

Fast Charging Protocols Overview

What Are Charging Protocols?

Charging protocols are like the “rules” for how electricity flows from the charger to your device. They determine how much power can be delivered, how fast it can be delivered, and what kind of charging experience you can expect. The more powerful and advanced a protocol is, the faster your device can charge.

Let’s start with the most well-known standard: USB PD.

USB Power Delivery (USB PD)

USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is the most universal fast-charging standard. It works across many types of devices—smartphones, laptops, tablets, and even some gaming consoles. USB PD is used widely because it’s flexible and allows different types of devices to charge quickly, safely, and efficiently.

Key Features of USB PD:

• Higher power output: USB PD can deliver up to 100W (USB PD 2.0 and 3.0) and even up to 240W with USB PD 3.1, meaning it can charge large devices like laptops and gaming laptops just as fast as smartphones.
• Intelligent power management: USB PD can adjust the power being delivered based on the needs of the device, which means no excess heat is generated, making it more efficient.
• Universal compatibility: USB PD is the standard for USB Type-C connectors, which is becoming the universal charging and data cable for most modern devices.

USB PD Versions:

• USB PD 2.0: Released in 2014, it introduced flexible charging that supports up to 100W.
• USB PD 3.0: Released in 2015, added features like device identification and battery information to improve safety.
• USB PD 3.1: Introduced in 2021, this version boosts the power to 240W and includes more precise voltage regulation.

Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC)

Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC) is another major fast-charging protocol, specifically designed for devices that use Qualcomm processors (like many Android smartphones). Qualcomm’s approach focuses on increasing charging speed while managing heat and battery safety.

Key Features of Qualcomm Quick Charge:

• Fast charging: Quick Charge 4+ supports up to 27W power, while QC5 can deliver speeds of up to 100W, making it one of the fastest charging technologies for compatible devices.
• Adaptive charging: QC dynamically adjusts the voltage to match the device’s battery needs, reducing the risk of overheating.
• Backward compatibility: QC is backward compatible with previous versions, so older devices can still use QC chargers for fast charging.

Versions of Qualcomm Quick Charge:

• Quick Charge 3.0/4.0: These versions focus on optimizing voltage for better efficiency, with a focus on devices like smartphones and tablets.
• Quick Charge 4+: The updated version introduced better heat management and improved charging speeds.
• Quick Charge 5: The latest iteration, which can deliver up to 100W for faster charging on premium smartphones.

Huawei SuperCharge (SCP)

Huawei SuperCharge (SCP) is Huawei’s proprietary fast-charging technology, offering very high charging speeds, especially in their higher-end devices. It is another alternative to USB PD and Qualcomm QC which provides ultra-fast charging for devices in Huawei’s ecosystem.

FCP (Fast Charging Protocol) is another standard developed by Huawei for mid-range devices. FCP supports up to 18W, which is lower than SuperCharge but still significantly faster than traditional charging.

Key Features of Huawei SuperCharge:

• Up to 100W charging: SuperCharge supports charging speeds of up to 100W on some models, making it one of the fastest charging protocols available today.
• Dual-cell battery: By using two smaller battery cells in parallel, SuperCharge can charge them more quickly and safely, reducing heat.
• Device-specific optimization: Huawei designs SuperCharge specifically for its own devices, meaning it works best with Huawei phones and accessories.

Huawei SuperCharge Devices:

• Huawei’s flagship smartphones like the Mate and P Series use SuperCharge to quickly fill up their large batteries.

MediaTek Pump Express (PE) 

MediaTek Pump Express (PE) is MediaTek’s proprietary fast-charging protocol, designed for devices that use MediaTek processors. It’s a rival to Qualcomm’s Quick Charge and works similarly but with its own set of specifications.

Key Features:

• Pump Express: It uses voltage control for faster charging and is available on many devices with MediaTek processors.

How Do They Compare?

Fast Charging Protocols Conclusion: Which One is Best?

Each of these charging protocols has its strengths, and the “best” one depends on your device and its requirements:

• USB PD is the most universal and supports the highest power for various devices, from laptops to smartphones.
• Qualcomm Quick Charge offers faster speeds for Qualcomm-powered devices and is well-suited for smartphones.
• Huawei SuperCharge is ideal for Huawei phones, especially those with high battery capacities.
• MediaTek Pump Express and FCP are good options for mid-range phones, but not as fast as the others.

Ultimately, the right fast-charging protocol comes down to your phone’s brand and hardware of course. If you want to charge your phone quickly, do make sure that you’re using the correct charger and cable that support your device’s protocol.