Turbo charging, super fast charging and more: Fast charging standards for smartphones explained

As our smartphones have become more powerful and feature-rich than ever before, the demand for quicker charging solutions has also surged. Fast charging technology has evolved rapidly, offering various standards like Turbo Charging, Super Fast Charging, and more. This article aims to demystify the world of fast-charging standards, helping you understand the key players and make informed decisions when choosing your next smartphone.

Why fast charging Matters

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s understand why fast charging has become such a sought-after feature. With smartphones becoming increasingly powerful and feature-rich, battery drain is a common concern. Fast charging addresses this issue by allowing you to quickly top up your battery, ensuring that you aren’t left stranded with a dead phone. 

Whether you’re a busy professional, a frequent traveler, or simply someone who hates waiting, fast charging can significantly enhance your smartphone experience. Let’s take a look at different fast charging solutions for smartphones.

USB Power Delivery (USB PD)

This versatile standard is supported by a wide range of devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. USB PD offers varying power levels, with the most common being 18W, 30W, 45W, and 60W.

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While not as fast as some proprietary standards, USB PD’s universality makes it a convenient option for charging multiple devices with a single charger.

HyperCharge by Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s fast-charging technology, HyperCharge, offers various power levels depending on the device model. Most flagship phones from Xiaomi offer 120W HyperCharge technology, but the Redmi Note 12 Discovery Edition, which debuted in 2022, offered 240W fast charging, which could fill its 4,300mAh battery in around 10 minutes.

SuperVOOC by Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme

SuperVOOC proprietary standards from Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme are known for their incredibly fast charging speeds. For instance, the Realme GT 3 and GT Neo 5, which debuted in other markets, offer up to 240W fast charging. Realme recently demonstrated its 300W SuperVOOC technology that can fully charge a smartphone in less than five minutes.

FlashCharge by Vivo and iQOO

Vivo and its sub-brand iQOO use FlashCharge technology, designed to deliver high-speed charging while maintaining the safety and longevity of the battery. The iQOO 10 Pro and IQOO 11 Pro launched in China offered 200W charging. However, most of the recent Vivo and iQOO flagship or high-end phones support 120W or 80W fast charging.

TurboPower by Motorola

Motorola’s TurboPower technology encompasses a range of fast-charging solutions, typically utilizing Qualcomm Quick Charge technology.  

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TurboPower chargers are designed to deliver rapid charging speeds to compatible Motorola devices, ensuring you spend less time tethered to a power outlet. The fastest charging seen on Motorola phones is 125W fast charging on recent phones, such as the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra and Edge 50 Pro.

Super Fast Charging by Samsung

Samsung’s Super Fast Charging technology supports up to 45W of power, allowing for rapid charging of compatible Galaxy devices. While not as fast as some other standards, it still offers a significant improvement over conventional charging.

Honor SuperCharge

Honor’s SuperCharge technology offers up to 100W fast charging. While not the fastest on the market, it provides a significant boost in charging speed for Honor devices, ensuring users can quickly power up their phones and stay connected.

Qualcomm Quick Charge

One of the most widely adopted standards, Qualcomm Quick Charge has evolved through multiple generations, with each iteration offering faster charging speeds. The latest version, Quick Charge 5, boasts impressive capabilities, delivering up to 100W of power and charging certain compatible devices from 0 to 50% in just 5 minutes.

When smartphone brands offer 150W or higher charging, they often reduce the battery size below 5,000mAh primarily to manage heat and ensure safety. Higher charging speeds generate significant heat, which can adversely affect battery health and longevity. By using a smaller battery, manufacturers can better control thermal management and reduce the risk of overheating. 

Additionally, a smaller battery can charge more quickly, allowing users to take full advantage of the ultra-fast charging technology without compromising on safety or performance.

Upcoming trends

A new trend is emerging in the world of smartphones where brands will start offering higher capacity silicon batteries instead of conventional lithium-ion batteries. This innovation allows for launching phones with larger battery capacities without increasing their thickness. 

Consequently, upcoming flagship phones such as the Xiaomi 15 series, Vivo X200, Oppo Find X8 series, iQOO 13, OnePlus 13, and others are expected to feature around 6,000mAh silicon batteries. However, while the battery size will increase, charging speeds will reduce to 100W or 80W to offer the best of both worlds: extended battery life and efficient charging.