Last Updated on
June 19, 2023
Written by
Zakki Ali

In today’s world, our smartphones are essential to our everyday lives. We use them for everything from staying connected with friends and family to getting work done. But one of the biggest complaints about smartphones is that they can take a long time to charge. That’s where quick charging and fast charging come in.

Both quick charging and fast charging can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to charge your smartphone. For example, a smartphone that takes two hours to charge with a standard charger can be charged in half the time with a quick charger or fast charger.

The term “quick charge” is commonly associated with Qualcomm’s proprietary battery charging protocol, known as Quick Charge (Q.C.). This protocol allows for efficient power management over USB connections by facilitating communication between the device and the power source, negotiating voltage, and regulating the power flow.

Now that we have discussed quick charging, let’s explore fast charging in more detail. Fast charging does not simply involve throwing any amount of current and voltage at the device. Instead, it involves two main phases: Constant Current (CC) and Constant Voltage (CV). These phases ensure the proper adjustment of voltage and current during the charging process.

To understand this system of voltage and current, let’s use an analogy of three colors. Initially, the charging process begins with low voltage, represented by the color green, which charges the battery up to approximately 60 percent. Subsequently, a slightly higher voltage is applied to charge the battery to the next 20 percent, and finally, the maximum voltage is applied to charge the remaining 20 percent. Although this is the basic charging method, several optimizations have been implemented to enhance the speed of fast charging.

How does fast charging work?

The effectiveness of fast charging depends on the wattage of the phone. Higher wattage allows for faster charging. Every smartphone contains a power management circuit board that determines how many watts of power the battery can draw at a given time. First-generation smartphones typically have limited charging capabilities, often reaching a maximum of 10W.

Quick Charge technology, however, enhances this limit and enables smartphones to charge at a faster rate. The power management circuit of a smartphone that supports quick charging allows the device to handle increased power input.

For quick charging to work effectively, three essential components are required:

1. An appropriate charging arrangement in the tablet or smartphone.
2. An adapter with a higher voltage output.
3. A good-quality USB cable.

If a smartphone does not support quick charging, it will not charge at an accelerated rate. Ordinary phones usually come with a 5W charger, resulting in normal charging speed. As the wattage of the adapter increases, the charging speed of the phone also increases.

Main versions of fast charging technology:

1. Fast Charging or Quick Charge 1.0
2. Fast Charging or Quick Charge 2.0
3. Fast Charging or Quick Charge 3.0
4. Fast Charging or Quick Charge 4
5. Fast Charging or Quick Charge 4+

Disadvantages of quick or fast charging:

While quick charging offers the benefit of rapid charging times, it also has some drawbacks. Fast charging technology can potentially affect the phone’s battery life, especially in hotter climates. The battery may degrade more quickly, resulting in reduced overall battery capacity.

Using a low-quality or flimsy charging cable during fast charging can pose a safety risk, as it may overheat or cause damage. It is crucial to use an original cable that can handle the power requirements of fast charging.

Charging technology’s future:

Charging technology continues to evolve, and manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries to increase charging speeds. In the coming years, more companies will experiment with charging technology, leading to the emergence of new industry standards. USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) is expected to serve as the backbone for most of these standards. While advancements are being made in wireless fast charging, it currently lags behind wired charging due to challenges in managing heat during the charging process.

Wireless charging technology requires careful thermal management to prevent potential hazards associated with transmitting high power wirelessly. As of now, wired charging remains the faster option. However, companies like OnePlus have introduced 30W wireless charging solutions and incorporated effective cooling mechanisms, such as fans, to ensure proper airflow and prevent overheating.

As charging technology continues to evolve, we can expect further improvements in the coming years. Manufacturers will strive to enhance charging speeds while maintaining safety and battery longevity. New standards and innovations will shape the future of charging, providing users with even more efficient and convenient ways to power their devices.

In conclusion, quick charging and fast charging have revolutionized the way we charge our mobile devices. These technologies allow for faster charging speeds, but it is important to be aware of their limitations and potential drawbacks. By understanding the various versions of fast charging and the requirements for effective charging, users can make informed choices and optimize their charging experience. As charging technology progresses, we can look forward to more advancements and exciting developments in the field of mobile device charging.