Charging tech/cables? How much power can the pixel actually draw? - Google Pixel Questions & Answers

There's been tons of posts over the web about what kind of charger to buy for the pixel, but none of them really dive into the technical. I don't have the proper measuring tools to check current/voltage and would like to get some info. I'm wondering what kind of power the Pixel is able to handle in order to buy a charger. I really like anker but wondering if i need to branch out in order to get something that can deliver the proper power.
According to the Google Pixel spec sheet the charger is a 18W USB-C PD but google doesn't explicitly say anymore. There have been articles that say that the Pixel isn't QC3 compatible. There's also some info that the Pixel is using a propietary charging tech allowed within the PD standard. The PD standards allow up to 100W @ 20V which allows for 5A.
What kind of power can the pixel actually draw when fully open?
Also, side question as I can't seem to figure out the proper queries to get any answers. In regards to google's proprietary charging tech, is there a different between using the USB-A>USB-C cable vs the USB-C>USB-C cable using a power supply which can delivery more than enough power?
Sources
Google Phone Specs
Google engineer warns USB-C, Qualcomm Quick Charge are incompatible
Quick Charge and USB-C: Navigating the Next Generation of USB Charging

I recommend using always a low power charger, slow charges keeps battery healthy, i had the pixel 5" and i got amazing battery life up to 6:30 hs Screen on time over Wifi. Always using a good charger but with slow charge
Enviado desde mi Moto G (4) mediante Tapatalk

hectorcde said:
I recommend using always a low power charger, slow charges keeps battery healthy, i had the pixel 5" and i got amazing battery life up to 6:30 hs Screen on time over Wifi. Always using a good charger but with slow charge
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Isn't this one of those "everyone does it cause they heard it somewhere"? Isn't the rationale for slow charging due to termination current and thermal management to prevent degredation? If you can maintain ideal temperature ranges for the chemistry and proper transfer/movement of electrons, shouldn't charging at higher voltages and current (provided the cell can handle it) not be an issue? Which brings me to my original question. R&D and QC should've set tolerances which will dictate how much power the phone will pull. How much can the phone pull?

jeffyh said:
Isn't this one of those "everyone does it cause they heard it somewhere"? Isn't the rationale for slow charging due to termination current and thermal management to prevent degredation? If you can maintain ideal temperature ranges for the chemistry and proper transfer/movement of electrons, shouldn't charging at higher voltages and current (provided the cell can handle it) not be an issue? Which brings me to my original question. R&D and QC should've set tolerances which will dictate how much power the phone will pull. How much can the phone pull?
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I cant properly answer your doubt i just recommend in base of my experience since I charge devices a lot because i try some time then I sell. Quickcharges decreases a lot the battery health, any kind of Quick charge. Teste with Samsung devices, ZTE axon 7, the Google pixel, Motorola devices, HTC 10, LG G5, and a lot of other devices. Now im waiting for my Oneplus 3T next week I will try the dash charge and a normal slow charge
Enviado desde mi Moto G (4) mediante Tapatalk

Related

Pixel doesn't charge at 18W

Source: https://plus.google.com/102612254593917101378/posts/7WS9sXe3k6y?sfc=true.
UPDATE: Google has confirmed the info and changed their website to reflect 15-18W charging.
Source: http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/11/01/google-clarifies-pixel-charging-speeds-5-pixel-peaks-at-15-watts-only-xl-can-do-18w/
Source: https://madeby.google.com/phone/specs/
If you feel this was a major omission by Google, well, I'd say you at least have a reason to return your phone in principle.
Exactly I'm pretty sure Google will receive your phone and refund your money. Then you can find another device with 3W+ more charging than the Pixel.
I don't think they won't accept returns for this because, despite of the severity, the info was wrong.
Sent from my Nexus 5X
So What
I was a little surprised to plug my phone into a qc2 charger and see it charging at only 5V and 2A (~10 watts). It still charged quickly enough for me so I'm not complaining but it was interesting.
I think its more of an issue of being aware, especially when looking up recommendations by beson and nathan. Searching for working pd chargers and compatible cables.
5v1A chargers doing 500-900mA 5v2A or 5v2.4A doing 10-12w or 5v3A-9v2A doing 15-18w.
People might say "so what".. Well when your phone didn't last the 7 hours from that 15min charge google claims, you'll know why.. When it takes your phone 2-3hrs to fully charge, instead of 1hr, at least you're informed.
When there are so many products out there that claim fast rapid quick, but aren't compatible, you don't end up wasting $30-40..
Really why pay $1,000 for that premium flagship phone that doesn't bring it, the flag? Claims to Rapid charge, claims to have the best camera, claims to have awesome stabilization. Might as well be a politician..
@jona_12, @thesebastian - Don't get me wrong, I don't want to return the phone. It's still a great phone. I would like the option to increase the charging speed as obviously the hardware can support it and used it until late development.
@jmartin72 - "I'm still a rock star" -Pink
@cntryby429 - I'd have expected 15W (5V/3A). I wonder if it's a limitation of the spec/charger? I've not researched Qualcomm Quick Charge.
Would a kernel dev be able to change this limitation? Maybe there is a change that can be flashed to the phone?
EDIT: XDA Portal news on this subject Google Pixel Charging Speed Limited to 15W, While Pixel XL Can Charge up to 18W

Charging Pixel with old phone chargers

As I'm sure is the case for many of you, I have a ton of typical USB chargers around the house, which supply anywhere from 0.8A to 1.5A output. Going with the assumption that I don't care how long it takes to charge, is there any risk with using the USB C-A cable that came with my pixel and plugging into any of those old USB chargers? They should all work, right? Just as different speeds depending on the output current?
I am not an expert, but from my research into the safety of USB-A to USB-C cables, the "risk" will generally come as a result of purchasing a cheap cable that does not have the appropriate (56k) resistor. The cable that came directly from google has the appropriate resistor and is not low quality, so it will be safe to plug into any functioning USB port (either on your computer or a charger).
That being said, if you have a malfunctioning charger, or there is power surge etc., that is an "act of god" and what happens happens
You may actually be better off using these old chargers if they work correctly. The slower you charge your phone, the better it is for the longevity (years) of your battery.
Yeah, that is why I didn't care about charging speed. For plugging it in next to my bed each night, I figure slower is better. However, I just received a mini USB to USB C from Amazon, and used that to plug my pixel in last night to a 1a charger. And while the phone did say charging over USB, it didn't gain any battery overnight and instead continued to discharge until I woke up in the morning. Is anyone else seeing anything like that?
Not trying to be mean or name call but I personally think you all are crazy. Buying a $700 phone and using a cheap charger that could have the risk to break your phone. Especially if you know better. Honestly, spending the $30-$40 from a charger from Google or an approved charger is just smart for the long term and not risk losing $700. Just my 2 cents. I did the same for the car charger.
Sure, I hear your point. But honestly I know that it is better for the battery to charge slower, so I would rather use a low power charger next to my bed each night, and only use the included quick charger when I need a quick top-off.
BlueWRXPride said:
Sure, I hear your point. But honestly I know that it is better for the battery to charge slower, so I would rather use a low power charger next to my bed each night, and only use the included quick charger when I need a quick top-off.
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Have to consider 2 points since there are so many inaccuracies about this subject:
1) Inadequate chargers with insufficient output cause batteries to become overheated, consequently reduce battery charging cycles. Smart batteries are not adversely affected by certified quick chargers.
2) Turbo chargers do not "top off". When a battery gets to around 80%, the appropriate charger begins its slower charging as to not overload it. Once at 100%, charging stops, and the maintenance process begins. As battery level drops to around 97.6%, trickle charging begins.
In sum, a certified, OEM-equivalent quick charger, even with higher output would not damage batteries.
The phone supports most standards however usb c and Qualcomm quick charge are not compatible and you fall back to 5v 3 amp at best. Make sure to fully insert the cable into the phone. It has to click. I've accidently not charged overnight that way.
I've got a bunch of turbo chargers that I've accumulated over the years. Using a non-[manufacturer of current phone] charger has never damaged my phone. I just bought a 10 pack of USB C adapters and popped one on every charger so I can continue using my old ones. No issues yet and I don't anticipate any.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
I've got a bunch of turbo chargers that I've accumulated over the years. Using a non-[manufacturer of current phone] charger has never damaged my phone. I just bought a 10 pack of USB C adapters and popped one on every charger so I can continue using my old ones. No issues yet and I don't anticipate any.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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Sure, you can use non-oem chargers. That's not the problem. Issues only potentially arise when the chargers do not provide adequate output, or their "smart" capabilities are not up to specs. I use all kinds of chargers bought at Verizon, Best Buy, etc. I also use Amazon chargers as long as they're not too far off OEM requirements. Also, people don't think about the importance of a good, thick cable.
I have a ton of Samsung fast chargers and Samsung USB a to c cables . Would those be safe?
parmend said:
I have a ton of Samsung fast chargers and Samsung USB a to c cables . Would those be safe?
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Many will say no big deal. However, I'd say let's hear it from the horse's mouth. Here's Google engineer Benson Leung https://plus.google.com/+BensonLeung/posts/cEvVQLXhyRX. You be the judge.
Bottom line, to answer your question, no, quick charging methodology used by Samsung and Motorola is not supported by the Pixel. Your phone will charge at a slower rate. Will it damage the phone in the long run? Likely not. Well, I'll let you guys test for me.

[q] Wireless Charging Vs Wired Charging - Impact on Battery

Hey guys,
I was looking for some clarification on this topic.
So I heard on a youtube video (can't remember which, for the life of me, I just know it was an S8 video) that Wireless Charging has a better impact on battery in the long run.
They had stated that the battery would continue to hold a better charge over time, where as, if you used wired charging, the amount of charge the battery can hold over time would be much less to when you first got it.
Now I do know that battery gets worse over time, however, I have never heard anything about how wireless charging can increase the longitivtiy of the battery.
Maybe someone on here might have more information on this?
I will try to find that youtube video but if this is the case, then I will definitely need to get a wireless charger.
Regards
Unless this youtuber tested 2 phones for a year, charging one with a cable and another with wireless charging i wouldn't listen to what they're saying.
peachpuff said:
Unless this youtuber tested 2 phones for a year, charging one with a cable and another with wireless charging i wouldn't listen to what they're saying.
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Yeah I agree. A believe a charge cycle is the same regardless of how it is being charged.
Would never think wired charging puts more stress on battery life.
I think though that with wireless charging once the phone is fully charged the pad cuts out so it won't over charge
With a wired connection when the phone is charged its still consistently trying to charge which can end up damage battering the long term
craigels said:
I think though that with wireless charging once the phone is fully charged the pad cuts out so it won't over charge
With a wired connection when the phone is charged its still consistently trying to charge which can end up damage battering the long term
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This is also what I have been wondering. If this is true then I may get a nice wireless pad for charging overnight (maybe the new official samsung "convertible" one but its damn expensive). I would have thought that the phone itself knows when a battery is charged and stops drawing the current from the cable though, so it would make no difference either way if that is true (but perhaps its not?).
But I did hear the exact opposite to op, that wireless charging was worse for the batteries, possibly due to the heat generated. But I don't know how true that is.
True
It's better for the battery because it charges it more slowly than a direct wired connection. There is no more heat buildup than using a wired charger, in fact likely less since the charging rate is lower.
As for the other comment that a wired charger doesn't shut off but keeps charging once the battery is full is patently false. The charging circuits whether wired or wireless are quite intelligent and gradually ramp down the charging current as the battery approaches capacity, ultimately delivering just enough current to keep the phone running. In a closed system the energy has to go somewhere and if the charger didn't do this you'd have 18W of power being dissipated as heat and a serious problem on your hands.
craigdamey said:
It's better for the battery because it charges it more slowly than a direct wired connection. There is no more heat buildup than using a wired charger, in fact likely less since the charging rate is lower.
As for the other comment that a wired charger doesn't shut off but keeps charging once the battery is full is patently false. The charging circuits whether wired or wireless are quite intelligent and gradually ramp down the charging current as the battery approaches capacity, ultimately delivering just enough current to keep the phone running. In a closed system the energy has to go somewhere and if the charger didn't do this you'd have 18W of power being dissipated as heat and a serious problem on your hands.
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For wireless I believe the heat generated is more, it is about the method of delivering the power, not the speed. The induction used to transfer power wirelessly is obviously going to be far less efficient and will generate more heat to get even a slower transfer rate then getting the power straight down a cable (but if someone knows otherwise then feel free to correct me). But then I guess the slower charging rate might also put less stress on the battery which is probably good.
For the wired, what you are basically saying is that leaving a phone plugged in to a wired charger will not harm it since the current will have been reduced in the same way a car battery charger might reduce it to a "maintenance" mode once it is fully charged. So people are believing the old myths that you can overcharge a phone, which would seem to be impossible (although I do wonder why they keep slapping up notifications saying things like "FULLY CHARGED! UNPLUG CABLE!" as if leaving it plugged in would in some way damage it!).
Just saw this which explains the overcharging possibility (or lack of)
http://www.androidauthority.com/leave-phone-plugged-overnight-703078/
ewokuk said:
For wireless I believe the heat generated is more, it is about the method of delivering the power, not the speed. [/url]
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The coils themselves don't generate a significant amount of heat, it's the battery itself that causes the phone to get hot. Slower charging means less heat, which is better for your battery so wireless charging will increase your battery life. As the article notes it is also best to keep your phone above 40% charge, partly because fast chargers slow down significantly after 50% to save the battery. That initial burst from 0-50% is done to save you from a dying battery but it takes its toll.
Also note that the S8/S8+ have new battery technology that provides much improved battery life. They're saying 5% loss of capacity after two years compared to 20% for previous generations.
As a bonus not continuously plugging/unplugging a cable from your USB port will make that last longer too. I hardly ever plug my S7 Edge into a physical cable, and I know quite a few people who have killed their USB ports and can no longer charge and or transfer data from them.
craigdamey said:
The coils themselves don't generate a significant amount of heat, it's the battery itself that causes the phone to get hot. Slower charging means less heat, which is better for your battery so wireless charging will increase your battery life. As the article notes it is also best to keep your phone above 40% charge, partly because fast chargers slow down significantly after 50% to save the battery. That initial burst from 0-50% is done to save you from a dying battery but it takes its toll.
Also note that the S8/S8+ have new battery technology that provides much improved battery life. They're saying 5% loss of capacity after two years compared to 20% for previous generations.
As a bonus not continuously plugging/unplugging a cable from your USB port will make that last longer too. I hardly ever plug my S7 Edge into a physical cable, and I know quite a few people who have killed their USB ports and can no longer charge and or transfer data from them.
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Yeah I am torn at the moment between using cable and getting a wireless charger. I like my stuff charged asap but that's partly because i never leave it plugged in overnight and want it charged before bed (which I now know is not a problem anyway) and partly because i want to be able to unplug it to use it if i get a message or email, which isn't an issue with wireless as I can just pick it up and put it back on there after. I assume taking it off the charging pad and putting it back on will not have any detrimental effects to the battery. I am just trying to weigh up the pros and cons of each. All things considered I am leaning towards wireless, particularly if it isn't worse for the battery (although lets face it the difference in degradation between wireless and wired, is going to be so small it's probably not even noticeable after a couple of years by which time I would have a new phone anyway). I wonder if there is a better wireless charger which will be more future proof than the new convertible samsung one (in case I ditch samsung in future) and still give max speed, I would like one that is tilted so I can see the screen though.
My s5 is 3 years old and has only ever been charged by the massive double width "micro USB" cable which takes some force to get in and out of the socket. Still works perfectly though. Never had any usb port of any kind on any device fail, no idea what these other people are doing to kill them!
ewokuk said:
Yeah I am torn at the moment between using cable and getting a wireless charger.
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Having the dock by my bed is very convenient. Just place it on at night and pick it up during the morning. If I need to grab it for anything I can without getting tangled up in wires and it even sits at the right angle so that the always on display becomes my nightstand clock/alarm clock. Once you've gone wireless you won't go back.
craigdamey said:
Having the dock by my bed is very convenient. Just place it on at night and pick it up during the morning. If I need to grab it for anything I can without getting tangled up in wires and it even sits at the right angle so that the always on display becomes my nightstand clock/alarm clock. Once you've gone wireless you won't go back.
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I always turn my phone off at night anyway so I don't get disturbed by some spam message or something (I know I can probably set it up to be silent at certain times, but then why leave it on at all, using the battery for nothing). £70 for that Samsung charger though!! I know there are much cheaper ones but I am not sure they will charge at the same rate, the new samsung one charges faster than any previous wireless charger AFAIK and I would want one where the phone can sit up, and most are just flat. Hmmmm although the do have it for £50 on amazon sold by "fonejoy", still steep though.
This one looks good https://www.amazon.co.uk/CHOETECH-W...=UTF8&qid=1492192247&sr=1-9&keywords=choetech but not sure if itll charge at the same speed as the new samsung one and doesnt use a USB-C connector which probably rules it out. May as well just get the samsung one.
I use the US version of this and it works fine. https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Mobile-P...d=1492192742&sr=1-5&keywords=rav+power+qc+2.0. The Fast Charging Dock comes with a cable so that should be all you need.
And yes, I have my Do Not Disturb settings to suppress notifications 10:30PM to 6:30AM. Wife complained she couldn't sleep with all that noise going on
craigdamey said:
I use the US version of this and it works fine. https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Mobile-P...d=1492192742&sr=1-5&keywords=rav+power+qc+2.0. The Fast Charging Dock comes with a cable so that should be all you need.
And yes, I have my Do Not Disturb settings to suppress notifications 10:30PM to 6:30AM. Wife complained she couldn't sleep with all that noise going on
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Thats a wall charger? I'm talking about the charging pad itself. I believe the new Samsung one outputs 15w so is faster than any previous ones which are all 10w I think.
ewokuk said:
Thats a wall charger? I'm talking about the charging pad itself. I believe the new Samsung one outputs 15w so is faster than any previous ones which are all 10w I think.
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There are only two types of charging dock, standard and fast-charge. None of them output 15W to the phone. The expensive Samsung is just a fancy fast-charge dock so it will charge at the same rate as the Seneo and others that support fast-charge. The Samsung fast-charge adapter only provides a maximum output power of 15W (9V @ 1.67A) so it would require 100% transfer efficiency to charge the phone at that power, and in reality it's only about 65% so at most you'll see 10W versus standard Qi charging at around 7W.
All of the Seneo chargers I have coupled with RavPower or Samsung Fast-Charge adapters charge at the same rate (10W to begin with tapering off to 7W above 50% charge).
craigdamey said:
There are only two types of charging dock, standard and fast-charge. None of them output 15W to the phone. The expensive Samsung is just a fancy fast-charge dock so it will charge at the same rate as the Seneo and others that support fast-charge. The Samsung fast-charge adapter only provides a maximum output power of 15W (9V @ 1.67A) so it would require 100% transfer efficiency to charge the phone at that power, and in reality it's only about 65% so at most you'll see 10W versus standard Qi charging at around 7W.
All of the Seneo chargers I have coupled with RavPower or Samsung Fast-Charge adapters charge at the same rate (10W to begin with tapering off to 7W above 50% charge).
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Ahh ok, I will have to check out a few seneo pads.
If your using fast charging AKA Adaptive charging it shouldn't matter either way. The Fast charging port on the phone, and the wireless charging should go through the phone and the phone should automatically stop all charging going to the battery. This is the reason why if you were to leave your fast charger on all night whether it be Wireless or wired, you can pick your phone up at 99% or 98% instead of 100%. The phone stopped charging, then when it drops to a certain % it starts to charge up again.
As far as which is actually best for strain, it shouldnt matter because afaik to the battery its the all the same. Wireless charging just has some coils almost that send the charge wirelessly, but it still goes to the same place.
This is what I have read from google, so I am no expert on the subject, but it seemed pretty legit, and makes sense to me, a person with a Tech background. If anyone knows better please be my guest.
I'm going with wireless charging pads at home but a magnetic cable for in the car.
Not found a good car holder that has the wireless pad built in so I will stick with my ibolt for a bit longer
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
There is no correct answer to this question. Battery life is function of many things -
1. Every battery has specified charge cycle. One full charge from min to max is 1 cycle. Two full charge from mid to max is also 1 cycle. So the more you use your device, charge cycles will come to an end more quickly. For example if you use two similar spec phones; first one you use heavily requiring full cycle charge everyday vs second which you use less and requires full charge every alternate day (or to phrase in other way, first is almost completely discharged by evening, second is half discharged). So the theory goes that second phone battery will last double the time than first.
2. Every battery articles you read, you will find recommendation to charge battery in specified current or usually slow charging. Today's battery technology should be immune to this but I still turn fast charging off. It is likely that not all the batteries are immune.
3. Heat is bad for battery. Some wireless chargers heat up. The TYLT VU that I use get uncomfortably warm when I place phone vertically (possibly coils do not align and multiple of them gets activated). Heat build up is there during fast charging too. If you play CPU intensive games and charge at the same time, phone gets warm. All this heat is working negative to the life span of battery.
4. Lithium ion batteries have less chemical stress when they are not fully charged or fully discharged. If you research you will find articles telling one to keep battery between 40% to 90%. Hence I usually do not charge to 100% and if I do, I watch or play games to bring battery level down. Search for best charge level to store lithium ion batteries, I think it is from 45% to 50%. This I guess keeps batteries at the least chemical stress state. So do your maths if you are type who likes to keep battery at 100% charge at all the times.
As you can see there is no straight answer to this question. Battery life is function of all these factors.
Added: I didn't read full article but you can check this link which speaks about impact of heat and leaving battery to full charge state.
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries
Thanks for everyones input on this!
By the way, not sure if it has been mentioned, but this is a pretty cool read:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...ill-degrade-less-quickly-than-the-galaxy-s7s/
So looks like the S8 won't deteriorate as much over time!
I got the OEM samsung convertible fast charging pad but it doesn't come with a wall plug as I read somewhere (I guess thats just us in the UK getting screwed over yet again). The manual says "Use only Samsung-approved chargers that support fast charging (9v/1.67A, 9v/2A, 12v/2.1A).". So I need a wall plug that will be able to provide the fastest charging speeds from it (which I am guessing is one that does 12v/2.1A??). I dont think all the standard plugs with 2.4a sockets are going to do it right? The "30w" RAVpower one that craigdamey linked says it can do 12v/2A but only for QC3.0 (which I obviously wont get since its just being plugged straight into the charging pad), otherwise its 5v/2.4a. Not sure what one to get now. Theres an Anker 24w one but that says 2.4a per port (I know little about electrics and how these things work!).

Question Slow charging using 5w Apple adapter

Hi.
I'm thinking about using a 5w apple adapter to charge my S22U whenever I'm not in a hurry in order to extend battery life. Is this safe to do? Anyone here using this? It kind of concerns me to use any non-oem chargers with such an expensive device.
Thanks
Rather pointless. Simply use a 15w brick or disable fast charging. Charging to and storing at 100% puts a lot of extra stress on the battery.
Limit low end discharge to 30-40% and top charge of 62-72% to extend battery life.
Avoid starting a charge if battery is below 72F, preferably between 82-90F.
Avoid going over 103F
NEVER attempt to charge a Li that's below 40F
Almost all USB chargers will default down to the lowest common denominator and give you basic USB level charging. But unless you have no other options...why bother?
The Samsung 25w brick has a very wide input voltage range. It will even charge on 60VAC.
I have 2, both bricks and cables are still working after over 2.5 years.
blackhawk said:
The Samsung 25w brick has a very wide input voltage range. It will even charge on 60VAC.
I have 2, both bricks and cables are still working after over 2.5 years.
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I still have every charger dating back to the note 5 days and probably every one from before then tossed in a junk drawer. I shouldn't be such a packrat.

Why is superfast charging not available on premium phones?

The Chinese smartphone brands with their dual cell systems have brought about revolutionary change in our charging experience. That coupled with their special emphasis on cooling inside the smartphone make these devices excellent for all types of use.
But when looking closer, I see that their latest (mind blowing) charging speeds are limited to their midrange models. Their premium flagships still come with a couple of years old charging speeds. Normally, any new feature is first launched with premium devices, which then trickles down to less expensive devices over time.
What are we supposed to understand from this?
1. Are midrange smartphones from these brands a testing ground for latest technologies?
2. Are such charging speeds indeed not good for long term battery health?
3. Are there risks with these superfast charging speeds that OEMs don't want to disclose?
Long-term battery preservation might be one possible reason.
xXx yYy said:
Long-term battery preservation might be one possible reason.
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They claim that the battery has well over 80% health even after 1500 charge cycles.
The first phone with 150W charging doesn't sacrifice battery health
realme has announced the GT Neo 3, packing 150W charging capabilities. Thankfully, this speed doesn't come at the expense of battery health.
www.androidauthority.com
There are similar and more impressive claims from all the brands. Are these claims not true then?
Fast charging is OEM dependent. Several standards exist: Quick Charge, USB Power Delivery PPS & USB Power Delivery.
On one side, brands are pursuing ever faster charge times with exceedingly high-power solutions. But to do this safely requires expensive battery and circuit components, more powerful chargers, and all too often proprietary standards. Even the best standards push beyond the boundaries of ideal battery temperatures. On the other side are the slower but more universal standards like USB Power Delivery. Their universal nature makes them slower to embrace the latest and greatest solutions to charge quickly, but they are very safe and run cooler than the competition.
AFAIK Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 5 is the fastest Quick Charge implementation to date and can match the fastest standards around. But at the same time, it can be a more conservative standard than other ultra-fast charging technologies making their way to the market and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It augments the USB Power Delivery PPS standard with the potential for faster charging speeds, as seen by the Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders and Xiaomi 120W implementations. More importantly, temperature and usage-aware capabilities can ensure that the battery stays below 40°C while fast charging, an important marker that other standards are too eager to ignore in pursuit of faster charge times.
Charging speeds compared​
Quick Charge 5: 42 minutes to full, 45W max, 38.7°C peak
Quick Charge 3: 67 minutes to full, 18W max, 34.5°C peak
USB Power Delivery PPS: 51 minutes to full, 35W max, 34.2°C peak
USB Power Delivery: 65 minutes to full, 18W max, 32.5°C peak
IMO the temperature measurements are more interesting. Quick Charge 5 is 5°C cooler in terms of max and average temps compared to the hottest competition. In addition to the temperature-aware charging power, Quick Charge 5 uses new, efficient power management ICs which can be used in dual-mode to help dissipate heat.
Charging Temperatures compared​
Quick Charge 5 65W (SFSI): 95mAh/min, 38.7°C peak, 34.7°C average
USB PD PPS 35W: 78mAh/min, 34.2°C peak, 31.7°C average
OnePlus 65W: 155mAh/min, 43.2°C peak, 39.7°C average
Xiaomi 120W (QC5): 214mAh/min, 43.8°C peak, 39.2°C average
Infinix 160W: 363mAh/min, 41.9°C peak, 37.9°C average
Resume:
Qualcomm's Quick Charge 5 is retaining compatibility with popular standards while adding in extra features for its partners to leverage in the pursuit of lower temperatures and/or faster speeds. So is Quick Charge 5 any good? Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of the better fast charging standards available in handsets right now. But remember, the exact implementation can vary quick a lot depending on the smartphone in question.
xXx yYy said:
But to do this safely requires expensive battery and circuit components, more powerful chargers, and all too often proprietary standards.
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This is what I'm trying to understand. The more expensive devices are not using these superfast charging technologies.
xXx yYy said:
temperature and usage-aware capabilities can ensure that the battery stays below 40°C while fast charging, an important marker that other standards are too eager to ignore in pursuit of faster charge times.
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That's not true. The phones with superfast charging (100W and more) run just as cool as a Samsung, Pixel or Apple phone.
The reason for this is the presence of dual cells and how the technology has been implemented (heat is generated in the charger itself and not the phone).
USB PD and PPS have two benefits:
1. Universal compatibility which means you carry just one charger.
2. Reduce e-waste.
Without dual cells, it is almost impossible to match the charging speeds that we see in some of the phones today.
To my knowledge any Lithium-ion battery ( most phones have it today ) will heat-up during charging / discharging with high current.
This is due to internal resistance of the battery and heat produced is equivalent to current square by internal resistance value.
This internal resistance of the battery is not physical but is in the existence due to chemical composition of the battery.
xXx yYy said:
To my knowledge any Lithium-ion battery ( most phones have it today ) will heat-up during charging / discharging with high current.
This is due to internal resistance of the battery and heat produced is equivalent to current square by internal resistance value.
This internal resistance of the battery is not physical but is in the existence due to chemical composition of the battery.
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1. Heat management is done better in the Chinese phones.
2. Not all current goes into one battery. Only half of it goes to each cell. This is why this is an excellent implementation.
TheMystic said:
The Chinese smartphone brands with their dual cell systems have brought about revolutionary change in our charging experience. That coupled with their special emphasis on cooling inside the smartphone make these devices excellent for all types of use.
But when looking closer, I see that their latest (mind blowing) charging speeds are limited to their midrange models. Their premium flagships still come with a couple of years old charging speeds. Normally, any new feature is first launched with premium devices, which then trickles down to less expensive devices over time.
What are we supposed to understand from this?
1. Are midrange smartphones from these brands a testing ground for latest technologies?
2. Are such charging speeds indeed not good for long term battery health?
3. Are there risks with these superfast charging speeds that OEMs don't want to disclose?
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1. I don't think that's necessarily the case but it does make up for an attractive marketing campaign for the mid rangers compared to the top end where other features are the stars. It's also likely that the top end market has chips that generate more heat, have wireless charging, etc which makes thermal dissipation a bit harder than your standard mid-ranger.
2. As you've quoted and as many other internal tests seem to indicate, across different Chinese OEMs, the tech has parallelly improved in the context of battery life and are on par, if not better than older generations.
3. Most symptoms should have shown up by now, seeing as the tech has been around for a while and in the least, over 10 million device "samples" with no major fiascos like the Samsung battery for that one model has happened yet.
EricEsq said:
I don't think that's necessarily the case
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This is true. No OEM has so far released a flagship phone with over 80 or 100W charging, even though they have midrangers that charge significantly faster. Most flagships are sticking to the 67W charging speeds.
EricEsq said:
Most symptoms should have shown up by now
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This is why I wonder why there aren't using these technologies for the most premium phones.
TheMystic said:
This is true. No OEM has so far released a flagship phone with over 80 or 100W charging, even though they have midrangers that charge significantly faster. Most flagships are sticking to the 67W charging speeds.
This is why I wonder why there aren't using these technologies for the most premium phones.
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The Mi 13 ultra does go upto 90W. The Iqoo 11 also hits the 100W+ mark, if I remember right. I believe Vivo's x90 series also hits 80W. There's a few that go higher but they don't get released global. I remember one model of Iqoo going to 200W but that was limited to China.
As someone who daily drives a 67W charging 5000Mah phone, it comfortably gives me 2+ days of battery with one charge to 90+ and maybe an occasional 5-15 min top up while I shower. It's probably the economical sweet spot, beyond which, you're spending a bit more on cables, charging bricks (given that most Chinese OEMs come with the charger), safety systems for the charging board, etc.. There's no real need to go higher, for most people. Not until we can get higher density batteries and can hit 7000-10000mah capacities on phones.
A respectable amount of folk, among my peers, who use flagships also tend to go for wireless charging, from what I've observed on the Android space. Could be part of the reason too.
EricEsq said:
The Mi 13 ultra does go upto 90W. The Iqoo 11 also hits the 100W+ mark, if I remember right. I believe Vivo's x90 series also hits 80W. There's a few that go higher but they don't get released global. I remember one model of Iqoo going to 200W but that was limited to China.
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Xiaomi has a few models that charge much faster, yet their ultra flagship charges at under 90W.
OnePlus, iQOO, Oppo, Vivo, Realme are all BBK brands and use the same charging technology. Yet the flagships don't come with the fastest charging speeds their tech is capable of.
EricEsq said:
There's no real need to go higher, for most people.
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That's not true. This is like Apple saying they will never make a phone as big as the Samsung Note. Today we barely see a phone smaller than that.
Faster the better, assuming there is no compromise on safety or battery life.
EricEsq said:
A respectable amount of folk, among my peers, who use flagships also tend to go for wireless charging, from what I've observed on the Android space. Could be part of the reason too.
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Wireless charging is terrible as of today. It is way too slow, inefficient and generates a lot more heat than wired charging. Unless this technology sees radical changes, superfast wired charging will be the preferred charging tech.

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