Google is planning to ban non-standard USB Type-C fast charging technologies as they are seemingly adding to the fragmentation woes that are already ailing the Android community.
The introduction of USB-C standard was thought of a way to finally bring to an end the fragmentation in the industry and depend on one plug. Well, this should happen with this new standard, but there is more to deal with than just having a single plug ruling the USB world.
Apparently, Google has a different proprietary fast charging standard as compared to other Android OEMs, something that can be confusing to many smartphone users across the globe. In fact, it would be a welcome move if Google successfully standardizes these fast charging technologies, especially since this could be the difference between fast charging your phone and fast frying it.
Most of you probably know Qualcomm’s Quick Charge technology, but there are not so many who know of the likes of Samsung’s Adaptive Fast Charging, OnePlus’ Dash Charge, Huawei’s SuperCharge, Oppo’s VOOC and the actual USB-C Power Delivery Standard. While Google implements the latter, each of the other OEMs implements its own, something that could have a significant impact on the charging capabilities of your phone, if not careful with the choice of chargers and cables.
It’s easy to find yourself with a third-party charger or cable after something happens to the original accessories. While every cable will serve the purpose, you need to make sure that you are getting one that is supported by your phone’s fast charging technology.
For instance, the latest Quick Charge 3.0 technology supports a wide range of voltages, ranging from 3.6V to 20V. This means that a supported device can be able to dynamically adjust to the required voltage level that is supported. On the other hand, USB-C Power Delivery Standard provides a more flexible power delivery together with data transfer on a single cable without altering anything from the source or destination. The standard is made for USB-C and is meant to work with the standard. There is more on this technology here.
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In order to get the best out of a charger, make sure you match a Quick Charge-capable phone with the right charger. You should also do the same when it comes to USB Power Delivery Standard in order to achieve the fast charging standards of the handsets in question. All Google phones use the latter service, thus, you must get a USB Power Delivery-supported charger in order to fast charge your Google Pixel or Nexus 6P phone, among others. Otherwise, you will still need hours of charging before your Google phone is fully charged.