What Is Quick Charge?

What Is Quick Charge?

Quick charge is a technology that allows devices to recharge at a faster rate than normal. It can be a lifesaver if you're running low on battery and need to power up your phone in a hurry. The best part is that it's not only quick, it's also efficient, meaning you can charge your device without draining your batteries or wasting energy. However, you should be aware that quick charge can damage your battery if it isn't used correctly.

Quick Charge is a technology developed by Qualcomm that lets you refuel your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device up to four times faster than a standard charger. The system works by boosting the voltage that's delivered to your device, which in turn boosts the charging speed. It's also designed to be 38 percent more efficient than the previous version of the technology, which means you'll be able to get more use out of your devices before they need a recharge.

The first iteration of Quick Charge was introduced in 2013. It was a big step forward from previous technologies that were unable to deliver more than 5 volts to the battery. The new technology worked by increasing the amount of power that could be delivered to the battery at a given time, while also controlling the current and temperature of the charging process.

A key component of the Qualcomm Quick Charge protocol is a control chip that monitors your battery's condition and signals the appropriate wall charger to supply a maximum safe amount of power. The control chip can also detect irregularities that might affect your battery, such as cell imbalance, and adjust the charging current accordingly. This prevents your battery from being overcharged, which can cause it to overheat and stop working.

You can use any QC adapter with your smartphone, but only those certified with the Qualcomm Quick Charge logo have the controller chip that ensures safety. If you're shopping for a QC adapter, look for the logo that has passed UL certification. This ensures that the accessory meets the industry-standard USB Power Delivery (UPS) specifications and is compatible with your phone.

If you're wondering how Quick Charge actually works, iFixit's Arthur Shi describes it as being like filling a water balloon with a fire hose: You can pump a lot of water into the sponge quickly, but eventually you need to taper off the flow to avoid bursts and overheating.

Qualcomm's latest version of Quick Charge is called Quick Charge 4+. It may not be the fastest standard around, but it still offers plenty of benefits over the competition, including backward compatibility with older versions and built-in safety features to prevent overheating and short circuiting. It's also designed to work alongside USB-PD, a competing fast-charging standard, so you can continue to use your existing accessories.

The most common implementation of Quick Charge is found in Android smartphones. Many leading manufacturers, such as Samsung, Google, and OnePlus, include the technology in their latest products.