USB Power Delivery and fast-charging standards explained

Smartphone fast-charging technologies rely on various standards and proprietary systems to manage power delivery. While many manufacturers use unique branding such as Oppo’s SuperVOOC or Xiaomi’s HyperCharge, the industry is largely centered around USB Power Delivery (USB PD).

USB PD serves as the closest universal standard for tablets, laptops, and mobile devices. Recent iterations, such as USB PD 3.1, have increased power ceilings up to 240W. For mobile devices, the Programmable Power Supply (PPS) feature is critical, as it allows a device to request precise variations in voltage and current to optimize charging efficiency. Major manufacturers like Samsung, Google, and Apple utilize USB PD and PPS to manage their fast-charging ecosystems.