Key Takeaways
1. Huawei, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo have created a standardized charging protocol called UFCS 2.0 in China.
2. UFCS 2.0 introduces 40W unauthenticated power delivery for faster charging without brand-specific adapters.
3. The protocol includes reverse charging, allowing devices to charge others regardless of the brand.
4. PowerChange feature adjusts charger output automatically based on the connected device, enhancing safety and efficiency.
5. The collaboration aims to reduce confusion from incompatible charging standards, but global adoption remains uncertain.
Huawei, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo have teamed up to create a standardized charging protocol in China. These four Chinese smartphone manufacturers gathered at the UFCS Industry Development Conference in Shenzhen on May 22 to sign a new agreement regarding the Universal Fast Charging Standard (UFCS) 2.0 protocol.
Background on UFCS
For those who don’t know, the UFCS charging was first launched by Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi in 2021. It laid the groundwork for establishing centralized mobile fast charging standards among these brands.
Enhancements in Version 2.0
UFCS Version 2.0 brings significant technical improvements compared to its predecessor. The most important is the inclusion of 40W unauthenticated power delivery. This allows devices to charge at faster rates without the need for specific handshakes between brand-specific adapters and cables.
The protocol also adds a reverse charging capability, enabling supported devices to charge others, no matter the brand.
Features and Impacts
The companies state that UFCS 2.0 requires a feature called PowerChange, which actively adjusts adapter power. This means that chargers will automatically recognize and modify their output based on the device they are connected to, irrespective of its manufacturer. This is intended to enhance both safety and efficiency, while minimizing the issues often associated with third-party charging accessories.
The collaboration of these four brands for a unified charging standard is beneficial for users. Fast charging has become a standard expectation in modern smartphones, yet it is often inconsistent. Historically, each brand has promoted its own proprietary solutions, resulting in a confusing array of incompatible standards and surplus chargers for consumers. In theory, UFCS aims to alleviate that fragmentation, at least among this group.
However, it remains uncertain whether this protocol will be adopted outside of China or embraced by global competitors such as Samsung or Apple. As long as companies continue to favor isolated standards, users will be reliant on the ecosystem they choose to invest in.
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