Key Takeaways
1. Qualcomm has launched Quick Charge 5+, an improved version of its fast charging technology that offers cooler and more efficient charging.
2. The new protocol uses lower voltage and higher currents, allowing devices to maintain high charging speeds for longer periods while reducing heat.
3. Quick Charge 5+ can deliver up to 140W of power, making it more efficient than previous solutions that relied on higher voltage.
4. The new standard maintains backward compatibility with earlier Quick Charge versions and supports a variety of devices through USB PD-PPS.
5. Initial devices with Quick Charge 5+ support will be unveiled at the Snapdragon Summit in September 2025, with certified accessories available later this year.
It’s been quite some time since we last talked about Qualcomm’s rapid charging technology. The previous major standard, Quick Charge 5, was revealed back in 2020. Today, the company has launched an improved version called Qualcomm Quick Charge 5+, which aims to provide a cooler and more power-efficient charging experience while still offering superfast charging speeds.
Innovations in Charging
Heat is the primary foe of battery health and life, but it’s also a necessary part of fast charging technologies. Qualcomm claims that its new Quick Charge 5 Plus protocol sidesteps the common issues faced by other fast charging options. It does this by using lower voltage along with higher currents, which allows devices to sustain their top charging speeds for extended times. Additionally, it smartly adjusts both voltage and current based on the needs of the connected device, capable of delivering up to 140W of power at 20V / 7A. “Compared to solutions that are limited to 5A, which often depend on higher voltage for increased wattage, this results in more heat, less efficiency, and higher costs. Quick Charge 5+ takes a more intelligent and efficient approach,” stated Qualcomm in a press release.
Performance Expectations
Qualcomm hasn’t shared exact figures on efficiency or speed improvements over Quick Charge 5, but it’s fair to assume that the new standard will provide slightly quicker and more efficient charging in general. To give you an idea, the QC5 offered charging speeds of over 100W, enabling a 4,500mAh battery to charge from 0 to 50% in just 5 minutes.
Quick Charge 5 Plus maintains backward compatibility with earlier Quick Charge versions, and since it uses USB PD-PPS as its main protocol, you should be able to utilize a Quick Charge 5+ certified charger to power a variety of devices, including iPhones and laptops.
Upcoming Devices
The initial devices featuring Quick Charge 5+ support are expected to be revealed at the Snapdragon Summit 2025, scheduled for September 23 to 25. Meanwhile, QC5+ certified accessories and chargers are projected to become available later this year.
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