Proprietary Fast charging is Dead: Why USB-PD is the Future
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Despite the widespread adoption of USB-C, the promise of a universal charging standard remains largely unfulfilled. A recent test involving the OPPO Find X9 Pro highlighted a frustrating reality: proprietary charging standards continue to create confusion adn, in certain specific cases, deliver a worse user experiance than open standards like USB Power Delivery (USB PD).
A recent hands-on experience revealed the complexities of achieving optimal charging speeds with the new OPPO Find X9 Pro. While initial charging appeared functional, attempts to leverage an official 80W OPPO SuperVOOC plug yielded unexpectedly slow results, peaking at just 22W-27W – significantly below the advertised 80W capability. This sparked a deeper investigation into the ecosystem of chargers and cables required for modern smartphones.
the Cable Conundrum
Further testing with backup 80W SuperVOOC plugs and high-rated USB-C to USB-A cables proved fruitless. Even adjustments to OPPO’s “smart Rapid Charging” feature failed to improve peak power output. Ultimately, the only cable that consistently delivered the promised fast charging speeds was the USB-A to USB-C cable bundled with the phone.
What’s more concerning is the misleading “ultra-fast charging” banner displayed by the phone,regardless of the actual charging rate. this leaves users unaware they may be experiencing significantly slower charging speeds than expected. According to the source, OPPO’s settings do include a warning that “genuine power adapter and cable” are required for fast charging, but this information is buried deep within the settings menu, making it easily overlooked.
The difficulty in identifying compatible cables further exacerbates the problem. As one user noted, differentiating between official and third-party cables is nearly impossible, except for subtle variations in connector interiors – white for the working cable, and orange or black for those that underperform.
The Illusion of Speed
The pursuit of faster charging speeds often feels counterproductive. The OPPO Find X9 Pro,capable of 70W charging via SuperVOOC,typically operates at a more modest 28W,resulting in a full charge time of 68 minutes. Surprisingly, charging via USB PD PPS achieved a comparable full charge time of 71 minutes, despite an average power output of approximately 27W. This demonstrates a critical point: USB PD with any compatible cable can often outperform proprietary charging with an incompatible cable.
recent polling data reveals a growing dissatisfaction with proprietary charging. A survey conducted alongside the testing showed that 51% of respondents never use proprietary fast charging, while 29% use it “all the time” and 19% use it “some of the time.”
The Rise of USB PD and Beyond
The industry is clearly shifting towards universal standards. USB-PD PPS, AVS, and UFCS are becoming virtually universal, while proprietary systems offer diminishing returns. Companies like Xiaomi are leading the charge, with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra supporting 60W charging and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra now reaching 100W – both utilizing USB PD PPS and compatible power bricks for laptops and tablets.
The benefits of this transition are clear.A senior industry analyst stated, “The move to USB PD simplifies the charging ecosystem, reducing e-waste and offering consumers greater flexibility.” HONOUR’s approach of prompting users with a “woudl you like to super-fast charge” notification – offering a choice between speed and long-term battery health – is a model that should be adopted across the industry, regardless of the charging standard.
Time to Retire proprietary Standards
The advantages of proprietary charging – shaving off a few minutes from a full charge – are simply no longer worth the associated inconveniences. The cable confusion, hidden settings, and accessory incompatibility create a frustrating user experience. It’s time to acknowledge the obvious: proprietary charging has outlived its usefulness.
The future of smartphone charging lies in open standards like USB PD,offering a seamless and universally compatible experience for all.
