Why have manufacturers stopped competing on charging power?

Power above 80W delivers minimal real-world benefits—even large batteries charge in under 40 minutes. Companies now focus on compatibility and unified standards instead.

What prevents USB-C from becoming truly universal?

Inconsistent USB Power Delivery implementations: manufacturers use unique voltage/current combinations and require specific cables (e.g., E-marker chips). This complicates accessory selection.

Which fast-charging standards are currently in use?

USB Power Delivery (PD) with PPS extensions for dynamic voltage regulation is the primary standard. Apple uses PD AVS, while some brands retain proprietary protocols like SuperVOOC or TurboPower.

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Hardware

USB-C Fast Charging: Why Standardization Matters More Than Speed

June 13, 2026

Photo: Android Authority

Quick answer

USB-C fast charging has reached its power limit (60–80W), and the industry now prioritizes standardization. The issue?

The race for faster smartphone charging power is over. Flagship models now stabilize at 60–80W—a level sufficient to fully charge a 7,000mAh battery in 40 minutes. Even the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which supports up to 90W, achieves this through the universal USB Power Delivery PPS standard rather than proprietary solutions.

The challenge now lies in compatibility, not speed. Manufacturers implement USB PD differently: Motorola requires E-marker chips in cables for 60W charging, Google Pixel uses distinct voltage profiles for 27W and 37W, and Samsung and Apple rely on their own variations of the standard. This forces users to navigate technical nuances when selecting charging accessories.

Experts note that USB Power Delivery PPS could already replace proprietary protocols, but companies continue to complicate the ecosystem. While the accessory market gradually addresses these issues—with premium chargers supporting more standards—the average consumer still faces compatibility hurdles. The future of charging lies in unification, not new power records.

Common questions

Why have manufacturers stopped competing on charging power?: Power above 80W delivers minimal real-world benefits—even large batteries charge in under 40 minutes. Companies now focus on compatibility and unified standards instead.
What prevents USB-C from becoming truly universal?: Inconsistent USB Power Delivery implementations: manufacturers use unique voltage/current combinations and require specific cables (e.g., E-marker chips). This complicates accessory selection.
Which fast-charging standards are currently in use?: USB Power Delivery (PD) with PPS extensions for dynamic voltage regulation is the primary standard. Apple uses PD AVS, while some brands retain proprietary protocols like SuperVOOC or TurboPower.

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