Why you need fast charging. Fast charging: what you need to know about cables and smartphones

Any new technology is perceived by the conservative public with hostility, adhering to pessimistic views. Literally immediately after the appearance of devices with QuickCharge, there were many who said that fast charging is harmful to the smartphone. These prejudices are caused by incomplete information. As a rule, the person who claims that fast charging accelerates battery wear knows that high currents are harmful to the battery, but does not know how high currents are harmful to it, and that this is mainly related to the final stage of the process. In reality, things are a little different.

So does fast charging kill a battery?

In the previous article, we mentioned that at maximum power, the battery is not fully charged, but only up to about 50-70% of capacity. In the future, the currents are reduced to the same as during normal charging. That is why a smartphone with QuickCharge technology can charge up to 50% in just half an hour, but it will take about 2 or more hours to charge it up to 100%. On normal charging, if 50% is filled in an hour, then the battery will be charged 100% in about 2.5-3 hours. Thus, the goal of modern fast charging technologies is not to “drive” 100% of the charge into the battery in a minimum time, but to make the decrease in currents more sharp. Its task is to quickly "pump" the maximum possible amount of energy that does not harm the battery.. When the threshold has already been reached, the smartphone is recharged with the most common “slow” technology.

If fast charging in itself does not harm the smartphone battery, then the question may arise: where are all those people who say that their smartphone began to work half as much on one charge because of fast charging? But there is a rational explanation for this phenomenon: fast charging does not harm the smartphone, but its improper use can accelerate battery wear. If we draw an analogy with a medicine, then a correctly prescribed antibiotic effectively kills pathogenic microbes, but if the full course of treatment is not completed, the unfinished bacilli will develop immunity and they will no longer be afraid of the drug.

The reason for the accelerated wear of the battery of a smartphone that supports QuickCharge is the user's impatience. Normal, slow charging teaches us to charge the device every night or every two or three nights (if it's some kind of Redmi Note 4X or Moto Z Play). But with QuickCharge, the user gets used to the fact that three times to charge the device to 50% is faster than once to 100% (1.5-2 hours in total, instead of about 2.5-3). As a result, knowing that when the device is discharged, it can be recharged in half an hour and loaded for another half a day, the user gets used to using the device more actively and charging it more often.

Frequent discharging-charging is what harms the battery and reduces its life. The average battery life of smartphones before the start of a capacity loss of more than 10% is usually about 500 cycles, and then the capacity begins to decrease exponentially. That is, if in 500 charge-discharge cycles the cell loses about 10%, then in 1000 cycles the drop will not be 20%, but more. If you charge the device once a day, these 500 cycles will take place in 1-1.5 years. But since the user begins to discharge and charge the device more often, they take noticeably less time. As a result, after six months or a year, the battery has not 90-95% of the initial capacity, but much less.

Battery life chart. The values ​​are conditional and depend on the specific battery.

In theory, if you do not charge the battery to 100%, but stop at 70-80%, the number of cycles before capacity loss increases. Some experts even advise never to charge the device to 100%, removing it from charging earlier. However, under conditions when the device is used during charging, it begins to heat up more, and an increase in temperature eliminates all the benefits of undercharging.

Hello readers of our blog!

With the release of the new Quick Charge technology, a question has arisen that worries many users of mobile devices - is fast charging harmful to the phone? And in this article we will talk about this and try to figure it all out. Let's go...

The origin of the "myth" about the dangers of Quick Charge

Immediately after the release of this technology, there were many of its opponents, and in most cases - due to the possession of incorrect information.

Many people know that high currents harm the battery, but they do not know how high currents accelerate its deterioration and that this only applies to the final stage of the process.

Does fast charging kill a battery?

At the highest power, the battery is not fully charged, but only 50-70% of the total capacity. Further, the current decreases to a level, as in a "slow" charge. Therefore, a smartphone equipped with the Quick Charge function can be fully charged in just 30 minutes, and it takes 1.5 to 2 hours or more to fully charge, depending on the battery capacity.

With a normal charge, you will get 50% in 1 hour, and the phone can fully charge in 2.5-3 hours. Following from the above, the goal of Quick Charge is not to "fill" the battery by 100% in the shortest possible time, but to lower the currents more sharply.

The task of technology is to quickly place the largest possible amount of charge into the battery without harming it. If the maximum is reached, the smartphone is charging normally.

The process seems to be explainable, but then where do so many opponents come from and why do they claim that after using it, the device became worse to hold a charge? The answer is not the technology itself, but its misapplication.

The main cause of battery wear is user inconsistency.

The normal mode taught us to charge the device at night or once every two or three days (for example, as in some popular gadget like Xiaomi Redmi 4x). And with Quick Charge, most often users find that charging three times to 50% is faster than once to 100% (about an hour or two hours instead of three).

After all, you can recharge the phone by half and work with it for another half a day. Therefore, users use the device more and charge more often. Therefore, NOT FAST, BUT FREQUENT charging reduces the performance of the device. Let's consider in more detail.

The average battery life is 400-500 charge cycles, then the capacity begins to decrease by 20-25%. If you charge your phone once a day, 500 cycles will expire in 1.5-2 years. But if you charge and discharge the device more often, this time will be reduced by six months or a year. This means that if the device is not fully charged, but by 70-75 percent, the number of cycles before reducing the capacity will increase.

Experts advise not even to bring the charge to 100%, but to shoot earlier.

How to extend battery life

To make your Android device last as long as possible, follow a few simple rules:

1. Don't charge your phone too often. In order not to reduce the number of battery charge cycles, try to avoid short-term “recharges”. 30-40 minutes minimum.
2. Do not use the gadget while charging. Overheating damages the battery. That is why flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S7 automatically switch to the usual “slow” mode while using the device while charging.
3. Do not cover a charging gadget. In the best case, the device will overheat and wear out, in the worst case, a fire may occur.
4. You should not discharge your smartphone to zero. When the battery voltage drops below 2.7 volts, it will harm the battery. It is better to put the gadget to charge with 10-15% of the remaining charge.

These tips apply not only to phones that support Quick Charge technology, but also to all devices with a lithium battery.

Samsung? That's right, high-performance video chips. This is cool, as it opens up many possibilities, but at the same time, the energy consumption of the gadget increases.

Now you will say that along with the improvement of models, the battery capacity has also increased, the dimensions have grown, and therefore the charging time has increased. Alas, we must disappoint you, it did not give a big breakthrough.

But do not be upset, the manufacturers have tried, and the new models have a fast charging function for Samsung! In addition, an additional innovation was a unique wireless charging, which eliminates the need to be constantly “tied to a power outlet”.

How does this function work and what are its features? Now you will know everything!

Energy losses are reduced to a minimum!

Especially for models such as the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus and Galaxy Note 5, a unique wireless device was developed - Qi charging. In its lower part there are several ventilation holes that cool the system.

Plus, there is a fan in the middle. All this allows you to quickly and easily recharge smartphones in any conditions.

Regarding other models of gadgets, here the developers have gone further. As you know, the principle of operation of any rechargeable batteries is based on an electrochemical process. It is he who gives and accumulates energy.

Lithium-based batteries began to be produced in order to prevent phones from being discharged quickly and to retain energy in them for a longer time. They are responsible for the "fast charging" mode.

When connected, energy is output from the maximum power charger in the first stages. This means that your smartphone charges as quickly as possible.

Advantages

This feature can be disabled or enabled. When charging from a cable lasting only 10 minutes, the gadget remains provided with four hours of battery life. Agree, earlier one could only dream of such a thing!

Wireless charging, which used to be expensive, is now available to everyone. Since it is sold together with a kit for some models of Samsung smartphones. Wireless charging technology also supports any other devices.

To find out if your phone supports this innovation, do the following:

1. Go to the "Settings" section.
2. Open the "Battery" section.
3. Check if there is an application in the list that is using the entire battery.
4. The application can be used or disabled.

We can definitely say that the “fast charging” function has made the phones of a well-known company even more advanced, cool! Competitors are clearly biting their elbows.

And we can only say: "Bravo!" developers and expect new technological breakthroughs from Samsung!

The long process of charging the phone is a very common problem among users of modern gadgets. There is often not enough time to recharge, and the battery burns out at the most inopportune moment.

Fortunately, smartphone manufacturers, including the Xiaomi brand, solved this problem when they added the function to the new “chips” of their phones. Quick charge- the ability to quickly charge the phone.

What it is

Xiaomi Quick Charge– the ability of Xiaomi smartphones to charge the battery many times faster than normal charging, reaching the full filling of the battery in almost 30 minutes.

Its main task is to fill the battery with the volume that will not damage it as quickly as possible.

How Quick Charge works

The operation of this option is based on a large expenditure of current power during the power supply process itself (limit - 20W). If the battery is completely discharged, maximum power will be absorbed at the beginning of the power supply, and less and less as the power progresses.

Current power according to the formula is the product of current strength (I) and voltage (U). That is, by increasing the current power, either the voltage or the current increases, and in this situation the battery receives the necessary energy charge faster.

A clear explanation of this principle:

How did the creation of Quick Charge begin?

When the Quick Charge feature was in its early infancy, the developers tried various methods to reduce the time it took to recharge the battery. Initially, Quick Charge was based on increasing the strength of the current. The first power supplies were able to receive a current of 2A at a voltage of 5V. As a result, the required power was obtained - 10 watts.

But this method was unpromising, since for subsequent work with the current strength, a change in the wire cross section was required, and it was decided to increase the voltage instead of the current strength.

Since it was impossible to give out the maximum voltage “out of the blue”, special controllers began to be added to the motherboard, which are able to receive voltage more than the usual 5 Volts, converting it into the required battery charge.

Versions of Quick Charge Technology and Maximum Power Absorption

By transforming Xiaomi fast charging, the developers also increased its capabilities, that is, the current power consumed.

Features and differences between Quick Charge versions

To date, there are 4 lines of this technology, but for the most part, Xiaomi uses only three:

1. Quick Charge 1.0- the version presented in 2013. Literally immediately won consumer sympathy and entered into use in many phones. Allowed to charge the device 40% faster than usual, which means that the phone could be half charged after 40-50 minutes. It was in almost every phone with a Snapdragon processor.
2. Quick Charge 2.0– an improved version of fast charging helped to charge the gadget even faster. The charge was halfway already after 30 minutes.
3. Quick Charge 3.0- very similar to the previous one, with the exception of the new significant function "INOV" - Intelligent Negotiation for Optimum Voltage - the most accurate selection of the voltage required for charging and control of the "well-being" of the gadget. After 20 minutes, the phone can be charged by 50%, and after half an hour - already by 70%!
4. Quick Charge 4.0- version based on the new Snapdragon 835 processor. Fills the battery by half after 15 minutes.

In mid-2017, the manufacturer presented a new version from Qualcomm - Quick Charge 4+, which can charge 2750 mAh batteries in half in less than 15 minutes, and with a 5-minute recharge, the phone can last up to 5 hours.

INOV Technology – Intelligent Negotiation for Optimum Voltage

INOV technology- this is a new feature of Quick Charge to establish a relationship with the phone during the power process - the unit receives the necessary data on the state of the battery, with the help of which it monitors the received power, current strength, voltage, and also the temperature of the smartphone.

A similar technology to INOV is Battery Saver Technologies.

Smartphones that support Xiaomi Quick Charge

Unfortunately, not all Xiaomi phones support the fast charging option.

Quick Charge Version 1.0:

• Xiaomi Redmi Note Prime;

Quick Charge 2.0 version:

• Xiaomi Redmi 5;
• Xiaomi Redmi 4x;
• XiaomiMi Note;
• Almost the entire line of Mi.

Quick Charge Version 3.0:

• Mi Note 3;
• Xiaomi Mi Mix 2;
• Xiaomi Mi Mix;
• XiaomiMi Max;
• Xiaomi Mi Max 2;
• Xiaomi Mi6.

Quick Charge 4.0 version:

• Already installed on: Xiaomi Mi 8;
• Probably will be installed on: Xiaomi Mi 7, Mi Note 3 Plus, Mi 6 Plus.

Full list of models:

Some users of the Xiaomi a1 smartphone, after updating the firmware on Android Oreo, thought that Quick Charge 3.0 is supported in the new firmware version, since when the phone is charging, a saying appears: “Quick Charge”. However, this is an erroneous opinion. Testing attempts have proved the opposite, which indicates the absence of a fast charging function on the Xiaomi a1 phone.

If your phone model is not listed, there is no way you can add/purchase Xiaomi Redmi fast charger.

How to enable fast charging on Xiaomi

In order to activate the fast charging function on a Xiaomi smartphone, you do not need to go to the settings or use the help of a PC.

Xiaomi phones either have this feature right away or they don't. Quick Charge is located in the power block itself.

To make sure that your smartphone is equipped with this option, inspect the unit. It should contain data on the strength of the current (A) and voltage (V). If these parameters, when multiplied, give power above 10 watts (while conventional chargers absorb only about 4.5 watts), and the fast charging icon is visible, this is really a Xiaomi fast charging cable, and you are a happy owner of a smartphone with this function.

Is it worth it to use a power supply that is endowed with a quick charge function with regular phones

If your smartphone is not in the above lists, then it is not adapted to the ability to charge the battery in a short time. And an attempt to do this using a much earlier released phone with a special block Quick Charge can lead to overvoltage, fire or damage to the gadget - it will simply stop turning on.

Does the use of this function affect the smartphone itself or the battery

There are a lot of scary opinions about Quick Charge:

• The fast charging option also works in the opposite direction - it absorbs battery power faster;
• Spoils the battery and leads to its faster "bearing";
• It is not safe or dangerous to charge your phone with Quick Charge if it is turned off.

All of the above has no substantiated arguments and is a myth. Moreover, a huge number of people are working on the development of fast charging features, and many tests and experiments have been carried out to prove that the phone and its battery are completely safe when using Quick Charge or other innovations in this industry.

The only thing to avoid when powering the phone in this case is thick, tight cases and any items that are on the phone itself (pillows, clothes, blankets), as this can also lead to excessive heat or overvoltage.

Fast charging function does not work

There are several reasons why Quick Charge refuses to work:

1. First of all, the phone will not charge, relying on this function due to the initial lack of such an opportunity. If this option is important to you, when buying a phone, check with the consultant in advance for its availability in the selected model. As mentioned earlier, simply buying a charger with this function later and putting it into use does not carry anything good.
2. If your phone is on the lists of models with Quick Charge, but fast charging still does not work, make sure you are using an original Xiaomi power bank. Do not forget to also find the necessary data about power, current and voltage.
3. Firmware not updated. On some Xiaomi smartphones, even those with the ability to charge the phone using Quick Charge, the software must be updated to the latest version.
4. The fast charging option may be disabled if you use the phone to the fullest during power, or if there are foreign objects on it;
5. Problems with the firmware or with the phone itself.

What not to do while charging

Many of the myths mentioned above are born on the wrong use of the fast charging function.

In order not to observe such failures with the battery in the future, you need to be able to properly handle Quick Charge technology.

Please note the following when using this feature:

• Using the phone during power supply (especially excessive) - can lead to overheating, as mentioned earlier and disrupt the joint operation of the phone with the power supply;
• Charging the phone only at maximum power - if you constantly charge the phone only at the expense of this very maximum power, which comes in a fairly short time, and half, the operation of the fast charging function may also be disrupted and worn out soon, so resort to using this function only if necessary.

(Quick Charge), so users are actively using this useful technology. QC allows you to quickly and efficiently charge your smartphone, literally in an hour the battery charge is again 100%. For our readers, we have prepared material that will help you learn everything about Quick Charge 3.0 and how it works.

Quick Charge

Qualcomm Technologies continues to bring new innovations to the mobile device market. At one time, Quick Charge 1.0 technology clearly demonstrated that smartphones can charge up to 40% faster than with conventional charging.

A year later, QC 2.0 was introduced, allowing you to charge the device already 75% faster. In addition, various accessories compatible with this technology were presented.

In 2015, Qualcomm Technologies continues to develop its industry. Quick Charge 3.0 charges even faster and more efficiently. By the end of 2017, Xiaomi has already released more than 10 smartphone models that support QC 3.0

With Quick Charge technology, a higher level of current is supplied to the battery, thus charging becomes as fast as possible.

For successful charging, the device and the charger itself must be compatible with the same voltage and current.

For example, if the phone has support for a 9V/2A charger, but it is charging with a 1A charger, the process will take much longer.

As another example, if a charger with a specified current of 2A is used to charge a smartphone that supports a maximum of 0.7A, this will not make it charge faster.

Also, the phone can be charged faster if a similar charger is used, but with a higher current.

Note: products without a certificate do not guarantee declared efficiency.

How does Quick Charge technology work?

Quick Charge technology allows you to optimize the energy supply to the smartphone battery in the first stages of charging.

Thus, some phones can be charged up to 80% in just half an hour. At the same time, in the last stages of charging, the energy transfer is not as high, regardless of which charging technology is used.

Therefore, up to 50% of the battery can be charged in a short amount of time, but it will still take more than an hour to fully charge the smartphone.

QC 3.0 charges mobile devices 4 times faster. Compared with QC 2, the charging speed has increased by almost forty percent.

Qualcomm is focusing consumers' attention not on increased charging speed, but on increased efficiency. So, the main innovation in the technology is the INOV function, which is able to intelligently select the required voltage, more precisely optimizing the power and charging time of a particular device.

Differences QC 3.0 from previous versions

To understand the main differences between the latest version of the quick charge technology and the previous ones, just read the table below:

After reviewing, we can conclude that due to the increased voltage, the charging time of devices from version to version decreased. The maximum power in the third version remained almost the same as in the second - 18 watts. At the same time, low voltage batteries receive higher power. As a result, they charge much faster.

Why doesn't my phone support fast charging? This is the question most often asked by owners of smartphones that do not support Quick Charge. For example, owners of a new stock Android smartphone would be very disappointed by the lack of Quick Charge in the device.

The problem is that Qualcomm technology is developed by the manufacturer. And its support depends on the model of the installed processor. These are the nuances that developers take into account when releasing a new smartphone.

According to the instructions from the Qualcomm website, they do not prohibit the use of certified adapters on phones without fast charging. Yes, your smartphone will charge properly, but you won't be able to experience the full benefits of Quick Charge while charging your device.

Conclusion

The Quick Change function is quite promising and in demand. The developers are not sitting idly by, but improving it, supplementing the 4th generation of fast charging technology with new features.

Users will be pleasantly surprised by the new Xiaomi smartphones with Quick Change 4.0 support, the presentation of which is expected in the first quarter of 2018.