Chinese smartphone brands are leading the fast-charging technology race, leaving Apple and Samsung trailing behind. While Apple and Samsung offer charging speeds around 45W, Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Realme have reached and surpassed 100W and even 200W in some cases, such as the Realme GT 5 with its 240W fast charging.
The Innovation Gap
This disparity stems from substantial R&D investments by Chinese companies, focusing on battery efficiency and safe, fast charging. They've implemented innovations like dual-cell batteries, which significantly boost charging speeds without compromising battery health. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro with a single cell reached 120W, while the iQOO 11 Pro achieved 200W with dual cells. Learn more about Oppo's innovations.
The Old Excuse
Apple and Samsung have historically prioritized battery health, justifying their slower charging speeds. However, Chinese manufacturers have effectively addressed safety and battery longevity concerns, making this argument less relevant. See how Samsung's latest devices compare.
Running Out of Excuses
Chinese brands have tackled previous fast-charging drawbacks, such as bulky adapters and heat management, with solutions like OnePlus's brick-like adapter and silicone-carbon anode batteries. This leaves Apple and Samsung with fewer reasons to avoid improving their fast-charging capabilities. Check out an example of fast charging in a budget phone.