Quick Charge vs Power Delivery

In today’s fast-paced world, fast charging has become essential for keeping our devices powered quickly and efficiently. Two leading technologies, Quick Charge (QC) and Power Delivery (PD), dominate the fast-charging market. While both aim to reduce charging time, they differ in compatibility, power output, and use cases. Understanding these differences, along with their history and evolution, can help you decide which one is best for your needs.

Quick Charge was developed by Qualcomm in 2013, making it one of the earliest fast-charging standards. It was specifically designed to support Android smartphones powered by Qualcomm processors, allowing them to charge faster by increasing the voltage or current. To qualify as a Quick Charge accessory, chargers or power banks must deliver at least 18W of power. However, for QC to work effectively, three components must align: the phone itself must support QC, the cable must be QC-certified (e.g., rated for 3A or 5A current), and the charger must also comply with QC protocols. Over the years, QC has evolved significantly, with its latest version, QC 5, supporting up to 100W of power. Notably, QC 5 is backward-compatible with QC 4.0+ and incorporates USB Power Delivery (PD) standards, showing a move toward greater interoperability.

Power Delivery, introduced in 2015, is a universal charging standard developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) as part of the USB-C standard. Unlike QC, which was tied to Qualcomm-powered devices, PD was designed to work across a wide range of devices, including Android phones, iPhones, tablets, laptops, and other gadgets. PD’s versatility comes from its ability to deliver higher power outputs, making it suitable for power-hungry devices like laptops and gaming consoles. The latest version, PD 3.1, supports up to 240W of power, far surpassing QC’s 100W limit. This makes PD the more future-proof option for users with multiple devices, particularly those requiring higher wattage.

When comparing the two technologies, Quick Charge came first, giving Qualcomm a head start in the fast-charging market. However, PD is rapidly becoming the dominant standard due to its universality and higher power capabilities. Many manufacturers now support PD because it is part of the USB-C standard, which has been widely adopted across the tech industry. For example, the European Union’s mandate for USB-C as the universal charging port is further driving PD’s adoption.

When choosing between QC and PD, your decision should depend on your devices and charging needs. QC remains a great option for Qualcomm-powered Android smartphones, offering tailored fast charging for these devices. However, PD’s broader compatibility makes it the better choice for users with mixed ecosystems, such as those using both iPhones and laptops. Additionally, PD’s ability to support higher power outputs ensures it can handle more demanding devices, like tablets and high-performance laptops, giving it a distinct advantage for the future.

While Quick Charge and Power Delivery both offer fast and efficient charging, PD is emerging as the more universal and future-proof solution. With its broader compatibility, higher power output, and growing adoption across devices, PD is set to become the standard for fast charging in the years to come. Whether you choose QC or PD, understanding their differences can help you invest in the right charging technology for your lifestyle and devices.