Uncover the Shocking Truth: Why Smartphone Fast Charging Has Slowed Down in the Last Year
The Great Shift: Why Wired Charging Speeds Have Slowed Down
When it comes to smartphones, fast charging has been the name of the game. Just a few years ago, phones like the OnePlus 10T, Xiaomi 13 Pro, and Oppo Find X6 Pro boasted charging speeds of up to 150W, 120W, and 100W, respectively. However, in 2024, things have taken a dramatic turn. Flagship smartphones like the Oppo Find X8 Pro, Honor Magic 6 Pro, and Xiaomi 14 Ultra have all settled for charging speeds of around 80W. So, what’s behind this sudden slowdown?
Silicon Carbon Battery Tech is Getting Way More Popular
One of the key factors driving this shift is the increasing adoption of silicon carbon battery technology. Silicon carbon batteries offer a host of benefits, including a massive boost to energy density, better performance in colder temperatures, and the potential to slim down devices without compromising battery life. The tech could also revolutionize the electric vehicle market, but that’s a story for another time.
The Limitations of Silicon Carbon Batteries
While silicon carbon batteries have many advantages, they also have one significant drawback: their expansion and contraction during temperature changes. This can affect charging speeds, as super-fast charging generates a lot of heat. Additionally, silicon carbon batteries can’t charge as quickly as lithium-ion batteries, which have a more established charging technology.
Why 80W Charging is a Smart Move
Considering the limitations of silicon carbon batteries, it’s no surprise that manufacturers have capped charging speeds at 80W. While this may not be as fast as previous generations, it’s still incredibly quick and ensures that devices can be charged safely and efficiently. As the technology continues to evolve, we may see a return to true fast charging, but for now, 80W is a reasonable compromise.
The Future of Charging
While it’s unclear when we’ll see a return to fast charging, one thing is certain: silicon carbon battery technology is here to stay. As manufacturers continue to refine their charging systems and battery design, we can expect to see even more efficient and effective charging solutions. The future of charging is bright, and it’s exciting to think about what’s to come.
The Current State of Play
Here’s a breakdown of the current charging speeds of some flagship smartphones:
- Oppo Find X8 Pro: 80W
- Honor Magic 6 Pro: 80W
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra: 80W
These speeds may not be as blazingly fast as their predecessors, but they’re still incredibly quick and ensure that devices can be charged safely and efficiently.
