Qualcomm introduces Quick Charge 4.0 with 20% faster charging, USB-C support

Quick Charge is now compliant with USB-C.

Qualcomm's Quick Charge is the world's leading fast charging standard with over 100 compatible phones and over 300 accessories. With the mobile industry moving away from microUSB to the more versatile USB-C standard, Qualcomm is rolling out Quick Charge 4.0, which supports USB-C and USB-PD (Power Delivery).

The latter is a significant addition. In the latest Android Compatibility Definition Document, Google has strongly recommended manufacturers wean away from non-standard USB-C charging solutions like Quick Charge, instead directing them to adhere to the USB-PD spec. With Qualcomm now adopting USB-PD in Quick Charge 4.0, the issue of non-standard charging becomes a moot point.

Qualcomm is also touting its parallel charging technology — Dual Charge — to deliver up to 20% faster charging and up to 30% higher efficiency when compared with Quick Charge 3.0. With QC 4.0, you'll be able to extend your phone usage by up to five hours with just five minutes of charging.

QC 4.0 includes the latest iteration of Qualcomm's custom power management algorithm, Intelligent Negotiation for Optimum Voltage. The algorithm now comes with real-time thermal management, which automatically sets the optimal power transfer level for a device. Qualcomm is also introducing new power management ICs, and bundling new safety measures:

Protection is implemented at multiple levels and throughout the entire charging process to more accurately measure voltage, current, and temperature while protecting the battery, system, cables and connectors. An additional layer of protection is also being added to help prevent battery overcharging and regulate current throughout every charge cycle.

Quick Charge 4.0 will make its debut with the Snapdragon 835, which will be available in the first half of 2017.