Why Apple and Samsung Are Losing the Fast Charging Race to Chinese Smartphone Brands

In recent years, Chinese smartphone makers have taken the fast charging game to the next level on smartphones. Flagship models from brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, and others often near or hit the 100W mark. There are even certain models from brands that have crossed the 200W charging rate as well. A great example of this is the Realme GT 5, which supports 240W fast charging.

These blazing fast charging rates stem from innovations made by significant investments in research and development. This is not only to improve battery efficiency but also to improve charging rates without compromising on safety or battery health.

As of right now, Samsung and Apple offer maximum charging speeds of around 45W. While this isn’t as terrible as it used to be, it used to be much slower before. But these still pale in comparison to the triple digit wattage offered by the Chinese competitors.

In the past, both brands have adopted a cautious stance regarding charging technology. They have a conservative approach, claiming an emphasis on maintaining battery health. Back in the day, this excuse made sense as the technology was unproven, immature, and not fully trusted. But Chinese smartphone manufacturers aren’t simply brute forcing the fast charging speeds anymore.

There are plenty of ways that brands like Realme, Oppo, Xiaomi, and others improve fast charging. One of the best examples of this is the dual cell system. These companies found that charging two cells under the hood can boost the speed at which a device charges. The Xiaomi 13 Pro with a single cell managed to max out at 120W wired fast charging, while the iQOO 11 Pro was unveiled with 200W fast charging via dual cells. So charging two cells helps improve the charging rate without compromising the health of the battery.

In other words, the Chinese companies have basically addressed most of these issues, which Apple or Samsung could “reinvent” or “innovate” on. Many had initially criticized OnePlus for its bulky charging adapters that looked like a brick. But this brick actually helped keep the smartphone cool during fast charging. The new silicone-carbon anode batteries shipping in the new flagship phone also allow for higher battery capacity without an increase in battery size. Apple and Samsung are basically running out of reasons to not improve in this area.