Enough with Slow Charging — Smartphone Brands Need to Step Up

Smartphones have evolved dramatically over the years with powerful processors, stunning displays, and advanced cameras, but yet charging speeds remain frustratingly slow on many flagship devices.

In this our new era where some Android phones can charge from 0 to 100% in less than 20 minutes, why are so many big brands still holding users back?

The Reality of Slow Charging

For many consumers, waiting over an hour to fully charge a premium smartphone feels outdated and inconvenient.

While brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Realme have introduced super-fast charging solutions boasting speeds of 100W, 150W, and even 240W — other major players such as Apple and Samsung still cap their charging speeds at around 20W to 45W.

This means users of these premium devices can expect to wait more than an hour for a full charge, compared to just 15-20 minutes on some competitors.

Why Are Manufacturers Slow to Change?

Brands often justify slower charging speeds by citing battery health and safety concerns. Fast charging generates more heat, which can degrade battery life over time.

However, modern charging technology now includes advanced thermal management systems, smart charging algorithms, and high-quality battery materials that greatly reduce these risks.

From the Consumer’s Perspective

With busy lifestyles and heavy smartphone use, most consumers now value quick top-ups during the day.

The ability to get 50% charge in just 5-10 minutes can be a game-changer, especially when traveling or working long hours.

This is why many tech enthusiasts are calling for faster charging standards across all devices, not just select models.

The Competition Is Already Ahead

Chinese manufacturers have set a new benchmark in charging technology. Phones like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and Realme GT Neo series offer 120W to 150W fast charging, allowing users to fully charge their devices in less than 20 minutes. Oppo and Vivo have also pushed the limits with 240W charging technology, proving that ultra-fast, safe charging is possible.

Apple and Samsung: Playing It Safe?

Apple, for instance, still limits the iPhone’s wired charging speed to around 20W, and even the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max takes over an hour to fully charge. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra offers 45W fast charging, which is better but still far behind what some mid-range phones deliver.

These companies seem to prioritize battery longevity and user safety, but with innovations in charging tech, the gap between convenience and safety is shrinking rapidly.

The Future of Charging

As modern batteries improve and charging protocols become more efficient, ultra-fast charging could become the new normal. Wireless fast charging is also gaining ground, with some devices already supporting 50W or higher speeds wirelessly.

The next step could be fully eliminating charging delays and creating truly all-day devices with minimal downtime.

It’s time for smartphone makers to acknowledge the reality — slow charging no longer meets consumer expectations.

With advanced solutions available, there’s no excuse for holding back on faster, safer, and more convenient charging technology.