With the preponderance of 5G devices, there is a need to increase the power of smartphones. One way to increase power is to increase the battery capacity. However, this is not always feasible because it has its own shortcomings. Another way is to increase the fast charge capacity which seems to be more favored presently. Information on the Chinese 3C certification website shows a Xiaomi 120W charger (power adapter). This device comes with model number MDY-12-ED. The first certification date is June 28 while the manufacturer is Xiaomi Communication Technology Co., Ltd.
The certification information shows that this power adapter supports a fast-charging protocol of up to 120W (20V 6A). However, it also mentions that it is only suitable for altitudes of 5000 meters and below. With this certification, it appears that Xiaomi is getting closer to releasing this device. However, we still do not know the smartphone that will launch this charger.
Xiaomi 120W charger – racing to the finish line
When there is a limit to the battery capacity that a device can take, fast charging becomes an option. Since 2018, mobile phone fast charging has gradually increased from 18W to 40W and even higher to 65W. This year, we expect that the fast charging capacity of mobile devices will hit 100W
Well, Oppo has been on top of its game when it comes to fast charging technology. Thus, the general expectation is that Oppo will arrive first. However, in the first half of 2019, Xiaomi and Vivo exhibited 100W and 120W super-fast charging technologies respectively. From the Xiaomi’s exhibition, the 100W fast charge fills up a 4000 mAh battery in 17 minutes. As for Vivo’s 120W fast charge, it fills a 4000 mAh battery in 13 minutes. However, none of these companies said anything about mass production.
A very important question now is “why has 100W fast charging become the focus of competition among mobile phone manufacturers?. The reason is simple, that is, consumers’ pursuit of the convenience of mobile phone charging. The 65W quick charge can fill a 4000 mAh battery in about 27 minutes. This means that the “long battery life” of the mobile phone is exchanged for shorter charging time. Therefore, the entry of top manufacturers will undoubtedly accelerate the commercial speed of 100W fast charging.
The core of fast charging is to increase the current during constant current charging. There is a limit to the charging current that mobile phone batteries can accept. For example, a 4000 mAh battery has a maximum allowable charging current of 12A. This corresponds to a theoretical maximum charging power of 60W. However, often charging at the maximum charging current will also accelerate the aging of the battery. This ultimately reduces the service life.