100W+ Fast Charging Test: PD 3.1 vs SuperVOOC vs QC5 vs Hypercharge

The Apex of Power

A deep dive into 100W+ fast-charging. We pit USB PD 3.1, SuperVOOC, QC5, and Hypercharge against each other to see who throttles first in the battle of speed vs. heat.

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Published on July 28, 2025 by The Faceofit Tech Team

The race for faster charging has moved beyond just numbers on a box. It's a complex balancing act of power, heat, and compatibility. We're analyzing four titans of tech: the universal USB PD 3.1, OPPO's cool-headed SuperVOOC, Qualcomm's adaptable Quick Charge 5, and Xiaomi's speed-demon Hypercharge. Who wins? The answer depends on what you value most.

Foundational Principles of Power Delivery

To understand the differences between these technologies, we first need to grasp the core engineering trade-offs that govern all high-power charging systems. The choices made here dictate everything from device temperature to cable design.

The Core Trade-Off: High Voltage vs. High Current

Power ($P$) is Voltage ($V$) times Current ($I$). But how you make 100W matters. Heat loss is proportional to $I^2R$ (Current Squared times Resistance), meaning high current generates exponentially more heat.

High Voltage (e.g., USB PD)

Sends high voltage (e.g., 20V/5A) to the phone. The phone must convert this down, generating significant heat inside the device.

Result: Hotter Phone, Universal Cable

High Current (e.g., SuperVOOC)

Sends lower voltage at high current (e.g., 10V/10A). Voltage conversion happens in the larger power adapter, keeping heat outside the device.

Result: Cooler Phone, Proprietary System

Anatomy of a Modern 100W+ Charging System

Safely delivering over 100W to a phone required two key innovations that are now standard across all these technologies.

1. Dual-Cell Batteries

Instead of one large battery, the capacity is split into two smaller cells connected in series. This doubles the battery pack's voltage, allowing it to accept higher power more efficiently.

2. Charge Pumps

These are highly efficient circuits that take the high-voltage input from the charger and convert it to the right level for the dual-cell battery, minimizing energy loss as heat inside the phone.

Technology Deep Dive

Each standard takes a unique approach to implementing these principles. Below is a detailed breakdown of their architecture, philosophy, and safety features.

Interactive Performance Charts

Data tells the real story. Use the filters below to compare the standards across key performance metrics. This data is aggregated from multiple real-world tests to provide a clear picture of how they stack up.

Charging Speed (Time to 100%)

Peak Device Temperature (°C)

Illustrative Charge Curves (Power vs. Time)

The Speed-Heat-Compatibility Trilemma

No charging standard can be the best at everything. Each makes a strategic trade-off between raw speed, thermal management, and universal compatibility. We visualize this as the "Charging Trilemma."

🚀

Max Speed

🌍

Compatibility

❄️

Thermal Efficiency

Xiaomi Hypercharge

SuperVOOC

Qualcomm QC5

USB PD 3.1

Conclusion & Future Outlook

The "best" standard is subjective and depends entirely on your priorities. Here’s our breakdown based on different user needs:

For the Performance Maximalist: If you need a full battery in under 25 minutes and don't mind a proprietary system, Xiaomi Hypercharge is your champion.
For the Longevity-Conscious User: If you prioritize a cool-running phone to maximize battery lifespan, SuperVOOC is an outstanding choice for its heat-offloading architecture.
For the Ecosystem Universalist: If you want one charger for your laptop, phone, and tablet, nothing beats the convenience of USB PD 3.1.
For the Balanced User: If you want a flexible system that offers a great mix of speed, safety, and compatibility, Qualcomm Quick Charge 5 is the well-rounded contender.

The Road to 240W and Beyond

The charging landscape is already moving towards the next milestone: 240W. This power level is significant because it aligns perfectly with the maximum defined by the USB PD 3.1 Extended Power Range specification. This suggests a potential future where even proprietary systems operate within the universal USB-C standard, giving users the best of both worlds: extreme speed and broad compatibility. Reaching this goal for mass-market devices, however, will require breakthroughs in battery chemistry and even more sophisticated cooling technologies to manage the immense heat generated.