In the rapidly changing smartphone market, Android manufacturers have been emphasizing charging speed as a key feature to differentiate their products. To stay competitive, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are constantly pushing the limits of fast-charging technology. However, Android’s current method of displaying charging speeds has led to confusion among users.
Presently, any charger providing 7.5W or higher is labeled as “fast” by Android. This broad classification encompasses various charging speeds, making it challenging for users to distinguish between standard and high-power chargers. This lack of clarity can result in unrealistic expectations regarding the device’s charging speed.
To address this issue, Google plans to raise the “fast” charging threshold from 7.5W to 20W in the upcoming Android 15 update. This adjustment aims to offer users a more precise understanding of charging speeds and assist them in selecting suitable chargers.
The shift to a higher fast charging threshold is expected to have a more noticeable impact on users of high-end smartphones, such as the Google Pixel 8, which supports charging speeds of up to 30W. These users will be better able to identify chargers that can genuinely deliver fast charging.
It’s important to note that this change does not mean Android devices will charge faster. The charging speed will still depend on the charger and the device’s supported charging speed, which may vary among OEMs.
While this modification is not yet fully implemented in the latest Android 15 beta, it is anticipated to be integrated into a future release. This update intends to enhance the accuracy of Android’s charging speed indicator, enabling users to make more informed decisions about charging their devices.
