It's high time we put an end to proprietary charging! As we approach 2026, this outdated system needs to be consigned to the history books.
Let me paint a picture: I recently acquired the OPPO Find X9 Pro, a sleek flagship device, and was eager to experience its fast charging capabilities. However, what followed was a frustrating journey through cables, chargers, and settings menus.
I tried various combinations, from official OPPO chargers to backup cables, but the results were inconsistent. The phone claimed to support 80W charging, yet it struggled to surpass 27W. It was a far cry from the promised speeds.
But here's where it gets controversial... Even with the correct cable, the phone's charging speed fluctuated, leaving users confused and frustrated. The 'ultra-fast charging' banner remained, regardless of the actual charging rate, adding to the confusion.
OPPO's Smart Rapid Charging feature, designed to optimize charging, seemed to have little impact. The settings menu, where this feature was hidden, offered little clarity.
And this is the part most people miss... The real bottleneck was often the cable. I mixed up official OPPO cables with others, and the only way to differentiate was by the color of the connector interiors. Talk about a design flaw!
This experience is not unique. Many users face similar issues, and it's time for a change.
The industry is moving towards universal standards like USB Power Delivery (USB PD) and PPS, which offer genuine fast charging without the proprietary headaches. Xiaomi, for instance, has embraced this, offering 100W charging on its latest devices using standard USB PD PPS.
When comparing real-world charging speeds, the gap between proprietary and USB PD systems is minimal. The OPPO Find X9 Pro, with its SuperVOOC charging, takes around 68 minutes to fully charge, while USB PD PPS achieves a full charge in just 71 minutes - a negligible difference.
So, why are we still dealing with proprietary charging? It's a valid question. The benefits are minimal, and the drawbacks are significant. Users are left confused, with buried settings and incompatible accessories.
It's time for a paradigm shift. Let's embrace universal standards and say goodbye to proprietary charging.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree that proprietary charging has outlived its usefulness? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
