The Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and the Galaxy S20 Ultra have become the first smartphones in the world to receive the USB fast-charge certification from USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum). This certification means that the three phones support both USB Power Delivery 3.0 and PPS (Programmable Power Supply) specifications.
The USB fast-charge certification means that the phones will remain safe (in terms of power and temperature) while being fast-charged via a similarly certified charger. PPS is a part of USB PD 3.0 spec, and it makes sure that the charger and the device communicate with each other to support dynamic voltage levels for more efficient power and thermal management.
Samsung started supporting USB PD 3.0 and PPS protocols with the Galaxy Note 10+. The phone supports both 25W and 45W fast charging modes, just like the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Hopefully, the Galaxy Note 10 and the Galaxy Note 10+ will receive the USB fast-charge certification shortly.
Right now, only the company’s own fast chargers support 45W charging on the Galaxy Note 10+ and the Galaxy S20 Ultra, and it is hard to find third-party chargers that can go as high as 45W and support USB PD 3.0 and PPS protocols. Samsung has also launched a car charger that supports 45W fast charging.
Last year, Samsung released its USB-C Power Delivery controller chips, with one of them going as high as 100W of power and support USB PD 3.0 specifications. Other brands may use the South Korean electronics giant’s chips to make chargers that are compatible with not only the Galaxy S20 Ultra and the Galaxy Note 10+, but also smartphones, tablets, and even laptops from other brands.
