The modern smartphone landscape is replete with a plethora of fast charging standards, both proprietary and universal. Among them, OPPO's VOOC and SuperVOOC charging systems stand out not just as another manufacturer-specific offering, but as pioneers that have significantly impacted the evolution of fast charging technology. The reach of OPPO's SuperVOOC standard extends beyond its own devices, with several prominent smartphone brands, including OnePlus, embracing this innovative charging solution. This article delves into the intricacies of OPPO's SuperVOOC standard, exploring its technical underpinnings, evolution, and competitive stance within the fast charging ecosystem.
Understanding VOOC: Beyond the Acronym
VOOC, an acronym for Voltage Open Loop Multi-step Constant-Current Charging, made its debut in 2014, with a subsequent revision in 2015. This standard operated at 5V and 4A, equating to a power output of 20W. Although seemingly modest by today's standards, VOOC outperformed contemporaries such as Quick Charge 2.0, which offered a maximum of 15W. A pivotal distinction of VOOC was its relentless power delivery irrespective of the device's operational state. OPPO achieved this feat by relocating a significant portion of the heat-generating charging circuitry from the smartphone to the adapter, ensuring consistent power delivery.
However, the uniqueness of VOOC extended beyond this technical aspect. Unlike many other standards that prioritize voltage enhancement, OPPO opted for augmenting charging current, necessitating a sturdier cable. Consequently, VOOC mandated proprietary adapters and cables, facilitating its distinctive fast charging method.
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| Image: Chargerlab |
Synergy Among Brands: A Unified Standard
OPPO's parent company, BBK Electronics, boasts an impressive portfolio of smartphone brands including OnePlus, realme, vivo, and Iqoo. While these brands exhibit distinct identities with technologies such as Warp Charge and Dart Charge, they share the same fundamental charging standards. SuperVOOC, for instance, found its way into these brands' offerings, allowing cross-compatibility. The versatility of SuperVOOC chargers and cables is underscored by the possibility of using them interchangeably among these brands' devices.
Evolution of VOOC: A Steady Progression
VOOC's trajectory has been marked by successive advancements. VOOC 3.0 (2019) and VOOC 4.0 (2020) represented incremental improvements by elevating the maximum charging current from 5A to 6A. OnePlus, having licensed OPPO's VOOC standard under the moniker Dash Charge, aligned its fast charging technologies with VOOC, exemplified by the OnePlus 3's 5V and 5A configuration. This trend continued until OnePlus' Warp Charge 30, which essentially incorporated licensed VOOC 3.0 technology.
The advent of SuperVOOC introduced a pivotal innovation – a split battery system. This modification, wherein power is distributed across two cells connected in series, doubled the charging power and halved the full charging time. The trade-off was a reduction in battery capacity, but this trade-off birthed SuperVOOC as a defining feature of the standard. The initial SuperVOOC release operated at 10V/5A (50W), with subsequent versions like SuperVOOC 2.0 increasing the output to 10V/6.5A (65W).
The ultimate culmination of SuperVOOC's development was witnessed with the release of the OnePlus 8T, adopting SuperVOOC 2.0 as Warp Charge 65. This remarkable feat set the stage for even more astounding achievements, with devices breaching the 100W and 200W thresholds. Notably, the OnePlus 11 stands as a testament to this progression, sporting a 100W adapter capable of fully charging the device within 30 minutes.
SuperVOOC: A Comprehensive Device Spectrum
OPPO's SuperVOOC has woven itself into the fabric of the company's smartphone lineup, extending across multiple tiers. Mid-range offerings, exemplified by the OPPO K10, embrace 33W SuperVOOC charging, delivering a full charge within approximately 65 minutes. Premium mid-range models like the Reno series elevate the experience further with 80W SuperVOOC charging, culminating in a half-hour charge time. Flagship devices, including the Find X5 Pro, amplify charging prowess with support for up to 80 watts of power.
Furthermore, OnePlus joined OPPO in adopting SuperVOOC branding for its OnePlus 10 series. The pinnacle of SuperVOOC's impact was realized with the launch of the Realme GT Neo 5, becoming the world's fastest-charging cell phone, boasting a remarkable 0-100 charge time of just nine and a half minutes.
SuperVOOC vs. USB Power Delivery: A Clash of Universality and Performance
SuperVOOC's distinctiveness is a double-edged sword. While it boasts exceptional charging capabilities, its incompatibility with non-OPPO ecosystems creates limitations. Pairing a VOOC charger with a Google, Motorola, or Samsung device results in significantly diminished charging speeds. This stands in contrast to the universal compatibility offered by standards like USB Power Delivery (USB PD).
OPPO and OnePlus devices utilizing SuperVOOC exhibit restricted charging potential when interfacing with other charging standards. USB PD's openness and capability to deliver up to 65W contrast with the limited 18W or 27W these devices can draw. Consequently, SuperVOOC's exclusivity within select brands curtails its potential to serve as a universal charging solution.
Conclusion
OPPO's SuperVOOC standard emerges as a pioneering force within the realm of fast charging technologies. Its evolution from VOOC to SuperVOOC, characterized by relentless innovation and performance enhancement, exemplifies the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of charging capabilities. While SuperVOOC's exclusivity curbs its universal appeal, its influence remains profound within its domain. As the smartphone industry hurtles toward ever-more-rapid charging, OPPO's SuperVOOC stands as a testament to the marriage of technological ingenuity and consumer demand.
