How fast do we want our phones to realistically charge? With fast charge already the norm, many of us have come to accept that getting a phone from zero to somewhere between 6o to 70% in 30 minutes is about as quick as it can practically get. However, Oppo challenges that with its 240W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge prototype, unveiled during the Mobile World Congress 2022.
This new technology can charge up a 4,500 mAh smartphone battery to 100% in nine minutes, and to 50% in 3.5 minutes. The Chinese company knows how to wow, because it is tantalising to think about the possibility of this technology being made available for the consumer market.
However, it’s important to note that this mind-blowing performance is done on a prototype phone, and for now, there’s no way to know how well it really works on a practical level. 240W charging is not likely to hit the market soon, but Oppo has also announced a 150W charging scheme that is planned for release this year.
This 150W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge technology is about to charge a 4,500 mAh battery from 1% to 50% in five minutes, and to 100% in 15 minutes according to Oppo. It’s definitely a step down from the 250W, but it’s still a blistering speed.
This charging speed won’t destroy the battery thanks to the Battery Health Engine, which includes a customised battery management chip that monitors the battery’s heat and overall health. According to Oppo, “Battery Health Engine is able to keep a battery at 80% of its original capacity after as many as 1,600 charge cycles, effectively doubling the lifespan of batteries under current industrial standards (keep a battery at 80% of its original capacity after as many as 800 charge cycles).”
Assuming that users charge their phones once per day, 1,600 charge cycles will last over four years. Soon, overnight charging will be a thing of the past when we can plug in our phones, go for a shower, and come back to a 100% battery.
Brandon shapeshifts between being a nerd and a geek like Mystique, but with fewer options. He reads an unhealthy amount of comics and manga, while playing a healthy amount of board games and video games.
Trinity Sun
Edwin Teo
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