Until someone at a secret lab somewhere comes up with a mobile energy miracle, charging our devices is going to be an everyday chore we can’t live without. Your smartphone, tablet, headphone, earbuds, smart watch or laptop and lately your car comes with batteries in all forms and sizes that store power enough to take you at least one day. The idea is to charge your device as fast as possible to save on time spent waiting until full charge.
There are several fast-charging standards in the wild promising the fastest charging times possible for your devices. Some vendors have their own proprietary standards which they license to other smartphone vendors. For instance Oppo licenses its SuperVOOC flash charge Tech to sister companies OnePlus and Realme. USB Power Delivery is an Open standard mostly adapted by Apple and Google.
Here’s a list of Fast charging technologies;
- Qualcomm Quick Charge
- MediaTek Pump Express
- Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging
- Oppo SuperVOOC Flash Charge, are also known as Dash Charge or Warp Charge on OnePlus devices and Dart Charge on Realme devices
- Huawei SuperCharge
- Anker PowerIQ
- USB Power Delivery
For this article, I am going to mostly dwell on three standards; Anker’s PowerIQ , Qualcomm’s Quick Charge and the USB-IF’s USB Power Delivery .
Anker PowerIQ
Chinese company Anker is arguably the most popular mobile charging brand today and for a good reason; its products are top-notch quality and support a wide range of devices. Anker has developed a proprietary charging technology it calls PowerIQ that’s supported in a myriad of its products; from power banks to wall chargers to car chargers. The latest PowerIQ version is 3.0 announced in 2019 which delivers up to 100W through USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to Lightning connector types.
PowerIQ intelligently detects your device and charging cable and supplies the appropriate Voltage/Current suitable for it. With variable voltage , PowerIQ will deliver the right voltage/current combo appropriate for your device. Anker bills its technology as “Universally-compatible high speed charging technology” because it can charge phones, tablets, laptops devices. Anker’s PowerIQ products support iPhone, Samsung, Nokia, Huawei, Xiaomi, Tecno and virtually any product with Micro USB or USB-C charging ports.

Anker has other products like Car chargers and power banks that support its PowerIQ Technology.
QualcommQuick Charge
Qualcomm , the chipset company that supplies most Android smartphone vendors has a charging standard of its own called Quick Charge or Q.C. The company licenses this technology who in-turn manufacture Quick Charger compliant charging products such as power banks, USB wall chargers, Car chargers, Plugs and so on. Today the Quick Charge standard has evolved from QC 1.0 to the latest QC 5.0 which supposedly delivers an astonishing charging speeds of up to 0-50% in just five minutes.
| Voltage | Current | Max Power | Interface | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Charge 1.0 | 5V | 2A | 10W | USB-A |
| Quick Charge 2.0 | 5V/9V/12V | 1.67A/2A | 18W | USB-A |
| Quick Charge 3.0 | 3.6V – 20V (200mV increments) | 2.5A/4.6A | 18W | USB-A |
| Quick Charge 4.0+ | 5V/9V (USB-PD), 3.6V – 20V (200mV increments) | 3A (USB-PD), 2.5A/4.6A | 27W (USB-PD) | USB-C |
| Quick Charge 5.0 | 5V/9V (USB-PD), 3.3V – 20V (200mV increments) | 3A/5A/>5A | 100W+ | USB-C |
Quick Charge 2.0 and 3.0 are still the most popular QC standards out there. They work through the USB-A interface while QC 4.0 and 5.0 are compatible with USB-PD and work through USB-C port. Some of the brands supported by QC standard include LG, Xiaomi, Nokia, Samsung, Redmi,/Xiaomi .
So which Quick Standard should you use? General rule of thumb is that both your device and charging accessory should match for the best results. If they don’t align, then your device will charge as fast as the weakest point. For instance if you have a QC 3.0 Wall charger, but your phone is compatible with QC 2.0, then your phone will charge at QC 2.0 speeds. If your phone doesn’t support any of the QC standard, then your phone will charge normally (5V/1A or 5V/2A). So check with your smartphone vendor first.

~ qualcomm.com
USB Power Delivery
Power Delivery (P.D) or sometimes referred to as USB PD is yet another charging technology defined by the USB Implementers Forum(USB-IF) , a non-profit corporation founded by the group of companies that developed the Universal Serial Bus(USB) specification. You probably have come to know USB as a data port you use to transfer data between laptop and external hard drive. However, more people are increasing using the same port to charge their phones, headphones, power banks, tablets etc.
USB-PD standard is taking that a notch higher by treating the USB port as a first class power delivery interface delivering as much as power as 100W . The USB-PD standard specifies up to 2 A at 5 V (for a power consumption of up to 10 W), and optionally up to 3 A or 5 A at either 12 V (36 W or 60 W) or 20 V (60 W or 100 W).
Who should use PD?
If you have an iPhone and you want fast charging, then your best bet is USB-PD compatible devices. All you need is a USB-C to lightning cable and you’ll get at least 18W of power. This is a lot better than 5W offered by the stock charger that comes in the box.
If you also have laptops with USB-C port that offers Power Delivery, then you should get a PD charger. The latest Apple’s Macbooks do support Power Delivery upto 65W. Basically Power Delivery charger is the one charger to rule them all; you can use it to charge both your iPhone and Macbook depending on the number of ports it has.
If you’re on the look out for PD wall charger, then Aukey Swift 30W PD 3.0 wall charger is a great option for just $15.
Another option is the Anker Powerport 30W Duo wall charger. It comes with one PD port for fast charging PD-compatible devices and another USB-A port for normal devices.
What fast-charging standard should you go with?
This is a hard question to answer. Most smartphone vendors have their own proprietary technologies which is great. But if you lose the charging brick that came in the box for your phone, then you’ll be out of luck. That’s why an open standard is the best. USB PD is very promising and that’s why Apple devices — iPhone and Macbooks — work well with it. Google is also requiring Android OEMs not to break USB PD compatibility, so we shall see more Android phones with USB-C port support the standard.
So I generally would tend to prefer USB PD but your device of course has to support it. Otherwise, you would be stuck with either your smartphone vendors power brick or go with Anker’s PowerIQ which supports a wide range of products.
Image: Pixabay
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
Type your email…
Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…