PPS, PD, QC: What are the differences between fast charging for Samsung and Android smartphones? — LymobileShop Guide 2025

2025 Android smartphones (including the Galaxy S25/S24) benefit from much more efficient fast charging than they did a few years ago. But between USB Power Delivery (PD) , PPS (programmable PD mode), and Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC) , it's easy to get lost. This LymobileShop guide clearly explains the differences, real-world compatibilities, and gives you actionable tips for choosing the right power bank/charger and cable —without making a mistake.

Express panorama: PD, PPS, QC in 5 minutes

USB Power Delivery (PD): the universal standard

USB-C Power Delivery is the open standard driven by the USB-IF. It now covers very wide power ranges: PD revision 3.1 introduces Extended Power Range (EPR) and fixed voltages of 28/36/48 V to reach up to 240 W (via compatible cables). This is the broadest compatibility base on USB-C (smartphones, tablets, laptops, accessories). For a phone, 20–30 W levels are generally sufficient; for a USB-C PC, we will aim for 65–140 W depending on the model.

LymobileShop Key Takeaway: Choose PD by default for maximum compatibility. If you have a recent Galaxy or a lot of high-end Android, aim for PD + PPS .

PPS (Programmable Power Supply): the “intelligent” PD turbo

PPS is a PD option (introduced with PD 3.0) that allows for fine adjustment of voltage and current during charging. Instead of only offering fixed steps (5/9/12/15/20 V), the charger can follow the phone's demand in very fine steps (around 20 mV for voltage), which optimizes speed and limits heating. This is particularly useful on recent Android devices (e.g., Samsung compatible with "Super Fast Charging").

Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC): historic Snapdragon technology

QC 2.0/3.0 popularized fast charging on the Android side, with dynamic steps and voltages. Since QC 4/4+ , Qualcomm has aligned its ecosystem with modern USB-C and USB-PD compatibility , and QC 5 remains backward compatible while aiming for very high power. In practice, for maximum multi-brand compatibility, PD (with PPS) remains the best choice; QC remains relevant if your smartphone and accessories explicitly announce it.

Samsung Super Fast Charging (25W/45W): What You REALLY Need

On recent Galaxy devices (S23/S24/S25, Z Flip/Fold, etc.), Super Fast Charging refers to fast charging based on USB-PD (3.0) with PPS . Two levels are common:

• Super Fast 25W — very common (e.g. S23/S24/S25 standard).
• Super Fast 45W — on “Plus/Ultra” models or certain Folds.

To take advantage of 45W, Samsung recommends a 45W charger + 5A USB-C cable "e-marked" (the 5A cable declares its capacity via an e-marker chip). Without a certified 5A cable, the power can be limited . On the compatibility side, Samsung specifies support for USB-PD 3.0 chargers (and sometimes acceptance of QC 2.0 ), but the royal road for (Super) Fast/"Super Fast" remains PD + PPS .

Signs that everything is OK

• In settings, the Super Fast Charging option is available/active.
• On the lock screen, the status "Super Fast Charging" is displayed when you plug in.
• The block and cable are compliant (45W + USB-C 5A for 45W models).

Other Androids: which compatibility should you prioritize?

The good news: the vast majority of modern Android smartphones support USB-C + Power Delivery . Many also support PPS , which makes charging more stable and often faster (and cooler). Some brands also have proprietary protocols (VOOC/SuperVOOC, Warp/HyperCharge, etc.), but for a universal power bank or charger , PD (and if possible PPS) remains the best choice.

LymobileShop Tip: Check your model's spec sheet. If it doesn't say "PPS," a regular PD charger will still work—it's just that the regulation won't be as precise.

How to choose your power bank and charger at LymobileShop

1) Determine your target wattage

• Daily Galaxy/Android : Aim for 20–30W PD (with PPS if possible). This is perfect for a compact power bank .
• Samsung 45W models : take a PD + PPS ≥45 W power bank and a 5A e-marker USB-C cable .
• Multi-device / tablet : 30–45 W and 10,000–20,000 mAh (≈37–74 Wh).
• Laptop USB-C : 65–100–140 W (PD 3.1 for >100 W) and 20,000–30,000 mAh (≈74–111 Wh).

2) Capacity: mAh vs Wh

For the plane and fair comparisons, reason in Wh (watt-hours): 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh; 26,800 mAh ≈ 99.2 Wh. In urban mobility: 10,000 mAh; weekend/pro: 20,000 mAh; laptop: 26,800–30,000 mAh (especially check the power in W).

3) Think about pass-through and low-current

Two useful functions: pass-through (charging power bank + device simultaneously) and low current mode (headphones/watches). It's "quality of life" comfort on the go.

Cables & security: 60W vs 100/140W vs 240W, e-marker

The cable is as important as the charger/power bank. Remember:

1. 60W (3A) : OK for smartphones/tablets. Ideal for most uses 20–30–45W.
2. 100–140W : Requires a quality 5A cable (often advertised as 100–140W). For Samsung 45W, a 5A e-marker cable is recommended.
3. Up to 240W (PD 3.1/EPR): requires a heavier-duty, certified (e-marker) 5A EPR cable .

Why "e-marker"? Because the cable declares its capacity (5A) to allow the charger to negotiate safely. Without an e-marker, the power will be limited to avoid overcurrents.

PD vs PPS vs QC comparison (summary table)

Standard	Principle	Typical smartphone power	Android Compatibility	When to choose it
USB-PD	Open USB-IF standard; fixed steps (5/9/12/15/20 V, etc.)	20–30 W (already very fast)	Near universal (USB-C)	Multi-brand, future-proof “safe” choice
PPS	PD mode with programmable voltage/current in fine steps (~20 mV)	25–45 W (Samsung SFC) and above	Many recent Androids (including Galaxy compatible SFC)	To optimize speed & heating on recent Android
QC	Qualcomm Technology (QC 4/4+/5 aligned with USB-PD)	Variable (depending on generation)	Large Snapdragon side; depending on implementation	Preferred if your smartphone/charger clearly announces QC; otherwise PD/PPS first

Best practices: speed, heating, longevity

• Avoid overheating : prefer wired PD/PPS charging (more efficient than wireless), place the phone in the open air, remove highly insulating cases.
• For Samsung : enable "Super Fast Charging" in settings when using a compliant PD + PPS charger; for 45W , use a 5A e-marker cable .
• Gaming : Some Samsung options allow PD charging to be paused during gaming to limit heating (the energy feeds the SoC rather than the battery).
• Preserves the battery : avoids systematic 0–100% cycles, keeps the temperature moderate, and favors an adapted power (no need to force watts if the device does not take them).

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Take action with LymobileShop:

• USB-C PD & PPS Powerbanks (10,000–30,000 mAh)
• 25–45–65–100–140 W chargers & 5A USB-C cables e-marker

LymobileShop FAQ

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Need advice on wattage and cable requirements for your exact model? Contact LymobileShop — we'll get back to you quickly with a specific recommendation (power bank + charger + cable).