What is the difference between PD3.0 and QC3.0?

This page clearly explains the difference between QC (Quick Charge) 3.0 and PD3.0 in AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount.

PD3.0 vs QC3.0

The terms PD3.0 and QC3.0, often seen at electronics retailers, both refer to fast-charging standards for smartphones and tablets. But this raises the question: what is the difference between them?

You may also frequently see some products supporting PD3.0, while others only support QC3.0.

Which standard offers faster charging?

This depends on the device, so it is difficult to determine which is faster overall. The charging speed of a smartphone is influenced by the capabilities of the phone itself.

Differences between PD3.0 and QC3.0 for Android phones

For Android devices that support both PD3.0 and QC3.0, QC3.0 is generally considered faster. This is due to INOV (Intelligent Negotiation for Optimum Voltage) technology. The PD charging standard may not always provide the exact wattage or voltage required by a specific device. In such cases, the default is the minimum power level. QC3.0, however, guarantees the best voltage through INOV technology.

iPhones are unrelated to QC

Apple smartphones work a bit differently from Android (including Google Pixel). These phones support only PD3.0 and are based on a different technology than QC.

Summary

When considering the advantages of PD3.0 and QC3.0 from a charging perspective, PD3.0 is ideal for laptops and peripherals that require higher wattage. It supports up to 100W and can efficiently charge even while the device is in use (depending on whether the device supports 100W charging).

QC3.0 is particularly suited for charging Android smartphones. It provides the optimal voltage for devices, allowing battery performance to be maximized.

Unifive is currently developing a foldable USB AC adapter that features both PD and QC compatible ports. With this, optimal power delivery is possible for a wide range of devices.