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Like the Galaxy S7, Sony’s Xperia X and X Performance have no Quick-Charge 3.0 support despite compatible processors

A couple of days back, it came to light that Samsung had opted not to include Qualcomm’s latest fast-charging technology in the Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge. This decision was made despite the fact that US, China and Japan’s models are equipped with the Snapdragon 820 processor, which we know is capable of supporting Quick-Charge 3.0. Sony, likewise it seems, has opted not to include Quick Charge 3.0 support in any of its new Xperia X phones.

In a Qualcomm blog post, the chip-maker reveals that both the Xperia X and Xperia X Performance are equipped with Quick-Charge 2.0 support. In reference to the Xperia X and X Performance, Qualcomm states the following:

Both devices feature a curved glass display within a rounded frame for a comfortable fit in your palm. The Xperia X and Xperia X Performance also incorporate Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 fast charging technology and Sony’s Smart Battery Management feature, for up to 5.5 hours of power in just 10 minutes of charging, and a charge that can last up to two days.

It’s worth noting that the Xperia X and X Performance host different processors. The Xperia X uses the powerful mid-range Snapdragon 650 processor, while the X Performance has the Snapdragon 820. What’s a little unusual here is that — like the Snapdragon 820 — Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 650 also supports both Quick-Charge 2.0 and Quick-Charge 3.0. Checking up on its official spec sheet reveals as much. That means it doesn’t have the excuse that its less powerful model didn’t support it, and so it decided to hamstring the Xperia X Performance to give the same charging experience. Both processors can support QC 3.0.

Unlike Samsung, Sony isn’t trying to promote its own fast wireless charging technology. Also unlike Samsung, it’s selling the same versions in all regions. It’s not like it has its own home-made chipset in specific markets which can’t physically support Quick-Charge 3.0. With Sammy, we could at least argue that having an Exynos-powered version in some markets meant no QC 3.0 support for anyone, so that all customers had the same experience.

While frustrating, Samsung’s decision perhaps had at least a little logic behind it. I don’t see that same logic in Sony’s decision. Unless there’s a hardware restriction we’re unaware of, or Qualcomm’s blog post contains an unlikely typographical error, the decision to not include Quick-Charge 3.0 support in the Xperia X and X Performance is genuinely baffling. But then again, its decision to ditch the Xperia Z range in favor of the Xperia X family is equally confusing.

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