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Qualcomm (vaguely) responds to reports of Quick-Charge 3.0 being Type-C non-compliant

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Earlier this week we brought you news that Google engineer, Benson Leung suggested quite strongly that the LG G5 and HTC 10 (and any other device using Quick-Charge technology and a Type-C connector) was technically not compliant with USB Type-C specification. Because of the way Quick-Charge 2.0 and 3.0 delivers the charge, it restricts some of USB Type-C’s functions by taking up the data lines.

While we’re yet to hear any kind of response from LG or HTC, Qualcomm has (sort of) answered the criticism by half suggesting it’s up to manufacturers to choose how they implement the technology, and that there have been no complaints so far from customers.

In a statement to Android Central, Qualcomm gave a fairly vague blanket response and used it to remind us how awesome and popular Quick-Charge is:

Qualcomm Quick Charge is designed to be connector-independent. It can be implemented in a device that supports a variety of connectors, including USB Type-A, USB micro, USB Type-C, and others. When an OEM chooses to implement Quick Charge into their device, they can configure the voltage to fit within the specifications of the USB Type-C standard. We have received no reports of user experience or device malfunction issues with or without USB Type-C connectors. At Qualcomm Technologies, we are continuously working to provide the best solutions for our customers and consumers. Qualcomm Quick Charge is a leading edge fast charging solution with more than 70 devices and 200 accessories supporting one of the two most recent versions of Quick Charge, with even more currently in development.

What’s interesting here is that — although manufacturers can configure the voltage to fit within the Type-C specs — Qualcomm doesn’t attempt to suggest that they actually do comply. What’s more, the company doesn’t jump specifically to the G5 or HTC 10’s defense, and doesn’t suggest those two phones are compliant with Type-C specifications either.

In other words: It’s not our fault, and no one has complained yet, so it must be fine.

On a more serious note, there are now multiple fast-charging technologies out there and not every device maker is using Quick-Charge or Type-C standards. When you’re buying replacement chargers, be sure to get one designed specifically for your device. Amazon has now stopped selling products which don’t meet official Type-C spec, and already sells a lot of certified Quick-Charge 2.0 and Quick-Charge 3.0 adapters.

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