It's high time we bid farewell to proprietary charging, a relic of the past that has overstayed its welcome. As we approach 2026, this outdated system is causing more headaches than ever, especially for those of us with multiple devices. My recent experience with the OPPO Find X9 Pro is a perfect example of why it's time for a change.
Imagine my frustration when I couldn't get my brand new flagship to fast-charge as expected. I tried various chargers and cables, including an official 80W OPPO SuperVOOC plug, but the phone stubbornly refused to charge beyond 22-27W. It was like trying to solve a complex puzzle with missing pieces.
The issue? It turned out to be the bundled USB-A to USB-C cable, the only one that worked. But here's the kicker: it displayed the same "ultra-fast charging" banner regardless of the actual charging speed, leaving users in the dark about their device's true potential.
OPPO's Smart Rapid Charging setting, buried deep within the settings menu, hinted at the need for a "genuine power adapter and cable" for fast charging. However, this toggle seemed to have little effect on the peak power, adding to the confusion.
To make matters worse, there's no easy way to distinguish between official and third-party cables. In my case, the working cable had white connector interiors, while others had orange or black interiors. It's a small detail that could easily be overlooked.
So, why are we still dealing with this proprietary mess? The industry seems to be moving towards universal standards like USB Power Delivery (USB PD) and its variants, offering faster and more compatible charging. Xiaomi, for instance, has demonstrated this with its recent models, supporting 60W and even 100W charging over USB PD PPS, using power bricks compatible with laptops and tablets.
When we look at real-world charging behavior, the gap between proprietary and USB PD charging narrows even further. The OPPO Find X9 Pro, with its SuperVOOC charging, spends most of its time at a modest 28W, resulting in a 68-minute charge time. In contrast, USB PD PPS charging delivers an average of 27W, achieving a full charge in just 71 minutes - virtually the same time.
It's clear that USB PD, with any cable, is a faster and more reliable option than proprietary charging with the wrong cable. Yet, companies persist in their proprietary standards, not for technological superiority, but for branding and ecosystem control.
The benefits simply don't justify the hassle. A few minutes saved on charging time isn't worth the cable confusion, hidden settings, and accessory incompatibility. It's time to embrace the future and say goodbye to proprietary charging. Let's make charging a seamless and hassle-free experience for all.
What's your take on this? Do you think it's time to move away from proprietary charging standards? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
