MediaTek charger vs Qualcomm charger - What is the difference?

Last Updated May 25, 2025

Qualcomm chargers typically offer fast charging standards like Quick Charge, ensuring quicker power delivery and compatibility with a wide range of devices, while MediaTek chargers focus on Pump Express technology for efficient charging tailored to MediaTek chipset phones. To understand which charger best suits your device and charging needs, read on for a detailed comparison.

Comparison Table

Feature Qualcomm Charger MediaTek Charger
Charging Technology Quick Charge (QC) series up to QC 5+ Pump Express series, latest Pump Express Plus
Power Output Up to 100W (QC5+ supported devices) Up to 120W (High-end devices)
Compatibility Supports USB Power Delivery, backward compatible with QC versions Supports USB PD and proprietary protocols for optimized charging
Charging Speed Fast charging: ~50% in 15 minutes on supported devices Super Fast charging: ~70% in 20 minutes on supported devices
Voltage Range 3.6V to 20V 5V to 20V
Safety Features Overcurrent, overvoltage, and temperature protection Multi-stage safety checks including thermal and voltage controls
Device Ecosystem Widely used in Snapdragon-powered smartphones Optimized for devices with MediaTek Dimensity chipsets

Introduction: Qualcomm vs MediaTek Chargers

Qualcomm chargers utilize Qualcomm Quick Charge technology, delivering fast and efficient power transfer with adaptive voltage and current adjustments tailored to supported devices. MediaTek chargers feature Pump Express technology, optimizing charging speed by dynamically regulating power based on battery status and temperature. Both technologies emphasize safety protocols and thermal management to protect battery health while reducing overall charging time.

Charging Technologies: Quick Charge vs Pump Express

Qualcomm chargers utilize Quick Charge technology, which rapidly increases voltage and current to power devices faster while maintaining safety through intelligent thermal management. MediaTek chargers employ Pump Express technology, optimizing voltage regulation and current delivery to reduce charging time efficiently. Both technologies enhance charging speed but differ in protocols and compatibility, with Quick Charge widely supported across many devices and Pump Express being more common in MediaTek-powered smartphones.

Power Delivery Standards Compared

Qualcomm chargers support Quick Charge technology with compatibility for USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) 3.0, enabling fast and efficient charging across various devices. MediaTek chargers feature Pump Express, which is optimized for rapid power delivery but lacks the widespread USB-PD 3.0 support found in Qualcomm chargers. Consequently, Qualcomm chargers generally offer broader compatibility and adherence to established Power Delivery standards, ensuring better performance with USB-PD certified devices.

Speed and Efficiency Analysis

Qualcomm chargers, particularly those utilizing Quick Charge technology, provide faster charging speeds by delivering higher power output and intelligently managing heat dissipation, resulting in prompt and efficient energy transfer. MediaTek chargers, equipped with Pump Express technology, optimize charging speed by dynamically adjusting voltage and current but generally offer slightly slower charge times compared to Qualcomm's latest models. Efficiency in Qualcomm chargers often surpasses MediaTek counterparts due to advanced power regulation and broader compatibility with a range of devices, minimizing energy loss during the charging process.

Compatibility with Devices

Qualcomm chargers feature Quick Charge technology, supporting a wide range of devices including many flagship smartphones from Samsung, LG, and Google Pixel, ensuring faster and more efficient charging. MediaTek chargers utilize Pump Express technology, primarily optimized for devices powered by MediaTek chipsets, accelerating charging speeds on compatible devices like Realme and certain Xiaomi models. Compatibility varies widely, with Qualcomm chargers offering broader device support across brands, while MediaTek chargers provide tailored performance for devices integrated with MediaTek processors.

Safety Features and Protections

Qualcomm chargers incorporate advanced safety features such as over-voltage protection, temperature control, and short-circuit prevention, ensuring reliable and secure charging. MediaTek chargers also integrate essential protections like battery health monitoring and overcurrent safeguards but often emphasize energy efficiency and thermal management. Both brands prioritize user safety, with Qualcomm typically excelling in adaptive charging technologies that optimize protection across a wider range of devices.

Energy Consumption and Heat Management

Qualcomm chargers often feature advanced Quick Charge technology that optimizes energy consumption by efficiently regulating power delivery, reducing unnecessary energy loss. MediaTek chargers incorporate Pump Express protocols designed to manage heat generation effectively, ensuring your device remains cooler during rapid charging. Comparing both, Qualcomm prioritizes energy efficiency while MediaTek emphasizes balanced heat management for safer charging experiences.

User Experience and Convenience

Qualcomm chargers often deliver faster and more consistent charging speeds due to their Quick Charge technology, enhancing user convenience by reducing downtime. MediaTek chargers, equipped with Pump Express technology, provide efficient charging with compatibility across various devices, prioritizing user experience through versatility. Both brands emphasize safety features, but Qualcomm's broader ecosystem support tends to integrate smoothly with multiple smartphone models, improving overall user satisfaction.

Market Availability and Pricing

Qualcomm chargers are widely available across global markets due to Qualcomm's strong partnerships with leading smartphone manufacturers and accessory brands. MediaTek chargers tend to be less prevalent and often come bundled with devices from specific budget or mid-range OEMs, affecting their standalone market presence. Pricing for Qualcomm chargers is generally higher, reflecting brand reputation and performance standards, while MediaTek chargers are typically more affordable, targeting cost-conscious consumers.

Conclusion: Which Charger Wins?

Qualcomm chargers generally outperform MediaTek chargers due to their wider adoption of Quick Charge technology, enabling faster and more efficient charging across numerous devices. MediaTek chargers, powered by Pump Express technology, offer competitive speeds primarily in MediaTek-powered devices but lack the universal compatibility of Qualcomm's solutions. For most users seeking rapid, versatile charging, Qualcomm chargers present a more reliable and versatile option.

Qualcomm charger vs MediaTek charger Infographic

MediaTek charger vs Qualcomm charger - What is the difference?


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