As the new Qi EPP specification becomes available in more devices, we answer some of the most common questions to help you understand just what EPP is all about and how it can help you get a better wireless charging experience.
What are BPP and EPP?
BPP (Basic Power Profile) and EPP (Extended Power Profile) are the two major wireless charging specifications included in the Qi wireless charging certification. Products which pass the Qi certification have been tested by the Wireless Power Consortium under either BPP or EPP to ensure they adhere to the specification for safety, reliability, and interoperability.
What's the difference between BPP and EPP?
While there are a number of technical differences between BPP and EPP, the most obvious difference between the two specifications for the end-user is maximum power output. As the name suggests, BPP outputs the lowest level of power at up to 5 W and is the baseline of the Qi specification. EPP is a newer specification and steps up power output to deliver a maximum of 15 W for 'fast-charging' compared to that of BPP. The technical requirements of EPP are also more stringent, meaning that EPP-certified products must meet higher standards of design, quality, and performance.
What is the advantage of EPP?
The key advantage of EPP is faster wireless charging due to higher power output, which results in faster charging times. This is why EPP wireless chargers are often referred to as supporting 'fast-charging'.
Are BPP and EPP products interoperable?
BPP and EPP chargers and receivers (phones and other devices) can be used together, but will only operate at BPP power output. For example, a BPP phone can still use an EPP wireless charging pad (or vice-versa), but the maximum power output will be limited to below 5 W as per the BPP specification.
What determines the amount of power provided to my smartphone using EPP?
In most cases, the limiting factor for power output will be how much power the receiving device can accept. Currently, all major smartphone manufacturers limit the maximum amount of power which the device will accept. Below are the current limits of major manufacturers:
- Apple: 7.5 W
- Sony: 11 W
- Google: 12 W*
- LG: 10 W
- Samsung: 9 W**
*12 W charging for Pixel 5 devices
** Samsung requires that wireless chargers pass the additional Samsung Proprietary Power Delivery Extension (PPDE) certification in order to deliver power above 5 W. EPP chargers not certified under this extension will only charge at BPP wattage when used with Samsung phones.
What do I need to get the full benefit from EPP?
For optimal performance using the EPP specification, both the wireless charger and the receiving device (in most cases, a smartphone) must be Qi-certified for the EPP specification. In addition, the wall adapter used to power the wireless charger should support USB-C Power Delivery (PD) and output at least 18 W (9V/2A). The adapter should be connected to the charger using a USB-C cable which also supports USB-C PD.
Which smartphones support EPP?
Smartphones from a number of major manufacturers including Apple, Samsung, LG, Sony, and Google currently support EPP wireless charging. As the number of supported models is constantly growing, we recommend that you check your phone's compatibility using the Wireless Power Consortium's product database: https://www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com/products
Which Moshi wireless chargers are certified to support EPP?
Moshi's entire Q collection of wireless chargers—including Otto Q, Porto Q, Lounge Q, and Symbus Q—all support EPP, providing up to 15 W of wireless charging output for compatible devices.
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