PPS vs AVS: What's the Difference and Which Charger Do You Need?

What is PPS and how does it work?

PPS stands for Programmable Power Supply. This technology allows your smartphone to tell the charger precisely what voltage and current limit it needs during charging.

Think of adjusting the temperature of your shower. Instead of choosing between cold, warm, and hot, you can fine-tune the temperature to get it just right. PPS works in a similar way, but with electricity.

PPS can adjust the voltage in steps as small as 0.02 volts. This allows your smartphone to closely match the power supply to its battery's needs.

This can help reduce heat, minimize energy loss, and enable faster charging on compatible devices.

PPS is used by various Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel smartphones.

What is AVS and how does it work?

AVS stands for Adjustable Voltage Supply. This technology allows a USB-C charger to adjust its output voltage based on the power requirements of the connected device.

When you connect a device, the charger and device communicate to determine the appropriate voltage. The device can then request a specific voltage within the range supported by the charger.

This means the charger isn't limited to fixed voltage levels. It can help deliver power more efficiently and reduce unnecessary heat generation.

AVS is part of USB Power Delivery and is used by devices that support this charging technology.

PPS vs AVS: What are the main differences?

Although both technologies adjust the voltage, they work in different ways.

The main difference is that PPS adjusts voltage in very small steps and can also precisely control the current limit. AVS adjusts voltage in slightly larger steps and supports higher voltage levels.

Is AVS better than PPS? Not necessarily. It's not about which technology is better, but which one your device supports.

For example, a charger with AVS won't automatically charge a Samsung smartphone faster if that phone uses PPS.

Why choose a charger with PPS or AVS?

Both technologies help charge your devices more intelligently and efficiently. Here are the main benefits:

• Precise power delivery: Adjusts voltage to match your device's needs.

• Less heat: Helps reduce unnecessary energy loss and heat during charging.

• Sustained fast charging: Can help maintain efficient fast charging throughout the charging process.

• Future-ready: Supports advanced USB-C charging technologies increasingly used in newer devices.

These benefits apply to both PPS and AVS, as long as your device supports the relevant technology.

Which smartphones use PPS or AVS?

Not every smartphone uses the same charging technology. Here are some examples from Apple, Samsung, and Google.

Why AVS matters for the latest iPhones

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max show why AVS is becoming increasingly relevant. According to the supplied specifications, these models can charge up to 50% in around 15 minutes with a compatible AVS charger rated at 60W or higher.

This highlights why charging technology matters just as much as wattage when choosing a charger.

Which Zens USB-C chargers support PPS or AVS?

When choosing a USB-C charger, it's important to look beyond wattage. Support for PPS and AVS also determines which fast charging features you can use.

Zens offers several USB-C chargers with different charging capabilities.

The 70W and 100W versions of the Compact USB-C Power Adapter (EU) support both PPS and AVS, making them versatile choices for charging different devices.

Conclusion: Choose the right charging technology for your device

PPS and AVS share the same goal: charging your devices efficiently by adjusting the voltage to match their needs.

Which technology you need depends on your device. PPS is important for fast charging on many Samsung and Google smartphones, while AVS is relevant for devices that specifically support it.

Want to charge different devices without constantly switching adapters? A USB-C charger that supports both PPS and AVS can be a smart choice.