A Google engineer says two of the hottest, newest Android phones today, the HTC 10 and LG G5, are not compliant with the USB Type-C specification.
Benson Leung is the same guy who debunked the questionable, non-compliant USB Type-C cables and adapters sold via Amazon. Now, he is back, naming handsets that do not comply with the USB Type-C spec.
In the comment section of his recent post on Google+, Leung explains why he thinks the Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology under the hood of the LG G5 or HTC 10 does not conform to the USB Type-C specification.
"I don't recommend any Qualcomm QC 3.0 USB type-C charger, because any of them that claim to support QC 3.0 on a Type-C port violates the Type-C specification," says Leung. "The Type-C spec specifically forbids proprietary charging methods that try to change Vbus beyond 5V."
In the latter part of the thread, though, he clarifies his earlier comments about LG G5, HTC 10 plus the Type-C spec (Section 4.8.2).
He says that his comments were based on the marketing materials of the two flagship smartphones and the Quick Charge 3.0's description. Leung reiterates he hasn't actually reviewed either of the two phones firsthand and does not plan to do so, nor have the time or techniques to conduct the review.
"So don't follow my collections looking for a review or recommendation on any phone, tablet or laptop," Leung says.
He goes on to say he can't give any recommendations to people who already have these handsets and that he is not in the position to answer queries as to whether particular scenarios pose a risk or are safe, because he does not have these devices.
Qualcomm has also released a statement responding to this matter.
"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 other," it says. "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."
It adds that Qualcomm has not received any reports regarding device malfunction or user experience problems with or without USB Type-C connectors.
