Techniques are described herein for detecting one of multiple (e.g., at least three) charger types that may be connected to a portable device. In response to detecting a charging device (e.g., a charger) of a particular charger type, the portable device is configured to charge its battery by drawing the maximum voltage and/or current that is/are allowed by the particular charger type. In an example embodiment, a portable device detects a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection to a charging device and determines whether the charging device conforms to a first, second, or third charger type based on voltages on data lines of the USB connection. The portable device then charges its battery at maximum charging power available from the charging device according to the third charger type.