Modified from product pages The two variants that I’ve been testing are the USB-C/C and USB-C/A dual port adapters. Each have a 65W max output, which can be split up when using with laptops and smartphones. The C/C or model PA-B4 has a 45/18W split and the C/A or PA-B3 has a 45/12W split. Both models also use power delivery (PD) to deliver 3x faster charging than normal. That can charge an iPhone 11 from 0 to 55% in just 30 minutes or a full 13" MacBook Pro from 0 to full in 2 hours. Note: Charging speeds will vary when using single/duo modes and if devices are used while charging. Laptops utilize 45W in duo mode and 65W in single mode. Furthermore, Aukey uses an Omnia GaN chip which not only allows for fast device charging and utilization but it keeps these adapters compact and lightweight, unusual for a laptop charger. I’ll discuss more in detail about what differentiates the adapters from the pack and why Aukey is moving in the right direction regarding our charging future.
Aukey Product Information
The Best Features of Aukey’s Innovative Wall Chargers
I was very excited to test out both units to see if they made a difference in charging speeds. I own a Samsung Galaxy S10+ and compared the two adapters to a standard charger and the results were promising. I noticed a slightly faster charging speed using the C/C adapter vs. the C/A one. However, both were a good 45 minutes faster than a basic charger. This is a good start, and as phones keep adapting to a higher wattage, they should charge even faster. Right now there’s a 25W cap for the Note 10/10 Plus on the USB C/A adapter and no fast charging option for the 10/10 Plus on the USB C/C unit, but that’ll change in due time. So now that we’ve gotten the basics out of the way, I want to share Aukey’s vision with you all because they’re doing a great job building for the future.
Top 5 Aukey 65W Adapter Features
Dual USB-C Ports With Duo Mode
Omnia GaN Technology Mixed With Power Delivery
Future-Proof Compatibility
Rapidly Dropping Price Tag
50% Smaller/Lighter Than 61W Apple MacBook Charger
Dual USB-C Ports With Duo Mode
The Aukey PA-B4 model was the first adapter I’ve used that had dual USB-C ports and that’s a big deal. USB-C is the future because it’ll give you much faster transfer rates and charging speeds over USB-A and that goes double when utilizing 2 USB-C ports. Additionally, I like what they did with single/duo mode. Under duo mode I can charge my Lenovo laptop and Samsung Galaxy 10+ simultaneously without sacrificing a lot of power. The slightly higher output on the C/C adapter (45/18W) was preferable in my case but both adapters deliver.
Omnia GaN Technology Mixed With Power Delivery
The chipsets used in these adapters is something special when coordinated with other breakthrough technologies. The Omnia chip doubles down with GaN technology and PD for a premium charging experience. It’s why you can max out at 65W when using a single port and split the power source when needed; Aukey calls this dynamic detect and it’s terrific. I should’ve mentioned that the adapters have PD 3.0, which funnels these fast output speeds and enables broad device compatibility.
Future-Proof Compatibility
Given each adapter has a built-in USB-C port and embedded Omnia GaN power chip, it’s fair to say that they’re pretty future-proof. And Apple users will love that these adapters are fast-charge capable with iPhones 8 and up just as long as you use an Apple certified USB-C to lightning cable. Note: Aukey offers multiple cable varieties (USB-C to C and C to Lightning) and they’re sold separately from the adapters. By the way, it’s not just phones and a MacBook 13" Pro that can be charged. Literally any USB-C device can be brought aboard. This includes things like the Google Pixel 4, AirPods Pro, Nintendo Switch, iPad Pro 10.5-12.9", MacBook Air, and 13" HP & Dell XPS laptops. So pretty much any device you’ve purchased in the last two years plus any future device for the next decade or more will be compatible, so don’t sweat it.
Rapidly Dropping Price Tag
I’d be happy to include the current price (March 2020) of the adapters, keeping in mind that it will drop precipitously over the coming year or so. Currently the USB-C/A variant is under $50 and the C/C unit is $55. However, that won’t last long. As more and more devices adapt to Aukey’s standard, you’ll see a big price reduction. They may seem expensive now but I wouldn’t be shocked if they were half that price by next year; it’s the beauty of rapidly evolving technologies.
50% Smaller/Lighter Than 61W Apple MacBook Charger
So I’ve been going on and on about this brilliant GaNFast technology without discussing why it’s so important. GaN or gallium nitride is the reason why a 65W adapter is half the size of a 61W MacBook Charger, not to mention the plugs are also foldable. With GaN you’re getting a 100x more efficient chip than one made using silicon semiconductors and subsequently at least 3x faster charging speeds too. Adapters are poised to get smaller as well even those used with the most powerful gaming laptops, so Aukey hopped on this trend at the right time.
Aukey 65W Dual Port USB-C Adapters: Final Review
So after trying out the 65W adapters, I only have one question. Which one should you buy? Easy…if you’re only using USB-C devices, then I’d go with the PA-B4 model or the Aukey Dual Port USB-C adapter. If you have a mix of USB-A (rectangular port) and C devices, then go with the PA-B3 or Dual Port USB-C and A adapter. The duo output on the C/C variant is slightly higher at 45/18W vs. 45/12W but either can be used with laptops/smartphones or in single mode at 65W. I’d grade both Aukey 65 Dual Port USB-C and C/A Adapters 4.75 out of 5 stars. The only negative caveat is that not every device is fast charge compatible like the Note 10/10 Plus with the C/C adapter. For some products, it’s best to use the charger they came with. Other than that I have no other quandaries with Aukey’s wall chargers. They’re future-proof, minimalistic, innovative, and set an exciting precedent for the future. If you’re looking for an all-purpose adapter that can simultaneously fast charge your phone/laptop and fit in your pocket then Aukey’s 65W Dual Port USB-C/C and USB-C/A Foldable Wall Chargers will suffice nicely.