Source: RAVPower
RAVPower PD Pioneer 61W – RAVPower’s newest GaN charger
This is a product analysis, not a review. I do not have this product in hand (yet) to do a full review. The information presented here is based on specs and details offered by RAVPower.
RAVPower has announced their second GaN tech USB-C charger, the RAVPower PD Pioneer 61W. It is a single port charger. It’ll retail for $10 less than Apple’s 61W USB-C power adapter. While providing the same performance in a much smaller package.
Tech Specs:
- Model: RP-PC112
- Output: 61W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3A, 20.3V/3A)
- Input: 100V-240V, 1.5A, 50/60Hz (works worldwide with plug adapter)
- Size: 1.9 x 1.9 x 1.1 inches | 50 x 50 x 30 mm
- Weight: 2.4 oz | 70 grams
Features:
- GaN (gallium nitride), allows for more efficient chargers with in turn allows for size reduction
- Plugs fold (US model)
- Available in black, white model coming later
Price:
- $59.99 MSRP
- $43.99 pre-sale discount
- No cable included
What Is It Good For?
RAVPower’s marketing is aiming for the MacBook Pro crowd. They compare their charger to Apple’s 61W USB-C power adapter. It has the same output specs, in a much smaller package. Cheaper, too.
As a 60W charger it can support USB Power Delivery devices, including many laptops.
- iPhone 8/X series
- Google Pixel series
- Other Android phones supporting USB PD
- iPad Pro
- Power banks
- Nintendo Switch (handheld & docked)
-
12-inch laptop
-
13-inch/14-inch laptop
-
15-inch laptop (under normal/light work loads)
There’s no Quick Charge or other major fast charging standard support.
How It Compares To Other Chargers
The size and weight are a nice reduction from more standard 60W USB-C PD chargers.
| RAVPower PD Pioneer 61W | Anker PowerPort Atom PD 1 | Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter | Innergie 60C | RAVPower Super-C 61W 2 Port | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ports | USB-C x1 | USB-C x1 | USB-C x1 | USB-C x1 | USB-C x1 USB-A x1 |
| Output | 60W | 30W | 61W | 60W | USB-C: 60W solo, 45W dual USB-A: 12W |
| Size | 1.9 x 1.9 x 1.1 in | 1.8 x 1.6 x 1.5 in | 2.9 x 2.9 x 1.1 in | 2.4 x 1.2 x 1.2 in | 2.6 x 2.6 x 1.2 in |
| Weight | 2.4 oz | 1.9 oz | 6.8 oz | 4 oz | 5.3 oz |
| Price | No products found. | $14.99 | $69 | $28.00 | No products found. |
RAVPower’s 61W charger has more volume, but less weight than the Innergie 60C. And it makes Anker’s Atom PD 1 at half the output seem too big.
I also wanted to note the RAVPower Super-C 61W 2 Port. It isn’t listed as a GaN charger, but it has the same USB-C output with a USB-A port added on. It is bigger and heavier, which you expect with the extra port. But it costs less while offering the same performance. At least, so long as the USB-A port isn’t also in use.
You should note the price is reflective of the new GaN tech, which costs more. You could get a similarly performing 60W USB-C PD charger for half the cost. Some with a USB-C cable included. But those are bigger and heavier chargers. If reducing weight is a priority for you then it could be worth the cost.
Pre-Sale
RAVPower is offering a pre-sale discount for this new charger. Buy between now and mid June for a 26% discount. Offer is only available at RAVPower.com.
The new charger is expected to ship in mid June 2019.