Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. AUKEY provided the product in this review.

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[wpcd_coupon id=9594]

Model: PA-B3

Tech Specs:

• Ports: USB-C, USB-A
• USB-C Output:
  • 65W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3.25A)
  • Drops to 45W USB-C PD when USB-A port is also in use
• USB-A Output:
  • 12W USB (5V/2.4A)
  • Apple 2.4A
• Input: 100V–240V, 1.5A, 50/60Hz
• Size: 2 x 2 x 1.2 inches | 52 x 52 x 30 mm
• Weight: 3.6 oz | 100 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

• AUKEY PA-B3 Omnia Mix 65W Dual-Port PD

Good For:

• Additional charger for home or work
• Travel
• iPhone
• Android
• Power banks
• Nintendo Switch (handheld & docked)
• iPad Pro
• 12-inch laptop
• 13-inch/14-inch laptop

First Impression

The AUKEY PA-B3 Omnia Mix 65W Dual-Port PD leverages GaN tech to offer a high output USB-C, with a USB-A port added on. It is more similar in size to a 30W charger. And much smaller than any charger included with a mid-size laptop. It is even lighter than some other multi-port chargers with lower outputs.

It and the AUKEY PA-B4 were both featured at CES 2020. They won a few Best In Show awards from various tech news sites.

The USB ports have orange highlights on the inside. And a small, white LED indicates when the charger has power. Enough to be visible across a darkened room. But not enough to actually shine a light and keep you awake.

 

Compared To Similar Chargers

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-04-25.

 

You can see more USB-C chargers here.

Device Testing

Check with your device’s manufacturer to verify which charging standards it supports.

USB Power Delivery & Quick Charge 4+ Phones

• Apple iPhone 8/X/XR/XS
• Essential Phone
• Google Pixel
• LG ThinQ/V30
• Razer
• Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9
• Xiaomi Mi 8/9
• ZTE Axon Pro 9/10

 

Using an iPhone 8 for testing we find USB PD phones will fast charge over the USB-C port. iPhones will need to use a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included. And Android phones will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, also not included.

For iPhones, the USB-A port supports Apple 2.4A. An older, but still functional fast-charging standard. Older iPhones (4-7) can fast charge using USB-A. Newer iPhones will charge ~15 minutes faster using USB-C.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

• HTC
• LG
• Motorola
• Nokia
• Samsung Galaxy
• Sony
• Xiaomi Mi 5/6
• ZTE

 

Using a Moto G6 for testing we get normal charging rates. As no Quick Charge or compatible fast charging, the standard is supported that’s as fast as it goes. The USB-C port performed better. The Moto drew 13W from it, compared to 10W from the USB-A port.

Nintendo Switch

 

Works well for all model Nintendo Switch in handheld/tabletop mode.

• Nintendo Switch (original) – Charges at its max rate while playing and sleeping.
• Nintendo Switch (2019 update) – Charges at its max rate while playing and sleeping.
• Nintendo Switch Lite – Charges at its max rate while playing and sleeping.

It also supports the Switch’s dock. Providing enough power for video output to your TV. But be wary of doing so if you plan to also use the USB-A port. The charger can support the dock with or without the USB-A port in use. But each time you plug or unplug a device from the USB-A it resets the charger. This will interrupt power, and the Switch will slip out of TV mode.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

USB-C Laptops

 

Using a 13-inch MacBook Pro for testing we can draw up to 55W from this charger with USB-C alone. And up to 40.5W in dual-port mode. Both are expected, after accounting for efficiency loss.

Different model laptops have different power demands. But in general, a 65W charger can support up to 13-inch/14-inch laptops under any condition. It can also support a 15-inch laptop under light use. Or charge it while sleeping.

For laptops that support 65W or greater power draw, you’ll need to use the right type of USB-C cable. To get that extra 5W out of this charger.

USB-C Cable with 5A/100W Support

Most USB-C cables are only rated for 3A current. Limiting them to 60W power throughput. When a charger offering more than 20V/3A (65-100W) connects it checks the cable for an eMarker. The eMarker tells the charger about the cable’s capabilities. Such as increased power throughput. If it doesn’t detect an eMarker, then the charger assumes the cable is only rated for 3A current. In this case, the charger will then only offer up to 60W.

So if you connect almost any USB-C cable you already have to this charger it’ll limit itself to 60W. That’s fine if your device only draws 60W or less. But if you want the full 65W you’ll need to use a cable rated for 5A/100W. If you don’t know that you already own one then best to buy one. And then mark it with colored tape or by some other means. So you know it should remain paired with its charger.

GaN (gallium nitride)

GaN (gallium nitride) is a replacement for traditional silicon. It can sustain higher voltages than silicon and offers less resistance to the current. That makes it more efficient (10-25%) and able to handle more heat. In 2014 GaN performed the same as silicon 3-5 times larger. The most recent leap (2017) reduced the size of GaN transistors to half their previous size.

GaN is not new. It is in the laser diodes of Blu-ray players. And the transistors in various wireless infrastructure. In 2018 we started to see USB-C chargers with GaN hit the market. Since then many brands have released GaN chargers. With more on the way.

There isn’t an output advantage for GaN chargers. A 65W GaN charger charges as fast as a 65W silicon charger. And both heat up to similar temperatures. The difference is the GaN charger is smaller and lighter. While matching the silicon charger’s performance.

Costs continue to drop, but GaN is still more expensive than silicon. As such GaN chargers are usually priced at the high end of their peers. As with many things getting the smallest and lighter version costs a bit more.

Summary

The AUKEY PA-B3 Omnia Mix 65W Dual-Port PD works great as a 60W or 65W USB-C PD charger. Depending on your USB-C cable and device’s needs. It is smaller and lighter than many other single port options. Its USB-A port gives you the option to fast charge an iPhone. Or normal charge most any other phone or small device. But at a cost of reducing the output from the USB-C port. And interrupting power to a docked Nintendo Switch.

For phones, it fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. And any others which support USD PD. It’ll also fast charge new and old iPhones on the USB-A port.

For the Nintendo Switch, it charges in handheld mode as fast as any other option. Whether USB-A is in use or not. It can power a docked Switch. But stop using the USB-A port when doing so.

In single-port mode, it supports a 13-inch MacBook Pro and similar size PC laptops. And will work with a 15-inch MacBook Pro under office use conditions. In dual-port mode, it offers less power. Still enough to keep a 13-inch laptop running until normal conditions. But it’ll struggle more if you’re pushing the system. Or are using a larger laptop.

If you want the full 65W output you’ll need to buy a USB-C cable that supports 5A/100W. They aren’t much more expensive. But you need to verify that spec, as it isn’t typical.

This is a good single charger solution for typical office use, mid-size laptop, and phone. Or as a dedicated charger for a laptop needing all 65W. With the option of a USB-A port as needed.

About AUKEY

AUKEY has U.S. based support (web and email) and a 24-month warranty. You must have purchased the product either from them or through Amazon for support.

Bottom Line

The AUKEY PA-B3 Omnia Mix 65W Dual-Port PD garnered a lot of attention at CES 2020. As part of their new like of compact, but higher than normal USB-C PD chargers. It performs well with USB-C devices up to a mid-size laptop. While offering a USB-A port to keep your older devices charged up, too.

Buy if you:

• Need a 60-65W charger for your laptop, with the option to occasionally charge smaller devices via USB-A; or…
• Need a 45W charger for your laptop, while also fast charging an iPhone
• Want one of the smallest 65W chargers on the market

Don’t buy if you:

• Want Quick Charge support for your phone
• Need a single charger for all-day power of both a 15-inch laptop and a phone

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Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.

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