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

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Model: PA-B4

Tech Specs:

• Ports: USB-C x2
• Top Port Output:
  • Single Port Mode: 65W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3.25A)
  • Dual Port Mode: 45W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/2.25A)
• Bottom Port Output: 18W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A)
• Input: 100V–240V, 1.5A, 50/60Hz
• Size: 2 x 2 x 1.2 inches | 52 x 52 x 30 mm
• Weight: 3.7 oz | 104 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

• AUKEY PA-B4 Omnia Duo 65W Dual-Port PD

Good For:

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

First Impression

The AUKEY PA-B4 Omnia Duo 65W Dual-Port PD is closer in size and weight to a 30W USB-C PD charger than a 60-65W. Thanks to its use of GaN tech, which allows for smaller sizes without increase heat. Compare it to your laptop’s included 60-65W charger and you’ll immediately see one as a brick. And the other as a travel-friendly charger.

It and the AUKEY PA-B3 were both featured at CES 2020. They won a few Best In Show awards from various tech news sites.

The USB-C 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 2024-11-23.

 

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.

Either USB-C port will offer the same charge rate to a phone. In most cases, you’ll want to keep to the bottom port. Leaving the top port available for your larger, more power-hungry devices.

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 Moto drew 12W, which is better than the average 9-10W I see with other non-QC chargers.

Either USB-C port will offer the same charge rate to a phone. In most cases, you’ll want to keep to the bottom port. Leaving the top port available for your larger, more power-hungry devices.

Nintendo Switch

 

Works well for all model Nintendo Switch in handheld/tabletop mode. Though how well depends on which model Switch and USB-C port you use.

• Nintendo Switch (original) – The top port charges at its max rate while playing and sleeping. With the bottom port, it underdraws, typical with 12V output. Either will charge while you play. But the bottom port is ~6W slower.
• Nintendo Switch (2019 update) – Charges at its max rate while playing and sleeping with either port.
• Nintendo Switch Lite – Charges at its max rate while playing and sleeping with either port.

The top port 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 use both USB-C ports. When the bottom port is connected (or disconnected) 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. When using the top port alone. With the bottom port also in use that drops to 41W. 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. And a 45W charger can support 12-inch, 13-inch, and 14-inch laptops. It can power a larger laptop in a pinch. It will charge while sleeping. But may only extend runtime if used while the larger laptop is active.

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-B4 Omnia Duo 65W Dual-Port PD can work as two chargers in one. The first, offering 60-65W output for laptops and other large devices. Provided you only use the top USB-C port. The second, as a dual charger. Able to fast charge with up to 45W on the top port. While also fast charging a phone on the bottom port.

For phones, it fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. And any others which support USD PD.

For the Nintendo Switch, it charges in handheld mode as fast as any other option. Whether both ports are in use or not. It can power a docked Switch. But stop using the bottom USB-C 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.

For typical office use this a good charger for a small to mid-size laptop and smartphone. As long as the laptop stays topped off you won’t notice a difference if the phone is charging or not. It works even better for travel. Offering the same level of dual device charging. While being flexible enough for two phones or other mixes of USB-C devices.

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-B4 Omnia Duo 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. Its top port works well with USB-C devices up to a mid-size laptop. And sticks with USB-C for newer devices with its bottom port. Able to fast charge popular phones while still offering laptop level output up top.

Buy if you:

• Need a 60-65W charger for your laptop sometimes, and a dual USB-C device charger other times; or…
• Need a 45W charger for your laptop, while also fast charging an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel
• 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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