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

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Model: PA-D1

Tech Specs:

• Ports: USB-C, USB-A
• USB-C Output:
  • Single Port: 30W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/2.5A, 15V/2A, 20V/1.5A)
  • Dual Port: 18W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A, 15V/1.2A, 20V/0.9A)
• USB-A Output:
  • 12W USB (5V/2.4A)
  • Apple 2.4A
• Input: 100V–240V, 0.8A, 50/60Hz
• Size: 2.4 x 2.2 x 1.1 inches | 60 x 55 x 28 mm
• Weight: 3.6 oz | 103 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

• AUKEY PA-D1 Focus Duo 30W

Good For:

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

First Impression

The AUKEY PA-D1 Focus Duo 30W is a solid wall charger for USB-C devices from a small laptop on down. With a USB-A port added on for added flexibility. It is small than similar dual port chargers. But at the cost of reduced total output. Where larger chargers can offer 30W over USB-C constantly, AUKEY’s smaller option drops to 18W over USB-C when the USB-A port is also in use.

It has the same general appearance as AUKEY’s other PA-D series chargers. Including a green LED to show power. And orange highlights around the USB-C port. It is similar in size and weight to a single USB-C 30W charger. All things being equal it would be a better value charger. As the USB-A doesn’t take anything away when not in use. And offers other options if needed.

 

Compared To Similar Chargers

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-04-23.

 

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. This occurs whether the USB-A port is also in use or not. 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. Meaning this charger can fast charge two iPhones at once. Though the one on the USB-C port will finish a bit sooner.

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 standard is supported that’s as fast as it goes. USB-C provide a bit faster charge than USB-A. With the 10W provided a decent charge rate.

Nintendo Switch

 

Works well for all model Nintendo Switch in handheld/tabletop mode. Thanks to 15V being offered in both 30W and 18W mode all models charge at their max rate. A rarity among other 18W USB-C PD chargers.

It will not support the Switch’s dock, as it doesn’t offer the required output.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

USB-C Laptops

 

Using a 13-inch MacBook Pro for testing we can draw up to 27.5W from this charger. That’s expected, after accounting for efficiency loss.

Different model laptops have different power demands. But in general a 30W charger can support 12-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.

When the USB-A port is in use the output drops to under 18W. That could be fine for a smaller laptop for a short period of time. So topping off your phone shouldn’t be an issue. But it is not recommended for all day charging of both devices.

Single Port & Dual Port Modes

With only the USB-C port in use the AUKEY PA-D1 offers up to 30W to a connected device. But that is also the total output limit of the charger. So when a second device connects to the USB-A port the charger reallocates power. This can briefly interrupt the charging of the USB-C device, depending on its power draw.

Similar 30W to 18W drops go from supporting 5-20V to 5-9 or 5-12V. But this charger maintains its 5-20V support in either mode. Only changing the current (amps) being offered. Making it a faster charger for the Nintendo Switch compared to 9V or 12V only options. While also not causing a re-negotiation if the device isn’t already drawing more than 18W.

 

The USB-A port only ever sees a 5V/2.4A connection. Regardless of what is active (or not) on the USB-C port. So again a device there wouldn’t need to re-negotiate as other devices come and go.

Summary

The AUKEY PA-D1 Focus Duo 30W works great as a 30W USB-C PD charger. And is smaller and lighter than other chargers with both USB-C and USB-A at that output level. But at the cost of lower total output. Connecting its USB-A port reduces the USB-C output from 30W to 18W. It works better as a two-in-one charger. Supporting small laptops in one mode. And two phones in another. But not great for laptop and phone together.

For phones it fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. It doesn’t support Quick Charge for many other Androids. The USB-A port can also fast charge an iPhone 4 through 11.

For the Nintendo Switch it charges in handheld mode as fast as any other option. Thanks to it offering 15V in either mode. But it cannot power a docked Switch.

Most 12-inch laptops and Apple MacBook Airs will charge at their full rate. When they are the only devices connected. Connecting your phone will cut their power draw almost in half. If your laptop has enough battery charge it shouldn’t be a problem for a quick topping off of the phone. But this isn’t a good, all day charger for both devices. For that check out the AUKEY PA-D5.

The dynamic detect technology listed is the system used to switch the USB-C from 30W to 18W modes. When a second device connects (or disconnects) it changes modes. And possibly re-negotiates power transfer with the first/remaining device. It does not dynamically distribute the 30W between two devices. The USB-C port has a fixed 18W limit. While the USB-A port has a fixed 12W limit. And no other charger has come to market with that level of control.

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-D1 Focus Duo 30W should be treated as a 30W USB-C PD charger first. With the ability to adapt into a dual small device charger. Topping off your phone while running your laptop is fine. But it isn’t the best option for a dedicated, single laptop and phone charger at your desk.

Buy if you:

• Need to fast charge two iPhones, one being an iPhone 8 or newer
• Want a 30W charger for your laptop, with the option to occasionally charge smaller devices via USB-A
• Want a single charger for your phone and another small device, such as a tablet or Nintendo Switch

Don’t buy if you:

• Want to fast charge a Quick Charge 3.0 supporting Android
• Need a single charger for all day power of both a laptop and a phone

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