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

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Model: PA-D2

Tech Specs:

• Ports: USB-C x2
• 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)
• Input: 100V–240V, 0.9A, 50/60Hz
• Size: 2.5 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches | 64 x 60 x 29 mm
• Weight: 4.1 oz | 115 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

• AUKEY PA-D2 Focus Duo 36W

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-D2 Focus Duo 36W is a flexible, dual USB-C port charger for those with several small USB-C devices. Or who swap between charging a phone and a small laptop. Most “36W” dual port chargers offer 18W on each port only. This one does that. But it also offers up to 30W on a single port. Either single port, actually. It doesn’t get more flexible than that.

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 ports. It is larger than a single port 30W charger. But a fair size and weight for being two chargers in one. Folding prongs complete its travel ready design.

 

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. This occurs whether both USB-C ports are 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.

The older Apple 2.4A standard is not supported. Meaning older iPhones (4-7) can’t fast charge.

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. Still, 9.5W is a decent charge rate.

Nintendo Switch

 

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

• Nintendo Switch (original) – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping. In single port mode. But in dual port mode it under draws, as a result of the 12V power profile used in that mode. So it won’t charge as fast as a similar charger without 12V (12W vs 18W).
• Nintendo Switch (2019 update) – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.
• Nintendo Switch Lite – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.

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 25W 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 both USB-C ports are 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 one of its USB-C ports in use the AUKEY PA-D2 offers up to 30W to a connected device. When a second device connects it switched into dual port mode. This briefly interrupts the charging of first device. As it re-negotiates its connection, now with an 18W limit. The second device also negotiates with an 18W limit. Those limits are fixed per port. Even if one device isn’t drawing that much power the excess will not be available to the other device.

When one of the two devices disconnects the charger goes back to single port mode. Again, this briefly interrupts the charging of the remaining device. And it re-negotiates its connection, now with a 30W limit. With iPhones being a big exception. They are content with 9V, even when 15V is available. So they do not re-negotiate or change their power draw. Leaving a USB-C to Lightning cable connected will keep the charger in dual port mode. Unlike USB-C to USB-C cables it is active, and so the charger acts like a second device is still connected.

Summary

The AUKEY PA-D2 Focus Duo 36W can act like other dual USB-C chargers with small devices. Supporting up to 18W output on each port. But unlike other 36W dual port chargers it also offers up to 30W on a single port. So it can go from fast charging two phones to powering a small laptop.

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 Android brands. And it is not a good option if you have an older iPhone.

For the Nintendo Switch it charges in handheld mode as fast as any other option. But it cannot power a docked Switch. And the Switch will charge a bit faster along than with a second device also connected.

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 if you want a single, all day charger for your laptop and phone look elsewhere. Such as AUKEY’s PA-D5, which is another dual USB-C charger with more total output.

The dynamic detect technology listed is the system used to switch from single 30W to dual 18W modes. When a second device connects (or disconnects) it changes modes. And re-negotiates power transfer with the first/remaining device. It does not dynamically distribute the 36W between two devices. Each port has an 18W output 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-D2 Focus Duo 36W can be a single 30W USB-C PD charger. Or a dual 18W charger, depending on your needs. This flexibility can be great for traveling with various devices. But not the best option for a laptop and phone charger at your desk.

Buy if you:

• Need to fast charge two newer iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, or Google Pixels
• Could use a 30W charger for your laptop sometimes, and a dual phone charger at other times
• 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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