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Model: PA-D4

Tech Specs:

• Ports: USB-C
• Output: 60W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3A)
• Input: 100V–240V, 1.5A, 50/60Hz
• Size: 2.5 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches | 64 x 60 x 29 mm
• Weight: 4.3 oz | 122 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

• AUKEY PA-D4 60W 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
• 15-inch laptop

First Impression

The AUKEY PA-D4 60W PD could be mistaken for less than a 60W charger. The size doesn’t give that away except for a bit of thickness. That’s the big benefit of GaN tech, smaller chargers without an increase in heat waste.

It has the same look as AUKEY’s other PA-D series chargers. With orange around the USB-C port. Making it easier to plug a black cable into a black charger. And its most distinguishing features. Unfortunately, you also can’t as easily read the printed specs, as they went with dark gray print. The power indicator LED is green and dim. A nice feature for anyone sleeping in the same room they are using the charger.

 

Compared To Similar Chargers

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-11-24.

 

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.

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. Still, 9-10W is a decent charge rate.

Nintendo Switch

 

Both the new and original Nintendo Switch charge at their max rate, up to 18W. It’ll fast charge while you play. Its charge rate while sleeping is also normal. This charger can also power the Switch’s dock.

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. That’s expected, after accounting for efficiency loss.

Different model laptops have different power demands. But in general, a 60W 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.

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 45W GaN charger charges as fast as a 45W 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-D4 60W PD is a solid third party option for a new laptop charger. It leverages GaN tech to bring down the size and weight. While keeping the 60W output many laptops want.

Its USB PD tech allows it to fast charge iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. It won’t fast charge Quick Charge Android phones. Nor Huawei or OnePlus phones. But it can provide a normal charge rate on either port.

For the Nintendo Switch, it charges in handheld mode as fast as any other option. And can power a docked Switch.

But its best use is as a replacement or travel laptop charger. It’ll provide all the power needed for any 12 to 14-inch laptop. And will keep most 15-inch laptops up and running under most conditions. All in a package much smaller than the charger included with your laptop. Keep the original charger at home or the office. And use this for your commute and travels.

The orange ring around the port distinguishes AUKEY’s charger. And makes connecting a black cable to a black charger a bit easier. Folding prongs seal it as a good travel charger. The only real downside is you need to provide your own USB-C cable.

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-D4 60W PD will fast charge any USB PD supporting phone or tablet. As well as the Nintendo Switch in handheld or TV mode. It’ll match the output needed for a 12 to 14-inch laptop. And keep most 15-inch laptops topped off while you work.

Buy if you:

• Want to pay less for second laptop charger than Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and others charge
• Are looking for a travel-friendly charger, where size and weight matter
• Prefer a black charger, but don’t mind a bit of flair

Don’t buy if you:

• Use a 15-inch laptop for resource-intense apps, including media creation and gaming; you’ll need something closer to 90W
• Only need to fast charge a phone, Switch or other small devices; check out AUKEY’S PA-Y18 18W PD charger

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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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