AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD Review

AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD
AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD

AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD

AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD - A pocket sized USB-C PD wall charger

Summary

The AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD is a pocket sized USB-C PD wall charger. With folding prongs it is a great commute or travel charger. Works well for phones, tablets, and the Nintendo Switch.

Overall
4.8
  • Performance
    (4.5)
  • Design
    (5)
  • Safety
    (4.5)
  • Portability
    (5)
Sending
User Review
5 (1 vote)

Pros

  • Fast charges iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel
  • Charges Switch while you play
  • Fits in most Switch carrying cases
  • Among the smallest USB-C PD chargers on the market
  • Travel friendly design
  • Works worldwide with 100-240V power input (may need a plug adapter)

Cons

  • Won’t fast charge Quick Charge 3.0 enabled phones; but does normal charging
  • Doesn’t include a USB-C to USB-C cable

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

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[wpcd_coupon id=7698]
AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD specs

AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD specs

Model: PA-Y18
Tech Specs:
  • Ports: USB-C
  • Output: 18W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A)
  • Input: 100V–240V, 0.5A, 50/60Hz
  • Size:  1.42 x 1.42 x 1.26 inches | 36 x 36 x 32 mm
  • Weight: 1.5 oz | 43 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:
  • AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD
AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD box and contents

AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD box and contents

Good For:
  • Additional charger for home or work
  • Travel
  • iPhone
  • Android
  • Nintendo Switch (handheld)
  • iPad Pro (pre-2018)

First Impression

The AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD Wall Charger is almost as small as iPhone’s included 5W USB charger. But where those slow charge your phone this will fast charge. It has folding prongs, unlike most included phone chargers. Able to fit in your pocket it is as travel-friendly as USB-C PD chargers get.

 

Compared To Similar Chargers

ChargerAUKEY PA-Y18 18W PDAnker PowerPort PD 1

Review
AUKEY PA-Y15 18W USB-C PD ChargerGoogle 18W USB-C Power Adapter

Review
Output18W USB-C PD18W USB-C PD18W USB-C PD18W USB-C PD
FeaturesTravel FriendlyUSB-IF Certified

Travel Friendly
Travel Friendly
CableNo cableNo cableNo cableUSB-C to USB-C cable
Dimensions1.4 x 1.4 x 1.3 in
1.5 oz
2 × 1.7 × 1.1 in
2.1 oz
2.2 x 2 x 1.1 in
2.3 oz
2.1 x 1.6 x 1 in
2 oz
PriceNo products found.No products found.No products found.$34.99

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-03-19.

 

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. But as no Quick Charge or compatible fast charging standard is supported that’s as fast as it goes. Still, 11W is a good charge rate.

Nintendo Switch

 

The Nintendo Switch charges at the expected rate with a 12V charger. It’ll draw up to 12W, shy of its 18W max draw. This is due to a shortcoming with the Switch itself. But it is more than enough to charge while you play.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

Summary

The AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD Wall Charger is a great option for those who prefer to travel light. Other USB-C PD chargers can outperform it, but few do so at their size and weight. And those few are more expensive.

AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD

AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD

For the Nintendo Switch, it charges in handheld mode while you play. Due to the 12V power profile being used it is slow compared to some other USB-C PD chargers. But still enough to increase the battery charge with the most demanding games.

At 18W USB-C PD, it will fast charge Power Delivery supporting phones and small tablets. You can also recharge USB-C power banks. But with larger models, you’ll want to do it overnight.

Other small devices, including LG, Motorola, and Quick Charge Android phones will charge. But they won’t fast charge. The 2018 iPad Pro will charge as well as with its own charger, but it can charge faster.

What you lose in device flexibility you gain in portability. The AUKEY PA-Y18 is as small as an iPhone charger and smaller than most Android phone fast chargers. Folding prongs make it perfect for travel. It takes up almost no space in a bag or Switches carrying case. It would even fit in your pocket. The smaller size does increase its temperature while in operation. But not enough to be a bother. The exterior didn’t go past 86°F (30°C). And it was never too hot to handle.

AUKEY offers the charger in black or white.

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-Y18 18W PD is a great charger for the minimalist traveler. It’ll charge any USB-C phone, though it works best with USB PD supported phones. It’ll charge a Nintendo Switch while you play. What you lose in charge time you gain in reduced size, weight, and cost.

Buy if you:

  • Wish the iPhone’s charger was a fast charger
  • Want a dedicated travel charger
  • Like to carry the least amount of weight in your bag

Don’t buy if you:

  • Need a charger for larger devices, include laptops
  • Prefer a charger that powers the Switch near its max rate
  • Have the 2018 version of the iPad Pro (faster chargers available)

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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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