AUKEY Graphite Charging Hub – An all-in-one office charging solution

This is a product analysis, not a review. I do not have this product in hand (yet) to do a full review. The information presented here is based on specs and details offered by AUKEY.

AUKEY has released a true all-in-one charging solution for your desktop. Either at work or a home office space. It includes a charging base and removable power bank. The charging base works with small to mid size laptops, phones, and other USB accessories. The power bank can wired or wirelessly charge your phone when away from your desk.

Tech Specs:

Model: PA-WL01

Charging Base

• Ports: USB-C, USB-A x2
• USB-C Output: 45W USB-C PD (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/2.25A)
• USB-A Output: 12W USB-A per port, 15W total across both ports
• 57W total output via USB
• Dedicated slot with pin connectors for included power bank
• Size: 7.3 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches | 185 x 140 x 23 mm
• Weight: 11.2 oz | 317 grams

Power Bank

• Ports: USB-C, USB-A
• Capacity: 10,000mAh | 37Wh
• USB-C Output: 18W USB-C PD (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A)
• USB-A Output: 18W Quick Charge 3.0
• Qi Wireless Output: 5W
• USB-C Input: 18W USB-C PD (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A)
• Charging Base Input: 15W via charging pins (may be shared with USB-A ports)
• Size: 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.6 inches | 155 x 74 x 15 mm
• Weight: 7.8 oz | 222 grams

Power Adapter

• Barrel connection (non-USB)
• Cable: 4.9 feet | 1.5 meters
• Output: 22.5V/2.7A
• Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz
• Size: 2.5 x 2.5 x 1.1 inches | 64 x 63 x 28 mm
• Weight: 5.8 oz | 165 grams

Features:

• All-in-one solution for charging small to mid size laptop, phone, and accessories
• Charging base ideal on desktop, connected to laptop
• Power bank keeps phone charged on the go away from your desk
• Pass through charging when power bank is in its slot, able to wirelessly charge a phone
• Includes power adapter for charging base

Price:

• $149.99 MSRP
• $30 off coupon currently available
• No USB cables included

What Is It Good For?

This is aimed at anyone who sits at a desk with their laptop and phone. But who also spends enough time away from their desk they need to keep their phone charged out of their bag. And it provides the convenience of one and done shopping. Rather than piecing together your own setup.

The 45W USB-C PD on the charging base works well with:

• All 12-inch USB-C laptops, including the MacBook
• Many 13 to 14-inch USB-C laptops, including the MacBook Pro
• iPad/iPad Pro
• Samsung Galaxy Tab
• Nintendo Switch
• Fast charges phones supporting USB-C PD, including iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11, Samsung Galaxy S8 and newer, and Google Pixel

The USB-A ports on the charging base don’t provide fast charging. But will still keep most model phones topped off. As well as small USB accessories, including headphones/earbuds. There are indications the charging pins for the power bank share the same circuit as the USB-A ports. So the USB-A ports may charge slower when the power bank is charging. Or used as a wireless charging pad. I’ll do more testing when I receive a unit to review.

How It Compares To Other Solutions

You can always put together your own charging solution with several different products. Though they may not provide every feature the Graphite Charging Hub does.

I put together a collection of other AUKEY products. Which offer much the same functions as the charging hub.

45W USB-C Wall Charger

AUKEY PA-Y13 46W PD Charging Station ($57) – Provides 45W USB-C PD on your desktop. Along with two USB-A ports. As well as Quick Charge, which the charging hub does not offer.

18W USB-C & Quick Charge Power Bank

AUKEY PB-Y13 10000 USB-C PD ($30) – A 10,000mAh power bank. With the same 18W USB-C PD and Quick Charge 3.0 as the charging hub’s included power bank. The PB-Y13 is a bit smaller, but actually heavier. And it does not offer Qi wireless charging.

AUKEY USB-C to USB-C 2.0 ($8) – Needed to charge the power bank with the charging station. Will allow for an 18W charge, while the charging hub provides 15W.

5W Qi Wireless Charging Pad

AUKEY LC-C5 Graphite Wireless Charger ($16) – A 5W Qi wireless charging pad. Needed to add the wireless charging function provided with the charging hub.

AUKEY PA-U32 Mini Dual Port Wall Charger ($10) – You’ll need a 10W USB-A wall charger to plug the wireless charging pad into. Otherwise it’ll have to take up one of the USB-A ports on the charging station. The PA-U32 is the cheapest option available from AUKEY.

Total Cost

The total cost for these alternative products is $121 MSRP. Compared to $150 MSRP for the charging hub. But you have to buy five separate items. Take up two wall outlets instead of one. And you’ll have no wireless charging when away from your desk. But you do gain Quick Charge at your desk.

Even with the cost difference I’d learn toward the AUKEY Graphite Charging Hub. It would be a tidier setup. With fewer cables and everything in one spot. And I don’t have any QC compatible devices I use regularly.

Availability

The AUKEY Graphite Charging Hub is currently available on Amazon.

No products found.

Check back later for a full review, once I have a unit on hand.