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

[wpcd_coupon id=12291]

Model: S-TR-151PU3

Tech Specs:

• Ports: USB-C
• USB-C Output:
  • 18W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A)
  • Quick Charge 3.0
  • Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging
  • Huawei FCP
  • Apple 2.4A
• Input: 100V–240V, 50/60Hz, 0.5A
• Size: 2 x 1.7 x 0.9 inches | 51 x 43 x 23 mm
• Weight: 1.6 oz | 46 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

• Novtech 18W PD Charger
• USB-C to Lightning cable, 6 feet

Good For:

• Additional charger for home or work
• Commute
• Travel
• iPhone
• Android
• Power banks
• Nintendo Switch (handheld)
• iPad Pro (pre-2018)

First Impression

The Novtech 18W PD Charger and Cable is a mini version of Google’s own 18W USB-C PD chargers included with many Pixel phones. The same overall design, but shorter from prongs to USB-C port. It fits well with most wall outlets and power strips. It is suitable for travel, so long as you take care not to scratch a glass or metal object with the protruding prongs.

 

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/SE/11/12
• Apple iPad Pro
• Essential Phone
• Google Pixel
• LG ThinQ/V30
• Razer
• Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10/S20
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9/10
• 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, which is included. And Android phones will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, which is not included.

For older iPhones, the USB-C port also supports Apple 2.4A. An older but still functional fast-charging standard. Older iPhones (4-7) can fast charge with the same USB-C to Lightning cable. Newer iPhones will charge ~15 minutes faster.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

• HTC
• LG
• Motorola
• Nokia
• Samsung Galaxy
• Sony
• Xiaomi Mi 5/6
• ZTE

 

Using a Moto G6 for testing, Quick Charge does not engage over USB-C. That is an issue with older Moto phones. Newer Motos and other Android phones would fast charge under the same connection.

Nintendo Switch

 

Fast charges all model Nintendo Switch in handheld mode.

• Nintendo Switch (original) – Charges while you play, but the original model Switch underdraws at 12V. So it won’t charge as fast as a similar charger offering 9V or 15V (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.

Quick Charge 3.0 Over USB-C

The presence of Quick Charge over USB-C is against USB-C specifications. Such chargers have been around for years without issue. But that is not a guarantee of perfect compatibility for all devices.

Under section 4.8.2 of USB-C specifications, a proprietary charging method cannot change the voltage of USB-C output (between 4.40V and 5.25V) in a manner not defined by USB methods. Quick Charge operates at higher than default voltages and so goes against the specifications. USB Power Delivery is an open-source charging method. Created alongside USB-C, it is with specs even though it also increases the voltage. The big difference is USB PD uses communication lines to negotiate power transfer. Proprietary methods take over the data lines for their negotiation. They do so because legacy USB connections, such as USB-A, lack comm lines.

There is no known risk with running proprietary charging standards over USB-C. Manipulating the data lines does disrupt data transfers. But when plugging into a wall charger or power bank, there is no data transfer anyway. Some engineers warn against using any USB-C chargers supporting third party standards. The concern is unforeseen consequences, with future devices having compatibility issues.

I have not run into any issues with these fast charging standards on this or any other charger. It is a spec violation, and as such, you should be aware.

Summary

The Novtech 18W PD Charger and Cable combo are made with iPhones and iPads in mind. The power output supports both newer and older fast charging standards used by Apple for those products. The cable is Apple MFi certified and supports power and data connections to your iOS device.

Fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/SE/11/12, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel.

Fast charges LG, newer Motorola, and any other Android which supports Quick Charge.

Nintendo Switch fast charges in handheld mode while you play. Due to the 12V power profile, the original model Switch charges slower than it should. But still enough to power the Switch with the most demanding games. The newer models (August 2019 and later) are not affected.

This combo is priced higher than some other 18W USB-C PD chargers, but keep in mind, it includes a USB-C to Lightning cable. That puts it on par with similar, lower-priced bundles. If you don’t have an iPhone, iPad, or need a USB-C to Lightning cable, this isn’t the best deal for you. In those cases, I’d look at a similar charger as the only option.

The charger works best at a fixed location, given the lack of folding prongs. Such as being an extra charger for home or work. You can place it, and its cable for a new designated charging location. The charger is certainly small enough to travel and includes a velcro cable tie. Be mindful of the prongs. You don’t want them to scratch up a delicate device in the same pocket.

About Novtech

Notech is a Chinese smartphone accessories maker, found on various eCommerce platforms around the world. Their charger and cable come with a 1 year warranty. For U.S. support you’ll need to rely on communications through Amazon. Their website only has contact details for outside the U.S.

Bottom Line

The Novtech 18W PD Charger and Cable offers a one and done extra charger for any model iPhone or iPad. Best suited for use at a fixed location. If you’re looking to charge non-Apple devices, you’ll be overpaying for a cable you don’t need.

Buy if you:

• Need both a new charger and cable for your iPhone and/or iPad
• Want a quick and easy purchase to setup a new charging location

Don’t buy if you:

• Need a charger for Android or Nintendo Switch only
• Have no need for an extra USB-C to Lightning cable

---

Enjoyed this review? Sign up for the Switch Chargers newsletter and get updates on future reviews and Nintendo Switch related deals.

Leave this field empty if you're human: