Silicon Power Boost Charger QM10 Combo Review

Silicon Power Boost Charger QM10
Silicon Power Boost Charger QM10

Silicon Power Boost Charger QM10

Silicon Power Boost Charger QM10 Combo - iPhone ready fast charger with a right angle USB-C to Lightning cable

Summary

The Silicon Power Boost Charger QM10 Combo offers an all-in-one second iPhone charger. Both the charger and Lightning cable angle 90° different from other options, which may be a plus for some.

Overall
4.5
  • Performance
    (5)
  • Design
    (4.5)
  • Safety
    (4)
  • Portability
    (4.5)
Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)

Pros

  • Fast charges iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel
  • Charges Switch while you play
  • Fits in most Switch carrying cases
  • Includes a USB-C to Lightning cable, with a right angle on the Lightning end
  • Works worldwide with 100-240V power input (may need a plug adapter)

Cons

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

No products found.

Available directly from Silicon Power

Model: QM10
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, 0.5A, 50/60Hz
  • Size: 1.7 x 1.6 x 1.1 inches | 43 x 41 x 29 mm
  • Weight: 1.7 oz | 48 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Silicon Power Boost Charger QM10 Combo box and contents

Silicon Power Boost Charger QM10 Combo box and contents

Included In Box:
  • Silicon Power Boost Charger QM10
  • USB-C to Lightning cable, 3.3 feet
Good For:
  • Additional charger for home or work
  • Commute
  • Travel
  • iPhone
  • Android
  • Power banks (10,000mAh or less)
  • Nintendo Switch (handheld)
  • iPad Pro (pre-2018)

First Impression

The No products found. looks like a cross between a Google Pixel and Apple iPhone charger. Plugged into most wall outlets the USB-C port is vertical instead of horizontal, and off to one side. It has a more compact form, being wider rather than taller. But isn’t the smallest charger on the market, and doesn’t have folding prongs.

The included USB-C to Lightning cable has a velcro cable tie and a straight USB-C connector. The Lightning connect is at a right angle, which runs the cable along the bottom of your iPhone. This can be more comfortable when holding your iPhone while watching video. Less so if holding your iPhone normally. But at the listed price the cable is really just a bonus.

 

Compared To Similar Chargers

ChargerSilicon Power Boost Charger QM10 ComboAnker PowerPort III Nano 20WNo products found.

Review
Quntis PD Fast Charger and Cable

Review
Output18W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
20W USB-C PD

PowerIQ 3.0
(Quick Charge compatible)
18W USB-C PD18W USB-C PD

PPS
FeaturesFolding prongApple MFi Certified
CableUSB-C to Lightning cableNo cableNo cableUSB-C to Lightning cable
Dimensions1.7 x 1.6 x 1.1 in
1.7 oz
1.8 x 1.1 x 1.1 in
1.1 oz
1.4 x 1.4 x 1.3 in
1.5 oz
2 x 1.9 x 0.9 in
1.7 oz
Price$14.99Price not availableNo products found.$15.99

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-03-18.

 

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 iPhones 4-7 it also supports Apple 2.4A. An older, but still functional fast charging standard. Newer iPhones will charge ~15 minutes faster using USB-C.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

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

 

Using a Moto G6 for testing we don’t see Quick Charge engage. So charging is at its normal rate. This is normal with older Motorola phones when QC is offered over USB-C. Samsung Galaxy, LG, newer Motos, and other QC supporting Android phones would be expected to fast charge.

Nintendo Switch

 

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

  • Nintendo Switch (original) – Charges while you play, but the original model Switch under draws 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 we don’t know what the future holds.

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 voltage. The big difference is USB PD uses communication lines to negotiate power transfer. While proprietary methods take over the data lines for their negotiation. They do so because legacy USB connections, such as USB-A, don’t have 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 USB-C engineers warn against using any USB-C chargers with third party standards. Their concern is unforeseen consequences. Future technology may prove to be incompatible with such configurations. And pulling out a charger several years from now with a new device could have a bad result.

I have not run into any issues with these fast charging standards on this or any other charger. But as it is a spec violation I want you to be informed. If you’re a stickler for meeting USB-C specifications this isn’t a good charger for you. If you’re more pragmatic it works fine and has no known issues.

Summary

The Silicon Power Boost Charger QM10 Combo is among the cheaper fast chargers for iPhones. Especially with the included USB-C to Lightning cable. But with that comes some design differences compared to more popular chargers.

Silicon Power Boost Charger QM10 Combo included USB-C to Lightning cable

Silicon Power Boost Charger QM10 Combo included USB-C to Lightning cable

For phones it fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/SE/11/12, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. It also fast charges LG and newer Motorola, and any other Android which supports Quick Charge.

The Nintendo Switch 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 charge the Switch with the most demanding games. The newer models (August 2019 and later) aren’t affected.

Plugged in the charger is wider than taller, clearing more room above or below it. Good for typical wall outlets, not good for side-by-side power strips. The USB-C port will be sideways and off to one side. Functionally this isn’t an issue, but more OCD buyers should be aware. Non-folding prongs aren’t generally a problem, especially if the charger will stay in one place. If packing them be sure the charger isn’t up against something it can scratch.

The USB-C to Lightning cable has a straight connection with the charger and a 90° connection with the iPhone. This has advantages if holding the iPhone vertically, or having the cable run off the side of your desk or nightstand. But it can get in the way if holding the iPhone horizontally. I suggest keeping the cable in a spot where it works for you and use a straight cable for any travel or with a power bank.

About Silicon Power

Silicon Power (SP) has U.S. based support (web, email, phone) and a 13 month limited warranty on their power banks. Founded and headquartered in Taiwan with branch offices in the USA (California), Netherlands, Japan, and Hong Kong.

Bottom Line

The Silicon Power Boost Charger QM10 Combo works like a typical budget fast charger. Aimed at iPhones with its included cable, but can support Android devices, too. Its design and angled cable do stand out from the more popular brands.

Buy if you:
  • Need an extra iPhone charger and cable
  • Could benefit from the Lightning right angle connector
  • Want more outlet clearance above or below the charger
Don’t buy if you:
  • Need an Android charger with an included USB-C to USB-C cable
  • Prefer folding prongs

No products found.

Available directly from Silicon Power

Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.


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