Silicon Power QP65 Review

Silicon Power QP65
Silicon Power QP65

Silicon Power QP65

Silicon Power QP65 - Standard handheld charging performance, distinct metal edging

Summary

The Silicon Power QP65 supports USB-C PD and Quick Charge fast charging for iPhone, Android, and Nintendo Switch. Where its performance doesn’t stand out, the metal edges and choice of finishes offer a loot other than all black or all white.

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

Pros

  • Fast charges iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, LG, and Motorola phones
  • Charges Switch while you play
  • Fits in most Switch carrying cases
  • Partially metal enclosure adds durability, heat dissipation, and a distinct look
  • Travel-friendly design
  • Includes a USB-C to USB-A cable for Quick Charge devices
  • Charge two devices at once, but no fast charging
  • Within FAA limits for lithium batteries and flights

Cons

  • Can’t use USB-C PD and Quick Charge at the same time
  • Quick Charge 3.0 over USB-C is against USB-C specs
  • Can’t be recharged by Nintendo Switch AC Adapter
  • Doesn’t include a USB-C to USB-C cable

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

Available directly from Silicon Power

Model: QP65
Tech Specs:
  • Ports: USB-C, USB-A, micro-USB
  • USB-C Output:
    • 18W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A)
    • Quick Charge 3.0
    • Huawei FCP
    • Apple 2.4A
  • USB-A Output:
    • 18W Quick Charge 3.0
    • Huawei FCP
    • Apple 2.4A
  • Input:
    • 18W USB-C PD (5V/3A, 9V/2A)
    • 18W Quick Charge 3.0 (micro-USB)
  • Capacity: 10,000mAh | 32Wh
  • Size: 5.6 x 2.8 x 0.5 inches | 143 x 70 x 12 mm
  • Weight: 7.4 oz | 210 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Silicon Power QP65 box and contents

Silicon Power QP65 box and contents

Included In Box:
  • Silicon Power QP65
  • USB-C to USB-A cable, 8-inches
  • Travel pouch
Good For:
  • Commute
  • Travel
  • iPhone
  • Android
  • Nintendo Switch (handheld)
  • iPad Pro (pre-2018)
Estimated Number of Charges:
  • iPhone 6/7/8/SE: 3 charges
  • iPhone X/XR/12: 2 charges
  • Samsung Galaxy S8/S9: 2 charges
  • iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S10/S20: 2 charges
  • Nintendo Switch (2019): 6 hours of play
  • Nintendo Switch Lite:  6.5 hours of play

First Impression

The Silicon Power QP65 has the typical thin power bank design. With all three USB ports on the front and the button and LEDs on the side. A metal alloy core runs around all sides and extends at the front. The metal design adds weight but also better durability and heat dissipation.

Silicon Power offers the power bank with either a space gray or rose gold coloring of the metal alloy edges.

 

Compared To Similar Power Banks

ChargerSilicon Power QP65Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux

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Review
ZMI PowerPack 10K USB-C

Review
PortsUSB-C, USB-A, micro-USBUSB-C, USB-AUSB-C, USB-AUSB-C, USB-A, micro-USB
Output18W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
18W USB-C PD18W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
18W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
Capacity10,000mAh10,000mAh10,000mAh10,000mAh
CableUSB-C to USB-A cableUSB-C to USB-C cableUSB-C to USB-C cableUSB-C to USB-C cable
Dimensions5.6 x 2.8 x 0.5 in
7.4 oz
4.2 x 2 x 1 in
7.0 oz
4.1 x 2 x 1 in
6.4 oz
5.5 x 2.8 x 0.6 in
7.4 oz
PricePrice not availableNo products found.Price not available

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

 

You can see more USB-C power banks 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, not included. And Android phones will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, also not included.

For iPhones, the USB-A port supports Apple 2.4A. An older but still functional fast-charging standard. Older iPhones (4-7) can fast charge using USB-A. 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 see Quick Charge will fast charge over the USB-A port. Any QC supporting Android phone with USB-C can use the included USB-C to USB-A cable.

Quick Charge fast charging is also supported on the USB-C port and will work for most other Android models. But the Moto G6 fails to get QC over USB-C as that is an issue with that particular model phone.

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.

No Fast Charging With Two

If you connect two devices to the power bank, it will disable all fast charging tech.

Both ports will only support 5V. Which removes fast charging options outside of Apple 2.4A standard. There is a 15W total output limit shared between the two USB ports.

When you connect a second device, you’ll notice the charging resets on the first. The power bank is stepping down to a lower output level. If you disconnect the second device, you’ll want to unplug and replug the first. To make sure fast charging turns back on.

This limitation is typical of many power banks. A few can allow for one fast charging and one regular charging. Fewer still allow for dual fast charging, and those are always large and heavy. There is a limit to how much current can cross its circuits without extra hardware. That adds size, weight, and cost.

Whether you should fast charge one device or more slowly charge two depends on battery levels and your immediate needs. The closer both are to 100%, the less impactful not fast charging becomes.

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 Silicon Power QP65 offers a slim power bank design with a durable enclosure. The increased weight is noticeable, but so would be the ability to take a drop. It is more likely to scratch than to crack. Its output and input specs line up with many other similar power bank models, offering standard but not exceptional performance.

Silicon Power QP65 ports

Silicon Power QP65 ports

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

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

Huawei phones can also fast charge using an older FCP standard, supported on both USB-C and USB-A ports.

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.

To fast charge, connect only one device at a time. It can charge two devices at once but at a significantly reduced rate.

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 QP65 is a standard 10,000mAh USB-C PD and Quick Charge power bank in terms of performance. The thinner design pairs well with your phone resting against it while you charge and hold them together. The metal edges provide durability and a different look.

Buy if you:
  • Need to fast-charge one of many handheld devices
  • Want a stronger enclosure over a lighter weight
  • Are looking for a budget-friendly option to get basic fast charging
Don’t buy if you:
  • Are more concerned with packing light than dropping your new power bank
  • Want advance charging features, including wireless and trickle charge

Available directly from Silicon Power

You’ll want a USB-C wall charger to quickly recharge this USB-C power bank. If you want to stick with the same brand I recommend the Silicon Power Boost Charger QM15.


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