YFWstory 61W USB-C Charger Review

YFWStory 61W USB-C PD
YFWStory 61W USB-C PD

YFWStory 61W USB-C PD

YFWstory 61W USB-C - Budget friendly alternative to Apple’s 61W USB-C power adapter

Summary

The YFWstory 61W USB-C includes a long USB-C cable and handles the power needs of a mid size USB-C laptop. As well as many smaller USB-C devices you might also be commuting or traveling with.

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, and LG, phones
  • Charges Switch in both handheld and TV mode
  • Fits in most Switch carrying cases
  • Charges a 12 to 14-inch laptop
  • Travel friendly design
  • Supports pass through charging
  • Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable
  • Works worldwide with 100-240V power input (may need a plug adapter)

Cons

  • Won’t fast charge Motorola phones over USB-C
  • Quick Charge 3.0 over USB-C is against USB-C specs

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

No products found.

Model: SZ-61W-PQ
Tech Specs:
YFWStory 61W USB-C PD specs

YFWStory 61W USB-C PD specs

  • Ports: USB-C
  • USB-C Output:
    • 60W USB-C Power Delivery 2.0 (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3A)
    • Quick Charge 3.0
  • Input: 100V–240V, 1.5A, 50/60Hz
  • Size: 3 x 3 x 1.1 inches | 76 x 76 x 28 mm
  • Weight: 6.5 oz | 184 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:
  • YFWstory 61W USB-C
  • USB-C to USB-C 2.0 cable, 6.6 feet
YFWStory 61W USB-C PD box and contents

YFWStory 61W USB-C PD box and contents

Good For:
  • Additional charger for home or work
  • Travel
  • iPhone
  • Android
  • Power banks
  • Nintendo Switch (handheld & docked)
  • iPad Pro
  • 12-inch laptop
  • 13-inch/14-inch laptop

First Impression

The No products found. is the same size and shape as Apple’s own 61W charger. But the two are easy to distinguish. Apple’s charger is all white with their logo on the side. YFWstory’s charger has a gray strip by the prongs. On the other side there is a power indicator LED. With no large logo on the side, just a glossy white.

 

Compared To Similar Chargers

ChargerYFWStory 61W USB-CAnker PowerPort Atom III 60WApple 61W USB-C Power AdapterZMI zPower Turbo 65W USB-C PD

Review
Output61W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
60W USB-C PD61W USB-C PD65W USB-C PD
FeaturesGaN tech
CableUSB-C to USB-C cable USB-C to USB-C cable No cableUSB-C to USB-C cable (5A/100W rated)
Dimensions3 x 3 x 1.1 in
6.5 oz
2.4 × 2.3 × 1.1 in
4.6 oz
2.9 x 2.9 x 1.1 in
6.8 oz
2 x 2 x 1.1 in
3.4 oz
PriceNo products found.Price not availablePrice not available$19.99

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
  • 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, which is 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 don’t see Quick Charge engage. So charging is at its normal rate. This is normal with some Motorola phones when QC is offered over USB-C. Samsung Galaxy, LG, 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 near its max rate while playing and sleeping.
  • 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 also supports the Switch’s dock. Providing enough power for video output to your TV.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

USB-C Laptops

 

Using a 13-inch MacBook Pro for testing we can draw up to 56W from this charger. That’s expected, after accounting for efficiency loss.

Different model laptops have different power demands. But in general a 60W charger can support up to 13-inch/14-inch laptops under any condition. It can also support a 15-inch laptop under light use. Or charge it while sleeping.

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 YFWstory 61W USB-C is a basic and capable small to mid size laptop charger. Its best feature is its value. Priced at the lower end of the market compared to similar chargers. As well as including a USB-C cable, which isn’t common.

For phones it fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. It should also fast charge LG and some Motorola phones.

A Nintendo Switch charges in handheld mode as fast as any other option. Or this charge can power a docked Switch.

It’ll meet the fastest charging rates of an iPad Pro and most other tablets.

With laptops it is ideal for 13 to 14-inch models which include a 60-65W power adapter. It’ll meet full power depends under any condition. While 61W is in the name this charger only gets up to 60W output (20V/3A, not 20.3V/3A). In real world usage this doesn’t matter. Like how the difference between a 60W and 65W charger’s performance is negligible.

Smaller laptops will work equally well with this charge. Though it is overkill if your larger USB-C device doesn’t need 60W.

Larger laptops with higher max power draw rates can be satisfied with this model. Under lower usage conditions. No gaming or resource intense apps, especially while the laptop’s battery is low.

About YFWStory

YFWstory is a small brand who’s only support is through Amazon directly. No customer facing website, email, or phone number is listed in the user manual. The charger is manufactured by SZ Power Technology Co., Ltd. Here is their product listing.

Bottom Line

The YFWstory 61W USB-C offers a second charger for your 13-inch MacBook Pro or similar laptop. With an included USB-C cable and for less than Apple or other laptop brands charge. But no extras or size reduction, either.

Buy if you:
  • Need a second MacBook Pro 13-inch or similar laptop charger
  • Are more concerned with total cost (charger + cable) than branding
  • Prefer a travel friendly design that’ll fit easier in your bag
Don’t buy if you:
  • Need to power a 15-inch or larger laptop regularly
  • Prefer customer support outside of Amazon
  • Have concerns with Quick Charge over USB-C

No products found.

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


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