ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A Review

ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A
ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A

ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A

ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A Wall Charger - A 3-port charger for fast charging a variety of devices

Summary

The ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A Wall Charger is a multi-port, travel friendly charger. It doesn’t compromise on USB-C output. And offers fast charging for USB-C phones on up to mid size laptops.

Overall
4.6
  • Performance
    (4.5)
  • Design
    (5)
  • Safety
    (4)
  • Portability
    (5)
Sending
User Review
3.75 (4 votes)

Pros

  • Fast charges iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, LG, and Motorola 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
  • Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable
  • Fast charge two devices at once, or fast charge one device and regular charge two others
  • Works worldwide with 100-240V power input (may need a plug adapter)

Cons

  • Cannot fast charging on all three ports at the same time
  • 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. ZMI provided the product in this review.

Model: HA832
ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A specs

ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A specs

Tech Specs:
  • Ports: USB-C, USB-A x2
  • USB-C Output:
    • 45W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/2.25A)
    • Programmable Power Supply (PPS) (5-11V/3A)
    • Quick Charge 3.0
    • Apple 2.4A
  • USB-A Output:
    • 18W Quick Charge 3.0
    • Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging
    • Huawei FCP
    • Apple 2.4A
    • Dual Port: 18W total for both USB-A ports, no Quick Charge
  • Input: 100V–240V, 1.6A, 50/60Hz
  • Size: 2.6 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches | 67 x 61 x 28 mm
  • Weight: 5 oz | 141 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A box and contents

ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A box and contents

Included In Box:
  • ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A Wall Charger
  • USB-C to USB-C 2.0 cable, 5 feet
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 ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A Wall Charger looks like ZMI’s single USB-C port USB-C charger at a glance. But this newer model offers two USB-A ports, besides the same USB PD output. Once you pick it up you’ll find it weighs a bit more, too.

The enclosure is matte white with a smooth and rounded finish. A circulate LED indicates power with a soft, white light. Visible across the room. But not so bright it’ll reflect off the wall in the dark. The USB ports have plenty of space between them. Bringing them closer might have made the charger smaller. But the space allows one to disconnect one cable without disturbing the rest.

 

Compared To Similar Chargers

ChargerZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-AAnker PowerPort+ Atom IIIInateck 45W 3-Port USB-C Charger

Review
ZMI PowerPlug Turbo

Review
PortsUSB-C, USB-A x2USB-C, USB-AUSB-C, USB-A x2USB-C
Output45W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
45W USB-C PD

PowerIQ 2.0
30W USB-C PD45W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
FeaturesTravel FriendlyTravel FriendlyTravel FriendlyTravel Friendly
CableUSB-C to USB-C cableNo cableUSB-C to USB-C cableUSB-C to USB-C cable
Dimensions2.6 x 2.4 x 1.1 in
5 oz
2.7 x 2.7 x 1.1 in
5 oz
2.8 x 2.3 x 1.2 in
4.7 oz
2.4 × 2.2 × 1.1 in
3.6 oz
Price$22.99$39.99No products found.No products found.

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-03-19.

 

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.

For iPhones the USB-A ports 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 either of the USB-A ports. Any QC supporting Android phone with USB-C can use the included USB-C to USB-A cable.

Quick Charge is disabled if both USB-A ports are in use. In which case charging drops to half the speed fast charging provides.

Nintendo Switch

 

The Nintendo Switch charges at its max rate, up to 18W. It’ll fast charge while you play. Its charge rate while sleeping is also normal. This charger can also power the Switch’s dock.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

USB-C Laptops

 

Using a 13-inch MacBook Pro for testing we can draw up to 42W from this charger. That’s expected, after accounting for efficiency loss.

Different model laptops have different power demands. But in general a 45W charger can support 12-inch, 13-inch, and 14-inch laptops. It can power a larger laptop in a pinch. It will charge while sleeping. But may only extend runtime if used while the larger laptop is active.

Dual USB-A Ports

ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A ports

ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A ports

Each of the USB-A ports is capable of providing up to 18W output. Using Quick Charge 3.0, Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging, Huawei FCP, or Apple 2.4A. You’ll get full output when using only one of the USB-A ports.

When both USB-A ports are in use all fast charging is not available, except for Apple 2.4A. There is also an 18W max output limit between the two ports. Leaving some cables plugged in, even if not connected on the other end, will have the same effect. Most notably Lightning cables for iPhones and iPad.

Connecting to the USB-C port has no impact on the output of the USB-A ports. So you can fast charge two devices at once (USB-C & USB-A). Or fast charge one device (USB-C) and normal charge two other devices (USB-A).

Quick Charge 3.0 Over USB-C

The presence of Quick Charge over USB-C is against USB-C specifications. That said such chargers have been around for years without issue.

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. A few USB-C focused engineers warn against using any USB-C product against specs. Their concern is unforeseen consequences. And we have seen bad USB-C products in the past. But since the first QC over USB-C charger came out in 2016 we haven’t seen any systemic issues emerge.

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 ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A Wall Charger makes for a reliable travel charger. Or as a small, multi-port charger around the home or office. Ideal for those who focus on their larger USB-C devices over Quick Charging phones. Regardless of the connections the USB-C output remains available up to 45W. So connecting two phones won’t slow down the charging of your laptop. Or disable the dock of a Nintendo Switch.

ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A with cable

ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A with cable

The power output compromise is with the USB-A ports. Using a single USB-A port enables Quick Charge, Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging, Huawei FCP, and Apple 2.4A. Using both USB-A ports disables all but Apple 2.4A. And splits the 18W output between the two devices. Still more than enough to charge a pair of phones overnight. And if you need to fast charge two Quick Charge compatible phones you can still do so. Plug one into USB-C (which also supports Quick Charge). And the other into the USB-A port. The only exception is Motorola phones won’t fast charge over USB-C.

For phones it fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel via USB-C. And older iPhones, LG, and Motorola phones via USB-A, provided only one USB-A port is in use.

For the Nintendo Switch it charges in handheld mode as fast as any other option. And can power a docked Switch.

It is bigger and heavier than most 45W USB-C single port chargers. But it makes for a better travel charger than what came with most of your devices. The 45W output is enough for a 13-inch MacBook Pro under most conditions. And unlike Apple’s charger it can charge an iPhone, too.

All at a price less than similarly specced charger. And with a long USB-C to USB-C cable included.

About ZMI

ZMI USA has U.S. based support (web, email, phone) and a 18 month warranty. They were founded in the USA and are backed financially by Zimi Corporation. Zimi is the exclusive mobile power accessory supplier to Xiaomi.

Bottom Line

The ZMI zPower USB-C and Dual USB-A Wall Charger should be among your finalizes for a travel charger. Especially if you carry a Nintendo Switch (with or without dock) and/or a 12 to 14-inch laptop. The ability to charge your larger devices along with your phone is essential for a lighter load on the road.

Buy if you:
  • Need to charge 2-3 devices at a time, either at home, work, or while away
  • Are looking for a budget friendly, multi-port charger
  • Travel with a small to mid size laptop and/or Nintendo Switch dock, as well as your phone
Don’t buy if you:
  • Don’t travel with a laptop, large tablet, or Nintendo Switch dock; check out a smaller and lesser outputting multi-port charger
  • Are looking to fast charge three or more devices at once
  • Aren’t comfortable with the Quick Charge over USB-C port setup

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


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