ZMI zPower Turbo 65W USB-C PD - Offers similar size reductions of a GaN charger, but at a fraction of the price Summary The ZMI zPower Turbo 65W USB-C PD offers 65W output, but is smaller than most 45W chargers. It accomplishes this without the use of GaN tech. So it costs less than similarly small options, too. Overall 4.9 Performance (5)

Design (5)

Safety (4.5)

Portability (5) Sending User Review 0 ( 0 votes) Pros Fast charges iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel

Charges Switch in both handheld and TV mode

Fits in most Switch carrying cases

Charges a 12 to 14-inch laptop

Small size similar to GaN chargers, but much cheaper

Travel friendly design

Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable (5A/100W)

Works worldwide with 100-240V power input (may need a plug adapter) Cons Won’t fast charge Quick Charge 3.0 enabled phones; but does normal charging

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

Model: HA712

Tech Specs:

Ports: USB-C

USB-C Output: 65W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3.25A)

Input: 100V–240V, 1.5A, 50/60Hz

Size: 2 x 2 x 1.1 inches | 50 x 50 x 28 mm

Weight: 3.4 oz | 96 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

ZMI zPower Turbo 65W USB-C PD

USB-C to USB-C 2.0 cable (5A/100W rated), 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 Turbo 65W USB-C PD looks like it is a GaN based charger. But it isn’t. Instead ZMI pushed the limits of older, silicon based technology. To get as much space savings as possible. The result is a 65W charger with similar size and weight of a GaN charger. But at less than half the cost.

The charger is compact, with folding prongs. Making it an excellent choice for travel. Most of its surface is glossy, which looks pretty out of the box. But also attracts fingerprints and smudges. There is no LED indicator, so it’ll stay dark while charging in a bedroom or hotel room.

The included, 5 feet/1.5 meters USB-C cable is a bit heavier and thicker. That’s due to it supporting 5A current, where most other USB-C cables only support up to 3A. A necessary design to support the charger’s full potential. The cable is still flexible and wraps up as well as any other.

ZMI zPower Turbo 65W with Moto G6 ZMI zPower Turbo 65W with Nintendo Switch ZMI zPower Turbo 65W with Nintendo Switch Lite ZMI zPower Turbo 65W in Switch carrying case ZMI zPower Turbo 65W with MacBook Pro, 13-inch

Compared To Similar Chargers

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2020-09-17.

Top: ZMI zPower Turbo 65W. Bottom: Inateck 60W PD USB-C. Top: ZMI zPower Turbo 65W. Bottom: RAVPower PD Pioneer 61W GaN USB-C. Top: ZMI zPower Turbo 65W. Bottom: ZMI PowerPlug Turbo.

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

iPhone 8 power meter iPhone 8 power negotiation

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. Android phones can use the included USB-C to USB-C cable.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

HTC

LG

Motorola

Nokia

Samsung Galaxy

Sony

Xiaomi Mi 5/6

ZTE

Moto G6 power meter

Using a Moto G6 for testing we get normal charging rates. As no Quick Charge or compatible fast charging standard is supported that’s as fast as it goes. Still, the 12W is a good charge rate for a non-QC charger.

Nintendo Switch

Switch gaming power meter Switch sleeping power meter Switch Lite gaming power meter Switch Lite sleeping power meter Switch power negotiation

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

Nintendo Switch (original) – Charges at its max rate while playing and sleeping.

Nintendo Switch (2019 update) – Charges at its max rate while playing and sleeping.

Nintendo Switch Lite – Charges at 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

MacBook Pro 13-inch power meter MacBook Pro 13-inch power negotiation

Using a 13-inch MacBook Pro for testing we can draw up to 55W from this charger. That’s expected, after accounting for efficiency loss.

Different model laptops have different power demands. But in general a 65W 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.

For laptops that support 65W or greater power draw you’ll need to use the right type of USB-C cable. To get that extra 5W out of this charger.

USB-C Cable with 5A/100W Support

The USB-C to USB-C cable included with the ZMI zPower Turbo 65W is necessary for the charger to reach its greatest potential. The cable includes an eMarker and supports 5A current, allowing for up to 100W.

Most USB-C cables are only rated for 3A current. Limiting them to 60W power throughput. When a charger offering more than 20V/3A (65-100W) connects it checks the cable for an eMarker. The eMarker tells the charger about the cable’s capabilities. Such as increased power throughput. If it doesn’t detect an eMarker, then the charger assumes the cable is only rated for 3A current. In this case the charger will then only offer up to 60W.

So if you connect most any other USB-C cable you have to this charger it’ll limit itself to 60W. That’s fine if your device only draws 60W or less. But if you want the full 65W you’ll need to use the included cable. Or another USB-C cable you know allows for 5A/100W. I recommend marking ZMI’s cable with colored tape or by some other means. So you know it should remain paired with its charger.

Temperature Without GaN

With smaller size at the same output you get higher temperatures. GaN tech allows for the shrinkage as it produces less heat. But as the ZMI zPower Turbo 65W doesn’t use GaN I wanted to check how hot it got.

Temperature measurements were normal, and within safe to handle limits. I used it as my MacBook Pro’s charger for the day. And ran some games in the background for extra power usage. The hottest part of the ZMI charger got up to 97°F (36°C). Compared to my Mac’s original charger, which gets up to 93°F (34°C) under similar conditions. So warmer due to the small size, but nothing you’d notice. Running the charger at 65W for a long time would generate more heat. But once your laptop’s battery is above 50% the actual power draw would decrease. As would the higher heat output.

It is safe to handle any type of solid material up to 122°F (50°C). Plastic enclosures, such as this, are safe at even hotter temperatures.

Summary

The ZMI zPower Turbo 65W USB-C PD should be on everyone’s short list when looking for a 45W, 60W, or 65W USB-C PD charger. It offers equal or better output, in a smaller and often cheaper bundle. Especially against chargers which don’t include a USB-C cable. It is even cheaper than many 30W chargers, making it a valid choice if you value cost over size. It is a single port charger. So if you need multi-port a lot of its benefits may not be worth it to you.

For phones it fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. And any others which support USD PD. For Quick Charge, Huawei, and OnePlus phones it will only provide a normal charge rate.

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

It shines with laptops, especially mid size models. It full supports any MacBook model up to 13-inch in size. And works with a 15-inch MacBook in many conditions. It offers the same performance of any 30-65W laptop charger. In a smaller and lighter package.

The only thing better than its small size is its price. It is only a few dollars more than ZMI’s well reviewed 45W USB-C PD charger. And cheaper than any 65W USB-C PD charger using GaN tech to get a similar or smaller size. Not to mention the value of the included USB-C cable. Even if only looking for a 45W or 60W charger I would recommend you consider this model. The extra output may be useful in the future. And you’ll get the same or better size, weight, and price with this model.

About ZMI

ZMI USA has U.S. based support (web, email, phone) and an 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 Turbo 65W USB-C PD matches the benefits of a GaN based charger, but without the added cost. It competes with, and often beats, and 45-65W charger on the market in size. And has a lower price, and included the proper USB-C cable.

Buy if you:

Need a 45W, 60W, or 65W USB-C PD wall charger and USB-C cable

Value smaller/lighter chargers or cheaper chargers

Don’t buy if you:

Want Quick Charge support for your phone

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

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