AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD - A pocket sized USB-C PD wall charger Summary The AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD is a pocket sized USB-C PD wall charger. With folding prongs it is a great commute or travel charger. Works well for phones, tablets, and the Nintendo Switch. Overall 4.8 Performance (4.5)

Design (5)

Safety (4.5)

Portability (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

Among the smallest USB-C PD chargers on the market

Travel friendly design

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

Doesn’t include a USB-C to USB-C cable

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

Model: PA-Y18

Tech Specs:

Ports: USB-C

Output: 18W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A)

Input: 100V–240V, 0.5A, 50/60Hz

Size: 1.42 x 1.42 x 1.26 inches | 36 x 36 x 32 mm

Weight: 1.5 oz | 43 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD

Good For:

Additional charger for home or work

Travel

iPhone

Android

Nintendo Switch (handheld)

iPad Pro (pre-2018)

First Impression

The AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD Wall Charger is almost as small as iPhone’s included 5W USB charger. But where those slow charge your phone this will fast charge. It has folding prongs, unlike most included phone chargers. Able to fit in your pocket it is as travel friendly as USB-C PD chargers get.

AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD with Moto G6 AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD with Nintendo Switch AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD in Switch carrying case

Compared To Similar Chargers

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2020-09-23.

Top: AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD. Bottom: Google 18W USB-C. Top: AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD. Bottom: iPhone 5W USB Power Adapter.

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. And Android phones will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, also not included.

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. But as no Quick Charge or compatible fast charging standard is supported that’s as fast as it goes. Still, 11W is a good charge rate.

Nintendo Switch

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

The Nintendo Switch charges at the expected rate with a 12V charger. It’ll draw up to 12W, shy of its 18W max draw. This is due to a shortcoming with the Switch itself. But it is more than enough to charge while you play.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

Summary

The AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD Wall Charger is a a great option for those who prefer to travel light. Other USB-C PD chargers can outperform it, but few do so at its size and weight. And those few are more expensive.

For the Nintendo Switch it charges in handheld mode while you play. Due to the 12V power profile being used it is slow compared to some other USB-C PD chargers. But still enough to increase the battery charge with the most demanding games.

At 18W USB-C PD it will fast charge Power Delivery supporting phones and small tablets. You can also recharge USB-C power banks. But with larger models you’ll want to do it overnight.

Other small devices, including LG, Motorola, and Quick Charge Android phones will charge. But they won’t fast charge. The 2018 iPad Pro will charge as well as with its own charger, but it can charge faster.

What you lose in device flexibility you gain in portability. The AUKEY PA-Y18 is as small as an iPhone charger, and smaller than most Android phone fast chargers. Folding prongs make it perfect for travel. It takes up almost no space in a bag or Switch carrying case. It would even fit in your pocket. The smaller size does increase its temperature while in operation. But not enough to be a bother. The exterior didn’t go past 86°F (30°C). And it was never too hot to handle.

AUKEY offers the charger in black or white.

About AUKEY

AUKEY has U.S. based support (web and email) and a 24 month warranty. You must have purchased the product either from them or through Amazon for support.

Bottom Line

The AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD is a great charger for the minimalist traveler. It’ll charge any USB-C phone, though it works best with USB PD supported phones. It’ll charge a Nintendo Switch while you play. What you lose in charge time you gain in reduced size, weight, and cost.

Buy if you:

Wish the iPhone’s charger was a fast charger

Want a dedicated travel charger

Like to carry the least amount of weight in your bag

Don’t buy if you:

Need a charger for larger devices, include laptops

Prefer a charger that powers the Switch near its max rate

Have the 2018 version of the iPad Pro (faster chargers available)

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

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