Today, we are taking a look at the PD20W2C USB-C Fast Charger by CIO. A little while ago, we posted a press release about their Kickstarter for this. They reached out and asked if I’d like to review it. Of course, I said yes. I’ve spent a bit of time with this fast charger and I’m going to give my thoughts on it.
Unboxing
Upon taking the product out of the ugly brown cardboard shipping box, you are greeted with a purple and white box with information on the front and sides about the product. It came nicely packaged in a box that was just a bit bigger than the charger itself. Inside the box, you get the charger itself and a small instruction/warranty booklet. That’s it! I should note, a USB-C charging cable is not included.
Appearance
Most charging bricks are bulky, but not this one! This thing is tiny! But it was designed that way. Its compact design allows it to take up minimal space when plugged in. Something I like. It’s a matte white color so it’s not too flashy. It will fit right in with all other things plugged in.
It has two USB-C ports and measures just 3 cm per side! It’s the same size as a quarter. Don’t let the size fool you, it packs a punch. We’ll get to that in just a bit.
Functionality
Here is where the rubber meets the road. The meat and potatoes. Remember, how I said this tiny little thing packs a punch? When you have a device plugged in a single port you get 20 watts of charging power. If you have a second device plugged in, it drops to 15 watts of power.
The single port at 20 watts allows you to charge your device up to 50% in 30 minutes. Charging two devices at the same time you can reach 50% in 70 minutes. The only thing I was unable to test was charging two devices at the same time, only because I don’t have another USB-C device.
I can confirm the 50% charge. I took my Pixel 3 from about 11% percent or so and it was charged to just over 50% in 30 minutes. This is pretty neat if you need to top off your device before going somewhere where there might not be a power outlet. Of course, if you wanted to bring it along with you, you could as it won’t take up too much space in your pocket or backpack or travel bag. In fact, it’s the only charger I bring with me to work now.
Specifications
| PRODUCT NAME | CIO-PD20W2C |
| COLOR | White |
| AC INPUT | AC100-240V 50 / 60Hz |
| NUMBER OF PORTS | 2 ports (USB-C x 2) |
| OUTPUT (USB-C1 PD) | 5V = 3A / 9V = 2.22A / 12V = 1.67A (maximum 20 watts) |
| OUTPUT (USB-C2 PD) | 5V = 3A / 9V = 2.22A / 12V = 1.67A (maximum 20 watts) |
| 2-PORT OUTPUT | 2 ports total 15 watts |
| PROTECTIVE FUNCTION | Overcurrent protection / Overvoltage protection / Short circuit protection / Heat protection |
| SIZE | Approximately 28 x 28 x 30 mm |
| WEIGHT | About 45 grams |
| MATERIAL | ABS + PC |
Conclusion
After using this charger for a few weeks, I can definitely say I have come to like it. It’s small and compact and very lightweight which makes it easy to carry in your pocket or throw in a backpack. I love how fast it’s able to charge my phone in a matter of minutes. If you are looking to get one for yourself, you can head over to their Kickstarter page.
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ciojapan/a-quarter-sized-20w-dual-usb-c-charger-cio-pd20w-charger
This charger might be smaller, but it packs a punch!
