The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL were announced this week, and now the first details on charging the phones are beginning to appear. Interestingly, you won’t be able to charge your phone as fast as possible with the mains adapter that comes in the box. Here’s how to achieve maximum charging speeds with the Google Pixel 2.
What’s the situation?
According to Google’s Store, each Pixel phone will come with an 18W USB-C mains adapter that supports USB Power Delivery 2.0. Like Apple’s new iPhones though, the phones can support faster charging using a more powerful mains adapter.
Google employee and USB-C expert Benson Leung has stated that the phones’ maximum charging speed can be unlocked by using a mains adapter that supports the USB- Type-C Power Delivery 3.0 standard and provides 27W or more.
Official and third-party charging options
For example, Google are happy to sell you a 45W adapter that will allow for that maximum charging speed for the princely sum of £60. Of course, more reasonably-priced alternatives exist too: you can get a Macally four-port hub with a USB-C port that supports up to 60W charging for £50.
We expect to stock many more USB-C mains adapters in the future, and we’ll add them to this article once the arrive!
Are higher currents damaging or dangerous?
Like other modern mobile devices, there’s no danger to using a USB-C mains adapter rated at a higher wattage — the Pixels will draw as much current as they can handle, and no more. It won’t make your phone hotter, worsen the battery’s longevity or cause a Note 7 style explosion.
Wrapping up
So there you have it — to maximise your charging speed with the Google Pixel, you’ll need to upgrade your mains adapter to one that provides at least 27W of charge and supports USB Type-C Power Delivery.
We hope you found this information useful. Be sure to let us know what you thought in the comments below, and if you have any further questions let us know so we can improve the article!