iPad 20w usb-c block has less power than other 20w blocks?

[Andy_2341]

I have an iPad Mini 6 and an iPhone 15 Pro. The 15 Pro is using the included cable and a 20w block provided by my carrier. The mini 6 is using the included charger block and cable. Out of curiosity, I tried both for charging my chromebook. Chromebooks normally use a big chunky charger rated for 45w. When I used the 15P's cable and block, the chromebook could run completely off of external power. However, when I used the mini's cable and block, the Chromebook alerted that it might not charge while in use due to a "Low-power charger." If both are 20w blocks, why is the iPad's "low power"? One would think the iPad would get a higher or equal power block.

 

[KaliYoni]

If the carrier provided charger is a non-Apple charger, it is very likely it was designed and made to be an inexpensive giveaway item. So my guess is that the Apple charger’s premium construction (yes, there actually is a reason why Apple chargers cost more) allows it to recognize that the Chromebook needs more power than it is designed to deliver and automatically limits its output as a safety measure.

While this article is a few years old, it does provide a good analysis of why you actually do get what you pay for with Apple chargers:

iPad charger teardown: inside Apple's charger and a risky phony

This article is now available in Turkish iPad Åarjının iç yapısı and Chinese [ä¸æç¿»è¯çæ¬] Apple iPadåè£åçµå¨æ解 . Apple sells their iPad charger...

www.righto.com

 

[BigBlur]

If the carrier provided charger is a non-Apple charger, it is very likely it was designed and made to be an inexpensive giveaway item. So my guess is that the Apple charger’s premium construction (yes, there actually is a reason why Apple chargers cost more) allows it to recognize that the Chromebook needs more power than it is designed to deliver and automatically limits its output as a safety measure.

While this article is a few years old, it does provide a good analysis of why you actually do get what you pay for with Apple chargers:

iPad charger teardown: inside Apple's charger and a risky phony

This article is now available in Turkish iPad Åarjının iç yapısı and Chinese [ä¸æç¿»è¯çæ¬] Apple iPadåè£åçµå¨æ解 . Apple sells their iPad charger...

www.righto.com

I think you have the OP's post backwards. It was the carrier's charger that was able to charge the Chromebook, not Apple's.

It could possibly have to do with the power profiles the chargers support. Apple's 20W charger can do 5V/3A (15W) or 9V/2.2A (20W). Some other chargers may even support something else, like 12V/1.67A (20W). When you first plug in a device, it'll start at 5V (standard USB spec). The charger will then tell the device what voltage/current combinations it offers. The device can then request to use one of those to get more power.

My thoughts: With the Apple charger, it sounds like it could be staying at 5V/3A (15W). Either the two devices aren't communicating properly, or the Chromebook doesn't want to use the 9V/2.2A (20W) option.

Out of curiosity, what is the third-party charger you're using and/or what output profiles does it support? It should be listed on the charger somewhere.

 

[Andy_2341]

I think KaliYoni got my post right, it just took a re-read or 2 to get it.

The 3rd party block I originally mentioned is a Verizon block, but I also tested an Anker PowerPort lll 20W PD block and had the same results as the Verizon block.

Verizon Block:
15.0W 5.0V 3.0A, 20.0W 9.0V 2.22A, or 20.0W 12.0V 1.67A

Anker Block:
5V 3A or 9V 2.22A

 

[BigBlur]

Ah, you're right...my bad, I read it too fast. Sounds like we both had the same thought.

Interesting that the Anker one also works even though it is "identical" to the Apple one in terms of specs. It must be something with the negotiation. Could get one of those USB-C power meters to see what exactly is going on.