What Is Power Delivery (PD) and Why It Matters in a Charger
If you've bought a phone, tablet, or laptop recently, you've probably run into the term "Power Delivery," or PD for short. It might sound like a minor technical detail, but choosing a charger with or without PD can be the difference between a 30-minute charge and a two-hour one.
What Power Delivery Actually Is
Power Delivery is a fast-charging standard built for the USB-C port that lets a charger and a device automatically "negotiate" the optimal amount of power to transfer. Instead of always pushing the same fixed output, a PD charger detects which device is connected and adjusts voltage and amperage in real time, up to a maximum both sides support (for example 18W, 20W, 45W, or even 100W, depending on the model).
In practice, the same PD charger can correctly power a phone, a tablet, and a thin laptop, without the risk of sending too much or too little energy.
Power Delivery vs Quick Charge
The two standards are often confused, but they're not the same thing:
- Quick Charge (QC) is a technology developed by Qualcomm, used mostly on older Android devices, available on both USB-A and USB-C.
- Power Delivery (PD) is a universal standard, independent of chipset manufacturer, delivered exclusively through USB-C, and is the officially recommended standard for Apple devices and most modern laptops.
A modern PD charger is generally the safer, more universal choice, since it works correctly regardless of your phone's brand.
How Many Watts You Actually Need
Not every device needs the same amount of power:
- Phones – usually 18–30W is enough for fast charging
- Tablets – 20–30W, for efficient charging without overheating
- Thin laptops – 45–65W, depending on the model
- Gaming/performance laptops – over 65W, sometimes 100W+
A charger with more power than your device needs isn't dangerous — PD negotiation ensures the device only draws what it can accept — but buying a charger that's too weak for a laptop will mean slow charging or none at all.
How to Spot a PD Charger
The simplest way is to check the product label or the box description: if it says "PD" or "Power Delivery" next to the wattage rating, you have a compatible charger. The port will always be USB-C.
Tellur's Recommendation
If you want a single charger that covers your phone, tablet, and, when needed, your laptop, look through our wall charger range for Power Delivery-enabled models. For charging without extra cables at home or at the office, also check out our wireless charger range.