I just pre-ordered the Pixel 9 and realized it doesn't come with a brick. I know it supports faster charging now, so I'm looking for a reliable PPS-compatible plug. Does it really need the official 45W Google brick to hit top speeds, or can Anker/Ugreen handle it? What are you guys using to get the fastest charge possible?
Yo! Congrats on the pre-order! Basically, the Pixel 9 series uses the USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.1 spec with PPS (Programmable Power Supply). This is HUGE because PPS lets the phone talk to the charger to adjust voltage in real-time, which keeps heat down. While Google says you need the official Google 45W USB-C Power Adapter to hit those PEAK speeds, honestly, any high-quality PPS brick will work just as well!
I've been using the Anker 713 Charger Nano II 45W and it's seriously amazingβso tiny but handles the PPS handshake perfectly. Another solid choice is the Ugreen Nexode 45W Dual USB C GaN Charger if you wanna charge your buds too. Just make sure whatever you get supports at least 3.25A at 21V PPS. I mean, the official one is cool, but these third-party GaN chargers are way more portable imo. Enjoy that new phone!! 👍
Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, over the years I've learned that you're basically paying for the brand name with the official stuff. If you want the best value, check out the CUKTECH 65W GaN Fast Charger 3-Port Wall Charger since it supports PPS and is usually way cheaper. Another solid budget pick I've tried is the Baseus 65W GaN6 Pro Fast Wall Chargerβit handles my Pixel and laptop easily without getting hot. You definitely don't need the official 45W brick to hit those max speeds! 👍
For your situation, I gotta say you definitely dont need to shell out $30 for the official Google brick to get those top speeds. Honestly, as long as you find something that supports the PPS protocol at 5A, you're golden! I did a bunch of digging into the specs, and you can save some serious cash by looking at alternatives that aren't quite as 'mainstream' as Anker but still rock solid technical specs.
Here are some budget-friendly beast options I found:
- The Samsung 45W USB-C Fast Charging Wall Charger is actually a steal right now, usually around $22-25 on sale, and it hits the exact PPS profiles the Pixel 9 needs.
- If you want something even cheaper, check out the Spigen 45W ArcStation Pro GaN Wall Charger. It's super compact and usually runs under $20!!
- For a multi-port setup on a budget, the Baseus 65W GaN5 Pro Desktop Fast Charger is amazing value at like $30 for three ports.
Basically, just make sure your cable is rated for 5A too or it wont matter what brick you use lol. Good luck with the new phone, the 9 looks so sick!!
👆 this