Hey everyone! I just pre-ordered the new Pixel 9, and I’m a bit confused about the best way to juice it up since it doesn't come with a brick in the box. I saw that Google released a new 45W USB-C charger, but I’m wondering if that’s actually the fastest option available or if there are better third-party alternatives from brands like Anker or Ugreen. I know these phones can be picky about PPS (Programmable Power Supply) ratings to hit those top speeds. Does anyone know exactly which charger will give me the quickest 0-100% time? Also, do I need a specific 5A cable to reach the maximum wattage, or will any USB-C cord work?
For your situation, I've learned from years of testing Pixels that the Google 45W USB-C Power Adapter is honestly your best bet. It supports the specific PPS profiles needed for the 27W max on the base model.
1. Stick with the official brick or Anker 713 Charger (Nano II 45W).
2. You MUST use a 5A cable like the Google USB-C to USB-C Cable (1m) for peak speeds. Basically, generic cords wont cut it!
Honestly, when it comes to the Pixel 9, you gotta be kinda careful with those third-party bricks. Since the base model maxes out at 27W, you don't *technically* need the massive 45W Google one, but it's the safest bet for hitting top speeds without worrying about compatibility issues. If you want a solid alternative, I've had good luck with the Ugreen Nexode Pro 65W GaN Charger. It supports the PPS protocol that Pixels are so picky about. Just a heads up though, I'm always a bit cautious about heat with super fast charging, so maybe don't leave it buried under a pillow or something lol.
Regarding the cable, you actually *dont* need a 5A cable for the base Pixel 9 since it stays under 60W. Any decent Anker 641 USB-C to USB-C Cable (Flow) will handle the 27W draw just fine. But yeah, sticking to brands that actually list PPS specs is huge. Better safe than sorry with a brand new phone, right? gl with the new device!
Ok so I went through this last year when I upgraded... it was actually such a headache because I tried to save money with an old brick I had lying around. Honestly, it took forever to charge and the phone got weirdly hot, which realy freaked me out! I ended up just getting the Google 45W USB-C Power Adapter because I was worried about messing up the battery long-term. Also, I realized later that you definitely need a Google USB-C to USB-C Cable (5A) to actually hit the top speeds safely, especially since some of my cheap random cords just wouldn't cut it. It was a bit more expensive but way less stressful imo!!
Story time: I went through this same headache last year with my last upgrade, and honestly, it was kinda frustrating. I thought my old laptop brick would work fine, but unfortunately, it took *forever* to charge because it didn't have that specific PPS support. I'm still basically a beginner with all these technical specs, but I've learned that you really dont HAVE to spend a ton on the official Google one to get those speeds.
Since the other guys already mentioned the pricey stuff, here are some budget-friendly options I've actually used:
* Anker 313 Charger (Ace, 45W) — This one is usually way cheaper than the 713 model and still hits the PPS profiles needed for the Pixel.
* Spigen ArcStation Pro 45W Wall Charger — I had issues with an older Spigen brick, but this specific model has been super solid for the price.
* Anker 333 USB-C to USB-C Cable (100W, 6ft) — If you want a 5A cable just to be safe for the future, this is a total steal compared to others.
Tbh, you probably don't strictly need a 5A cable for just 27W, but it's nice for peace of mind. Good luck with the new phone!
Tbh, I totally agree that focusing on the PPS range is the way to go if you want to keep the battery healthy for years. Having used Pixels for a long time, here are a few things to keep in mind for your new 9: 1. The phone's charging curve drops off significantly after 50-60%, so don't stress too much about the total 0-100% time. Those last 20% are always going to be slow to protect the lithium cells from wearing out too fast.
2. Heat is the real enemy of "fast" charging. If you’re charging while using the phone for navigation or gaming, it won’t hit those top speeds regardless of how beefy the brick is, basically because the software throttles it to stay safe.
3. Getting a 5A rated cable is definitely worth it for the long haul. They’re usually built a bit thicker and handle the current with less resistance, which keeps the connectors from getting too hot, you know? It's less about finding the single fastest option and more about having a reliable setup that won't cook your battery over the next three years or so.
TL;DR: You need a brick with PPS 3.0 that hits the 3.3V-11V at 3A range to get the 27W max. Ngl I am in the exact same boat right now... just pre-ordered the base 9 and spent way too much time digging through spec sheets because I am obsessive about charging efficiency and thermal curves. It is kinda annoying how picky Pixels are with those specific PPS rails. I have been looking at the Spigen ArcStation Pro 45W USB C Wall Charger for my desk since it supposedly handles the heat better than most. Also considering the Anker 735 Charger Nano II 65W for travel because it is tiny but hits those PPS profiles perfectly for the 9. Still havent pulled the trigger tho because I am worried about finding a 5A cable that isnt super stiff... honestly let me know what you end up getting!
Ok so I totally agree that the PPS profile is the absolute most important thing to look for because without that specific 3.3V-11V range you’re just wasting money on a brick that won't actually fast charge. I’m a bit of a DIY enthusiast so I usually prefer to spec out my own charging setup rather than just buying the official "pro" recommended stuff and honestly you can save a ton by getting something like the Baseus GaN5 Pro 65W which is way cheaper than the official options and handles those PPS requirements like a champ. Also if you really want to be sure about your speeds you should grab a cheap USB-C power meter to test your current cables for E-marker chips before buying new ones because you might already have a 5A cord tucked away in a drawer somewhere basically. It’s way more satisfying to verify the tech yourself with your own gear than just overpaying for the official brand stuff to be safe tho!
Bump - same question here
Just stumbled on this thread while hunting for some spare cables. I used to be pretty careless with chargers until I actually melted a port on an old phone using a cheapo brick that didn't handle the voltage right. It was a huge mess, so now I am super cautious and only use stuff with proper certifications. Honestly, I'm very satisfied with my current setup because the phone stays cool and the speeds are consistent. To get the fastest charge on the Pixel 9, you basically need: