Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL Ship With 18W Adapters; Support 27W Fast Charging With Compliant Charger [Update]

The all-new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones support fast charging which isn't exactly a new feature for a Pixel device. Though, this year Google has made it possible to charge new Pixel smartphones even faster with up to 27W USB-C charger.

Google's Benson Leung in a Google+ post confirmed that the new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will ship with 18W USB Type-C and PD (power delivery) power adapters. Leung also revealed that the new Pixel devices can support up to 27W charging from compliant PD chargers. "Also, a point about the software is that starting in Android Oreo, Pixel phones (including 2016 Pixel models and the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL) now implements Type-C and PD support using the new Type-C Port Manager in the Linux kernel," he added.

Update: It turns out Leung was mistaken, as he has since published an update to his Google+ post saying that the 18W charger included in the box will provide the "optimal charging for the Pixel 2 and 2 XL", adding that the phones will not support 27W charging. Here's the full statement:

I'd like to clarify this post as Pixel 2 and 2 XL will not be able to support 27W charging. While the phones may be able to negotiate more power using USB Power Delivery when connected to a higher wattage charger, there are other factors which may limit the speed at which it charges the battery. The included 18W charger in the box will provide optimal charging for Pixel 2 and 2 XL. Sorry for the confusion!

The default 18W for USB-C Power is capable of delivering 7 hours of usage in just 15 minutes of charging. Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL users can expect to get even better usage time considering the 27W is even quicker. Currently, there are not many USB-C chargers with up to 27W power delivery but you can get Aukey from Amazon for roughly $25 (via 9to5google).

Considering the new Pixel smartphones support up to 27W USB-C chargers, we can expect some third-party accessory makers to come with their own version soon with "Made for Google" badge. Under the all-new Made for Google programme, third-party accessories will sport the "made for" badge on the packaging so that users know it has been certified to meet the company's compatibility standards.

We discussed the impact of Google Pixel 2 and its big hardware ecosystem India on our weekly technology podcast Orbital, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts or RSS or just listen to this episode by hitting the play button below.