USB-C Power Delivery (PD 3.1): understanding watts (20W, 45W, 65W, 100W, 140W, 240W) — LymobileShop Guide 2025

In the world of modern power banks and chargers, USB-C Power Delivery (PD) has become the standard. PD 3.1 pushed the maximum power delivery from 100W to 240W , paving the way for charging demanding laptops—and even more demanding monitors and docks—all via a single, well-chosen USB-C cable. This LymobileShop 2025 guide clarifies key terms (volts, amps, watts), explains the difference between SPR and EPR , and helps you select the right wattages and cables for your actual needs.

The basics: volts, amps, watts

Before talking about PD 3.1, a super-quick reminder:

• V (volts) = voltage; A (amperes) = current; W (watts) = instantaneous power.
• P(W) = V × I. Example: 20 V × 5 A = 100 W.
• More watts = potentially faster charging , if the battery and device support this profile.

In USB-C PD, the source (charger/power bank) and the receiver (smartphone, laptop, etc.) negotiate a power profile . If a device only supports 20–30 W, connecting a 100 W source does not harm it: it will simply take what it can handle.

PD 3.0 vs PD 3.1: SPR and EPR (up to 240W)

Historically, the "classic" PD capped at 100 W. This range is now called SPR (Standard Power Range) . The new feature of PD 3.1 is the EPR (Extended Power Range) , which introduces new voltage levels (notably 28 V, 36 V and 48 V) and allows up to 240 W to be reached with a compatible cable. Concretely, 48 V × 5 A = 240 W, but this requires a specific EPR 5A cable and a certified ecosystem. [Official USB-IF sources]

PPS Explained: Cooler, More Efficient Charging

PPS (Programmable Power Supply) is an option in the PD ecosystem that allows for fine adjustment of voltage and current during charging (20 mV / 50 mA steps depending on the implementation). On the user side, this often results in a more stable charge , better controlled temperatures and sometimes better efficiency, especially on many recent Android smartphones (including some Samsung). [PD Docs & Technical Resources]

Power levels: 20W, 30W, 45W, 65W, 100W, 140W, 240W

The "right" power depends on the most demanding device in your setup. Here are some practical guidelines for choosing your power bank/charger at LymobileShop:

• 20–30 W — Smartphones & everyday use : Most iPhones/Androids already benefit from 20–30 W of wired USB-C PD. Ideal for a compact power bank.
• 45 W — Tablets & some ultraportables : more comfortable for powerful tablets; can hold a small laptop for light office use.
• 65W — Mainstream USB-C Laptop : Excellent all-around power tier for many 13–14” laptops.
• 100W — Demanding ultraportables / multi-devices : Comfortable headroom to quickly charge a PC while powering a second device.
• 140W — High-end models : for some laptops that negotiate beyond 100W in EPR (requires compatible hardware).
• 240 W — EPR specific cases : stations, USB-C powered displays, compatible laptops/workstations. Requires certified EPR 5A cable .

Remember: if your phone maxes out at ~27W, a 65W charger won't go any faster for it, but may be useful if you also want a compatible laptop.

USB-C Cables: 60W vs 240W, e-marker and EPR

The cable is crucial . Three key points:

1. Power Categories : Current USB-C cables are commonly categorized as 60W (3A) and 240W (up to 5A, EPR) . Older 100W (5A/20V) cables are still available, but in terms of recent specifications, the ecosystem is increasingly aligning with the 60W/240W duo. [Specs & Safety Tests]
2. e-marker : Any 5A cable (and therefore EPR) must incorporate an e-marker chip that declares its capabilities during PD negotiation. Without an e-marker, the source will limit the current for safety. [USB-IF]
3. Quality & length : For high power (100–240 W), choose well-constructed short/intermediate cables (suitable conductors, robust connectors). A poor cable = higher losses and heat.

At LymobileShop, we recommend matching the power bank's power , device requirements , and certified cable (60W or 240W). This is the winning trio for fast, safe, and stable charging.

iPhone / Android / Laptop / Switch Compatibility

iPhone (USB-C, wired first)

The modern USB-C iPhone benefits very well from a 20–30 W profile. Wired PD remains more efficient than wireless: less loss, less heat, and therefore a more reproducible charge. You can supplement with a Qi2 magnetic charger for everyday convenience, but keep a wired one for performance. [Qi2: more efficient magnetic alignment]

Android & Samsung (PPS)

Many Android flagships take advantage of PPS (fine-step variable voltage). In concrete terms, a PPS-compatible PD power bank can maintain optimal voltage in real time, often with less heating. For a recent Samsung, aim for 25–45 W PD/PPS depending on the range, and favor a good certified USB-C cable. [PPS Docs]

USB-C Laptops

Look at the power your laptop expects (original charge at 65, 100 or 140 W, etc.). Choose a power bank + cable duo that reaches this level. Example: if your PC requires 100 W, a 100 W power bank + 100/240 W cable is necessary; for 140 W, you need a complete EPR chain (power bank, charger, cable, PD 3.1/EPR compatible laptop).

Nintendo Switch & portable consoles

18–30W is usually enough for gaming while charging. Stick to a good quality USB-C cable (ideally e-marker if 5A, even if you don't need it for 30W: it's a long-term investment).

Common Mistakes and Myths

1. "More watts = always faster" : no. Your device is limiting. A smartphone that negotiates 27W won't charge faster with 100W.
2. Forget the cable : A 100–140W charger/power bank without a suitable cable can be limited to 60W (or less). Check for “5A”, “EPR” and e-marker.
3. Confusing USB-C and PD : USB-C is a connector, PD is a charging protocol. A USB-C port does not automatically imply high-power PD.
4. Ignore the heat : At high power, monitor ventilation. PPS helps, but the laws of physics apply.
5. Skip the plane : When traveling, the Wh capacity of your power bank matters (≤100 Wh = simple; 100–160 Wh = approved). Store in the cabin, never in the hold. [IATA 2025]

Summary table: what wattage for what use?

Use	Recommended PD Wattage	Useful PD profile	Cable type	Where to buy it on LymobileShop
Everyday Smartphone (iPhone/Android)	20–30 W	PD (PPS if Android compatible)	USB-C 60W, short/medium	External batteries · Cables & chargers
Tablet / smartphone + earphones duo	30–45 W	PD/PPS	Quality 60W or 100+W USB-C	External batteries
Laptop 13–14" USB-C	65 W	PD (SPR)	USB-C 100W or 240W	External batteries
Demanding ultraportable / multi-device	100 W	PD (SPR 20V×5A)	USB-C 100W or 240W (5A)	External batteries
High-end EPR-compatible laptop	140 W	PD 3.1 (EPR)	USB-C 240 W (EPR 5A, e-marker)	External batteries
EPR USB-C Stations/Displays	Up to 240 W	PD 3.1 (EPR 28/36/48V)	USB-C 240 W (EPR 5A, e-marker)	Cables & Chargers

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