Samsung 45W USB-C Charger Review: Fast but Flawed Verdict
Digging into hundreds of real-world reports, the Samsung 45W USB-C Super Fast Charging Wall Charger (Black) earns a strong 8.6/10 from everyday users, but with caveats on durability and compatibility. While official specs promise blistering speeds and universal device support, user experiences show that optimal results hinge on having the right cable and the right Samsung device.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Charges Samsung Galaxy S-series and Note devices from 0–100% in under an hour | Larger and heavier than many wall chargers |
| Comes with high-quality 5A USB-C to USB-C cable | Limited fast charging benefit for non-Samsung devices |
| Stays cooler than many competing high-wattage chargers | Some reports of failure within 6–12 months |
| Low standby power consumption (<5mW) | Cable length may be short for some users |
| Solid build quality and official Samsung warranty | Price premium over generic chargers |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung markets this charger with Super Fast Charging 2.0 up to 45W, claiming it can power devices “to full bars super-fast” and work across “a wide range of USB-C devices.” Official specs list compatibility with smartphones, tablets, and even certain laptops.
Digging deeper into user feedback, the speed claims hold true primarily for specific Samsung models. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: "My S22 Ultra goes from 20 to 85 in less than a half hour"—but others found diminishing returns above 80% charge. Best Buy customers consistently mention a full charge within 45–60 minutes for compatible phones. However, Reddit users caution that non-Samsung devices often drop to standard PD speeds: "It doesn't charge quickly with non-Samsung devices, but works fine otherwise."
The “universal compatibility” claim is partially accurate. While it does charge earbuds, tablets, and laptops, Reddit user experiences highlight that without USB PD 3.0 PPS support, speeds are much slower. One Best Buy respondent explained: "Cannot get fastest charging with less than 5A charging cable."
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, and PCComponentes, charging speed is the standout feature. For Samsung flagship owners, it’s transformative. A PCComponentes reviewer using it with a Galaxy S24 Ultra said: "From zero to full, it takes an hour or less." Best Buy reviews echo this, with many citing sub-45-minute charges for S23 and S24 Ultra models.
Travelers and busy professionals especially value the included long cable. One Best Buy customer praised: "It’s nice and long… perfect when you want to use your phone far from the outlet." The build quality earns consistent praise—Fakespot notes: "The cable is thick and weighty/hefty… built to last." Several users report it stays cooler than other high-wattage chargers, important for battery longevity.
Common Complaints
Size and weight draw criticism in multiple markets. PCComponentes reviewers call it “gordote” and note it doesn’t fit well in crowded power strips. Best Buy users mention occasional warmth during use, though most say it’s not excessive. Cable length divides opinion—some find the 1.8m generous, others wish for more reach.
Durability concerns stand out in Reddit’s Samsung Community. One frustrated post reads: "Mine stayed 5 months only. This is the second bad experience with 45W original Samsung charger." Another cited failure “exactly 1 year and 1 day” after purchase, impacting their phone battery. Others counter with multi-year success stories, suggesting variance in quality or usage conditions.
Divisive Features
Compatibility beyond Samsung devices is mixed. Owners of Google Pixel or older Galaxy models often see little difference from a 25W charger. One Fakespot reviewer complained: "This thing really has no advantage over the normal 25W charger that comes included with Samsung phones." In contrast, Samsung loyalists argue the higher wattage is future-proof, especially for upcoming models with expanded PPS support.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit threads reveal a pattern: some chargers fail within 6–12 months, often abruptly. The most extreme case involved a charger dying mid-charge at 70%, temporarily disabling the phone. While several users have units still functioning after 2–4 years, the inconsistency affects buyer confidence.
The inclusion of the official 5A cable is a strong trust signal. Multiple Best Buy responses confirm it’s in the box, and Samsung’s own reps emphasize using it to achieve maximum speeds. Community advice leans toward buying from authorized sellers to avoid counterfeits, as cheaper Amazon listings may differ in build quality.
Alternatives
Users frequently replace failed units with third-party options like Anker 45W Super Fast Charger or Ugreen PPS chargers. One Reddit user reported: "Replaced with Anker 45W super fast charger… both seem to be of the same or higher quality than the Samsung equivalent." These alternatives often match or exceed Samsung’s charging times, sometimes at lower prices, but lack the official branding and guaranteed compatibility with Samsung’s SFC 2.0 protocol.
Price & Value
Official retail hovers around $38.95–$49.99, but eBay listings show used units for as low as $15.99 plus shipping. Open-box deals with original accessories go for around $21.95. Community consensus is that the premium is worth it for flagship Samsung owners; for others, a 25W charger may suffice. Best Buy reviewers justify the price with battery protection benefits: "Worth every penny to protect my new phone… my last phone died because a bad cable melted the port."
FAQ
Q: Does it come with a USB-C cable?
A: Yes. Multiple Best Buy customers confirm it includes a 1.8m USB-C to USB-C 5A cable, essential for maximum charging speed.
Q: Will it charge non-Samsung devices at full speed?
A: Only if the device supports USB PD 3.0 PPS. Otherwise, it will default to lower speeds typical of standard PD chargers.
Q: Is it safe to use with laptops?
A: For compatible USB-C laptops under 45W draw, yes. Best Buy users report reasonable laptop charging speeds.
Q: Does it overheat?
A: Most users say it stays cooler than other high-wattage chargers, though occasional warmth is noted during long sessions.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Durability varies—some report multi-year use, others experience failure within a year. Buying from authorized dealers reduces risk.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own a recent Galaxy flagship and want the fastest official charging with a high-quality cable. Avoid if you primarily charge non-Samsung devices or need something compact for travel. Pro tip from community: always use the included 5A cable to unlock full Super Fast Charging 2.0 speeds.
