GaN vs PD Charger | ZONSAN

2023-02-28 🔋 Introduction: GaN vs PD Still Matters in 2026
The fast-charging industry has come a long way — but two terms still dominate every charger discussion: GaN and PD.
Since the first GaN chargers hit the market around 2019 and USB Power Delivery (PD) became a universal fast-charging standard, these technologies have redefined how quickly and safely we power our devices.

In 2025, 2026, the question isn’t “Which is better?” — it’s “How do GaN and PD work together?”
Let’s break down their differences, updates.

⚙️ 1. What Is a GaN Charger?
GaN (Gallium Nitride) is a next-generation semiconductor material that replaces traditional silicon (Si) in charger components.
It enables smaller, cooler, and more efficient power conversion — ideal for compact, high-wattage fast chargers.

🔧 GaN Advantages
• Smaller size, higher efficiency: Converts AC to DC with less energy loss.
• Lower heat generation: Safer and more stable under high loads.
• Supports higher power density: Allows 65W, 100W, even 240W outputs in pocket-sized designs.
• Longer lifespan: Withstands higher temperatures and voltage stress.

🔍 Example
A traditional 65W charger is about 65 × 65 mm, while a 65W GaN charger can be 40% smaller (35.5×35.5×56 mm)— perfect for travel or multi-device users.
🧠 In short: GaN refers to the hardware technology inside the charger.

⚡ 2. What Is a PD Charger?
PD (Power Delivery) is a charging protocol, not a material.
It’s the communication standard that tells your charger how much power your device needs — safely and intelligently.

📚 PD Evolution Timeline

Version	Released	Max Power	New Features
PD 3.0	2017	100W	Introduces PPS (Programmable Power Supply)
PD 3.1	2021	240W	Supports laptops, monitors, and power tools
PD 3.2	2025	240W+	Adds AVS (Adjustable Voltage Supply) and DPS (Direct Power Supply)

These updates enable precision voltage control, improving both safety and compatibility for modern devices like iPhone 14/15/16/17, MacBook M3, and Samsung Galaxy S23/S24 Ultra.
🧠 In short: PD refers to the charging protocol or language between charger and device.

🔌 3. GaN vs PD: The Core Difference

Feature	Gan Charger	PD Charger
Definition	Semiconductor technology	Charging communication protocol
Function	Improves power conversion & efficiency	Regulates power output via negotiation
Role	Hardware	Software/firmware
Can one exist without the other?	Yes - GaN charger can support PD, QC, PPS, etc.	Yes - PD charger can be Si or GaN-based
Best scenario	Combined use: GaN + PD for max efficiency & speed

✅ The best modern fast chargers combine GaN material with PD protocol, offering both compact design and smart compatibility.

📈 4. Market trends from 2019 to the present: GaN + PD Leads the Fast-Charging Race
The GaN + PD charger is the current market mainstream because it delivers both hardware and software optimization
According to a 2025 market analysis by TrendForce and Statista:
• The GaN charger market is projected to exceed USD 2.1 billion by 2027.
• PD chargers are now the standard for all USB-C devices in Europe, driven by the EU’s universal charging directive.
• OEM demand for 65W, 100W, 120W, and 140W GaN PD chargers continues to surge, especially for laptop and smartphone bundle orders.

GaN and PD are no longer separate trends — they define the core direction of the next-generation charger ecosystem.

🧠 5. How to Choose the Right Charger: OEM Buyer’s Guide
When sourcing GaN or PD chargers from manufacturers, focus on:
🔍 Technical Factors
• Power Rating: 20W–240W range, matching your target device lineup.
• Protocol Support: PD, PD 3.1/3.2, PPS, QC 5.0, AVS/DPS.
• Chipset: Use reputable brands.
• Thermal Control: Multi-layer protection and temperature sensors.

🏭 Factory Capabilities
• BSCI, GRS, ISO9001-certified manufacturing
• CE, RoHS, CB, KC, FCC, ETL, EAC, ERP approvals
• Automatic production lines & SMT facilities
• OEM/ODM customization (shell, PCB, logo, color)

💡 For 2025 buyers: Choose factories that already mass-produce GaN + PD hybrid chargers, as this ensures long-term compatibility and certification readiness.

Q1: Are all GaN chargers PD-compatible?
A: Most are, but not all. Always confirm PD protocol support (e.g., PD 3.1 or 3.2) in the product specs.

Q2: Can a PD charger be non-GaN?
A: Yes. Some lower-cost PD chargers still use silicon components.

Q3: What’s better for laptops — GaN or PD?
A: Both. Choose a GaN PD charger with 65W – 140W output for best performance.

Q4: Are GaN chargers safe?
A: Yes. They meet strict global safety standards and include temperature, overvoltage, and surge protection.

Q5: What are the latest trends for the future??
A: PD 3.2 + AVS/DPS support, ultra-slim GaN chargers, and multi-port desktop PD hubs.

🎯 Conclusion
In the evolving world of fast charging, GaN and PD are not competitors — they are partners.
GaN brings efficiency, smaller size, and higher power density, while PD delivers intelligence and universal compatibility.

🔗 Recommended Reading
• What Is a PD Charger and How to Choose One
• AVS vs PD vs PPS: What’s the Difference?
• The Pros and Cons of GaN Chargers
• How to Read Charger Parameters Like a Pro

 OEM GaN Charger Recommendation