What Is PowerIQ
Anker's PowerIQ technology helps identify and charge your devices more efficiently.
Cutting through marketing slogans and tech jargon can feel like a full-time job when shopping for gadgets, but understanding what you are getting with new electronics is important. That is especially true of chargers and batteries, where making the wrong choice can leave you without power or even damage your devices. The PowerIQ label has appeared on Anker chargers for years, and knowing what it means helps when choosing accessories.
Chargers and electronics use multiple charging standards for delivering and receiving power. Terms like QC (Quick Charge) or PD (Power Delivery) depend on the manufacturer. PowerIQ, or PIQ, is Anker's proprietary technology that governs how quickly chargers send power to a connected device's battery.
Performance and Safety
According to Anker, PowerIQ chargers detect connected devices and adjust power output based on the optimal voltage for the battery. In theory, this allows PowerIQ chargers to charge devices quickly without delivering excessive power. Fast charging always carries some risk of long-term battery degradation, and while PowerIQ chargers may offset that risk, they cannot eliminate it entirely.
PowerIQ chargers are not necessarily faster than those using other standards. Charging speed is determined by the device being charged as much as the charger itself. If a device only accepts a 12W charging speed, a charger capable of delivering 100W will not increase the intake.
Not every device accepts every standard. PD is the most common standard, while QC is widely used in Android devices. The latest version of PowerIQ, PIQ 4.0, is compatible with QC and PD 3.0, meaning newer PIQ chargers support fast charging across a wide range of devices.
Display Integration
Newer Anker chargers have integrated displays that provide information about charging devices. Because PowerIQ chargers monitor connected hardware, they can display real-time data regarding temperature and wattage.
