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We look at how well the Apple 87W USB-C Power Adapter can support non-Apple based phones like the Samsung Galaxy S8 using USB Power Delivery over the phone's USB Type-C connector. To see how well this charger works with the phone when directly connected with a USB Type-C to Type-C cable.

Initially, we see from the USB Power Delivery negotiations that the Apple 87W USB-C Power Adapter is constantly advertising its power capabilities of 12 watts (5 volts @ 2.4 amps).

We then observe that the Samsung Galaxy S8 requests 12 watts (5 volts @ 2.4 amps) from the Apple 87W USB-C Power Adapter which the charger accepts.

The Apple 87W USB-C Power Adapter later adds on another two more power profiles of 27 watts (9 volts @ 3 amps) and 86 watts (20 volts @ 4.3 amps) on top of the initial 12 watts (5 volts @ 2.4 amps).

The Samsung Galaxy S8 again requests to charge using 12 watts (5 volts @ 2.4 amps).

When the Apple 87W USB-C Power Adapter again repeats the same 12 watts (5 volts @ 2.4 amps), 27 watts (9 volts @ 3 amps) and 86 watts (20 volts @ 4.3 amps) power profiles as previously declared, the Samsung Galaxy S8 instead requests to pull 27 watts (9 volts @ 3 amps) which the charger complies.

While the Samsung Galaxy S8 is being charged from a fully depleted battery, the phone starts pulling around 7.5 watts (5 volts @ 1.5 amps) in the first 10 seconds. After that, charging goes up and settles at about 11 watts (9 volts @ 1.2 amps).

We can say that the Samsung Galaxy S8 can be charged over its USB Type-C connector using an Apple charger like the Apple 87W USB-C Power Adapter. Although 15 watts could theoretically be pulled from the charger, Samsung takes a more conservative approach and charges at 11 watts at steady state and doesn't pull closer to 15 watts except during initial phone power on.