Grateful for Ugreen's Retractable Cable, But 20,000mAh Fell Short for My Laptop

Overview of the Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 165W

The Ugreen Nexode Power Bank stands out in the market with its impressive 165W power output and a 20000mAh battery capacity. Designed to cater to users who need reliable and efficient charging solutions, this power bank offers several features aimed at enhancing user convenience.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of aesthetics, the Nexode has a dark grey finish with black accents, giving it a slightly more appealing look compared to many other power banks on the market. The smooth matte finish adds an element of elegance, suggesting a premium product. However, the build quality does not fully match this appearance. Despite its weight, some panels can flex slightly, which is less sturdy than what is found on other high-end models like Anker power banks.

For travel purposes, the Nexode should suffice, but its bulkiness is a notable drawback. While it has a relatively short length, it is quite thick, making it challenging to fit into smaller bags. A thinner design would have been preferable for easier portability.

One feature that stands out is the rubber feet on the back panel. These help protect both the power bank and surfaces from scratches and prevent it from sliding around, which is a useful addition often overlooked on other models.

Display and User Interface

The Nexode features a large display, though the readout is smaller than the space suggests. The screen is also dim and reflective, making it difficult to read in certain lighting conditions. Despite these issues, the information provided is quite useful. It shows the battery life percentage, estimated charging times for connected devices, and an indicator of active connections along with their wattage.

Pressing the power button takes users to a second screen where they can view the voltage and amperage of each connection. This level of detail is beneficial for users who want to monitor their charging process closely.

Charging Features and Performance

A standout feature of the Nexode is the retractable USB-C cable. This cable is easy to use but tends to twist around, which can be inconvenient when retracting it. The cable is thin and may not feel very durable, but Ugreen claims it can withstand over 25,000 retractions and 10,000 bends.

In addition to the retractable cable, the Nexode includes two USB ports: one Type-A and one Type-C. The Type-C port serves as both an input and output, while the Type-A port is only an output. Both USB-C interfaces can handle 100W each, but if both are used simultaneously, the output drops to 65W. The Type-A port delivers up to 33W.

The Nexode supports three-way charging, but in such cases, the two USB ports drop to 10W, while the retractable cable maintains its 100W capability. There is also a trickle charging mode for smaller devices with sensitive batteries, activated by holding the power button for five seconds.

During testing, the retractable USB-C cable was able to charge a Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4 from 5% to 90% in under 90 minutes. However, the Nexode depleted completely before reaching 100%, meaning it couldn't provide a full charge. Charging the bank itself from empty to full took about one hour and 40 minutes, which is a respectable time.

Price and Value Consideration

The Nexode is priced at $99.99 / £79.99 (approximately AU$150), which is relatively expensive for a power bank, even with its high power output. A comparable model, the Anker Laptop Power Bank, offers similar features but with greater capacity, two integrated cables, and better build quality. It is also slightly thinner, making it easier to transport.

Despite the higher price, the Nexode might still be a solid choice if purchased during a sale. Its high power output and useful charging information make it a good option for users who need to charge large devices frequently.

Key Specifications

• Price: $99.99 / £79.99 (about AU$150)
• Capacity: 20,000mAh
• Total Wattage: 165W
• Number of Ports: 3
• USB-C Ports: 2 (1 x built-in)
• Wireless Charging: No
• Weight: 18.9oz / 535g
• Power-to-Weight Ratio: 37.4mAh/g

Should You Buy the Ugreen Nexode Power Bank?

Buy it if…

• You want plenty of power: Most modern laptops don’t require 165W to charge quickly, and the fast two- and three-way charging times are also welcome.
• You want useful charging information: The display provides wattage, voltage, and amperage figures for each active connection, in addition to the usual battery percentage.

Don't buy it if…

• You want something thin: The Nexode is quite thick, which can be inconvenient for packing.
• You want full laptop charges: The 20,000mAh capacity may not be sufficient for multiple charges of large devices, sometimes not even one full charge.

Alternatives to Consider

If you're looking for another high-power, high-capacity power bank, the Anker Laptop Power Bank is a strong alternative. It features a retractable USB-C cable, another integrated USB-C cable that doubles as a carrying loop, a better display, and superior build quality. It is also thinner, making it easier to transport. For more details, check out the full review of the Anker Laptop Power Bank.