REVIEW – Like many people, I have a few different power banks around the house. These are great for powering small electronics on the go. But I have found times in my home that something like my laptop was low on power. Rather than pull my power cord and adapter from another room and then relocate close to an outlet, I would try and use my power banks to get me through until I could recharge overnight. For something like my laptop, the portable power banks that I had could not provide enough wattage to charge properly. I was interested in the UGREEN Nexode 20000mAh Power Bank to see if I could have the freedom to roam my house and backyard without being tied to an outlet.
What is it?
The UGREEN Nexode Power Bank is a 20,000wAh 130W portable charger. It has a TFT display that shows power consumption per port, as well as charging status and percentage. There are 2 USB-C ports (USB-C 1 also used as the input for charging) and 1 USB-A port. UGREEN also included their 20W Magnetic Power Bank that supports 15W fast charging and magnetic attachment for review.
What’s included? UGREEN Nexode Power Bank
- UGREEN Nexode Power Bank
- USB-C Charging Cable
- User Manual
What’s included? UGREEN Magnetic Power Bank
- UGREEN Magnetic Power Bank
- USB-C Charging Cable
- User Manual
Tech specs UGREEN Nexode Power Bank
Click to expand
- Battery Capacity: 20,000mAh
- Max Output: 130W
- Input: USB-C1 65W max
- Output: USB-C1 100W max, USB-C2 30W max, USB-A 33 W max
- Charging Time: approximately 2 hours using a PD 65W charger
- Screen: TFT Color Screen
- Dimensions: L2.1in X W2.0in X H5.1in
- Weight: 1.05lbs
Tech specs UGREEN Magnetic Power Bank
Click to expand
- Battery Capacity: 10,000mAh
- Max Output: USB-C 20W / Qi 15W
- Input: USB-C 20W max
- Charging Time: About 3.5 hours with a PD 20W charger
- Dimensions: 4.2in X 2.7in X 0.5in
- Weight: 4.6oz
Design and features – UGREEN Nexode Power Bank
The UGREEN Nexode Power Bank is a solidly built device that does a great job of filling a small gap I had. For phones, tablets, cameras, and other small electronics, my portable batteries are a lifesaver, especially when away from home. And I have huge power stations that can power refrigerators, induction cooktop stoves, and electric kettles. But for my laptop and a few portable lights for my photography, I didn’t have a smaller, less heavy option than the big and heavy power stations. A common scenario for me is that I have a desk in our guest room with a docking station that my laptop usually is connected to. I have access to my monitor, keyboard, and mouse. But there are times when I need to give up the guest room and plug my laptop and use it somewhere else in the house, maybe the kitchen table or even outside on the patio, both of which aren’t conveniently situated next to an outlet.
I’ve either used extension cords or lugged my heavy power stations around. I know, this is a first-world problem, but I often wondered if there was an easier way. Enter in the UGREEN Nexode Power Bank. It’s about as tall as my iPhone 13 mini and as thick as two packs of playing cards and weighs a tick over a pound. It’s small enough to throw in a bag or to set on a table without taking up too much space.
The UGREEN Nexode Power Bank has three ports. They are labeled:
- USB-C1: IN/OUT 1 (100W)
- USB-C2: OUT 2
- USB-A: OUT 3
When used singularly, each port provides the following max wattage:
- USB-C1: 100W
- USB-C2: 30W
- USB-A: 33W
When the ports are used simultaneously, here is the max wattage:
- USB-C1 + USB-C2 = 13oW
- USB-C1 + USB-A = 133W
- USB-C2 + USB-A = 30W
I think there are two standout features. One is the color TFT display screen and the other is the ability to activate trickle charging for those devices need lower current to charge. First the TFT screen. It’s bright and measures about 2in square. When in use, the screen displays:
- Remaining battery
- Remaining time based on current consumption
- Input/Output power of each port
- Real-time power curve
- Trickle charge indicator
The display is so helpful in knowing how much time or power is left as well as power consumption stats.
The trickle charge feature isn’t one I’ve seen on many power banks before. I think many newer devices can handle excessive power without getting damaged but it’s a great feature to include. The owner’s manual does recommend putting the UGREEN Nexode Power Bank in trickle charge mode to charge Bluetooth earbuds, Bluetooth watches, etc. To place the unit in trickle charge mode, simply hold the side button down for 3 seconds after powering on. This mode will automatically deactivate after 3.5 hours or you can press the side button again for 3 seconds.
The unit also turns on automatically after connecting a device. To turn it off, hold down the side button for 6 seconds.
Here is a summary of the side button functions:
- Power On (manually): Single-click
- Power Off (manually): Press and hold for 6 seconds
- Display Off: Double-click
- Display On: Single-click
- Toggle Display: Single-click
- Activate/Deactivate Trickle Charging: Press and hold for 3 seconds
To charge the UGREEN Nexode Power Bank, plug a USB-C cable into the port labeled “IN/OUT 1”. According to the documentation, it should recharge from 0 to 100% in about 2 hours using a 65W PD charger.
Also according to UGREEN, this power bank is “Airline Approved” and should have any issues when included in your carry-on.
Performance
Here are charging statistics that might be helpful in understanding if 20,000wAh is enough for you:
- iPhone 15 = 4 times
- iPad Pro 11″ = 2 times
- Galaxy S24 Ultra = 3 times
- MacBook Air 13″ = 1.3 times
- iPhone 15 Pro = 55% in 30 min
- Galaxy S24 Ultra = 55% in 30 mins
- MacBook Pro 16″ = 43% in 30 mins
- iPad Pro 11″ M4 = 47% in 30 mins
Design and features – UGREEN Magnetic Power Bank
UGREEN included their smaller, magnetic portable power bank for review as well. This unit can connect via USB-C or MagSafe. Through USB-C, the max charging output (and input) is 20W. Through MagSafe, it’s 15W.
I like the design, it’s a champagne color and made of soft-touch silicon. There are a few indicator lights along the bottom that lets me know if it’s charging magnetically as well as the 4 stages of battery level.
- 1 dot = 0-25%
- 2 dots = 25-50%
- 3 dots = 50-75%
- 4 dots = 75-100%
There is also the USB-C input/output port and power button along the bottom as well. To turn on the charger, short press the button. This will also show the power remaining. Double-click the button to turn off the charger. There is also a low current mode for those devices that don’t deal with 20W of charging (like smartwatches and earbuds). To enable/disable this mode, press and hold the button for 3 seconds.
What I like about the UGREEN Nexode 20000mAh Power Bank
- Powerful, this portable power bank can provide enough power for my laptop, camera lights, as well as phones and tablets
- Small, given what this can power, the size is convenient and not a big hassle to carry around or put in a bag
What needs to be improved?
- Nothing
Final thoughts
The UGREEN Nexode Power Bank was the perfect solution for me in quite a few different scenarios. As mentioned above, it’s been great to set it on the kitchen table or outside on the patio as a convenient and powerful source of power for my laptop. As I moved from room to room, I would grab my laptop, a USB-C cable, and the power bank.
Another use for me was at a recent conference. Having a single, small device that could recharge my phone, table, and laptop was a lifesaver. I didn’t need to worry about sitting at a table next to an outlet or someone tripping over my power cord.
I’ve even used it on some recent photo walks. I didn’t have to worry about depleted batteries or my tablet running out of juice when editing at a coffee shop. This power bank will always be in my backpack or my camera bag!
The UGREEN Magnetic power bank was also a handy option to have. Not sure if they are allowed to use the MagSafe name, but it is the same thing. One of the weak points of my iPhone 13 mini is battery life. Usually, I can get by because I can charge it on my desk or in the car while driving. But at the conference I attended or while out hiking, it’s so easy to just attach the power bank to the back of my phone and get powered up!
Between both of these chargers, I’m pretty set to charge my personal electronics on my all-day outings!
Price: $99.99
Where to buy: Amazon (currently $69.99)
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by UGREEN. UGREEN did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
