If you’re like me, always on the go and with a constant need to charge your gadgets, then you understand the importance of having a reliable charging brick in your backpack. I recently came across the UGREEN Nexode 140W charger, and I found it useful. In this UGREEN Nexode 140W review, I’ll test the features of this charger, its portability, charging speed, and even touch upon its drawbacks. So, let’s dive right in!
Portable and Compact Design
Portability is key when it comes to choosing a charging brick for your tech backpack. This particular charger is “20 percent smaller” than Apple’s 140W charger.
The Nexode measures about 3 by 3 by 1.4 inches and weighs around 320 grams. Its lightweight design makes it a perfect companion for those always on the move.
Multiple Ports and Compatibility
The UGREEN Nexode charger is a three-port GaN charger. With a 140W charging power, it may be able to power up any USB-C device effortlessly – We’ll test it. What sets it apart is its support for the PD 3.1 protocol, enabling lightning-fast charging speeds.
- 140W power output is available when only the bottom USB-C port is being utilized.
- Using just the top USB-C port permits a maximum power output of 100W.
- The USB-A port can provide a power output of 22.5W.
- When the USB-C and A ports are both in use simultaneously, the power output divides to 100W/22.5W respectively.
- If both USB-C ports are being used at the same time, each will deliver 65W.
- When all three ports (2 USB-C and 1 USB-A) are in use, the power output splits between 65W, 45W, and 22.5W respectively.
To make things easier for users, the UGREEN Nexode comes with a 240W-compatible USB-C cable. This cable, although rated for USB 2.0 transfer speeds, is future proof for faster charging device. It’s important to note that the Nexode adjusts its power delivery based on the ports in use, ensuring safe and efficient charging.
One standout feature of the Nexode charger is its compatibility with almost every USB-C protocol available. From Samsung’s PPS fast charging to Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 4.0 Plus, this charger can handle them all. It even supports Huawei’s SuperCharge, making it a versatile option for any device you encounter.
Charging Speed Test: 14-inch MacBook Pro
To put the Nexode charger to the test, I decided to charge my 14-inch MacBook Pro from a low battery percentage and see how quickly it reached a full charge. Starting at 30 percent, the charger estimated a full charge within 1 hour and 5 minutes. Impressively, after just 25 minutes, my MacBook Pro surged to 91 percent, with an updated estimate of only 20 minutes remaining until a full charge.
The Heat Factor
When I had all ports of the Nexode charger plugged in and had devices drawing maximum power simultaneously, I noticed that the charger became little warm. While this level of heat doesn’t pose a safety risk, it may be little uncomfortable to touch. It’s worth noting that other high-powered chargers can also generate heat under similar conditions. This test was performed without the air conditioner turned on.
A temperature reading revealed it reached 96 degrees Fahrenheit. It was not warmer than Apple’s 96W charger, which reached 99 degrees. However, Nexode reduces power and avoid overheating when the temperature reaches 95 degrees, ensuring safety.
Putting the UGREEN Nexode 140W Charger to the Test
Now let’s put the UGREEN Nexode to the test. With a M2 Pro Macbook Pro, and a HUAWEI MateBook D 14 in hand, I plugged each one by one into the bottom C ports. Testing the power draw while running power-intensive apps, I found that the HUAWEI MateBook D 14 topped out at 65W, while the 14-inch MacBook Pro drew around 96W. Charger figures out which device is plugged to provide desired power.
After that, I decided to put it through its paces by simultaneously charging my 14-inch MacBook Pro M2 Pro and the realme GT Master smartphone.
The Nexode charger distributed around 65W to the realme GT Master smartphone and MacBook simultaneously. The charging speed for the MacBook was not up to the mark as power was being divided. However, it easily outperformed the dedicated 65W charger of the phone. That turned out to be shocking for me.
Verdict
Overall, the UGREEN Nexode 140W proves to be a capable charging brick for users who need to charge multiple gadgets at once. It can easily manage two laptop simultaneously. While it may not be suitable for running a larger third laptop, it can easily handle two laptops and another device like an iPad or iPhone. Its form factor is well-suited for travel.
One minor criticism I have is that the USB-A port does not consistently deliver its advertised 22W output. However, it still performs well for charging iOS devices, and for most users, it won’t be a deal-breaker.
If you’re willing to overlook this minor flaw, the Nexode is a great option. It removes multiple charger form your backpack provides super fast charger and its durable ย And with its reduced price on Amazon, it’s certainly worth considering for your tech backpack.
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Taking into account all the features offered in a single unit and its pricing, I give the Nexode 140W USB-C GaN charger a rating of 4.3 out of 5. It’s a rare occurrence!