Not every device needs a screen.
The Anker 45-watt Nano charger, introduced in January, is among the most compact 45-watt chargers available. This updated model features a full-color screen that shows an animated character and various charging details for the connected device.
Anker Nano 45W charger with display
Anker Nano 45W charger with a built-in screen
While the display can be useful for monitoring power draw, it largely appears to be a marketing gimmick rather than a universally beneficial feature. However, other enhancements make this charger noteworthy.
A key feature of the Nano is its approximately 1-inch screen, covering half of the charger’s glossy front. Such displays are usually reserved for Anker’s larger multi-port power stations and often provide limited information.
Supported devices are identified and briefly named when plugged into the Nano charger.
Anker advertises the Nano as “the world’s first smart display charger that knows your iPhone.” Upon connection, the screen briefly shows the device’s name, followed by power delivery and battery level. However, its compatibility is restricted to Apple hardware, recognizing only a select range of devices, specifically iPhone 15 and newer models, and iPad models from 2020 onwards. During testing, an iPhone 16 Pro and a 2022 iPad 10 were successfully identified.
The Nano incorporates a three-stage charging system designed to extend battery life by adjusting power delivery. As a device’s charge level rises, the power output decreases. These stages are labeled “fast,” “steady,” and “trickle,” displayed alongside the current wattage and an animated, blob-like character. The character’s expressions can be ambiguous, sometimes appearing sleepy, other times seemingly angry. When only a USB cable is connected, the character might perform actions like swinging a baseball bat or transforming into a fortune cookie with vague messages such as “fun ahead.”
A touch-sensitive indent near the Nano’s USB-C port allows users to cycle through additional screens, including a temperature display and a charging mode selector. Holding the indent for two seconds rotates the display 180 degrees for convenience.
The Nano charger has three screens showing charging rates, temperature, and charging modes that can be cycled by tapping its touch-sensitive button.
Instead of a touchscreen, the Nano charger has a touch-sensitive button on top (that looks like a dimple) you press to change screens or change modes.
The default charging mode is “auto,” which the charger reverts to upon unplugging and adjusts power delivery over time. “Care” mode, conversely, lowers power output to extend battery life by maintaining a cooler phone temperature. This mode is suitable for non-urgent charging, like overnight, and displays “gentle” on screen as a reminder to switch to auto for faster charging.
Pressing the charger’s touch-sensitive button for two seconds flips the screen 180 degrees so you can reposition its USB-C port.
The charger functions even with unsupported devices. When tested with a Kobo e-reader and a Playdate, it did not identify them but proceeded directly to the charging status screen, showing power delivery without battery level information.
The screen-equipped version of the Nano charger (right) is slightly larger and heavier than the version introduced last year (left).
The display’s most practical function is showing an iPhone or iPad’s charge level, though this information is already available on the devices themselves. The Nano charger’s screen automatically deactivates after a few seconds, necessitating a tap on the outlet to view charging progress again. Since the display cannot remain constantly active, it seems more practical to check the device directly for its charge status, unless it’s connected by a very long cable.
The Nano’s display would be more valuable if it provided extra features, such as an estimated time to full charge or an automatic overnight switch to “care” mode.
The prongs on the Nano charger can fold flat for travel but also rotate 180 degrees, adding more flexibility for where you can plug it in.
The most significant justification for the new $39.99 Nano charger, a $5 increase over last year’s $34.99 model, lies in its redesigned folding prongs. These prongs now rotate 180 degrees, allowing the charger to be plugged into an outlet in two orientations. This provides flexibility for screen positioning or USB-C port access. This clever design enhancement could potentially be adopted by Anker for its other compact chargers.
Photography by The Verge
