Review: UGREEN's Nexode Power Bricks
Written by Braden Newell
@braden_newell
Original photography by Braden Newell
There are a lot of accessory makers churning out power cables and bricks on Amazon. The real challenge is finding a brand that cares about quality and safety, like Apple, while providing superior performance and un-Apple pricing. UGreen is an accessory maker on which I often rely.
The company manufactures various products, including accessory bags, device stands, and USB-C hubs. Personally, I frequently turn to UGREEN for cables and hard drive enclosures. Recently, the company sent me two of their Nexode power bricks, a 140W and a 45W unit. To my excitement, these are two nice power bricks.
Charging Speed
UGREEN makes a whole series of Nexode power bricks ranging from 20W all the way to 200W. Typically, the more wattage you can deliver to a device, the faster it will charge (though every device has a maximum input). The charging speed being delivered to the device depends on the wattage of your power brick. The iPhone 14 Pro needs 20Ws to fast charge (defined by Apple as charging from 0% to 50% in under 30 minutes), while the iPad Pro lineup needs 30W. Apple's 16" MacBook Pros can fast charge with a 140W power brick.
UGREEN’s lineup of Nexode power bricks delivers fast charging speeds in a compact form factor. Most people may not notice an Apple power brick's size until they compare it to a gallium nitride (GaN) charger. But, holy, there's a difference. GaN is a semiconductor technology that produces less heat than previous charging technology. This allows for the chargers to be smaller and more efficient. That's why UGREEN uses the technology in its Nexode lineup. All of their power bricks support fast charging for at least one (if not more) Apple device(s), but in a more compact form factor. Whether you’re charging with GaN or another charging technology, modern smartphones and computers know when to stop taking in power. You can't overcharge a device anymore.
Multiple Ports
While a few of UGREEN’s Nexode power bricks offer a single USB-C port, most of the lineup features multiple USB-C and USB-A ports. USB-A ports are likely the ports you’re used to seeing on a computer. They’re rectangular and look a little like a duck’s bill. Meanwhile, USB-C ports are smaller and oval in shape. This may be the port on your Android smartphone, iPad, or Laptop.
The 45W unit I tested has two USB-C ports, while the 140W has two USB-C ports and a USB-A port. Unlike Apple, which only recently released two low-wattage two-port USB-C bricks, UGREEN has a broad lineup of options with a varying number of ports. The beauty of these additional ports is when you need to fast charge, you leave a single device plugged in, but most of the time, when you want to charge multiple devices with a single outlet, you can do just that.
I've found that the 140W makes a fantastic addition to my home. It allows me to fast charge my MacBook Pro when needed or simultaneously charge my MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and iPhone.
While both make for great travel options, the 45W stands out for being as tiny as Apple's 20W brick but features two USB-C ports that can simultaneously charge at 22.5W each.
Build Quality
The design and build quality of UGREEN’s power bricks was the most pleasant surprise. If you're like me, who enjoys black and darker tones, it's a welcomed opportunity to swap Apple's white power bricks with something more along my style.
The power bricks are made of black and grey plastic with prongs that fold out. Both chargers have 'UGREEN' branded on one side. The 140W model has '140W' printed on the other. The 140W brick also came with a stylish braided USB-C to USB-C cable.
Pricing & Availability
UGREEN’s entire Nexode lineup is available on amazon.ca—check them out! The 45W model I tested currently costs $42.99, while the 140W model is $169.99. Many of the Nexode lineup has coupons ranging from $10 to $20 off. The prices are great for the quality and performance you receive from these power bricks. Whether you're charging at home or need a power brick to take to school with you, UGREEN’s lineup of Nexode power bricks is worth checking out.
Braden Newell is the former Board Chair, Executive Director, and Technology writer for the SMU Journal. He is now a Learning Experience Designer with a focus on Apple device cybersecurity, a freelance Apple technology writer, and the Journal’s Principal Advisor. You can read more of Braden’s work on his website or follow him on Twitter.