Anker Nano Charger with Smart Display is the World’s First, Here’s Why You Need One (or Two)

Anker’s Nano Charger with Smart Display, priced at $29.99 after clipping the on-page coupon (was $39.99), is here to serve as a much-needed wake-up call in a world where we typically only care about our phones when they run out of juice in the middle of the day. This ultra compact 45W plug is more than simply a power delivery device; it’s a whole new ballgame. A small screen incorporated into the front allows you to monitor the current charging session, the speed in Watts, the battery percentage, the device temperature, and even the device being detected.

Most chargers keep you guessing as you plug in your iPhone, hoping that the lightning bolt icon indicates that rapid charging has begun, but not this one. As soon as you put it in, the display flickers to life with a wonderful smooth animation before spitting out plain-as-day readings. Real-time power delivery informs you if your phone is using the maximum 45W or holding back for safety. The current battery level is displayed directly on the charging screen, without the need to wake up the screen or unlock the handset. Then there’s the temperature, which you rarely see anyplace else.

Anker built the charger to automatically detect supported iPhones and iPads, and when it does, the three-stage process begins to provide your device with exactly what it requires, which means the one-size-fits-all charging has been phased out in favor of a more personalized approach. Care Mode kicks on during overnight charging sessions. All of this independent testing demonstrates that it keeps its own temperature 36 degrees below standard limits and the phone battery 9 degrees cooler than typical 45W chargers.

Portability also received some considerable attention, as those prongs fold flat into the body and turn 180 degrees, either straight into a busy outlet or vertically, with the screen always oriented outwards for easy viewing. It’s approximately 47% smaller and 36% lighter than Anker’s previous 30W model, yet it packs 50% more power, making it easy to fit into any pocket or backpack. GaN technology enables all of that efficiency to be crammed into that little body.

Using one on a daily basis can become quite addictive, as a quick peek at the charger displays progress in numbers rather than imprecise indicators. As the phone reaches capacity, the watts begin to increase and then gradually decrease. The interactive feedback, which includes over 20 different statuses and animations, adds to the pleasure of the exercise. The transparency will appeal to IT buffs who keep meticulous records. No more wondering if the cable is slowing things down or if heat is building up uncontrollably.