Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) vs UGreen Nexode Mini 30W: which phone charger should you buy?

Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) and UGreen Nexode Mini 30W on a dark gray and light green background
(Image credit: Anker; UGreen)

Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) vs UGreen Nexode Mini 30W: price & specs

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Row 0 - Cell 0 Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W)UGreen Nexode Mini 30W
Price$18.99 / £19.99 (about AU$30)$16.99 / £17.99 (about AU$25)
Total power output30W30W
Number of ports11
Port type(s)1x USB-C1x USB-C
Dimensions2 x 2 x 1.3 inches / 50 x 50 x 32mm2 x 1.8 x 1.5 inches / 50 x 46 x 39mm

Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) on black surface, against pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) vs UGreen Nexode Mini 30W: performance

In terms of charging performance there’s almost nothing that sets the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) and UGreen Nexode Mini 30W. Like many of the best Android phone chargers and best iPhone chargers, both are compatible with features like Samsung’s Super-Fast Charging, which enables you to bring a handset back to life in no time at all. And both have the same maximum power output – 30W, meaning you’re unlikely to notice any discrepancies between the two in terms of how quickly they’ll get your device juiced up.

You’ll need to ensure you have a USB-C to USB-C (or Lightning/whatever you require) that’s powerful enough to take advantage of that 30W maximum power output, though. Neither charger comes with a cable included, meaning this has to be purchased separately, but both Anker and UGreen have plenty of options on this front.

Side profile of the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W against pink background

(Image credit: Future)

And again, that 30W should be enough to charge your phone at top speeds, or at least near that. For instance, you’ll be able to charge your Apple iPhone 16 up to 50% in around 30 minutes with either charger. During my own testing, I found the Anker Nano and UGreen Nexode Mini were able to get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 up to full battery in around 80 minutes – not bad at all!

Some handsets, such as the One Plus 13 are capable of charging at much higher wattages than these chargers can offer, however. This phone in particular can charge up to 80W, so make sure 30W will be enough to revive your phone as fast as possible before snapping one of these up.

Prongs of the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) half-folded inside the plug

(Image credit: Future)

Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) vs UGreen Nexode Mini 30W: Design

Design is the key area in which these two chargers differentiate themselves, but let’s kick off by talking about the aspects that both of these share. Each has foldable prongs, which is excellent for sliding the plugs into your pocket.

On top of that, both have a single USB-C port at the bottom of their body. Finally, each uses GaN technology, which helps manufacturers to offer higher charging speeds in a more compact body. Speaking of size, both of these are very similar, coming in a very compact outer casing. This means they’ll easily slot into tighter spaces and are super easy to slip into a small bag, for instance.

But anyway, one key difference is the material of each charger’s outer casing. The Anker Nano has a more plasticky look, which may look a little cheap to some. However, it has a glossy finish on the top and textured edges, which make it look very easy on the eye in my view.

UGreen Nexode Mini 30W prongs half folded into the charger

(Image credit: Future)

Meanwhile, the UGreen Nexode Mini opts for a more metallic-looking shell, which feels a bit more rugged and durable than the Anker alternative. Again, it’s an attractive looking charger, but has a more smooth feel and appearance than its Anker rival.

Despite feeling a bit more durable, the Anker charger does have more color options and these are a bit more appealing in my view. The Anker Nano is available in Shell White, Black Stone and Ice Lake Blue. Meanwhile, the UGreen charger comes in a classy Silver Grey (more of a dark gray color) and Blue (which has a white tint to it).

Really, both of these are well-built and have smart tech built-in for protection against overheating, for instance. So, a lot of which you prefer will come down to whether you’re a fan of the striped look of the Anker Nano or the smooth appearance of the UGreen Nexode Mini. Personally, I would lean towards the added security of the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W, though I very much admire the added personality of the Anker Nano’s colorways.

Prong of Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) pointed outwards

(Image credit: Future)

Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) vs UGreen Nexode Mini 30W: value

If you want the cheapest phone charger on the market, neither of these are going to fit the bill. There are plenty of ultra-cheap options available from the likes of IKEA, but these will often have a less efficient USB-A port or lower build quality.

UGreen Nexode Mini 30W balanced on prongs showing USB-C port

(Image credit: Future)

That’s not to say that these chargers are expensive, though, not at all. The Anker Nano has a list price of $18.99 / £19.99 (about AU$30), whereas the UGreen Nexode Mini will set you back just $16.99 / £17.99 (about AU$25). Luckily, you can get both of these on sale fairly regularly.

Are both of these worth it? I would certainly argue so. In each, you get a super-compact, speedy and attractive-looking plug with secure charging.

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Right, so there’s really not all too much that separates these two chargers. Each offers a solid 30W maximum power output, GaN technology and foldable prongs. Equally, neither come with a USB-C cable included, making them pretty challenging to separate on value.

Ultimately, it’s going to come down to one thing only. Whether you prefer the color options available for the Anker Nano charger or the added durability of the UGreen Nexode Mini. Ultimately, I think the UGreen Nexode Mini 30W marginally edges it. Why? Well, it’s ever so slightly cheaper and has a more premium-feeling build. Whichever you select, though, you can rest assured that you’re getting a great compact phone charger.

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Harry Padoan
Staff Writer

Harry is a Reviews Staff Writer for TechRadar. He reviews everything from party speakers to portable battery packs, but has a particular interest in the worlds of gaming and smartphones. Harry has a background in business tech journalism, particularly around the telecoms industry.

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