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I've used this tiny, affordable power bank for over a year now - here's why
ZDNET's key takeaways
- Anker's Nano Power Bank is small, portable, and perfect for taking on the go.
- It is available for around $30 in USB-C or Lightning configurations.
- It may not be enough battery juice for some people, though it's only designed for a slight boost.
I was able to get my hands on Anker's Nano 22.5W Power Bank over a year ago, and I still regularly use it to this day. For Android or iPhone users looking to add a USB-C charger to their daily carry, I'm happy to share that this device is one of the most useful.
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See, I have quibbles with many portable chargers. Those issues include not having the right wire, not knowing where to hold the charger while it's charging my phone, and feeling like it takes forever to increase the battery percentage. This charger addresses all those issues and more.
Anker 22.5W Nano Power Bank Specs
- Wattage: 22.5W
- Capacity: 5,000mAh
- Dimensions: 3.0 x 1.4 x 1.0 inches
- Weight: 3.5 ounces
- Colors: Blue, black, white, green, and pink
- Price: Regularly priced at $30
Lipstick-sized charger
The power bank puts the "portable" in portable charger, fitting right in the palm of your hand and comfortably into your pocket without weighing it down.
For a size comparison, I sat it next to my go-to lipstick. As you can see, they are comparable in size.
The charger also features a foldable USB-C port, which increases its compactness even further.
To use the charger, flip the USB-C port up and let it hang from your phone as you continue using your device, which eliminates the struggle of figuring out where to place your power bank.
With such a small form factor, you would think the device's charging power would be compromised, but that was far from my experience.
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Impressive charging power for its size
The 22.5W Power Bank packs a 5,000mAh capacity, which is enough to charge an iPhone 15 Pro to 68%, according to Anker. In my experience, it charged my Samsung Z Flip 4 from zero to 33% in half an hour.
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That might not seem like a tremendous boost, but remember that this portable charger is meant to get you out of a pinch. If your phone dies on you while you're out, getting a quarter of your battery back in under 30 minutes could be a lifesaver.
Charging the power bank is hassle-free
Charging the charger is a breeze because it features bi-directional charging, which allows you to plug the device into a USB-C power brick to charge it, forgoing any pesky wires.
If you want to charge the portable charger with a wire, you have that option because it has a USB-C port on the side. If you choose this alternative, you can charge your phone with the power bank at the same time because of its pass-through charging abilities.
The charger comes in five colors: blue, black, white, green, and pink, matching every iPhone 15 color besides yellow, which you could pair with the white option instead.
ZDNET's buying advice
If you are searching for a new portable charger for your new iPhone, the Anker Nano 22.5W Power Bank is a good choice because it won't break the bank and gets the job done. The fun color options, effectiveness, size, and low price point also make it a good choice for gifting.