The UGreen Nexode Pro 65W Ultra-Slim Charger is a compact, modern USB charger aimed at delivering power efficiency, portability, and versatility. While it boasts several features that cater to modern charging needs, it also has some notable shortcomings. Here’s an in-depth review based on a recent hands-on analysis.
Design and Build Quality
The UGreen Nexode Pro stands out with its ultra-slim, lightweight design, making it easy to carry and store. A major highlight is the placement of its USB output sockets at a right angle to the AC plug, which enhances convenience by preventing adjacent outlets from being blocked. This thoughtful design choice significantly improves the user experience, especially in multi-outlet setups.
Ports and Power Delivery
The charger features three ports:
- Two USB-C ports
- One USB-A port
The USB-C ports support a range of voltage modes, with one offering a primary 45W output when multiple devices are connected. Notably, the primary USB-C port includes support for Programmable Power Supply (PPS), enabling faster and more efficient charging for compatible devices. However, the charger falls short of the 5A threshold, occasionally tripping under high loads.
While power negotiation is fast and reliable, the Nexode Pro performs inconsistently when tasked with simultaneous multi-device charging, occasionally invalidating certain modes. Despite this, it manages to keep the ports active under standard conditions, which is commendable.
Performance
- Idle Power Consumption: The Nexode Pro performs well in idle mode, consuming minimal power when devices are not connected, aligning with modern energy efficiency standards.
- Isolation: The charger maintains good isolation between the AC and DC sides, ensuring user safety and minimizing issues like leakage current.
- Efficiency: Here lies the device’s Achilles’ heel. Despite claims of high efficiency, the charger struggles to achieve acceptable levels across the board. Its slim form factor appears to come at the cost of thermal performance, as it heats up significantly under load.
Thermal Management
The charger’s thermal performance is a significant drawback. During testing in a relatively cool environment, the Nexode Pro overheated and shut down after just 18 minutes of full-load operation. This raises concerns about its reliability and safety, especially in warmer conditions. For a device marketed as a 65W charger, this short operational time is disappointing.
Comparison with Competitors
When stacked against competitors like the Anker GaN Prime 67W and the Amazon Basics 65W chargers:
- The Nexode Pro excels in portability and form factor.
- However, it lags behind in energy efficiency and sustained performance under load.
- The Amazon Basics charger, in particular, outshines it in overall efficiency, despite being bulkier.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-slim and lightweight design
- Thoughtful right-angle port placement
- Fast and reliable power negotiation
- Good idle power consumption and isolation
Cons:
- Poor energy efficiency
- Overheats quickly under load
- Limited runtime at full capacity
- Marketing claims don’t match real-world performance
Conclusion
The UGreen Nexode Pro 65W Ultra-Slim Charger is a mixed bag. It excels in portability and delivers decent charging performance for smaller devices. However, its efficiency issues and overheating problem make it unsuitable for power-intensive tasks. If your primary need is a lightweight, compact charger for occasional use, the Nexode Pro might suffice. But for heavy-duty or multi-device charging, alternatives like the Anker GaN Prime or Amazon Basics chargers offer better reliability and value.