Reworded: The Ugreen Nexode 100W 2-in-1 GaN Desktop Charger.
Macworld
At a glance
Expert’s Rating
Pros
- 2-in-1 charger
- 100W USB-C
- 15W MagSafe
- Adjustable iPhone stand
Cons
- Expensive
Our Verdict
The Ugreen Nexode 100W 2-in-1 GaN Desktop Charger is a sleek and compact USB-C charger designed for desktop use. It features three high-powered ports and a certified 15W MagSafe pad that can be adjusted and used as a convenient charging stand for Apple devices.
Today’s top deal: Ugreen Nexode 100W 2-in-1 GaN Desktop Charger at unbeatable prices.
Reworded: It is logical to have multiport chargers as most people own multiple battery-powered devices that require charging every few days. For Apple devices, charging is likely needed once a day.
If you own a MacBook, it is recommended to find a USB-C charger that provides a minimum of 65W of power. This will be suitable for all models except the highest-end 16-inch MacBook Pro. For the 12-core 14-inch MacBook Pro, Apple suggests using a 100W charger, while the 10-core base model comes with a 67W charger.
Keep in mind that a charger’s capacity is based on its overall output. Therefore, if you have a 100W multi-port charger and are using some of the ports for devices like an iPhone, AirPods, or Apple Watch, the charger will not be able to provide the full charge to a laptop or even a second laptop.
The Nexode GaN collection from Ugreen provides a diverse selection of multiport chargers. In Macworld’s list of top MacBook chargers and iPhone chargers, you’ll come across numerous options from this range. One standout product is the Ugreen Nexode 100W 2-in-1 GaN Desktop Charger, which is featured in both categories.
GaN, short for Gallium Nitride, is a substance that can conduct high voltages with greater efficiency compared to standard silicon. This allows for quicker processing with less energy lost as heat. As a result, GaN chargers are able to be both more powerful and compact when compared to conventional chargers.
Design
The Ugreen Nexode 100W 2-in-1 GaN Desktop Charger is a small, upright USB-C charger that offers a strong overall power output. It also features a smart MagSafe wireless charger that is compatible with recent iPhone models 12/13/14/15.
The dimensions are 3.6 inches in height and 2.36 inches in width and depth (9.2 x 6 x 6cm).
This device is small enough to be easily carried, but it has some weight to it so it may not be convenient to keep in your pocket. It’s important to mention that it is not a traditional wall charger that can be directly plugged into an outlet. Instead, it is a charger designed for desktop use and comes with a long 2m power cable.
The color is a dark shade of Space Gray, and the MagSafe pad is black.
Features
As a charger, the power output is our main focus.
- 2x 100W USB-C
- 1x 22.5W USB-A
- 15W MagSafe wireless
The total power output is 100 watts, which is sufficient to fully charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro while in use. It is also possible to charge two MacBook Airs simultaneously.
There are a total of three ports available: two USB-C ports, each with a power rating of 100W, and one USB-A port with a rating of 22.5W. Even the USB-A port is capable of fast-charging an iPhone, and can also easily charge an Apple Watch or headphones.
Ugreen
The top of the Nexode 100W 2-in-1 GaN Desktop Charger features the clever aspect. It includes a certified MagSafe wireless charging pad that can provide a full 15W of power, unlike other MagSafe-compatible charging pads that are limited to 7.5W.
The magnetic pad has more features than just being neat. It can be elevated at a 90-degree angle, turning the charger into a flexible stand for your iPhone. The phone can be placed in either landscape or portrait mode on the stand. You also have the option to adjust the angle of the pad to your liking.
The new StandBy mode in iOS 17 is ideal for landscape viewing.
You have the ability to charge up to four devices at once, with three being connected through the USB ports and one being charged wirelessly on the MagSafe pad.
By utilizing all four charging options, you can supply 15W of power to an iPhone and 45W to a MacBook through one of the USB-C ports, 25W through the other USB-C port, and 10W through the USB-A port.
The typical charging amounts will likely be 65 watts for a MacBook and 15 watts for an iPhone, but the number of ports allows for a great deal of versatility.
The MagSafe charger, certified at 15W, is the fastest option for wireless charging on an iPhone. While wireless charging is convenient and neat, it is not as efficient as wired charging. Using the USB-C ports will result in even faster charging for your iPhone. It is important to note that fast-charging does not work with the USB-A port, even at 22.5W.
Foundry
Price
The Ugreen Nexode 100W 2-in-1 GaN Desktop Charger is priced at $179.99 / £179.99, making it a more expensive option. However, it is a small desktop charger that can also function as a speedy iPhone stand and offers various features.
It is possible to purchase more affordable multiport 100W USB-C wall chargers, such as the 3-port $79 Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger or Green’s own 4-port $75 Nexode 100W USB-C wall charger. However, these chargers do not provide iPhone MagSafe charging or the ability to use the iPhone as a stand.
Verdict
The Ugreen Nexode 100W 2-in-1 GaN Desktop Charger is a stylish, tidy, and small USB-C charger for your desktop. It has three high-powered ports and a fully certified 15W MagSafe pad that can be adjusted and used as a convenient charging stand for Apple devices.
The price may deter some, but for the majority of individuals, this charger should suffice as a solution for charging multiple devices.
Accessories for laptops, mobile phones, and power banks.
