In this article I will review the Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C Powerbank, that has claimed its spot in my laptop bag.
The Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C Powerbank capacity keeps my devices charged, even though I’m not a frequent traveler anymore with COVID-19.
Design Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C Powerbank
When you unbox the Anker PowerCore+ you will not find just the 20100 mAh PowerBank. In addition to the user manual you will also find three different types of cables to charge the PowerBank as well as devices you connect to the PowerBank:
- USB to USB-C cable, 60cm
- USB to Micro USB cable, 60cm
- USB-C to USB-C cable, 90cm
In addition you will get a pouch to protect the black anodized aluminum surface of the Anker PowerCore+. I haven’t used the pouch that much and the PowerCore still looks black despite some shallow scratches. So the top surface seems to be pretty scratch resistant.
There is only one button on the Anker PowerCore+ that also features a wheel of LED lights. The button allows you to start the charge, when devices are connected while the LED wheel gives you an indication how much power-capacity is left.
What I like are the rounded edges of the Anker PowerCore+ powerbank, which makes it easy to carry and it gives you a solid grip. The black anodized surface also has some gentle roughness to it. When you hold the powerbank, it feels like high quality and solid engineering. From this engineering part much of this is in the internals, that the user won’t see.
Ports – 2x USB-A and 1x USB-C
In the picture of the side-view of the Anker PowerCore+ you can see in total 3 USB-ports. There are two USB-A ports with Anker Power IQ fast charging technology and one USB-C port, that I mainly use for charging the powerbank.
“PowerCore 20100 is one of the first portable chargers to utilize USB-C input and output. A reversible, high-power connection that recharges the 2015 MacBook and other USB-C devices up to 5V/3A.”
The USB-C port can also be used to charge an Apple Macbook Air. I tried to charge my Lenovo ThinkPad T490 notebook through the USB-C to USB-C cable, however without success. I’m curious to learn if someone charged a notebook with this Anker.
Anker Power IQ, Voltage Boost – Fast-charging technology
In the Quad Port Wall Charger review I already wrote about the Power IQ fast charging technology.
“The Power IQ 2.0 smart-charging chip instantly identifies any connected device and adjusts voltage output for tailored, optimized charging speed.”
The Anker PowerCore+ also features VoltageBoost technology, that also plays a key role in the voltage output adjustment. As you can read on the Anker Power IQ website,
“VoltageBoost is an Anker-exclusive technology that compensates for cable resistance by smoothing voltage output. Other chargers have their speeds reduced by cable resistance. With the effects of cable resistance mitigated by VoltageBoost, your device receives its fastest possible charging speed, every single time.”
The good news is that the Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C Powerbank has VoltageBoost technology and Power IQ technology. Check out the page with specifications if you like.
Concluding thoughts and wrap-up
The Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C Powerbank is a high quality, high capacity powerbank. It is not the smallest, definitely not the lightest, but a very powerful powerbank with the well-known high Anker quality standards.
A solid black aluminum case with rounded edges for a good grip. Power IQ technology that allows fast charge of my Nokia 8 sirocco, my Polar Vantage M smartwatch, the Sony WH-1000XM3 Bluetooth Headphones and much more devices.
The price-point of the Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C is around $ 60,– or EUR 50,– which is a solid investment in quality. You can get cheaper no-name powerbanks, that cannot get to the Anker build quality or engineering (which you hopefully grasp from the Power IQ and VoltageBoost section in this article).
Do you use a powerbank for your portable devices? And if so which one?
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