The accessories manufacturer Anker presented brand new chargers based on GaN technology - the Anker Nano II - at an online event at the end of May. The new accessories are now also available in Germany. You will find out below whether they are any good.
Before we get started, we should first clarify what GaN technology is all about. Gallium nitride technology (GaN) uses fewer components overall than standard silicon chargers, which is why GaN-based power supplies require much smaller housings and can still offer a lot of power. Back in 2018, Anker replaced the traditional silicon of the chip with the more efficient GaN (gallium nitride). Now the technology has been further developed - the result is called "GaN II" and works even more efficiently. Steven Yang, CEO of Anker, explained:
GaN II is the next big step towards an effortless, lightning-fast charging experience. With the new generation of GaN II technology, the Anker Nano II charging series is not only smaller and more portable but also takes a leap forward in terms of compatibility and charging safety.
With the advent of gallium nitride chargers, USB-C adapters have been shrunk to a size that fits in the palm of your hand. So they're compact, fast, and pack a ton of power. This naturally makes them attractive - especially when traveling. This is where Anker comes in, as the latest models have become even more compact. Anker's 2021 versions no longer compromise between low weight and high-end features.
Anker Nano II chargers compared to Apple's versions
Anker's range is constantly growing. The latest are three chargers that are suitable for everyone - including Apple users. The Anker Nano II series includes a total of three chargers with 30W, 45W and a whopping 65W. Anker's 30W version is around 59% smaller than Apple's own 30W charger and can charge not only iPhone and iPad, but also a MacBook Air or a Nintendo Switch.
Regarding the 45W charger, Anker states that the power adapter is about 34% smaller than Apple's version. It supports charging mobile devices and a range of laptops, including the MacBook Air 2020, Macbook Pro 13", Dell XPS 13 9360 and 9380, ThinkPad X390, Google Pixelbook and Microsoft Surface Book 2. If you compare the 65W power adapter with Apple's 61W charger, Anker's version is about 58% smaller and therefore much more compact. In addition to mobile devices, it can also charge a range of different laptops - ideal for traveling.
Below are the dimensions and prices:
- Nano II 30W – 31.54mm x 30.39mm x 38.05mm – 34.99 EUR
- Nano II 45W – 37.72mm x 35mm x 41mm – 35.99 EUR
- Nano II 65W – 41.72mm x 36mm x 44mm – EUR 44.99
Of course, all three models are equipped with a USB-C port, so that broad compatibility is guaranteed. I have tried all three models and am more than satisfied - especially with regard to traveling. I always maintain a so-called organizer for charging accessories. Thanks to Anker's latest adapters, the bag is now significantly lighter. Of course, I would also like to point out that thanks to Apple's MagSafe Duo charger, the contents have already been reduced anyway. Anyway, this is what it looked like recently:
Two adapters, a USB-C to Lightning and a USB-C to USB-C cable. Also Apple's MagSafe Duo charger with Anker's Magnetic 5K. Before the introduction of the MagSafe accessories, a third adapter plus cable for the Apple Watch without a power bank were on board. This is what it looks like from now on:
Two adapters, a USB-C to Lightning and a USB-C to USB-C cable. Also Apple's MagSafe Duo charger with Anker's Magnetic 5K or, alternatively, the new MagSafe battery. (Quick note: In the meantime, I was actually on vacation - with exactly this setup. iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch & AirPods are covered. After all, I don't have to charge everything at the same time. So, the bottom line is that I had the best conditions to test the whole thing.)
Anker Nano II 65W adapter – The highlights
- THE ONE FOR EVERYTHING: Anker's world-famous charging technology guarantees lightning-fast charging for almost any device - whether smartphones, tablets or notebooks. And all in a tiny, feather-light USB-C charger.
- HIGH-SPEED CHARGING PERFORMANCE: Charge a 2020 MacBook Air in under 2 hours, a MacBook Pro 13ʺ at top speed, an iPhone 12 at triple speed, and the latest Samsung devices with Samsung Super Fast Charging option.
- COMPACT DESIGN: Anker's ultimate design: fantastic efficiency with less heat generation in a feather-light format that is 58% smaller than standard chargers.
- POWERED BY GaN II TECHNOLOGY: With a 20% improvement in operating frequency, an innovative minimalist design and an improved conductor structure, GaN II technology enables a new, tiny, compact charger without losing any element of performance.
My conclusion
Long story short. The products do what they promise. From now on, I will do without Apple's adapters and only use Anker's versions. So, by doing without Apple's chargers, I only lose one thing - weight. At least my organizer has become significantly lighter. So there is no catch? Well, yes, there is. There is actually a disadvantage. However, this only affects owners of a MacBook Pro 16" model. None of these adapters are suitable for the device, as it uses 100 watts. But what isn't yet, can still become. Anker may soon provide a suitable version. So if you want one of the models, you can find the whole thing in our Amazon Storefront listed in the Anker section – enjoy browsing. (Image: Anker)
