Anker PowerPort Wireless 5 Pad Review

9.2

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Anker PowerPort Wireless 5 Pad Review
Anker PowerPort Wireless 5 Pad Review
Large surface area
Charging speed is similar to using a wired connection (at 1 amp)
Works with many phone cases

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Design

The new Anker PowerPort Wireless 5 Pad is a Qi charger that provides a large, flat surface for your phone.  While you still need to generally center your phone on the pad in order to charge, I still find it easier to use than many smaller Qi charging pads.

The pad has a non-slip surface that helps keep your phone in place, so if you’re a popular person who receives a lot of notifications, your phone should not vibrate off the pad.  The non-slip surface does seem to attract dust and typically requires a slightly damp lint-free towel to clean (while it’s unplugged, of course).

On the top of the pad near the left side is a subtle blue LED light that confirms that you have set down your device properly and it is charging.  The LED will blink to let you know if there is a problem that is preventing charging. I found this to be the case if I placed an unsupported phone on the charger, so it’s good to know that Anker has some safety checks in place.

Performance

Although this Qi charger requires a 10-watt power adapter (5V 2A USB charger, such as an iPad charger), the Anker PowerPort Wireless 5 Pad only outputs 5-watts.  It therefore does not support the iPhone’s ability to charge at 7.5-watts. However, Anker claims that it delivers a more efficient 5-watt charge — even through cases — than many other wireless Qi chargers.

Testing out the PowerPort Wireless 5, I did find that it successfully charges my iPhone X. My phone seemed to charge just as fast as using this pad compared to using a cable, even with a third-party case on my phone.  The pad will work with most Qi-enabled Android phones as well. I’ve also tested it with an iPhone 6S in a special Qi-enabled charging case and it works fine with this Anker PowerPort Pad.

Features

It’s important to note that this charger does not come with an AC adapter.  Anker recommends using a 5V 2A charging brick with this stand, such as an iPad charger or one of Anker’s wall chargers. The Anker stand does come with a Micro USB cable that you can plug your charger into the back of the stand.

9.2 Total Score
Excellent

The large surface of the Anker PowerPort Wireless 5 Pad makes it easy to find the "sweet spot" to set your phone down and charge. Be sure to use a 2 amp USB wall charger (not included) as your phone may not charge if you use the small, white 1 amp charging brick that comes with your iPhone.

Design
9.4
Performance
9.2
Features
8.9
PROS
  • Large surface area
  • Charging speed is similar to using a wired connection (at 1 amp)
  • Works with many phone cases
CONS
  • AC adapter not included
  • 5-watt max output
  • Dust magnet

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