Is Anker A2524 the best wireless charger? Tested review reveals surprising results!

Description

Anker 313 Wireless Charging Stand (Item Model Number: A2524) Review

My Experience Using the Wireless Charger Daily

From the moment I unboxed the Anker 313 Wireless Charging Stand, I could tell it was designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. As someone who often multitasks at my desk, using this Qi-certified wireless charger has been a game-changer. I tested it primarily with my iPhone 14 Pro Max and occasionally with my partner’s Samsung Galaxy S22. It’s compact, lightweight, and blends seamlessly into my workspace without taking up too much room.

The setup was straightforward. I plugged in the provided Micro USB cable, situated the stand on my desk, and aligned my phone. Instantly, the charging indicator lit up, confirming it was working. The stand supports both portrait and landscape orientations, which means I can charge my phone while watching a video or scrolling through emails. This dual functionality is incredibly convenient.

Features and Functionality

Charging Efficiency

The wireless charger claims a 10W charging speed for Samsung devices and 5W for iPhones, which I found accurate in my use. My Galaxy S22 fully charged from about 20% to 100% in around two hours. For my iPhone, it took slightly longer, but it was still reasonable. While the speed isn’t on par with a wired fast charger, it’s more than sufficient for overnight or desk use.

Case Compatibility

One of my favorite features is the case compatibility. I didn’t have to remove my phone’s protective case, as long as it was less than 5mm thick. This saved me a lot of hassle. However, I noticed that metal attachments or cards on the back of the phone would interfere with charging, which is something to be mindful of.

Design and Build

The stand’s sleek black finish and minimalist design make it a great fit for any environment, whether it’s on a desk, bedside table, or kitchen counter. Its non-slip base ensures that it stays secure, even if the cable gets tugged slightly. The angle of the stand is perfect for facial recognition and checking notifications at a glance.

Pros

• Ease of Use: Simply place your phone on the stand, and it starts charging immediately. No fumbling with cables.
• Dual Orientation Support: Charges phones in both portrait and landscape modes, making it versatile for video calls or streaming.
• Case-Friendly Design: Charges through most standard cases under 5mm thick, saving you the trouble of removing your case each time.
• Compact and Portable: Weighing just 3.9 ounces, it’s easy to move around or pack for travel.
• Reliable Performance: The charger consistently delivers stable power without overheating.

Cons

• Charging Speed: It’s slower compared to cable-based fast chargers, especially for iPhones limited to 5W.
• Micro USB Connector: The use of Micro USB feels outdated and less robust than USB-C.
• No AC Adapter Included: You’ll need to purchase a compatible adapter separately, which adds to the overall cost.
• Not Ideal for Metal Attachments: Magnetic or metal accessories on your phone can block charging entirely.
• Limited to Single Device: This isn’t a multi-device charger, so you’ll need separate chargers if you have more than one device.

Comparison to Competitors

I’ve tried a few other wireless chargers, such as the Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Stand and Samsung’s Wireless Charger Duo. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.

• Belkin Boost Up: While it offers similar functionality, it’s noticeably pricier than the Anker 313. It also doesn’t perform significantly better to justify the higher cost.
• Samsung Wireless Charger Duo: This is excellent for those with multiple devices, like a phone and Galaxy Watch. However, it’s bulkier and more expensive.
• Anker 313: Stands out as a budget-friendly, no-frills option. It lacks multi-device support but compensates with its simplicity and reliable performance.

Where the Anker 313 excels is in its value proposition. It may not have the bells and whistles of premium chargers, but it delivers dependable charging at a fraction of the price.

Cost Analysis and Value for Money

Considering the price point of the Anker 313 Wireless Charging Stand, I find it to be a fantastic deal. While it doesn’t include an AC adapter, most of us already have one lying around. The absence of USB-C is a minor inconvenience but not a dealbreaker. For its compact design, case-friendly charging, and dual-orientation support, it’s well worth the investment. Whether you’re a casual user or someone who needs a reliable charging solution for daily use, this fits the bill perfectly.

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