★★★★★ 4
These are very nice but limited life
Size: 1pack, Color: Black, Size: 1pack, Color: Black
I got a couple of these for my wife's iphone 8+.
They really are great in all charging respects when fed with a high power supply.
But be aware they probably will not have long life. It depends on how often you plug/unplug the charger cord, and how you manhandle the charger itself.
What I hate about these is the use of the USB micro charging port.
If Anker were to use a USB type C charging port -maybe the lifespan would be greater.
But I doubt it. This is why a 5 star item becomes a 3 star.
The problem with USB ports as a power connector is that most people are rather klutzy with this connector while plugged into the charger's port. The USB micro connector socket is a very flimsy structure and not suited to heavy use (many plug/unplug or move cycles).
If you are clumsy with plugging in the cable, you bend the outer metal housing that both guides the connector in while plugging, and also holds fast the connector so the contacts mate and remain in contact. Same is true if you move the charger body...it flexes the power cord which in turn wobbles the connector.
Another great way to mangle the connector is moving or dropping the charger's body while the cord is connected. Anything that wobbles the cord while connected tends to waller out the USB port and after enough slop, the charger can become inoperative.
Once the geometry of the housing is compromised, the electrical power connection becomes flaky (intermittent) and then you have a charger that may or may not work. So then you have a phone without the expected recharge. For most people this forces them to discard and re-purchase the charger.
Call it designed-in obsolescence (shortened lifespan).
I have seen this across a wide range of electrical items. Anything that uses the USB mini or micro port as an electrical path for the sole purpose of energy transference will eventually fail. USB type A (large rectangular) is less affected by this due to the heavier, robust structure.
For me, I repair these by simply installing a permanently connected power cord. Soldered directly to the charger's circuit board. This is not something most people can do, and it requires intrusive access to the charger. On this model there are no screws to gain access to the connector and PCB...the case is permanently glued together.
If Anker wanted to provide a better solution, they would deploy these with a barrel connector/power pack, but they play this game with the consumer forcing them to buy a separate, high-power pack that must be USB.
bleah!
Update 10 July 2023
Anker was graceful in contacting me the day after submitting this review and offering a full refund.
Admittedly, I wrote this, feeling a bit frustrated that the product failed, but surprised with Anker's response with a request they be given another chance. Very commendable in today's world.
+1 star for their diligence.
Re:
Duly noted.
I'm sorry to have reported my experience with this product but it is the truth.
Thanks but no thanks for the refund offer. I hardwired a power cord to the charger and now it works without intermittent behavior thus sustaining its use.
Another chance? Of course. I like the product (and Anker) but do not like the micro USB connector it uses.
I may follow up with a secondary comment on the rapidity of your response.
This was a generalized comment for the industry to consider.
I only apologize that it was targeted solely at Anker.
You are not alone. Many of your competitor's products use the same connector so the consumer has little choice but to accept the limitations -or choose a product that does NOT use the mini or micro USB connector. Good luck with that.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2023