The new Anker 511 Nano 3 charger is a 30-watt single USB-C charger designed for fast charging an iPhone or iPad and can even power a MacBook Air — all with a charger about the size of Apple’s old 5W charger it used to include with iPhones.
It comes in different colors, too. Anker’s making its smallest charger even smaller and cheaper at $22.99.
Like the previous year’s model, the Nano 3 is a gallium nitride (GaN) charger that can output more power from shorter, more excellent packaging. Unfortunately, it doesn’t utilize the company’s new GaNPrime tech introduced in July, but the Nano 3 does have foldable blades that make pocketing it less stabby.
Compared to Apple’s 30W USB-C charger, the new Nano 3 is about 70 percent smaller, according to Anker. It also can charge an iPad Air up to 20 minutes faster than Apple’s included 20W charger.
The Nano 3 is available now on Anker’s website and Amazon for $22.99 and comes in black, white, blue, green, and purple colors. Anker is also selling matching Lighting cables that use a blend of plastic and plant-based materials for $18.99 (3ft) and $21.99 (6ft) each, as well as USB-C versions for $16.99 and $19.99, respectively.
Unfortunately, bio-based plastic blends are still not biodegradable when they eventually hit landfills. Even though their sources are renewable, experts warn that the crops the materials come from could lead to more water use and greenhouse gas emissions than regular plastics.
Anker Innovations Co., Ltd, commonly known as Anker, is a Chinese electronics manufacturer based in Changsha, Hunan, China. The company’s product range has power banks, earbuds, phone chargers, headphones, data hubs, charging cables, speakers, torches, screen protectors, etc.
Anker was established in 2011 by Steven Yang in Shenzhen, Guangdong, but the company would soon shift its headquarters to Changsha, Hunan. In 2011, Anker raised its focus from replacement laptop batteries to smartphone battery chargers, wall chargers, portable power, and conferencing gear. In early 2014, Anker Innovations chartered Zhao Dongping, Google’s then-head of sales in China, who ultimately became president in 2020.
Aside from its domestic demand in China, Anker also bears subsidiaries in the United States, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Before 2016, Anker products were almost exclusively marketed on the Amazon Marketplace. However, Anker products are also sold in big box marts such as Best Buy, Target, and Kohl’s and are available on various other e-commerce websites like Shopee and other third-party websites in agreement with Anker.
Anker produces charging cables, wall adapters, power banks, power strips, USB hubs, and torches beneath the Bolder sub-brand. Soundcore assembles Bluetooth earbuds, headphones, and speakers. Eufy produces intelligent home appliances and security devices. Nebula creates portable video projectors. Roav has car accessories. Zolo was a precursor to the Soundcore label. KARAPAX made phone cases.
Anker’s line of charging cables has the trademarked name PowerLine, the latest being PowerLine III. In addition, these cables have an MFi (Made for iPhone) certification from Apple.