In the fast-growing world of increasingly compact-yet-powerful gallium nitride (GaN) chargers, Ugreen is a player. The company has expanded its line of multiport chargers and recently sent me its Nexode 140W model to try out.
I found it potent, reasonably compact and a fine purchase for most people who need to charge laptops, tablets, smartphones and other devices — especially if they can get it at the discount below, which makes it an exceptional value.
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Ugreen Nexode 140W Charger
The Ugreen Nexode 140W Charger is an adapter-style model you plug into a wall outlet or a power strip. It has a pleasing solidity to it, and the built quality seems high. As you might expect, the prongs fold away for travel and the three ports are clearly labeled.
Right off the bat, you notice it’s smaller than Apple’s single-port 140W charger — by 22%, according to Ugreen. It’s just about the same size as Apple’s single-port 67W charger that I got with my 2021 M1 Pro MacBook Pro.
But having more power and a greater port selection are key advantages for Ugreen’s Nexode and similar competing chargers over even slightly older, simpler, silicone-based chargers.
So, for it’s compact size and port selection, is Green’s entrant the smallest and most versatile GaN wall charger at its wattage? No, not quite. Another example of a similar product would be the Anker GanPrime 747 charger, which puts out 15oW to Ugreen’s 140 and has four ports to Ugreen’s three. And it’s smaller than Ugreen’s charger, too.
But Ugreen is right up there with its competitors. It offers a high-quality, high-speed, multiport charger that’s small enough to carry with you. And it can juice up three devices separately or at once, including two laptops simultaneously, more quickly than many chargers out there.
Of course, with the flow of new GaN chargers increasing recently from various makers, we may see further refinements along the lines of higher power, more ports and smaller size still to come.
Photo: Ugreen
Port selection and power distribution
The Ugreen Nexode 140W Charger sports three ports — two USB-C and one USB-A — that deliver different wattages depending upon how many devices are plugged in.
- 1 PD 3.1 USB-C port reaches the maximum charging level of 140W when used by itself, suitable for charging a MacBook Pro quickly. Ugreen said it brings a 16-inch MacBook Pro from an empty battery to 60% capacity in 34 minutes. The company said that’s almost twice as fast as its 65W GaN charger. The 140W model brought my MacBook Pro from half full to full in just about that same amount of time.
- 1 PD 3.1 USB-C port reaches 100W when used by itself, which works well enough for MacBooks and is quite suitable for use with iPads and iPhones. I found this port to a be quick and convenient place to top up my iPad Air when it dropped down below 20% and I wanted to have it in hand on the go with a reasonable charge in about half an hour.
- 1 USB-A port provides up to 22W of power to smaller devices. This is a good place to power up anything from a wireless keyboard or mouse to an AirPods/earbuds case to wireless ANC headphones. Not every device will take the full 22W, but at least you know it’s there.
- With all three ports engaged, you get the 140W USB-C port putting out 65W, the 100W USB-C port offering 45W and the USB-A issuing its usual 22.5W. See the image below for the options with two ports in use.
Photo: Ugreen
Don’t overlook the excellent braided cable Ugreen includes
A pleasant surprise that comes in the box with the Ugreen Nexode 140W Charger is the high-quality cable. It’s not some nothing add-on. It’s a 5-foot, 240W, fast-charging, braided PD 3.1 USB-C to USB-C cable with real added value.
I didn’t expect one of my nicer cables to be one that came with a Ugreen charger, but I’m glad it did.
Long-lasting power and safety
Ugreen noted that its charger takes advantage of a Power Dispenser System. Similar to what’s found in most advanced GaN chargers, the functionality adds battery life by adjusting power outputs according to real-time need.
And a Thermal Guard in the device takes its temperature 800 times a second to ensure it won’t overheat, Ugreen said. In my use of the charger, I don’t recall it getting warm to the touch. It certainly didn’t get hot enough to worry about.
Good deal on Amazon
You can pick up the Ugreen Nexode 140W USB-C charger at Ugreen for $149.99. But take note that Amazon currently offers it for 30% off at $104.99.
Where to buy: Ugreen or Amazon
Ugreen provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
★★★★☆
