UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger review – Fast and cool desktop charging

The majority of Ugreen’s offerings comprise of compact, high-performance chargers but their latest UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger is a unique offering that is intended for more static deployments and combines the high powered charging performance of a Gallium Nitride (GaN) charger with a sturdy design and an extended cable into a compact form factor. Our UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger review where we put it to the test to see if it’s worth the money!

UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger Review – Design 

Unlike their other designs that are primarily wall chargers, the UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger offers added versatility with the addition of a 2 metre long extension cable to allow users to plonk it where needed. While it’s primarily intended for static deployments in fixed locations, the extended length grants it extra utility for mobile workers, especially when working in offices or hotel rooms with oddly placed wall outlets. 

Out of the box, our UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger review sample consists of a 2 metre long charging cable that terminates in a UK-style plug along with the usual quick start literature and the charger itself. If you acquire this in other regions, you’ll get the corresponding US or EU style plugs for the extension cable. The charger unit itself is done up in UGreen’s signature dark grey and matte black livery and is rather hefty, weighing in at 175g.

Designed to be placed flat side down like a set top box, the UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger has a set of rubber feet at the base to prevent it from slipping around and a pair of USB-C as well as a pair of USB-A charging ports with a total charging capacity of 65W. Unfortunately, it doesn’t ship with any charging cables so you’ll have to use your own.

Build quality is exceptionally solid all around with the charging cable sheathed in thick plastic and the charging unit itself is sturdily built without any rattling or loose ports which is expected for UGreen issued hardware. We’ve used their gear for several years now and their cables and chargers are all very well built affairs.

UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger Review – Performance

On paper, the UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger is a fast charger that integrates Gallium Nitride (GaN) tech to ensure more efficient performance while minimising heat build-up during the charging process. 

The charger itself supports the Power Delivery 3.0 (PD 3.0), Quick Charge 4+ (QC 4.0, C3.9 QC 2.0), PPS, SCP, AFC, Apple 5V2.4A and BC1.2 charging protocols. This wide range of charging protocols enables it to support a vast range of devices that include a host of ultrabooks of recent vintage like the Huawei MateBook X Pro 2022, the Huawei Mate50 Pro series, Samsung’s range of Galaxy and Z series smartphones, Apple’s iPhones, MacBooks and the plethora of Android phones in the market from Honor, Xiaomi, Oppo and the like.

Much like UGreen’s other offerings, charging speeds are dependent on how many devices you hook up simultaneously and on which port. Basically, the more items you charge, the slower charging speeds get. Every time you plug in or remove an item to charge, the charger pauses for a few seconds to reallocate charging speeds. Unfortunately, it’s not adept enough to allocate charging power if a device that’s plugged in is fully charged so you’ll have to manually unplug a fully charged device to reallocate charging speeds.

If you’re charging just one device using the USB-C ports, you’re able to enjoy full 65W charging speeds. If you use just the USB-A ports, you get 22.5W charging speeds. On the other end of the scale, assuming you use every port, you’re able to yield 30W and 20W respectively off the USB-C ports, and 15W charging speeds on both USB-A ports.

Realistically speaking, you’ll likely be charging an ultrabook and a phone at the same time with an average of 45W using one of the USB-C ports and about 18W if you use a USB-A port or 20W if you use the remaining USB-C port. This is the sweet spot if you’re using charging and using both devices for work at the same time. 

Assuming you leave it overnight for trickle charging, you can comfortably charge 4 devices at a time though if you are using gear with more demanding requirements, it’s best to opt for UGreen’s more powerful 100W and 200W desktop chargers where you can fast charge everything at full speeds.

When put to the test, our UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger review sample was able to easily charge a MateBook X Pro 2022, a Galaxy S22 Ultra and a new Honor X9a 5G of recent vintage with all three devices plugged in simultaneously. 

If you’re using a device like a laptop for heavy duty work like photo or video editing, it’s best to unplug other gear to maximise charging speeds as the power draw is much heavier. Even after several hours of modest use the charger itself remained relatively cool,spiking to a slight warmth only under extremely heavy loads like charging multiple drained power banks and phones.

The provision of an extra 2 metre extension cable lends the charger much greater utility. When used in a hotel room on an off site work trip, the length of the cable allowed me to use the sole working charging point near the desk next to my bed which is a lifesaver indeed.

Should you buy the UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger?

The UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger makes for a surprisingly effective design that allows you to effectively charge multiple devices at a time. The provision of a 2M long extension cable lends it extra utility in tricky setups and the 65W of charging are sufficient for more casual users but more demanding ones may need the higher-end 100W and 200W variants.

The UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger doesn’t come cheap at RM149.90 but it does get discounted during the usual sales on Shopee and Lazada. If you don’t need a fast charger for mobile work setups, this comes recommended.

Specifications
Price RM149.90
Ports 2 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A
Total charging performance 65W (65W maximum for USB-C ports, 22.5W for USB-A ports individually)
Supported fast charging protocols Power Delivery 3.0 (PD 3.0), Quick Charge 4+ (QC 4.0, C3.9 QC 2.0), PPS, SCP, AFC, Apple 5V2.4A and BC1.2 charging
Size/Weight 73.66 x 71.12 x 27.94mm / 175g

UGreen Nexode 65W Desktop Charger review sample courtesy of Ugreen. To purchase please visit their Shopee store here and their Lazada store here.