UGREEN Nexode 130W Review

The UGREEN Nexode 130W is the new generation of portable power banks that offer a huge capacity and are ready to charge or power your devices. What makes this model stand out is that it can offer 130W of output power, so if you need to run your MacBook and other accessories, as long as the power draw doesn’t exceed 130W from the ports, then you can.

The Nexode 130W has plenty of features that distinguish it from the competition, including the neat digital display that shows the input and output values and the remaining battery percentage.

Another key point is that if you’re off on assignment or holiday, Nexode 130W has also been air-certified so that you can take it in your luggage on a flight.

The Nexode 130W is a complete power solution for your cameras and devices, and for many, will fill the gap between smaller power banks and the need to invest in a larger power station such as the Ugreen Portable Power Station PowerRoam 2200

While most power banks are compact and designed to fit into a small bag or pocket, the UGREEN Nexode 130W power bank is slightly larger, measuring 131mm x 54 x 50.8mm and weighing 476g. It also has a far larger capacity than most, at 20,000mAh, and can deliver up to 130W through a combination of its USB ports.

The power bank’s physical design is decent. It fits perfectly into a camera bag, similar to an average 24-70mm lens, meaning that it’ll fit a spare lens slot in your bag.

The Nexode 130W has a host of interesting design features, including a colour TFT on the front that shows detailed information about power bank usage. Not only does it display the remaining battery percentage more precisely than the typical indicator lights, but it also shows the current power output or input from each port.

To get started with the power bank, there is a power button on the side. A quick push will start the screen, showing you the remaining capacity in a percentage. Otherwise, as soon as you plug devices into the power bank, it automatically detects them and begins charging or powering them.

On the top of the power bank, there are two USB Type-C ports. One of these ports can output up to 100W, making it ideal for charging laptops or powering larger devices while also supporting PD (Power Delivery) power. The other USB Type-C port offers up to 30W of PD power, perfect for less power-hungry devices. There is also a standard USB Type-A port, which offers wide compatibility.

As a final note on the design, the base has two small rubber bars to help it grip surfaces and prevent slips.

When it comes to the build and handling, the power bank proves to be an ideal solution for a range of devices, including laptops, cameras, and other accessories. The build quality is high, and it is designed for frequent use, with robust materials that withstand daily handling.

The UGREEN Nexode 130W is packed with features that go beyond what you would typically expect from a simple power bank. To start with, it offers a total output of 130W, divided between its two USB Type-C ports. The first USB Type-C port delivers up to 100W, which is powerful enough for charging laptops and other large devices. The second USB Type-C port provides up to 30W, making it ideal for phones and smaller gadgets. To give you an idea of its charging capability, this power bank can charge a MacBook Pro 16-inch up to 43% in just 30 minutes while simultaneously charging an iPhone 15 to about 60%.

The power bank’s 20,000mAh capacity can provide an iPhone 15 with approximately four full charges, an iPad Pro 11-inch with about two and a half charges, and a MacBook Air 13-inch with just over one full charge, these are all quoted amounts from UGREEN, but through the test proved accurate.

The small TFT display is quite a unique feature and a great addition. It shows detailed information such as battery capacity, voltage, current, and power output for each port. This screen allows you to monitor which devices are drawing the most power and more effectively manage the power bank’s usage.

Although the Nexode 130W is slightly larger than most power banks designed solely for charging smartphones, it remains compact and portable, weighing in at just 476g.

In use, the UGREEN 130W Power Bank offers more than most. First, its 20,000mAh capacity enables it to charge larger devices that would usually be beyond the capabilities of typical power banks. During testing, I found this power bank exceptionally useful for charging a 16-inch MacBook Pro when the power was running low or just to keep it topped up while in use.

One of the first tests was to see how the 130W output would handle powering a MacBook Pro M1 Max. Plugging the power bank into the MacBook Pro using the 100W USB Type-C port, the small screen on the power bank displayed not only the remaining capacity but also the active port and its output. During normal word processing, writing this and other reviews, the average output was around 13.9W, providing about four hours of use, with the MacBook’s battery starting at 61%. This extended the MacBook’s battery life significantly, allowing a full day’s use with a combination of the MacBook’s battery and the power bank.

Next, I tested how much charge a fully charged power bank could provide to a MacBook Pro M1 Max when the laptop was completely drained. After running the MacBook until it shut down due to low power, I plugged in the 130W power bank. Within a few minutes, the MacBook powered back on, and the display showed the power draw from the bank. After a few hours, the power bank was fully discharged, and the MacBook Pro had charged up to 70%, which is quite impressive given the power demands of this laptop.

The power bank’s three ports are a real advantage when charging multiple devices. For example, I was able to charge a Sony A7 IV, a Zhiyun M40, and an iPhone all at the same time. The power draw was actually relatively small, with the Sony drawing 1.5W, the iPhone 10.7W, and the Zhiyun M40 9W, all well within the power bank’s capabilities.

I then used the UGREEN 130W to power devices directly, such as providing Power Delivery (PD) to the Zhiyun M40 and Canon EOS R5 C. When powering the M40 at full brightness, the power draw reached 25W, well within the 30W limit of the USB Type-C port I had selected. However, when switching from charging to active use while other devices were plugged in, the power bank’s safety feature was activated. It required unplugging and restarting the power bank due to a power surge. This safeguard prevents damage to the power bank and connected devices, and it was good to see its action here.

Throughout the test, the power bank delivered excellent performance, providing extended use for the Zhiyun M40, allowing over eight hours of operation at full brightness. However, the light did take a breather and wasn’t used consistently at full brightness. Similarly, it powered the Canon EOS R5 C for a full-day shoot with an average draw of 15W.

Overall, the UGREEN Nexode 130W Power Bank impressed with its ability to charge and power multiple devices simultaneously. Its versatility, safety features, and high capacity make it a great choice for those needing a reliable portable power solution. Whether you’re charging a MacBook Pro or running a camera setup, this power bank offers the flexibility and power you need in the field.

The UGREEN Nexode 130W Power Bank is compact yet powerful. Its impressive 130W maximum output should be more than sufficient for most photography and videography needs, including charging cameras and other essential devices on the go.

The power bank’s size and shape allow it to fit easily into a standard camera backpack. It takes up one of the slots usually reserved for a lens while still leaving room for spare cables and other small accessories.

Additionally, the large screen provides valuable information about the power being input or output, which is exceptionally useful. This feature is especially handy and is something that would be great to see on larger power stations. Given its performance and relatively affordable price, it is a must-have addition to any gear bag.