In the ever-evolving world of tech accessories, power banks have become indispensable for users on the go. Last year, Anchor took a leap forward with the release of the Anchor 737, a powerful and feature-rich power bank.
Now, they’ve upped the ante with the Anchor Prime, boasting even greater capacity, new charging and monitoring features, and a jaw-dropping 250 watts of power output.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the Anchor Prime, exploring its design, capacity, charging capabilities, and unique features. We’ll also compare it to its predecessor, the Anchor 737, to determine if the upgrades justify the price. Check it out here: Anchor Prime Power Bank.
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Design and Unboxing:
The Anchor Prime arrives in a well-designed package, containing the power bank, documentation, a 140-watt USB-C cable, and a convenient carry pouch. Design-wise, the Prime maintains the familiar black and gray casing, though it’s been updated with an inverted color scheme and an extended glossy front panel. This glossy finish is prone to fingerprints, but it doesn’t detract from the overall aesthetics.
In terms of size, the 250-watt Prime is slightly larger and taller compared to its predecessor, due to the increased battery capacity, which now stands at 27,650 milliampere-hours (mAh). This specific capacity figure might seem arbitrary, but it cleverly keeps the Prime just under the 100-watt-hour limit for air travel, ensuring it’s a reliable companion on your journeys.
Display and User Interface:
One of the standout features of the Anchor Prime is its enhanced user interface. The power bank sports a significantly larger screen compared to the Anchor 737, making it easier to read important information. The new UI features larger text and icons, providing real-time data on battery percentage, input and output statistics (including volts and amps), recharging and depletion times, and more. This screen is a welcome upgrade from the traditional LED indicators found on most power banks, offering a more intuitive and informative experience. Check it out here: Anchor Prime Power Bank.
Moreover, the display allows you to track the remaining charge as well as the output for each connected device, dynamically adjusting and redistributing power as needed. Additionally, it provides estimates on how long the battery will last based on current usage—a feature that can be incredibly handy when planning your device-charging strategy.
The screen’s default brightness might appear dim in certain lighting conditions, but it can be adjusted to a higher setting using the side button. Furthermore, when recharging the power bank, it provides estimated recharging times, which are impressively quick.
Wireless Charging Base:
An innovative addition to the Anchor Prime series is the wireless charging base. All three models in the Prime lineup feature five pins on the bottom that allow the power bank to charge wirelessly when placed on the base.
This feature is a game-changer for users who often forget to recharge their power banks. The base serves as both a charging hub and a convenient storage solution, ensuring your power bank is always ready to go.
Capacity and App Integration:
The Anchor Prime boasts an impressive capacity of 27,650mAh, providing ample juice for recharging multiple devices. However, one of the most significant improvements in the Prime series is the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity, exclusively available on the 250-watt model.
The accompanying Anchor app enhances the power bank’s functionality by allowing users to monitor various parameters such as battery percentage, input and output, recharging and depletion times, and more.
The app also features a unique calculator that eliminates the guesswork associated with estimating device charges. Users can input device type, name, battery capacity (in milliampere-hours or watt-hours), and battery health to receive accurate estimates of how many charges their devices will receive from the Anchor Prime. This feature simplifies the often-confusing process of assessing a power bank’s real-world utility.
Furthermore, the app’s information can be displayed on the power bank’s screen, eliminating the need to check your phone constantly. This integration enhances the overall user experience and sets the Anchor Prime apart from other power banks on the market.
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Charging Speed and Output:
The Anchor Prime is a powerhouse when it comes to charging speed and output. It supports the Power Delivery 3.1 specification and, when paired with a compatible cable, can fast-charge devices like MacBook Pros in less than 30 minutes. Its headline-grabbing feature is its maximum output of 250 watts when using all ports simultaneously. This means you can fast charge two MacBook Pros at nearly full speed concurrently—an impressive feat.
For single-device charging, each of the USB-C ports can output a maximum of 140 watts, while the USB-A port provides 65 watts. When charging two devices simultaneously, the USB-C ports share 240 watts (140 watts from C1 and 100 watts from C2), or you can opt for 140 watts from either C port and 65 watts from the A port. For those who need to charge multiple devices, the Anchor Prime can allocate a substantial 250 watts across all three ports.
It’s important to note that while the Anchor Prime can handle high-power devices with ease, it does tend to generate some heat during prolonged high-power output. However, this heat is well within acceptable limits and shouldn’t cause any concerns.
Recharging Options:
Recharging the Anchor Prime is a breeze, thanks to multiple options. It supports a maximum input of 140 watts through a single USB-C port, enabling rapid recharging. Using a high-power charger, like the MacBook Pro charger, can fully recharge the power bank from 0% to 100% in around 43 minutes. It’s advisable to use at least a 100-watt charger for efficient recharging, as lower-wattage chargers will considerably extend the recharging time.
Additionally, the Anchor Prime supports dual input, allowing users to connect two high-power chargers to achieve a slightly faster 170-watt charge. While this configuration may save around six minutes compared to single input charging, it’s worth considering the added convenience of single-input charging.
An intriguing recharging option is the wireless charging base, available for separate purchase. While it offers a less rapid 100-watt charge, it serves as a home for your power bank, ensuring it’s always charged and ready for use. The base also functions as a hub with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, providing additional versatility. Check it out here: Anchor Prime Power Bank.
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Final Thoughts:
The Anchor Prime is undoubtedly a powerhouse in the world of power banks. With its enhanced design, increased capacity, Bluetooth connectivity, and robust charging capabilities, it caters to power users and tech enthusiasts who demand the best. The wireless charging base is a standout feature, offering convenience and ensuring you’re never left with a depleted power bank when you need it most.
However, the Anchor Prime comes at a premium price, especially the 250-watt flagship model. At 180 pounds or dollars, it’s a substantial investment, and whether it’s worth the extra cost depends on your specific needs.
If you require extreme power output, additional capacity, or Bluetooth features, the Prime is a worthy upgrade. However, if you’re satisfied with the capabilities of the Anchor 737, which is still available at a lower price point, it remains a solid choice.
In conclusion, Anchor Prime is a remarkable power bank that excels in multiple areas, offering a seamless user experience and addressing the common pain points associated with power bank usage. Its combination of capacity, performance, and innovative features make it one of the best everyday power banks for those who demand the utmost reliability and convenience. Check it out here: Anchor Prime Power Bank.
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