Xcentz xDynamo 5 Review

Xcentz xDynamo 5
Xcentz xDynamo 5

Xcentz xDynamo 5

Xcentz xDynamo 5 - A compact, 5-port USB desktop charger
Xcentz xDynamo 5

Product Name: Xcentz xDynamo 5

Product Description: 5-port desktop charger with USB-C

Brand: Xcentz

MPN: AT25011

Bottom Line

The Xcentz xDynamo 5 is a 5-port desktop charger, offering a variety of USB connections. Including a 15W USB-C port. And an 18W Quick Charge 3.0 port. It works best as a dedicated charging station for your small devices. But its compact form makes it more forgiving for travel than other desktop chargers.

Overall
4.5
  • Performance
    (4.5)
  • Design
    (4.5)
  • Safety
    (4.5)
Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)

Pros

  • Fast charges iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, LG, and Motorola phones
  • Charges Switch while you play
  • More travel friendly than most desktop chargers
  • Charge five devices at once, but at reduced rate
  • Works worldwide with 100-240V power input (may need a plug adapter)

Cons

  • No USB PD support
  • Won’t fast charge Google Pixel; but does normal charging
  • Three regular USB-A ports limited to ~3A total
  • Doesn’t include any USB-C cables

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Xcentz provided the product in this review.

[wpcd_coupon id=9604]
Model: AT25011
Xcentz xDynamo 5 specs

Xcentz xDynamo 5 specs

Tech Specs:
  • Ports: USB-C x1, USB-A x4
  • USB-C Output:
    • 15W USB-C (5V/3A)
    • Apple 2.4A
  • USB-A (QC) Output:
    • 12W USB (5V/2.4A)
    • Quick Charge 3.0
    • Huawei FCP
    • Apple 2.4A
  • USB-A Output:
    • 12W USB (5V/2.4A)
    • Max 3A across three USB-A ports
    • Apple 2.4A
  • Input: 100V–240V, 1.5A, 50/60Hz
  • Size: 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.2 inches | 64 x 64 x 56 mm
  • Weight: 7.9 oz | 224 grams

Learn more aboutFast Charging

Xcentz xDynamo 5 box and contents

Xcentz xDynamo 5 box and contents

Included In Box:
  • Xcentz xDynamo 5
  • power cable
Good For:
  • Additional charger for home or work
  • iPhone
  • Android
  • Nintendo Switch (handheld)

First Impression

The Xcentz xDynamo 5 is a desktop charging. Such chargers are good for desks and designated charging areas at home or work. This particular model is better suited for travel than others. Given its compact, cube shape. And the weight is only a few ounces more than what I usually travel with.

The layout of the USB ports worked well for the small amount of space. I was able to fit several power meters in among the cables. And plugging/unplugging any one cable was easy enough. The USB ports are labeled, and the QC port is also colored to help it stand out. The USB-A ports have LED indicators showing power, but the USB-C does not.

The gray model is featured in this review. There is also a black/gold and “blue” model available. Though it is more of a teal.

Xcentz xDynamo 5 colors

Xcentz xDynamo 5 color selections

 

Compared To Similar Chargers

ChargerXcentz xDynamo 5Anker PowerPort Speed PD 5RAVPower PD Pioneer 60W 5-Port
PortsUSB-C, USB-A x4USB-C, USB-A x4USB-C, USB-A x4
Output15W USB-C

Quick Charge 3.0
30W USB-C PD45W USB-C PD
FeaturesUSB-IF Certified
CableNo cableNo cableNo cable
Dimensions2.5 x 2.5 x 2.2 in
8.7 oz
4 x 3.2 x 1.1 in
8.5 oz
3.5 x 2.3 x 1 in
6.1 oz
PricePrice not available$39.99No products found.

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-03-28.

You can see more USB-C chargers here.

Device Testing

Check with your device’s manufacturer to verify which charging standards it supports.

USB Power Delivery & Quick Charge 4+ Phones

  • Apple iPhone 8/X/XR/XS
  • Essential Phone
  • Google Pixel
  • LG ThinQ/V30
  • Razer
  • Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9
  • Xiaomi Mi 8/9
  • ZTE Axon Pro 9/10

 

Using an iPhone 8 for testing we get normal charging rates. As USD PD isn’t supported.

For iPhones the USB-A ports supports Apple 2.4A. An older, but still functional fast charging standard. Both new and old iPhones can fast charge using USB-A. The USB-C port also supports Apple 2.4A according to my tester. But I saw better results on the USB-A ports.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

  • HTC
  • LG
  • Motorola
  • Nokia
  • Samsung Galaxy
  • Sony
  • Xiaomi Mi 5/6
  • ZTE

 

Using a Moto G6 for testing we see Quick Charge will fast charge over the USB-A port. A USB-C to USB-A cable is required.

Only the colored USB-A port supports Quick Charge. The USB-C and other USB-A ports will support normal charging speeds.

Nintendo Switch

 

The Nintendo Switch charges at the expected rate with a regular USB-C charger, up to 10W. That is 1-2W more than it uses while playing. So it will charge while you play. But slower than you’ve seen with its own charger.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

3A Limit on USB-A Ports

The three regular USB-A ports each support up to 5V/2.4A. But together they only output ~3A. Xcentz states 3A in their specs. I measured 3.3A.

The limit on the USB-A ports does not impact the USB-C port of the Quick Charge USB-A port. Both of those ports output independently. Even when all five ports are in use.

This all means you’ll want prioritize charging certain devices if using four or five ports at once. As this will be a permanent location charger you’ll end up assigning ports to devices.

  • USB-C Port: Reserve for Nintendo Switch or USB-C tablets. Also good for a steady charge of any USB-C phone.
  • QC Port: Reserve for your phone. Especially iPhone, Samsung, Motorola, or any Quick Charge compatible Android.
  • USB-A Ports: If using only one, then you’ll get a steady charge. If using two or three then put low priority devices on them. The devices will charge slower. And you can’t control which gets more power.

Summary

The Xcentz xDynamo 5 offers options for charging a lot of small to medium sized devices. It’ll take up less space on a desk or workspace. And traveling with it is workable, if not optimal. If you don’t need USB Power Delivery support it is a good option and a great price.

Xcentz xDynamo 5 ports

Xcentz xDynamo 5 ports

For most model iPhone and Android phones it’ll provide a fast charge. It has only the one port for that, the QC port (colored USB-A). It can provide regular charging via USB-C. And it’ll fast charge a second iPhone on any of the USB-A ports. Provided you don’t use the other two USB-A ports.

For the Nintendo Switch it charges in handheld mode while you play. You need to use the USB-C port. Otherwise you’ll get a slower charge. It’ll be a slow charge with demanding games, but enough to keep up.

When using four or five ports you’ll need to juggle your charging needs a bit. The USB-C and QC ports have fixed rated. But the three other USB-A ports share a max output. And you can’t tell it which device to favor. If time isn’t a factor then plug everything in and don’t worry about it. But for best results you’ll end up assigning certain ports to certain devices.

With all five ports in use the temperature measurements were normal. And within safe to handle limits. Under a heavy load much of the surface got up to 90-100°F (32-38°C). The hottest point was 122°F (50°C). It is safe to handle any type of solid material up to 122°F (50°C). Plastic enclosures, such as this, are safe at even hotter temperatures.

About Xcentz

Xcentz (pronounced “accents”) has U.S. based support (web, email, chat, phone) and an 18 month warranty.

Bottom Line

The Xcentz xDynamo 5 is a compact desktop charger for all day charging. A good option for charging several devices with a small footprint. You have one USB-C and one Quick Charge port available. But no USB Power Delivery. While desktop chargers aren’t the best for travel this one is better than most. Provided you’re not trying to fast charge several devices at once you can take advantage of its size and price.

Buy if you:
  • Need a desktop charge with a small foot print
  • Use a Samsung, LG, Moto, or other Quick Charge supporting Android
  • Want a splash of color among your white and black devices
Don’t buy if you:
  • Are looking for a charger for your laptop and smaller devices
  • Need to fast charge a Google Pixel, or prefer to use a USB-C to Lightning cable with your iPhone
  • Want a desktop charger that fast charges multiple devices at once

Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.