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

[wpcd_coupon id=6112]

Model: A1239

Tech Specs:

• Ports: USB-C, USB-A
• USB-C Output:
  • 18W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2@, 15V/1.25A)
• USB-A Output:
  • 12W USB (5V/2.4A)
  • Apple 2.4A
• Input: 18W USB-C PD (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 15V/1.2A)
• Capacity: 10,000mAh | 36.3Wh
• Size: 4.2 x 2 x 1 inches | 106 x 52 x 26 mm
• Weight: 6.7 oz | 192 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

• Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux
• USB-C to USB-C 2.0 cable, 3 feet
• Travel pouch

Good For:

• Commute
• Travel
• iPhone
• Android
• Nintendo Switch (handheld)
• iPad Pro (pre-2018)

Estimated Number of Charges:

• iPhone 6/7/8/SE: 3.5 charges
• iPhone Plus/X/XR: 2 charges
• Samsung Galaxy S8/S9: 2 charges
• iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S10/S20: 2 charges
• Nintendo Switch (2017): 4 hours of play
• Nintendo Switch (2019): 5.5 hours of play
• Nintendo Switch Lite: 5.5 hours of play

First Impression

The Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux is the compact version of Anker’s 18W/10,000mAh power banks. The Redux model has a large, round button on top. Used for checking capacity and activating trickle charge mode. Unlike some older models, there are only 4 LEDs on the button, not 8-10. Don’t expect the circle to fill when recharging, the LEDs cover less than half of the curve. The top also has a grip-friendly surface. But the bottom doesn’t, lessening the gripping surface’s effectiveness.

 

Compared To Similar Power Banks

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-04-18.

 

You can see more USB-C power banks 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/11/SE
• Essential Phone
• Google Pixel
• LG ThinQ/V30
• Razer
• Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10/S20
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9/10
• Xiaomi Mi 8/9
• ZTE Axon Pro 9/10

 

Using an iPhone 8 for testing we find USB PD phones will fast charge over the USB-C port. iPhones will need to use a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included. And Android phones will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, which is included.

For older and newer iPhones the USB-A port supports Apple 2.4A. An older, but still functional fast-charging standard. Older iPhones (4-7) can fast charge using USB-A. Newer iPhones will charge ~15 minutes faster using USB-C.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

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

 

Using a Moto G6 for testing we get normal charging rates. As no Quick Charge or compatible fast charging standard is supported. The USB-A port provided for the faster charge rate, around 10W.

Nintendo Switch

 

Works great for all model Nintendo Switch in handheld/tabletop mode. The rare 15V power profile support allows all model Switches to reach their max charge rate.

It will not support the Switch’s dock, as it doesn’t offer the required output.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

15V Power Profile Support

A stand out feature of the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD series is the inclusion of 15V in their power profiles. Most other brands either stop at 9V or 12V. Which is fine for most devices. iPhone and Android supporting USB PD don’t need more than 9V. Smaller accessories stick with 5V.

The 15V is nice for larger devices, namely the Nintendo Switch and iPad Pro. Both of those devices accept and thrive at 15V. The original model Switch goes from 12W with a 12V option to 18W with a 15V option. Newer model Switches and the iPad Pro has less of a jump. But an increase in power max power draws nonetheless.

The 15V power profile isn’t enough to fully justify the cost of an Anker power bank. But if you’re trying to pick between it any other option it makes for a good tie-breaker.

Trickle Charge Mode

Trickle charge mode (aka low current mode) is for low power devices. Such as a Fitbit or wireless earbuds. These small accessories draw little current (<60mA). So much so a power bank thinks charging is complete, and shutdowns to save power. This means a low power draw device could get only minutes of charging. Trickle charge mode corrects for this, by forcing the power bank to stay on for a couple of hours. Allowing small accessories time to charge.

On the Anker, PD Redux press the button once to turn it on. Turn double press the button to active trickle charge mode. One of the four blue LEDs will turn green, indicating the mode is active. It’ll stay active for up to two hours. Or you can turn the mode off by pressing the button once.

No Fast Charging With Two Devices

The total output is limited to 18W. With no fast charging available when both USB ports are in use.

When you connect the second device you’ll notice the charging resets on the first. This is the power bank stepping down to a 5V output level. If you disconnect the second device you’ll want to unplug and replug the first. To make sure fast charging turns back on.

This limitation is typical of most power banks. The few I’ve seen which allow for two fast-charging devices are unusually large. There is a limit to how much current can cross its circuits without extra hardware. Which adds size, weight, and cost.

Most smaller devices will revert to their normal charging rate. Which will continue to charge the battery while they are in use. The total charge time for the two devices is about the same. Whether you fast charge them one at a time. Or charged them at a slower rate together.

Summary

The Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux has its pros and cons. Whether it is worth the price will depend on your personal needs.

On the upside, it offers a trickle charge mode for small accessories. Including Bluetooth earbuds such as Apple AirPods. It also offers a 15V power profile, making it a better option for older model Nintendo Switches. It includes a USB-C cable and travel pouch, but cable inclusion isn’t as exclusive to Anker as it once was.

On the downside, there’s no Quick Charge support. Making it less desirable for some LG and Motorola phones. Unlike previous Anker models, you lose fast charging support when using both ports. You will also pay a premium for the Anker brand and customer support. Worth it for some, but less so for others.

It’ll fast charge iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11/SE, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. No fast charging for Quick Charge supporting Android phones.

All models of the Nintendo Switch can charge at or near their max rate. More of an advantage for launch day model Switches.

Larger tablets, including the iPad Pro, will also take advantage of the 15V power profile. Though the 10,000mAh capacity is more limiting for those devices.

It comes bundled with a good USB-C cable and travel pouch, which can carry both a power bank and cable. Anker is renowned for their customer service. With 15V also supported on the input side you can use most of any USB-C power adapter to recharge it in a few hours. Including the Nintendo Switch’s AC adapter and older Apple USB-C power banks.

About Anker

Anker has U.S. based support (web, email, phone) and an 18-month warranty. And their own online community with forums. They are a beloved brand within many USB-C communities.

Bottom Line

The Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux offers the usual Anker quality and support. Including the needed USB-C cable and a decent travel pouch. Its 15V power profile offers better charge rates for some devices. But it has the same weak dual device charge rate as cheaper competitors.

Buy if you:

• Need to fast charge iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, iPad Pro, or Nintendo Switch
• Want to charge an original model Switch as fast as possible
• Prefer the Anker brand and customer support

Don’t buy if you:

• Need to fast charge a Quick Charge supporting Android phone
• Value price over potential performance drop

You’ll want a USB-C wall charger to quickly recharge this USB-C power bank. I recommend the Anker PowerPort III Nano.

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

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