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

Available exclusively at:

Model: A2716

Tech Specs:

• Ports: USB-C
• USB-C Output:
  • 18W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2A)
• Input: 100V–240V, 0.6A, 50/60Hz
• Size: 1.8 x 1.1 x 1.1 inches | 45 x 28 x 28 mm (including prongs)
• Weight: 1.1 oz | 30 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

 

Included In Box:

• Anker PowerPort PD Nano

Good For:

• Additional charger for home or work
• Commute
• Travel
• iPhone
• Android
• 18W USB-C PD Power Banks
• Nintendo Switch (handheld)
• iPad Pro (pre-2018)

First Impression

The Anker PowerPort PD Nano looks a lot like Apple’s 5W USB power adapter. Almost the same size. With the same shape and fixed prong design. But the large Anker logo on one side makes it easy to distinguish the two. Not to mention the USB-C port with PD listed above it. The branding is not subtle.

It is also almost identical to Anker’s III Nano charger. The same size and form factor. The visual difference being PD is marked above the USB-C port on the PD Nano. While the III Nano says IQ3.

The fixed prongs are a downside for some consumers. But it does keep the charger’s size and weight down. Hinges add one more element. Which in turn adds mass and complexity. Comparing to similar models with folding prongs you can see a difference.

 

Compared To Similar Chargers

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-11-23.

 

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 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, also not included.

Lack of Apple 2.4A means this isn’t a great charger for older iPhone 4-7. It’ll charge them, but no fast charging.

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, the standard is supported that’s as fast as it goes. Still, 9-10W is a decent charge rate.

Nintendo Switch

 

In all cases, it’ll fast charge while you play. And charges at its max rate while asleep. The original Switch underdraws from 9V/2A chargers, while the new Switch and Lite correct that issue.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

PD Nano vs III Nano

At a glance, the Anker PowerPort PD Nano and PowerPort III Nano look to be the same product. And they are quite similar. Both offer 18W USB-C PD. And they have the same form factor, size, and weight. Even their user manuals have the same diagrams and information order.

But they do have their differences:

PD Nano

• 18W USB Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2A) output
• USB-IF certified
• Available on Amazon and Anker.com
• Small retail box, designed for easy shipping

III Nano

• 18W PowerIQ 3.0 (5V/2.4A, 9V/2A) output
• Violates USB-C specifications, but not known to be an issue
• Available at Best Buy
• Large retail box, designed for shelf display

Comparing Outputs

Their output specifications are their biggest difference.

The PD Nano supports USB Power Delivery. It meets USB-IF specifications for the standard.

The III Nano supports Anker’s own PowerIQ 3.0 technology. It brings together USB Power Delivery and PowerIQ 2.0. PowerIQ 2.0 mimics Quick Charge 3.0. Making it cross-compatible with it and similar fast charging standards. It also supports Apple 2.4A (from PowerIQ 1.0).

How each one performs versus the other will depend on your device. For USB PD supporting phones and tablets, there’s no difference. Both chargers will offer 9V/2A to those devices, enabling fast charging. But for Quick Charge 3.0 supporting phones only the III Nano can offer fast charging. The PD Nano will charge them, but at a slower rate (~10W vs 18W).

It is also worth noting that the III Nano has a lower current output at 5V. But in real-world use, this will rarely cause a slower charge. Most devices charging at 5V won’t draw more than 2A.

Availability

The only other factor to consider is availability. The PD Nano is currently only sold at Best Buy. Which means you can pick it up today if in a rush. The III Nano is available online only, so it’ll take a couple of days to arrive.

But this factor should only be considered if you’re charging a USB PD compatible device. If you have a Quick Charge device stick with the III Nano and wait the extra day or two.

Price Difference

The PD Nano is $3 more looking at MSRP for both chargers. That is confusing for some, given it offers less technology. I couldn’t tell you why there is a cost difference. Maybe it has to do with selling in a brick and mortar store. But Anker hasn’t raised prices on other items they sell in stores. Or maybe PowerIQ 3.0 is cheaper to produce than USB-IF certified USB Power Delivery.

Folding vs Fixed Prongs

A big selling point for the older PowerPort PD Nano is its small size. Thanks to the design choice to use fixed prongs instead of folding ones. Looking at Anker’s older PowerPort PD 1 with folding prongs clearly demonstrates the space savings. If you look at user comments on either you’ll see some demand for folding prongs. While others are more concerned with other aspects.

Fixed prongs leave ~0.66 inches of metal sticking out from the charger’s housing. Potentially snagging or scratching other items in your bag. So you’ll need to be careful where you store them. But the upside is a smaller and lighter charger can be produced. And no moving parts to worry about.

Folding prongs pack up neater. And don’t leave protruding metal out to snag on other items in your pocket or bag. But to do this a hinge has to be housed inside the charger. And the housing has to belong and tall enough to encompass the prongs. This increases the size and weight of the charger. It also introduces moving parts, which could fail.

There’s no right answer and it comes down to consumer choice. Apple, Samsung, and Google phone chargers have fixed prongs with no issues. While there’s enough demand for folding prongs Anker and others fill that need. So the debate will continue without any clear winner. Go with whichever design you prefer. And barring a preference buy based on the best value for you.

Summary

The Anker PowerPort PD Nano is a USB-IF certified version of the III Nano. Same form factor. But it only supports USB Power Delivery and not Anker’s PowerIQ 3.0. So it meets USB-IF standards for certification. But won’t fast charge Quick Charge only devices.

For phones, it fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11, Samsung Galaxy S8 and newer, and Google Pixel.

For the Nintendo Switch, it’ll charge while you play in handheld mode. It is a bit slower with the original model compared to a 30W charger. But you won’t notice the difference.

As of this posting, the PD Nano is only available at Best Buy. It is also priced $3 higher than the similar III Nano. This is interesting given the PD Nano has fewer functions (no QC compatibility). But it is a solid fast charger for your phone you can get today at most Best Buy locations.

The non-folding prongs are a problem for some. And of no concern to others. They are no bad design, but rather a choice with its own pros and cons. You’ll want to be mindful of where you place the charger along with more delicate items. But in exchange, you get a smaller and lighter charger. If you’d prefer folding prongs you’ll need to look at larger chargers. If you don’t have a preference then buy based on what’s the best value for you.

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 PowerPort PD Nano is a great second charger (or first fast charger) for newer Apple, Samsung, and Google phones. As well as various tablets and the Nintendo Switch. Its USB-IF certification is comfortable for safety-minded consumers. And it can be picked up at your nearest Best Buy for last-minute needs. You may not love the fixed prongs, but they do keep the size and weight down.

Buy if you:

• Need a fast charger for iPhone, Galaxy, or Pixel phone
• Value size/weight above all else
• Want a charger you can pick up at your local Best Buy

Don’t buy if you:

• Need to fast charge a Quick Charge enabled phone
• Want one charger for small and large devices
• Value folding prongs over smaller size/weight

Available exclusively at:

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

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