Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD Review

Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD
Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD

Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD

Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD - A high output and input power bank with Quick Charge

Summary

The Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD can output USB-C PD and Quick Charge at the same time. And features a 0-100 capacity counter that’s easy to read. But is oversized to fit in these features.

Overall
4.6
  • Performance
    (5)
  • Design
    (4)
  • Safety
    (4.5)
  • Recharge Time
    (5)
Sending
User Review
4 (1 vote)

Pros

  • Fast charges iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, LG, and Motorola phones
  • Charges Switch in both handheld and TV mode
  • Fits in most Switch carrying cases, but takes up most of the accessory pocket
  • Charges a 12 to 14-inch laptop
  • LCD battery indicator display (0-100)
  • Supports pass through charging
  • Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable
  • Includes a USB-C to USB-A cable for Quick Charge devices
  • Charge two devices at once
  • Within FAA limits for lithium batteries and flights

Cons

  • Can’t be recharged by Nintendo Switch AC Adapter
  • As big and heavy as a 26,800mAh power bank, but without the extra capacity

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

[wpcd_coupon id=10412]
Model: OMPB20PW40GYCJNL
Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD ports and specs

Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD ports and specs

Tech Specs:
  • Ports: USB-C, USB-A x2
  • USB-C Output:
    • 45W USB-C Power Delivery 2.0 (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/2.25A)
    • Apple 2.4A
  • USB-A Output:
    • 12W USB (5V/2.4A)
    • Quick Charge 3.0
    •  Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging
    • Apple 2.4A
  • Input: 45W USB-C PD (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/2.25A)
  • Capacity: 20,000mAh | 72 Wh
  • Size: 7.1 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches | 180 x 80 x 22 mm
  • Weight: 19.8 oz | 562 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD box and contents

Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD box and contents

Included In Box:
  • Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD
  • USB-C to USB-C 2.0 cable, 3.3 feet/1 meter
  • micro-USB cable w/USB-C adapter, 8.7 inches/0.2 meter (56k Ohm resistor)
Good For:
  • Travel
  • iPhone
  • Android
  • Nintendo Switch (handheld & docked)
  • iPad Pro
  • 12-inch laptop
  • 13-inch/14-inch laptop
Estimated Number of Charges:
  • iPhone 6/7/8: 7 charges
  • iPhone Plus/X/XR: 4 charges
  • Samsung Galaxy S8/S9: 4 charges
  • Samsung Galaxy S10: 4 charges
  • Nintendo Switch: 8.5+ hours of play

First Impression

The Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD has a metal exterior, except for the sides and LCD display. That’s always nice to see for durability and heat dispersion. But it also makes the power bank heavier. And this one is heavy enough, having nearly the same size and weight of an Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD. But 25% less power capacity. The display shows the remaining charge of the power bank, from 0-100. Much better than 4 LED lights, but treat it as more of an estimate. The USB-C and Quick Charge ports are on opposite sides, making it easy to deal with two cables at once.

 

Compared With Similar Power Banks

ChargerOmars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PDdodocool 20100 45W Type-C PD

Review
RAVPower 45W Super-C 20100ZMI PowerPack 20000

Review
PortsUSB-C, USB-A x2USB-C, USB-A x2USB-C, USB-A x2USB-C, USB-A x2
Output45W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
45W USB-C PD45W USB-C PD45W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
Capacity20,000mAh20,100mAh20,100mAh20,000mAh
FeaturesPass Through Charging

LCD shows remaining charge
Pass Through Charging

USB Hub
CableUSB-C to USB-C cableUSB-C to USB-C cableNo cableUSB-C to USB-C cable
Dimensions7.1 x 3.1 x 0.9 in
19.8 oz
7.4 x 2.6 x 0.9 in
17.1 oz
6.3 x 3.1 x 0.9 in
14.1 oz
6.3 × 3.2 × 0.8 in
14.3 oz
PricePrice not availableNo products found.No products found.Price not available

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-03-19.

 

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
  • 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, which is included.

For iPhones the USB-A ports support 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. There’s no performance different between the regular USB-A port and the Quick Charge enabled (orange) port.

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 Quick Charge enabled (orange) USB-A port. Any QC supporting Android phone with USB-C can use the included USB-C to USB-A cable.

Nintendo Switch

 

The Nintendo Switch charges nears its max rate, up to 17W. It’ll fast charge while you play. Its charge rate while sleeping is normal. This charger can also power the Switch’s dock.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

USB-C Laptops

 

Using a 13-inch MacBook Pro for testing we can draw up to 42W from this charger. That’s expected, after accounting for efficiency loss.

Different model laptops have different power demands. But in general a 45W charger can support 12-inch, 13-inch, and 14-inch laptops. It can power a larger laptop in a pinch. It will charge while sleeping. But may only extend runtime if used while the larger laptop is active.

Oversized for 20,000mAh

As a general rule a power bank gets larger the more capacity it carries. But other factors affect its size, including output performance. The Omars PowerSurge 20000 is a good example of that.

Top: Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD. Bottom: Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD.

Top: Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD. Bottom: Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD.

Here it is next to to Anker’s 26800mAh USB-C PD power bank. They are almost the same size and weight. But the Anker holds 33% more energy. In fact you’d be hard pressed to find a 20,000mAh power bank equal in size to Omar’s.

With that comes enhancements we don’t always see on other power banks. The LCD display that shows numbers for capacity remaining. Enough output to support USB Power Delivery and Quick Charge together. And to charge the power bank with USB PD while also outputting Quick Charge.

If size and weight aren’t of much consequence the PowerSurge offers some nice performance options. But if you only have one device to charge and like to travel light this is not a good compromise for you.

Using the Included micro-USB to USB-C Adapter

As a general rule it is safe to use a USB-C to micro-USB adapter. That is an adapter that turns a micro-USB connection into a USB-C connection. That’s the type of adapter included with this charger’s micro-USB cable.

It is not safe to use the opposite, turning a USB-C connection into a micro-USB connection. That would allow for connections against the USB standards. And is potentially dangerous to devices.

My USB tester showed the micro-USB cable with USB-C adapter includes a 56k Ohm resistor. That resistor is required under USB-C specs for all USB-C to USB-A cables.

The cable charged my Moto G6 at the same rate as a regular USB-C to USB-A cable.

Pass Through Charging

Pass through charging allows a portable charger to both charge itself and a connected device. The power received from the wall charger splits. Some to the portable charger’s own batteries. And some to the connected device. How it handles the split varies. And there are more inefficiencies than normal.

This portable charger supports pass through charging under these connections:

  • Input: USB-C, Output: USB-A

You can use either USB-A port to charge while the power bank re-charges. The Quick Charge port continued to offer high output during pass through.

Pass through charging is useful when you only have one USB wall charger. But it is not recommended to use this feature on a regular basis. It puts more heat and stress on the portable charger. Which will affect its lifespan. It can also provide an inefficient charge to your device. Again, not great for its own battery’s lifespan.

If you like to have the option when traveling, fine. But don’t set this up next to your bed at home every night.

Summary

The Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD is a high output and high input power bank. It is among the small list of power banks which will both charge in handheld mode and TV mode. Its LCD shows the remaining charge percentage. That is way more informative than 4 LED lights. But it has the same inaccuracies more power banks do, especially below 50%. During a capacity test it dropped faster than before below 50% and again below 20%. Be aware it is more of an estimate.

Its 45W USB-C output allows it go work with the Switch as either handheld or docked. It’ll also fast charge phones and tablets that support USB Power Delivery. It’ll charge 12-inch laptops and works for 13-inch laptops under light/normal loads. The Quick Charge port fast charges Samsung, Motorola, and QC supporting Android phones.

Unlike some of its peers, it also supports 45W input via USB-C. This is rarer than it should be, given 45W output power banks have larger capacities. By offering 45W input (and assuming you use a 45W USB-C PD wall charger) this power bank will recharge up to 33% faster.

The 20,000mAh capacity doesn’t do much for the size and weight. It is as wide as some 26,800mAh power banks, and almost as heavy. With less up time for your devices. It is enough to run your Switch for nearly 10 hours. Or double the run time of most small laptops. But after that you’ll need to find a wall outlet.

About Omars

Omars has U.S. based support (web, email) and a 12 month warranty on both Omars and Novoo branded products.

Bottom Line

The Omars PowerSurge 20000 45W USB-C PD provides high output, and re-charges fast with high input. Great for charging your laptop and fast charging your phone at the same time. And who can argue against a numbered capacity indicator over 4 little dots? But the cost is a bigger and heavier power bank than its peers.

Buy if you:
  • Need to charge a USB-C laptop/iPad Pro/Nintendo Switch and Quick Charge enabled phone together
  • Want a numbered displayed instead of four dots
  • Are interested in pass through charging that supports Quick Charge
Don’t buy if you:
  • Want the smallest/lighter 45W USB-C PD power bank possible
  • Are planning to only charge one device at a time

You’ll want a USB-C wall charger to quickly recharge this USB-C power bank. I recommend the ZMI PowerPlug Turbo. It’ll provide the max 45W power to the power bank. Includes its own USB-C cable. And packs wells for commute or travel.

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


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