Three weeks into using the Anker 737 Charger (GaNPrime 120W), my life has fundamentally changed. Not in a dramatic, world-altering way, mind you, but in the small, crucial ways that make daily life just a little bit smoother. Before this, I was a chronic charger borrower. My phone would be perpetually clinging to the last few percentage points of battery, and I’d be frantically searching for a wall outlet and a compatible cable, usually at the least convenient times. Now? I’m the charging guru.
The moment I unboxed the Anker 737, I was struck by its heft. It’s not featherlight, which, in my experience, usually translates to quality components. It feels solid, like it could survive a nuclear blast (though I haven’t tested that, obviously). The matte black finish is sleek and resists fingerprints, a crucial feature for someone as perpetually grubby-handed as myself. It also comes with a detachable power cable, which is a small detail, but one that makes it much easier to pack and travel with.
The real magic, however, is in the GaNPrime technology. GaN (Gallium Nitride) chargers are significantly smaller and more efficient than traditional silicon chargers. This translates to a smaller brick, less heat, and, most importantly, faster charging. The 120W output is the star of the show. It means this charger can juice up a wide range of devices, from my phone and tablet to my laptop, all at their maximum supported speeds.
I’ve put it through its paces in various scenarios. First, the phone test. I have a Google Pixel 8 Pro, which supports fast charging up to 23W. The Anker 737 charges it from 0% to 50% in roughly 30 minutes, which is a significant improvement over my old, sluggish charger. This has been a lifesaver on busy mornings when I’m scrambling to get out the door. I can plug it in while I’m getting ready, and by the time I’m done wrestling with my hair, my phone has enough juice to last the day.
Next, the laptop test. My work laptop, a 14-inch MacBook Pro, craves power. The Anker 737 handles it with ease. It charges the MacBook Pro at its full potential, which means I can top it up quickly during lunch breaks or between meetings. No more frantic searches for a proprietary charger or the dreaded low-battery warning during important video calls.
The beauty of the Anker 737 lies in its versatility. It has three USB-C ports and one USB-A port. This means I can charge multiple devices simultaneously. My usual setup involves charging my phone, my laptop, and my wireless earbuds all at once. The charger intelligently distributes power to each device, ensuring that everything gets charged efficiently. This is particularly useful when traveling or when I have a lot of devices that need charging.
One of the things I genuinely appreciate about the Anker 737 is its built-in safety features. Overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, and short-circuit protection are all standard, which provides peace of mind. I’m not a tech expert, but I do know I don’t want anything catching fire while I sleep.
Now, let’s talk about the downsides. First, the price. The Anker 737 Charger (GaNPrime 120W) typically retails for around $70-$80. It’s not the cheapest charger on the market, but the quality, performance, and features justify the price, in my opinion. Think of it as an investment in your sanity.
Secondly, the size, while smaller than many older chargers, is still relatively substantial. It’s not something you’d easily slip into a tiny pocket. It’s more suited for a bag or a desk.
Where to buy? You can find the Anker 737 on Amazon, Anker’s official website, Best Buy, and other major electronics retailers. Amazon is usually my go-to for price comparisons and convenience. Before buying, always check for recent reviews and compare prices across different retailers. Sometimes you can snag a deal.
Shopping Considerations:
- Power Needs: Determine the charging wattage your devices require. If you only have phones and tablets, a lower wattage charger might suffice. If you have a laptop, you’ll need something with higher output, like the Anker 737.
- Number of Ports: Consider how many devices you need to charge simultaneously. The Anker 737’s four ports are great for multiple devices.
- Size and Portability: If you travel frequently, size and weight are important factors. GaN chargers are generally more compact.
- Safety Features: Look for chargers with overcurrent, overvoltage, and short-circuit protection.
- Brand Reputation: Anker has a solid reputation for quality and reliability. Research other brands and read reviews before making a purchase.
FAQ:
Q: Does the Anker 737 come with a USB-C cable?
A: No, the Anker 737 Charger (GaNPrime 120W) does not include a USB-C cable. You’ll need to purchase one separately. I recommend getting a high-quality cable that supports the charging speeds your devices require.
Q: Will the Anker 737 charge older devices with USB-A ports?
A: Yes, the Anker 737 has a USB-A port, which is compatible with older devices. However, the charging speeds on the USB-A port will likely be slower than the USB-C ports.
Q: Is the Anker 737 compatible with all laptops?
A: It’s compatible with most laptops that charge via USB-C. However, check your laptop’s specifications to ensure it supports USB Power Delivery (PD) and the appropriate wattage. The Anker 737 can deliver up to 120W, which is sufficient for most laptops.
Q: Does the Anker 737 get hot while charging?
A: GaN chargers generally run cooler than traditional silicon chargers. However, the Anker 737 can get warm, especially when charging multiple devices at high speeds. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
Q: What’s the warranty on the Anker 737?
A: Anker typically offers an 18-month warranty on its products. Be sure to register your product on Anker’s website to activate the warranty.
Q: Is the Anker 737 worth the price?
A: For me, absolutely. The combination of fast charging speeds, multiple ports, and build quality makes it a worthwhile investment. The convenience and time savings have made a real difference in my daily routine. It’s one of those things you don’t realize you need until you have it. And now that I do, I can’t imagine going back.