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MagyarUGREEN 100W 4-Port Desktop Fast Charger Review
UGREEN has released a new 4-Port fast charger rated for up to 100W using the USB-Power Delivery (USB-PD) standard. However, unlike the new Nexode power brick of similar specs, it has a "desktop" form-factor, which means it can sit on a table for access to its multiple ports. Can the review unit that has reached me match up to others such as its RAVPOWER counterpart?
Unboxing & First Impressions
The new UGREEN accessory ships in a hinged, faintly textured box that opens to present the main body of the charger in one half and its 100-240V mains charger in the other.
It is fairly apparent from its unboxing that the OEM aimed for a high-end experience with this packaging, especially considering its gold accents outlining the product on its sides.
This USB charging station came to me with a UGREEN-branded 100W type-C to C cable, although there is none in the actual charger's box. Therefore, a prospective buyer might need to have their own high-quality cables in advance.
Its power supply connects to it via a 2-pin plug. At the other end of the cable, the wall socket is flatter and lower-profile than average, even if its pins don’t fold flat. Nevertheless, it takes up less space than most UK/Ireland-compatible plugs, which I do appreciate.
The charging station itself is a slim and low-profile type of desktop charger, rather than the elongated cube shapes of competitors such as the RAVPOWER 120W USB Charging Station. Both have their 4 ports along 1 edge for easy access; however, those of the new UGREEN accessory are found in a horizontal line.
In this case, only 1 is a type-A port, and thus rated for standard charging. The other 3 are type-C, 2 of which are rated for 100W of power delivery and the third of which is not. The matter of which is which is clearly marked on the charging station next to each port.
Charging
Those indications seem to be accurate up to a point, as either of the dual 100W ports can charge a Razer Blade Stealth (2019) at something approaching its maximum rate - so long as it is the only thing using the desktop charger at the time. Add any other devices, even accessories, and this rate drops to as little as 29.64W.
The ultrabook charged at this reduced rate when plugged in alongside the Chargeasap Flash Pro. Oddly, this power bank stayed at 39.2W during simultaneous charging, despite the fact UGREEN specifies that the left-most port used by the Blade Stealth is rated for 45W while all 4 are in use, and the one next to it falls to 30W. In my testing, however, it seems to be the other way around.
As for the remaining type-C port, it can only support 20W USB-PD. This should make it ideal for devices such as iPhones - the 13 Pro that replaces my 12, for example. However, it could only go to 10W at the most, which considering what this latest Apple flagship is supposed to be able to achieve, is a little disappointing.
The single type-A port, on the other hand, does a standard 18W, which means it behaves like a standard charger when connected to things such as TWS earbud cases or older smartphones.
The charger could also only power a Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ by 13W at the most, regardless of which port was used or if the others were vacant at the time.
Thermal Testing
I also turned the FLIR on this new target, choosing a Chargeasap Flash Pro power bank as a demanding power-draw stressor. However, neither accessory seemed to heat up more than normal.
Conclusion
Having tested this desktop-type USB charger for some time now, I have to say it has an edge in many ways. It is slim and low-profile, as I’ve mentioned, and I personally like that, particularly as it takes up little space and might look stylish in a work-from-home setting.
It also has anti-slip feet on its base, so it may stay more stable on more surfaces. Its power-supply cable comes with a Velcro-covered strap that secures it well, which is nice in terms of its management.
On the other hand, it does throw the advantages of the RAVPOWER charger into relief, as that one is reversible due to its 2x2 port configuration. That can be handy, especially when USB type-A devices are involved. Furthermore, the UGREEN charger has only 1 type-A port, which means the number of older devices or accessories with which it is compatible at any 1 time is limited.
Also, ultimately, its RAVPOWER rival is 120W, which means it finds it easier to hold its maximum rate when more of its ports are in use. The UGREEN charger, on the other hand, can't keep my ultrabook at its normal rate unless it was charging on its own.
Therefore, while I now kind of regard the accessory as an alternative to the Blade Stealth's full-sized power brick, that is the best it can do in my opinion.
In addition, this review has made me realize that I have yet to move on to that type-C-everything life, and that it means this UGREEN charger is not a 100% fit - yet. Nevertheless, I'd still prefer it was available on the desk than not, although it still needs a second multi-port charger next to it.
All in all, this charger might be best for multiple, ideally sub-100W, USB type-C devices or accessories and who thus need extra ports on their desks; on that note, it's a shame this review unit turned up so late, as many consumers might also look at the new Nexode-series accessories instead.
In any case, the UGREEN 100W 4-port Desktop Charger is currently to be found on Amazon at a price of US$100.
Disclaimer: The author of this review received the 100W desktop charger from UGREEN free of charge for the purpose of testing.
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