Anker Nano 45W Power Bank Review: Is the Retractable Cable Worth It?

The most useful power bank is the one you remember to carry with the right cable. Anker’s Nano 10,000mAh 45W model tackles that second requirement with a retractable USB-C lead built into the body. It is a straightforward idea with an everyday appeal: pull out the cable, charge your phone, then put everything away as one item.

Check the Anker Nano 10,000mAh 45W Power Bank in Black on Amazon Australia

This review covers model A1638 in black, using Anker’s official specifications and support guidance and the matching Amazon Australia listing. It is a research-based assessment, not a hands-on charging or endurance test. Our focus is whether its combination of cable convenience, charging options and price makes sense for a New Zealand buyer.

Our verdict: pay for convenience, not just capacity

The Nano A1638 is a promising choice for someone who charges a USB-C phone away from home several times a week and dislikes loose cables. Its strongest argument is how neatly the charging arrangement packs away. The extra USB ports also leave room for devices that cannot use the attached lead.

Its value is less obvious if you only need an occasional emergency top-up. At the A$99.95 Amazon price observed for this review, it asks you to value the retractable mechanism and display quite highly. A simpler power bank may perform the job you need for less, especially if you already keep a suitable cable in your bag.

The other important qualification is power sharing. The advertised maximum is relevant to one suitable device on USB-C. It should not be read as a promise of fast charging at that rate across every connection at once. If you regularly charge two phones or a phone and a tablet together, the shared-output limits deserve as much attention as the headline.

We would shortlist it as a convenient personal charger for a day out. We would be more cautious about choosing it as the main power source for a laptop, a whole family or several days away from mains electricity. Those are different jobs, even when a product description lists compatible devices from all those categories.

Know which Anker Nano you are buying

Anker uses the Nano name across several charging products. Capacity alone does not identify this model, and a built-in cable is not always a retractable one. The model number A1638 is the most useful detail to compare when moving between the manufacturer’s page, a retailer’s listing and the label on the product.

The Amazon Australia listing checked on 9 October 2026 identified A1638, black, ASIN B0DGKWTQQC. It showed A$99.95, sold by AnkerDirect AU and shipped by Amazon, with 200+ purchases in the past month and 3,280 global ratings averaging 4.6 stars. Those figures establish current shopping interest; they are not our own reliability evidence and can change.

Do not assume that every colour or seller has the same offer. Check the selected variant, condition, seller and final price before ordering. A search-result tile is a starting point, while the actual offer at checkout is what determines the purchase.

The specifications that matter

Anker’s Australian A1638 product page gives the following core figures. These are manufacturer specifications, not measurements from our own testing.

The figures describe three different things: stored energy, the speed at which power can leave, and the speed at which it can return. More capacity does not automatically mean faster charging, and a higher output rating does not create a larger battery. Keeping those distinctions clear makes comparisons much easier.

The retractable cable is the main attraction

Anker’s A1638 support overview describes an approximately 70cm retractable cable. That is useful reach for putting the power bank beside you while holding a phone, rather than keeping both devices pressed together. Whether it reaches comfortably from your own bag depends on where the bag sits and how you carry it.

For commuting, a built-in lead removes a small but familiar problem: finding the battery pack and then rummaging for the cable. It can also reduce the number of loose items you transfer between a work bag and a weekend bag. That benefit is strongest when the attached connector matches the device you use most often.

It is not quite the same advantage for someone whose main phone uses a different connector. You would still need an appropriate separate lead or connection arrangement. The bank could remain useful, but you would be paying for a central feature you use less frequently. Buy around the equipment you actually own, rather than the equipment you might eventually replace it with.

A retractable lead also introduces a mechanism into something that could otherwise be a simple battery and sockets. That is a trade-off, not proof that it will fail. We have not tested the reel through repeated use, and manufacturer durability tests do not tell us how an individual unit will fare after years in a bag.

The presence of a separate USB-C port is reassuring from a practical perspective because it gives you another connection option. However, do not assume that damage to the built-in cable would be inconsequential or user-repairable. If the cable is damaged, stop using the damaged connection and seek the manufacturer’s advice rather than improvising a repair.

Using the reel without turning it into a nuisance

Anker’s retractable-cable guide explains that the lead locks at preset positions. Ease off after extending it to let it settle into a stop; a small additional pull releases the stop for retraction. Pulling too far can engage the next position instead. It is worth learning the action before trying it hurriedly on the move.

Think about cable length in ordinary use. On a café table, extending only what you need keeps the setup tidy. On a train, leave enough slack to move the phone without pulling the bank off its resting place. The convenience comes from managing the lead, not from stretching it to its limit every time.

Anker publishes repeated bend and pull test claims for the cable. Those are encouraging design claims, but we would not translate them into a guaranteed number of years. Real use includes different angles, dirt, accidental snags and storage conditions. A laboratory cycle count cannot capture every combination.

A practical owner’s habit is to check that the lead retracts cleanly before putting the bank away. Avoid trapping it under a zip or another heavy item. These are modest precautions for preserving the feature you paid extra for, rather than reasons to treat it as fragile equipment.

45W is a ceiling, not a constant reading

A phone and its charger have to agree on a supported charging arrangement. The maximum printed on the power bank therefore does not establish the rate at which every phone will charge. Your device, its current battery level and the connection in use all matter. The most useful comparison is with your phone’s supported charging requirements.

Anker specifies Samsung Fast Charging 2.0 support through USB-C on this model. That does not mean every Samsung device can use the same maximum. Similarly, seeing an iPhone or tablet in a compatibility list establishes a possible use, not an identical charging result across all generations.

Charging also changes during a session. It is common for a phone to reduce power as its battery fills, so the first part of a charge and the last part need not take proportional amounts of time. A short fast-charge claim should not be multiplied into a prediction for a complete recharge.

For everyday use, the question is often whether a short stop restores enough battery for the rest of the day. You may not need the phone to reach 100 per cent. A charger that makes useful progress while you have lunch can be more valuable than one whose strongest feature only matters during a long uninterrupted session.

Because we have not measured this unit, we cannot tell you exactly how much charge it will add to your phone in twenty minutes. That number would need a defined handset, starting level, settings and conditions. The responsible buying approach is to treat the advertised maximum as a capability to match, rather than a result to expect automatically.

The important catch when sharing power

Anker’s A1638 FAQ gives lower limits for simultaneous charging. With the USB-C cable and USB-C port together, it lists 15W and 7.5W respectively. With all three connections occupied, it lists 7.5W per connection. The bank is not supplying three independent high-power outputs.

This matters when a companion asks to plug in just as you are trying to recharge your own phone quickly. Sharing may be convenient, but it changes the charging arrangement. If one device is urgently needed, charging it alone first may be a better use of the available time than attaching everything immediately.

For small accessories, slower shared charging may be perfectly acceptable. Earbuds left connected while you work do not have the same deadline as a nearly empty phone before leaving for the airport. Match the arrangement to the need instead of treating any reduction from the maximum as a fault.

Families should be especially realistic. Three connections sound versatile, but the battery’s stored energy is still shared among all the devices. This is a useful way to help someone out, rather than evidence that a compact personal bank has become a large group charging station.

A comparison chart should therefore include both single-device and shared output. Looking only at the largest number makes products appear more interchangeable than they are. If simultaneous charging is your normal use, choose around that situation from the outset.

10,000mAh does not mean 10,000mAh reaches your phone

Capacity is one of the easiest power-bank figures to misread. Dividing the advertised number by the number printed for a phone’s battery does not produce a reliable count of full charges. Energy conversion and charging losses intervene, and the device may also be using power while it is connected.

Anker’s FAQ identifies this bank as 36Wh. Watt-hours are useful when thinking about energy because they include voltage, whereas a milliamp-hour figure on its own does not. Even then, the energy stored in the bank is not identical to the energy that ends up stored in the phone after a charging session.

Our recommendation is to view it as a day-to-day reserve rather than attach a universal “two full charges” promise to it. A smaller phone, a larger phone and a tablet have different demands. Their starting charge levels matter as well: several partial top-ups are not the same measurement as repeated charges from empty.

How you use the connected phone also changes the experience. Navigation, photography, video and other active tasks continue drawing energy. The displayed percentage may rise more slowly while the phone is busy, without implying that the bank has stopped doing useful work.

The first few days of ownership are a good opportunity to establish a personal baseline. Note your phone’s starting charge, what you were doing and roughly how much remained in the bank afterwards. You do not need a laboratory log; a realistic sense of your routine is enough to improve trip planning.

If you routinely exhaust a power bank of this capacity before reaching a socket, the answer is likely more stored energy rather than a more elaborate display. If your current bank usually returns home mostly full, a bigger unit may only add weight. Capacity should solve an observed shortage.

Recharging the bank is part of the purchase

The A1638 can accept up to 30W over USB-C. Anker recommends a suitable Power Delivery adapter of at least that rating for optimal recharging. Its FAQ gives approximately two hours and ten minutes for a full recharge with a qualifying supply at 25°C. That is a stated test condition, not a universal completion time.

The manufacturer’s product information also notes that a wall charger and separate USB-C cable are not included. Check what you already own before comparing prices. A bank that looks like a complete travel solution may still depend on an adapter you need to pack or purchase.

Do not assume that any adapter with a large headline wattage will provide the same power through every socket. Multi-port wall chargers may redistribute output when another device is attached. Read the adapter’s port-specific ratings, especially if the same charger will handle a laptop and the bank together.

A regular charging place helps more than chasing a perfect routine. Put the bank where you unpack your bag and check it after a demanding day. A high-capacity or high-output product is of little use if it is routinely empty when you leave home.

For travel, test your complete charging kit before departure. Use the actual adapter and connections you plan to carry, rather than assuming the combination will work because each item works separately. That leaves time to fix a missing cable or unsuitable adapter without having to buy something in a hurry.

Pass-through charging: convenient, but understand the sequence

Anker says this model supports charging a connected device while the bank itself is plugged in. Its FAQ describes prioritising the device until roughly 80 per cent, then gradually allocating more charging power to the bank. You should not assume both batteries will fill at their independent maximum rates throughout the session.

The useful scenario is a desk or bedside arrangement where you prefer to connect one supply and let the equipment recharge over time. It can reduce the amount of rearranging needed. It is less useful when you have a tight deadline and need predictable, maximum-rate charging for two depleted devices.

Before relying on that arrangement, try it with your own phone and adapter while you are around to observe normal operation. If a direct connection is simpler and you have another suitable socket available, there is no need to route everything through the power bank merely because the feature exists.

We would not describe pass-through operation as a substitute for a purpose-built backup power supply. No uninterrupted-power performance has been established here, and the product’s ordinary charging features do not prove that specialised role.

Portability: compact, but not a flat wallet companion

The Nano’s short dimensions make it appealing for a bag pocket or small organiser. Its thickness deserves a separate look, however. “Compact” can refer to overall volume while leaving a product quite noticeable in a trouser pocket. Consider the shape of the space you want it to occupy.

A useful check is to compare its stated dimensions with something you already carry. You do not need an exact mock-up to recognise whether a relatively thick block will fit comfortably beside your phone. A flatter bank may suit some pockets better even if it takes up more surface area.

The complete kit is the fair comparison. The attached cable removes one separate item for a USB-C phone, but you may still carry a wall adapter and additional leads for other equipment. Count those items when deciding how much space the product really saves in your travel setup.

For a handbag or daypack, the convenience case is stronger. A single item with the usual lead built in can be easier to move between bags. For minimalist pocket carrying, audition the size in person if possible rather than letting the Nano name set your expectations.

The display should help you decide, not distract you

Anker describes a light-sensitive display showing battery status and charging information. Seeing the remaining charge more clearly can make it easier to decide whether to top up the bank before leaving. The useful outcome is less guesswork, rather than a reason to monitor every fluctuation.

A changing power reading is not automatically a problem. The connected device’s needs can change as it charges or as you use it. Look at the overall progress and whether the connection is stable before deciding that a lower number means something is wrong.

We have not independently checked the display’s accuracy. Treat it as an operational indication rather than a calibrated measurement instrument. If a particular charging rate is essential to your work, the screen alone is not a substitute for verifying the complete equipment combination.

For many buyers, a simple remaining-charge indicator would already solve the main issue. Decide whether the richer display adds enough convenience to matter to you. It is easy to pay for information that is interesting for the first week but rarely consulted afterwards.

Compatibility: phones, accessories and the laptop question

Start with the connector on your main phone. USB-C is the natural match for the attached cable. For a Lightning phone, Anker’s Australian guidance calls for an appropriate USB-C-to-Lightning cable, which is not included. That changes how much of the all-in-one convenience you will enjoy.

Watches and other accessories may require their own charging cable or puck. Being listed as compatible with a power source does not mean they attach directly to its built-in lead. Lay out the cables for your actual devices before deciding that one power bank simplifies everything.

Anker lists MacBook Air models among compatible devices, but that should not be interpreted as a promise of a full laptop recharge. A compact bank can provide useful additional energy while still falling well short of replacing a laptop’s normal supply over a long working day.

The workload matters too. A laptop being charged while idle is a different situation from one running demanding applications. If laptop use is your main purpose, compare the computer’s power requirements and battery energy with a larger laptop-focused bank. Choose this Nano primarily for the smaller devices it is convenient to carry for.

Likewise, do not buy it for wireless charging. Its appeal is the attached wired connection and additional sockets. If you specifically want a battery that attaches magnetically to the back of a phone, compare that class of product separately and check compatibility with the phone and case.

Care, model checks and travel preparation

Anker advertises temperature monitoring as part of its protective system. That does not remove the need to follow the product instructions or make damage harmless. Keep the bank away from water and excessive heat, and do not continue using a swollen or visibly damaged unit.

Anker has published recalls for several other power-bank models. Its global recall notice lists A1257, A1647, A1652, A1681 and A1689; A1638 is not among that notice’s listed models at our check. Check the exact model rather than confusing products with similar names, and use the manufacturer’s current guidance if you own an affected unit.

For flights, do not treat a retailer’s “flight-approved” phrase as blanket permission. Check your airline’s current rules for carrying and using power banks on your particular journey. The product’s energy rating is relevant information to have available, but it does not replace the carrier’s requirements.

Keep the product label legible and retain the order details. These help identify the exact unit if you later need support. There is little value in memorising a marketing name when a support enquiry depends on the model and serial information.

Alternatives: decide which problem you are solving

Anker’s Zolo 10,000mAh model A1688 offers a built-in USB-C cable and a 30W charging proposition. It is a relevant comparison if having the cable attached matters more than having it retract. Compare current prices and the way each cable stores before paying extra for the Nano’s mechanism.

The Nano 30W A1259 is another distinct model with an attached USB-C cable. Do not choose it simply because the name sounds similar or because it appears alongside this review’s product. Look at the actual offer and determine whether the different shape and cable arrangement better suit your bag.

For buyers who prioritise magnetic attachment, Anker’s Zolo Magnetic A1684 illustrates a different compromise: Anker specifies up to 7.5W wireless charging and up to 30W wired charging. The convenience is keeping a suitable phone and battery together, which is a different benefit from a longer retractable lead.

A plain power bank with a detachable cable remains worth considering. It lets you choose the cable length and replace the lead independently. The drawback is remembering and storing that extra item. Neither approach wins universally; the better one is the one you will carry and use without frustration.

If capacity is your main problem, compare a larger bank rather than expecting a premium compact model to create extra energy. If weight is your main problem, consider a smaller reserve and accept fewer top-ups. The A1638 occupies a middle position, and its reel does not remove those basic compromises.

Value for a New Zealand buyer

The observed A$99.95 Amazon price should be treated as a dated reference, not a permanent deal. It is in Australian dollars, and the listing was checked with an Australian delivery location. Delivery to a New Zealand address and the final landed cost were not verified.

Enter your own address and compare the complete checkout total with local options. Consider any shipping cost, currency conversion and the practical return arrangement. A small apparent saving can be less attractive if it makes support or a return harder to organise.

For current store promotions, you can also visit the Anker store page on Kiwi Reviews. Check the terms and eligible products of any offer. A promotion for Anker’s own shop should not be assumed to work on Amazon, or to apply to the exact A1638 variant.

Our value test is simple: how often would the reel save you an irritation you actually experience? If you frequently forget leads or dislike untangling them, the premium may be worthwhile over many uses. If you already have an organised charging pouch, the same money may be better spent elsewhere.

A practical first-week checklist

First, confirm the model on the unit and retain the purchase record. Read the supplied instructions and try the reel gently so that its locking action becomes familiar. This is easier at a table than while juggling a phone, bag and ticket on a journey.

Next, recharge it using the adapter you intend to carry. Connect your main phone on its own and confirm normal charging. Then try any additional accessories and the shared arrangement you expect to use. Do this before a trip, while there is time to identify an unsuitable lead or unsupported assumption.

Finally, carry it for an ordinary day. Notice whether the shape suits your bag, whether the cable reaches comfortably and whether you return with enough reserve. Those observations give you a much better basis for longer outings than the most optimistic example in a product description.

Final assessment

The Anker Nano A1638 makes a clear case for itself through everyday convenience. A retractable lead can turn a two-item charging kit into one tidy object for a USB-C phone, while the additional ports keep it useful when another device needs attention.

The reasons to hesitate are equally clear: the price premium, the relatively thick shape and the drop in output when connections are shared. None makes it a poor product on paper, but each affects who should choose it. It is most persuasive as a frequently used personal power bank, with occasional help for other devices.

Buy it if the attached retractable cable solves a recurring annoyance and the final price is competitive. Choose a simpler or larger alternative if low cost, maximum capacity or sustained laptop charging matters more. Its best feature is making a familiar task easier, not changing the limits of a compact battery.

Sources and review basis

Official Anker product and support pages are linked alongside the relevant discussion. Amazon Australia price, variant and popularity information were checked on 9 October 2026. Manufacturer images are credited in their captions. This article does not report hands-on testing or promise a specific charging result for an untested device.