Ugreen is always quick to new technology as seen with their 100W GaN Charger when GaN technology was introduced. And now, we have the all new Ugreen Nexode 140W GaN Charger, which will greatly benefit 16-inch MacBook Pro users. The Ugreen Nexode 140W GaN Charger currently retails for S$209, but discounts offered now can bring the price down to S$189.
What is GaN?
Just in case you’re not acquainted with GaN technology, let’s get you up to speed. GaN is the short for Gallium nitride, which is a new material that’s manufacturers are starting to use for semiconductors in chargers. GaN chargers are unique because it produces less heat. Since less heat are produced, manufacturers can put components can be closer together, allowing the size and footprint of the charger to be smaller.
Design and build quality
One of the benefit of Ugreen Nexode 140W GaN Charger is its size. It is smaller than Apple’s very own 140W charger, but it is actually slightly heavier.
- Ugreen Nexode 140W: 76mm * 76mm * 35mm (295g)
- Apple 140W charger: 96mm * 75mm * 28mm (277g)
Ugreen Nexode 140W has a two-toned look, with space grey sides sandwiching a matte black mid piece. There is subtle branding on each sides, one display Ugreen, the other showing the 140W capability. The charger feels well built, and inserting cables into the ports doesn’t feel rough.
Ugreen is kind enough to include a 1.8m long 240W PD3.1 nylon braided USB-C cable. That’s a mouthful, but in short, you get a high quality future-proof cable for free.
Ports selection
There are a total of 3 ports, 2 USB-C and 1 USB-A on the Ugreen Nexode 140W. This is a clear advantage over Apple’s default 140W charger which only has one USB-C port. With the Ugreen Nexode 140W, you simply only have to carry around one charger to charge all your devices. Do note that even though it is headlined at 140W, not all ports offer 140W.
You can refer to the below image for a quick summary:
As a quick rule of thumb, always use the bottom-most USB-C port if you want to charge your MacBook Pro 16-inch as it will deliver the full 140W. Also, do note that 140W fast charging of the MacBook Pro 16-inch is only supported by Apple’s own USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable. So if you’re planning on using USB-C to charge, then it won’t really matter each USB-C port you use since both provides at least 100W.
Performance and safety
The Ugreen Nexode 140W GaN Charger can really charge your devices fast. If you need battery quick, a mere 30 minutes can get your power hungry MacBook Pro to about 50%. Even if you are not using a 14-inch MacBook Pro, the Ugreen Nexode 140W GaN Charger is still very suitable as a long as you have multiple devices to charge. If you use all 3 ports for charging, you can still get a maximum of 65W for charging – which is enough if you use a MacBook Air.
Ugreen says the Nexode 140W GaN Charger has Thermal Guard technology which are in marketing terms safety features. These features I believe are to prevent from overheating and short circuit. There is also input overvoltage protection so your devices are only charged at right speeds.
Conclusion
The Ugreen Nexode 140W GaN Charger is priced at S$209, but the S$20 voucher will bring it down to S$189. In comparison with Apple’s 140W USB-C Power Adapter, it is more expensive but you get more functionality with two extra ports which all can fast charge of at least 45W . You stand to save in terms of size, but do note in terms of weight the Ugreen Nexode 140W GaN Charger is actually slightly heavier.
You can purchase the Ugreen Nexode from either of the below shops: