Anker 737 GaNPrime 120W Charger: ports, power sharing and who it suits

The Anker 737 GaNPrime (model A2148) is a compact wall charger rated at 120W in total, with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. It is meant to replace a bag full of separate chargers by powering a laptop, a tablet and a phone from a single outlet. Here is what its main features mean in daily use.

What GaN means for a charger this size

GaN stands for gallium nitride, a semiconductor that wastes less energy as heat than the silicon used in older chargers. In general, that lets designers build high-wattage chargers that are much smaller and lighter. The Anker 737 measures about 3.1 x 1.3 x 1.7 inches (roughly 7.9 x 3.3 x 4.3 cm) and weighs about 0.4 lb (around 180 g). The listing describes it as foldable, which usually refers to the plug prongs folding flat for travel.

Three ports and how the power is shared

The charger has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. Anker says a single device can draw up to 100W, which is the level many USB-C laptops accept. The 120W figure is the total across all ports, so the output has to be divided when several devices are plugged in.

Anker calls its approach PowerIQ 4.0 with Dynamic Power Distribution. The idea is that the charger detects what each connected device needs and adjusts the split. In practice, a laptop plus a phone will usually share the 120W, and the laptop may charge more slowly than it would with the charger to itself. Check the power split in the manual for your exact combination.

PPS and compatibility

The listing mentions PPS (Programmable Power Supply), a USB Power Delivery feature that lets a device ask for fine-grained voltage steps. Some phones, notably certain Samsung Galaxy models, use it for their fastest charging. Anker names MacBook Pro and Air, iPad Pro, iPhone 16 and Pro, Galaxy S22 and S21, Dell XPS 13 and Note 20 and 10+ devices as examples of what the charger can power.

A laptop that needs more than 100W will not reach its top charging speed from one port, and the cable matters too: high-wattage charging usually needs a USB-C cable rated for it.

Temperature monitoring

Anker's ActiveShield 2.0 monitors temperature and adjusts the power output to protect the charger and the connected devices. The brand says it checks temperature more than three million times a day. Heat is the main limit on small high-power chargers, so a monitoring system like this is a common feature.

What's in the box

The package includes the charger, a silicone stabilizer, a welcome guide and a 24-month warranty with customer service. The listing does not mention a cable, so plan to use ones you already own or buy separately.

Who it suits

It suits people who travel with a laptop, phone and tablet and would rather carry one charger. It also works at a desk, where a single outlet can power several devices. Someone who only charges a phone will not use most of its capacity.

What to check before you buy

• Laptop wattage: look at your laptop's original charger. If it is 100W or less, a single port should cover it.
• Cables: confirm that you have USB-C cables rated for the wattage your laptop needs; the box lists none.
• Several devices at once: remember the 120W total is shared, so charging speeds drop when all ports are busy.
• Plug type: check that the plug shape matches your outlets, particularly when travelling abroad.
• Device support: check that your phone or tablet supports the fast-charging standard you want, such as USB Power Delivery or PPS.

The short version

• A 120W GaN wall charger with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port.
• Up to 100W to a single device; the total is shared when several are plugged in.
• PowerIQ 4.0 power distribution and ActiveShield 2.0 temperature monitoring.
• About 3.1 x 1.3 x 1.7 inches and 0.4 lb; no cable is listed in the box.
• Includes a silicone stabilizer, a welcome guide and a 24-month warranty.

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