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Anker A1636 3-in-1 5,000mAh Power Bank with Built-In Cable: specs and fit
A compact 5,000mAh power bank with a built-in Lightning cable and a foldable AC plug that doubles as a 30W wall charger. What the specs mean.
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The Anker A1636 is a small power bank that can also plug into a wall socket. It has a built-in Lightning cable and a foldable AC plug, so it works as a wall charger and as a 5,000mAh battery. It's aimed at people who want one small item in a bag instead of a charger, a cable and a power bank.
Three roles in one
The "3-in-1" refers to a wall charger, a power bank and a built-in cable. With the plug folded out, you can charge a phone from a wall socket at up to 30W. With the plug folded away, the same unit runs on its own battery. Because the cable is built in, you don't need to remember one.
What 30W and 22.5W mean
Anker lists 30W maximum when charging from the wall and a steady 22.5W when running as a battery pack. Wattage describes charging speed, and your device decides how much it will accept. Many recent phones, tablets and small laptops can use this kind of fast charging, though a laptop may charge slowly and a phone may take less than the maximum. Anker names iPhone, Galaxy and MacBook among compatible devices.
What 5,000mAh gets you
A 5,000mAh battery is on the small side among power banks. Capacity is quoted at the battery's own voltage, so you won't get that full number into your phone. In general, it's enough for roughly one top-up for many recent phones, depending on the model and the conversion losses. It's meant for a quick boost, not for charging several devices through a long trip.
Recharging the pack
You can refill it two ways: by plugging it into the AC socket, or via the built-in cable. The listing says either route works. Check the manual for how the cable and USB-C connection are handled.
A note on the cable
The listing's two descriptions differ. The title refers to a built-in Lightning cable, while one feature line mentions a USB-C cable. Before you buy, check that the connector matches your phone, because Lightning and USB-C aren't interchangeable.
Size and weight
The listing gives its size as 3.3 x 2.0 x 1.2 inches (about 8.4 x 5.1 x 3 cm) and its weight as roughly 7 oz (about 200 g). That fits easily in a pocket or the corner of a bag.
What's in the box
Anker lists the power bank and a welcome guide.
Who it suits
It suits commuters and travellers who want a simple, light kit, and iPhone users who like a built-in cable. Heavy users and anyone charging a laptop will likely want a larger battery.
What to check before you buy
- Connector: confirm whether the built-in cable matches your device.
- Plug type: the foldable plug must suit your wall sockets, especially abroad.
- Capacity: 5,000mAh gives about one top-up for most phones.
- Flights: check airline rules for power banks.
- Safety: follow the manual and don't use a damaged unit.
The short version
- A 5,000mAh power bank with a built-in cable and a foldable AC plug.
- Up to 30W from the wall and 22.5W as a battery pack.
- Roughly 3.3 x 2.0 x 1.2 inches and about 7 oz.
- Recharges through the AC plug or the built-in cable.
- Model A1636; check the connector type before buying.
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