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UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 20,000mAh 130W: Saving sockets and pockets

Best for travelers, digital nomads, and flexible remote workers

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UGREEN has been a reliable brand for my power needs — and that’s me talking from experience.

As a matter of fact, their 100W GaN Charging Adapter I received more than three years ago still works well upon writing this feature.

UGREEN 100W GaN Charger (2021)

From then ’til now, it’s still my all-in-one charger for my MacBook Pro, iPhone, and other Android smartphones WITHOUT a bundled charger out of the box 👀.

That accessory is a true marvel for offering more power and ports compared to a regular MacBook charger with a lower wattage and a single USB-C port.

Two years after, I bought their 10,000mAh MagSafe power bank with a dedicated kick stand for my iPhone — all with my hard-earned money. Truth be told, it’s also fast and reliable.

Another year has passed, the Shenzhen-based maker reached out again to us.

This time, I didn’t hesitate to get my first dibs with their newest offering — the high-capacity Nexode Power Bank.

Unpack that mighty load

Here’s what to expect when you purchase this massive UGREEN Nexode power bank.

@gadgetmatch This massive 20,000mAh powerbank should be in every traveler’s backpack! 😉 #UGREEN #foryou #foryoupage #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #foryourpage ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

Power-Packed

I know, a 20,000mAh battery capacity in a power bank isn’t the most record-breaking thing right now, and I’m not here to brag about that.

I’m rather stoked with its 130W fast charging capabilities. Most slim and light power banks don’t even reach that peak charging performance.

Just to clear up some confusion, a single port can output up to a 100W. The remaining 30W goes to either the second USB-C port or the conventional and slower USB-A port.

There’s even a larger 25,000mAh power bank variant with a 200W charging support (dual 100W outputs). Of course, it comes with a heavier price tag — much like its physical heft.

It might be a gimmick for some, but I find its TFT Smart Display useful.

With just a single button click, it displays the necessary information whenever I plug something. This also ensures me that I get the fastest available charging speed for the device I plug in.

Double-pressing that button turns off the power bank to preserve power when not needed.

Socket Savior

If you’re worried that this will be confiscated at the immigration, no worries! This power bank is approved for flights as it passed several airline regulations and safety standards.

ugreen nexode power bank

That being said, I’m NOT a frequent flyer nor a digital nomad. But I do work out and about from time to time, especially when we do product shoots outside or just too lazy to work in my room.

The most realistic scenario I can give you is when I go to a coffee shop. There are times where every socket has been occupied. This is where UGREEN’s Nexode Power Bank enters the scene.

As GadgetMatch’s full-fledged YouTube editor slash Associate Creative Producer since 2019, I do 101% of my creative work using a MacBook.

Admittedly, the new company-issued 14-inch M2 Max MacBook Pro I use lasts for about 4 to 5 hours when video editing (Final Cut Pro), doing graphics (Photoshop), and post-processing photos (Lightroom).

With all the work entailed, it’s just not enough.

ugreen nexode power bank

Thankfully, this has been my savior in desperate times where I needed to fill up in a socket-less establishment. Albeit, the power bank runs out just before hitting the 80~85% mark, depending on what cable you use.

Check out my detailed Charge Test below:

Apple MagSafe 3 to USB-C Cable UGREEN USB-C to USB-C Cable
START TIME from 1% 7:25PM 12:06PM
1 minute 2% 1%
3 minutes 6%  5%
5 minutes 9% 7%
10 minutes 17% 15%
15 minutes 28% 24%
20 minutes 35% 32%
30 minutes 52% 52%
45 minutes 74% 67%
50 minutes 79% 72%
56 minutes 84% 76%
1 hour
END TIME 8:21PM 1:01PM

If this has been the case for my 14-incher, don’t expect the 20,000mAh to fully fill your bigger 16-inch Mac or any other Windows laptops with ginormous batteries.

Seamless Compatibility

As for other devices such as iPhones and Android smartphones, it does the job well, too.

The recent TECNO smartphone I’ve reviewed with a massive 5000mAh battery was able to get charged (as expected), but only with a limited charging speed.

ICYMI, that phone supports up to 70W but plugging UGREEN’s USB-C to USB-C cable via the power bank’s 100W USB-C port only gave it a reading of 33.8W.

The case was different with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra I also have.

Despite only capping at 45W fast charging, UGREEN’s Nexode power bank was able to display “Super Fast Charging 2.0” charging output thanks to its newer USB-C PD (Power Delivery) 3.1 protocol.

For added real-life use-case, I also tried charging my daily driver for two years now — Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Using a speedy USB-C to Lightning connector, it was able to fully-charge the phone fast from 20% all the way to 100% in under 70 minutes. It’s the same charging duration when I hook it up using the UGREEN GaN charger aforementioned.

Coincidental or not, it also only consumed around 20% of the power bank’s power (from 97% down to 76%).

ugreen nexode power bank

This power bank isn’t just limited to the MacBook and smartphones I’ve plugged in. It can also be used to charge more devices such as iPads / tablets, mirrorless or action cameras, as well as portable gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. Heck! Even a camping lantern.

Lastly, low-current devices such as wireless bluetooth head/earphones and smartwatches use trickle mode so the power bank doesn’t use its full potential when charging such small products.

Speedy for its size

Now that I’ve drained the power bank, it’s time to talk about how slow or fast it takes to fill the tank to its full extent.

I wouldn’t talk too much and let the results speak for themselves.

UGREEN 100W GaN Charger
+
UGREEN USB-C to USB-C cable
UGREEN 100W GaN Charger
+
Adam Elements 240W
USB-C to USB-C cable
Xiaomi 120W GaN Charger
+
USB-C to USB-A
6A cable 
START TIME from 0% 10:25PM
August 28, 2024
Wednesday
10:19PM
August 31, 2024
Saturday
9:58PM
September 2, 2024
Monday
3 minutes 2% 4% 4%
5 minutes 5% 6% 7%
10 minutes 14% 13% 14%
15 minutes 19% 18% 22%
30 minutes 36% 27% 38%
45 minutes 45% 36% 48%
1 hour 53% 45% 57%
1 hour 15 minutes 61% 53% 62%
1 hour 30 minutes 74% 63% 73%
1 hour 45 minutes 82% 70% 82%
2 hours 95% 78% 93%
2 hours 10 minutes 100% 83% 100%
2 hours 20 minutes 98%
END TIME 12:43AM 12:45PM
2 hours 25 minutes
11:08PM
Highest Wattage 44W 56.7W 63.4W
Lowest Wattage 27.3W 25.2W 25.4W

Overall, it’s safe to say you need more than two hours to fully charge the UGREEN Nexode 20,000mAh 130W Power Bank. That’s considering you use the fastest adapter and cable combo possible.

Pocket-Friendly

I’m not trying to say this power bank is “friendly” when you insert it in your pockets. Its obvious depth and heft say otherwise.

The good thing about the newest Nexode 130W 20,000mAh power bank from UGREEN is that, they come with a pretty wallet-friendly price. That’s with the consideration of its high-capacity tank and fast charging capabilities housed in an enclosure that’s not plasticky, but solidly built.

ugreen nexode power bank

With a retail price of just US$ 99.99 / PhP 3399, it’s cheaper than its closest competitor priced at US$ 129.99 / PhP 7299.

Of course, this isn’t for everybody. There are a plethora of slimmer and smaller power banks out there.

But if you consider yourself a traveler, a digital nomad, or a remote worker like me with flexi time and who’s always in a desperate need of a power outlet whenever working outside, this power bank can save you from those truly mortifying moments.

Accessories

England, Wales start banning Meta Glasses

The smart glasses are now banned in courtrooms.

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Earlier this year, New York became the first state to issue a blanket ban against smart glasses in courtrooms. The new regulation marks one of the first public spaces to prevent the contentious devices. Now, England and Wales are following suit in their courtrooms by banning Meta glasses inside.

As reported by The Guardian, courtrooms in both countries will confiscate Meta Glasses from those taking them into the building. Owners can retrieve them again upon exit.

Like the decision in New York, the English and Welsh bans are simple enough to follow. As it is everywhere, it’s forbidden to record video inside courtrooms in England and Wales. Because Meta Glasses have cameras (and are primarily used for their video capturing capabilities), they fall under prohibited items.

Notably, smartphones are not included on this list, despite having sizable cameras themselves. Although, to be fair, it’s much more difficult to discreetly record video using a smartphone. Smart glasses pride themselves with the ability to take videos seamlessly.

Meta Glasses are having such a moment today. Though some users, especially creators, are excited for them, a significant chunk of the population is concerned over their ability to take videos without subjects knowing they’re being recorded. Some users have even found ways to disable the built-in LED indicators which should, in theory, warn the public that the glasses are recording. It’s since turned into a privacy nightmare.

SEE ALSO: New York becomes first state to ban smart glasses

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Peak Design’s new City Line combines minimalism and color

Less padding, more personality

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Known for its camera-friendly bags with generous padding to protect photography gear, Peak Design is taking a different approach with the City Line.

The new collection prioritizes lightweight construction and everyday functionality, stripping away unnecessary bulk while still delivering the thoughtful organization the brand is known for.

The new collection includes the City Backpack in 15L and 22L sizes, the 15L City Tote, the City Crescent in 6L and 12L options, and the compact 2L City Sling. While each bag serves a different purpose, they all share the same minimalist aesthetics and intuitive organization.

To achieve that lighter design is Peak Design’s new weather-resistant MonoShell material, along with a seam-reduced construction that cuts down on unnecessary bulk.

It also comes with Peak Design’s built-in BagLev hook, allowing you to hang your bag from a table instead of placing it on the floor.

Beyond the neutral and muted finishes we’ve seen in the past, Peak Design is also introducing brighter options that add more personality to the collection.

The vibrant Lapis blue, in particular, stands out as a fun alternative for anyone looking to move beyond the usual black everyday bag.

The City Line is now available through peakdesign.com and authorized retailers worldwide.

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DJI Osmo Mobile 8P: From a videographer’s perspective

Better tracking, fewer buttons

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DJI’s smartphone gimbals have always chased one goal: delivering cinema-smooth footage without forcing you to carry a heavy rig.

The Osmo Mobile 8P (OM 8P) makes its priorities clear right out of the box. This is not a simple refresh. DJI rebuilt how you control the gimbal, and that decision shapes the entire shooting experience.

Freedom behind the lens

The biggest change is the FrameTap remote, and it’s the kind of upgrade that fixes a problem you didn’t realize was slowing you down until it’s gone.

On the standard OM 8, adjusting your framing meant reaching for your phone every time, which broke the flow of shooting and pulled you out of the moment.

FrameTap puts that control back in your hand. You can reframe shots and manage the gimbal without touching your phone at all, and for anyone shooting solo, that alone changes how usable the whole setup feels. Tracking has taken a real step forward too.

ActiveTrack 8.0, paired with Module 2, held onto its subject even after they stepped out of frame for a moment, then picked them back up without much fuss.

It also lets you sit off-center in the shot instead of forcing you into the middle every time, which gives you more room to compose something that doesn’t look like every other gimbal video.

None of that would matter much if the gimbal itself wasn’t solid, and it still is. The OM 8P holds onto the same foldable design, magnetic phone clamp, and built-in tripod that made the OM 8 easy to live with.

And it remains one of the better compact options for stabilization, tracking, and portability in one package.

The tripod legs are a touch wider this time, and that extra width does make a noticeable difference on uneven ground.

The trade-offs in touch

The trade-off for all that new remote functionality is a control scheme that takes more getting used to. More of the gimbal’s functions now live on the FrameTap touchscreen, the joystick is smaller, and switching between shooting modes takes a few extra taps compared to the OM 8. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a learning curve you’ll need to budget time for.

DJI also removed the zoom and focus wheel, so if you leaned on that dial for quick adjustments, you’ll feel its absence here. Module 2 no longer lets you plug a DJI wireless mic in directly either.

You’ll need to connect it to your phone instead, which adds a step to a setup that used to be simpler. Phone compatibility is still a limiting factor as well. DJI lists support for phones up to around 300g and 11mm thick, so bigger phones or ones in chunky cases may not clamp in properly.

Finding your ideal workflow

The OM 8P makes the most sense for solo creators who want dependable tracking and the freedom of remote framing without stepping up to a dedicated camera like the DJI Osmo Pocket.

If you’re already shooting on a phone with a solid camera, this fills the gap nicely. It’s a tougher sell if you prefer physical buttons over touchscreen menus, or if your phone runs on the larger and heavier side, since fitting it onto the clamp might be a problem before you even get to shooting.

Price, availability

DJI is offering the OM 8P in three combos, so how much you pay depends on how much of the ecosystem you actually need.

  • Standard Combo (PhP 7,499): the gimbal itself, with 8th-gen stabilization and the detachable FrameTap remote included.
  • Advanced Tracking Combo (PhP 9,199): adds the Multifunctional Module 2 for the improved subject tracking we tested.
  • Creator Combo (PhP 11,099): the full kit, built for creators who want everything DJI bundles in from the start.

Is the DJI Osmo Mobile 8P your GadgetMatch?

The DJI Osmo Mobile 8P asks you to relearn a few habits in exchange for a gimbal that finally lets go of your phone. If hands-free framing and steadier tracking matter more to you than a dedicated zoom dial, this is worth the adjustment.

If you’d rather keep things exactly as they were on the OM 8, that learning curve might be the deciding factor.

Swipe right if you shoot alone often and have been waiting for a gimbal remote that actually works. The FrameTap remote alone justifies the upgrade if reaching for your phone mid-shot has been slowing you down.

Consider this if reliable tracking matters to you, especially if you’ve had a subject wander out of frame and stay lost on older gimbals.

And of course, get this if you already own a capable phone under the weight and thickness limits, and you’d rather invest in a smartphone rig than jump to a dedicated camera like the Osmo Pocket.

Swipe left if you lean on physical dials for zoom and focus, and moving those functions to a touchscreen sounds like a downgrade rather than an upgrade.

This is not for you if you use a DJI wireless mic and want it plugged directly into the module without routing through your phone first. Or, your phone runs heavier or bulkier than DJI’s limits allow, since no amount of enthusiasm fixes a clamp that won’t close.

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