Summary#
The Anker Nano A1638 is a compact 10,000mAh power bank that delivers 45W fast charging through a built-in retractable USB-C cable. With pass-through charging, a smart LED display, and a pocket-friendly design weighing just 8.1 oz, it's the ideal travel companion for anyone tired of carrying separate cables and bulky battery packs.
At a Glance#
Product : Anker Nano Power Bank (A1638)
Brand : Anker
Best For : Frequent travelers who want fast, cable-free portable charging
Form Factor : Compact brick with built-in retractable USB-C cable
Buy Now : 🇺🇸 Anker Nano Power Bank A1638 on Amazon US | 🇩🇪 Anker Nano Power Bank A1638 on Amazon DE
Key Highlights:
- 45W max output charges an iPhone 16 Pro to 50% in 27 minutes
- Built-in 2.3 ft retractable USB-C cable eliminates tangled cords
- Smart LED display shows exact battery percentage and time remaining
- Pass-through charging powers your phone while recharging the bank
- Flight-approved and fits comfortably in a jacket pocket
Who Should Buy This#
The Anker Nano A1638 hits a sweet spot for mobile professionals and travelers who want reliable power without the cable hassle. It delivers 45W fast charging that competitors in this size class simply can't match, all while keeping the package small enough to forget it's in your bag.
Perfect for:
- Frequent flyers who need a TSA-approved power bank that charges fast between connections
- Commuters and students who want all-day phone battery without carrying extra cables
- Digital nomads who need to charge phones, earbuds, and tablets from a single compact device
- Festival and event goers who want pocket-sized power that lasts through a full day out
Design & Build Quality#
The Anker Nano A1638 measures just 3.21 × 1.99 × 1.42 inches, making it noticeably smaller than most 10,000mAh competitors. The matte black finish resists fingerprints and feels premium in hand. At 8.1 oz, it's light enough to carry in a jacket pocket without pulling your clothes down.
The star of the design is the retractable USB-C cable built into the top edge. Pull it out to 2.3 feet, and it locks smoothly at any length. Push the release and it retracts cleanly without snagging. Anker rates the mechanism for over 20,000 bends, and reviewers consistently confirm it feels robust after months of daily use. A small LED display on the front shows battery percentage, charging wattage, and estimated time remaining.
Key Features#
45W Fast Charging That Rivals a Wall Adapter#
The A1638 pushes up to 45W through its USB-C port, which is 50% faster than the typical 30W output you'll find in competing power banks this size. In real-world terms, that means charging an iPhone 16 Pro from empty to 50% in about 27 minutes. Samsung Galaxy devices with 45W support can charge at full speed too. The built-in cable supports 40W charging for iPhone 16 series devices.
Built-In Retractable Cable That Actually Works#
Most power banks with built-in cables feel like an afterthought. The A1638's retractable mechanism is genuinely well-engineered. The 2.3-foot cable extends smoothly, holds at whatever length you set, and retracts with a clean snap. No tangled cords in your bag, no forgetting your cable at the hotel. It's the kind of design decision that makes you wonder why every power bank doesn't do this.
Pass-Through Charging for Zero Downtime#
Plug the A1638 into a wall outlet while your phone is connected, and it charges both simultaneously. The power passes through to your phone first, then tops up the bank. This means you can arrive at an airport gate, plug into a shared outlet, and leave with both your phone and power bank fully charged. The bank recharges to 100% in about 2 hours at 30W input.
Smart Display With Real Information#
The front-facing LED shows your exact battery percentage rather than vague LED dots. While charging or discharging, it displays the current wattage being delivered and an estimated time to full or empty. It's a small detail that makes a big practical difference when you're planning around available power.
Three Ports for Maximum Flexibility#
Beyond the built-in cable, you get a USB-C port (45W max) and a USB-A port for older devices. Charge two devices simultaneously: one on the built-in cable and one on the USB-C port. The USB-A port handles legacy accessories like older earbuds or fitness trackers that haven't made the jump to USB-C yet.
Technical Specifications#
Capacity : 10,000mAh (36Wh)
Max Output : 45W (single port)
Input : 30W USB-C
Built-in Cable : USB-C, 2.3 ft (70 cm) retractable
Ports : 1× USB-C, 1× USB-A, 1× built-in USB-C cable
Dimensions : 3.21 × 1.99 × 1.42 inches (81.5 × 50.5 × 36 mm)
Weight : 8.1 oz (230g)
Display : LED with percentage, wattage, and time remaining
Safety : Anker ActiveShield temperature monitoring
Flight Approved : Yes (under 100Wh limit)
Recharge Time : ~2 hours at 30W
Colors : Black, White, Green, Pink
Pros & Cons#
Pros:
- 45W fast charging rivals plugging directly into a wall adapter
- Retractable cable eliminates the need to carry a separate cord
- Compact enough to fit in a jacket or pants pocket
- Smart display shows exact percentage and charging wattage
- Pass-through charging means zero downtime at outlets
- Flight-approved at 36Wh, well under the 100Wh carry-on limit
Cons:
- Slightly thicker than flat-style power banks due to cable mechanism
- USB-A port feels increasingly unnecessary in 2026
- Retractable cable is USB-C only, no option for Lightning or micro-USB
- 30W input means a 2-hour full recharge, slower than some 65W competitors
Final Verdict#
Buy it. The Anker Nano A1638 solves the two biggest annoyances with portable chargers: forgetting your cable and waiting forever to charge. The 45W output and built-in retractable cable make it the most practical travel power bank available.
Our recommendation: Grab one for your daily carry and a second for your travel bag. At this price point, having backup power everywhere you go costs less than a single premium competitor. 🇺🇸 Anker Nano Power Bank A1638 on Amazon US | 🇩🇪 Anker Nano Power Bank A1638 on Amazon DE