The UGREEN Uno 5000mAh power bank boasts a premium design and compact form factor, exceeding expectations in portability and aesthetics. Its velvety finish, strong magnet for secure phone attachment, and charming robot-faced digital display contribute to a luxurious and user-friendly experience. The inclusion of a Type-C port for both input and output, along with wireless charging capabilities, adds to its versatility, allowing for simultaneous charging of two devices. The build quality is exceptional, using high-quality materials and showcasing solid construction. The power bank remains remarkably cool even during extended use, a testament to its well-engineered design.However, this stylish power bank has a significant drawback: its charging speed. Both wired and wireless charging times are considerably longer than average, impacting its overall practicality. While the 20W wired charging offers fast charging capabilities, the actual charging times for devices like the iPhone 13 Pro Max fall short of expectations. This slower charging speed, compared to competitors, is a notable disadvantage that compromises the user experience despite its premium features. The review explores this trade-off between stylish design and charging efficiency.
Pros And Cons
- Compact and lightweight design
- High-quality materials and finishes
- Strong magnet for secure phone attachment
- Firm and solid support for phone
- Type-C port for both input and output
- Wireless charging functionality
- Does not get excessively hot during use or charging
- Can charge two devices simultaneously or charge a device while simultaneously charging itself
- Long charging times for both wired and wireless charging
- Small and low-brightness screen with limited functionality beyond displaying battery percentage and a simple animation
- 5000mAh capacity may be insufficient for some users
Read more: OUKITEL P2001 PLUS Review: Best Budget Portable Power Station?
Unboxing and First Impressions
The UGREEN Uno Power Bank arrived in premium packaging, immediately setting a high-quality expectation. The power bank itself is incredibly compact and lightweight, exceeding my initial expectations for portability. The velvety finish on the side contacting the phone adds a luxurious touch.
Included in the box was a Type-C charging cable, though it felt a bit short. The instructions, as usual, were promptly discarded.
Features and Functionality
The power bank boasts a strong magnet, ensuring a secure grip on your phone. It features a Type-C port that functions as both input and output. The integrated digital display, though small, showcases a charming robot face and provides clear battery percentage.
Wireless charging works flawlessly, making it highly convenient. The wired charging, using the Type-C port, also provides fast charging capabilities up to 20W. The ability to charge two devices simultaneously enhances the power bank's overall versatility.
Performance and Charging Times
While the wireless charging is efficient, both wireless and wired charging times are longer than expected. Charging my iPhone 13 Pro Max took over 2 hours wirelessly and around 1 hour and 46 minutes wired. The power bank itself also takes a little over 2 hours to fully recharge.
This relatively slow charging is a significant drawback, especially considering the current market trend towards faster charging solutions. The charging speed is notably slower than many competitors.
Temperature and Build Quality
Despite the extended charging times, the UGREEN Uno remained remarkably cool during testing. Minimal heating was observed during both wireless and wired charging, even after prolonged use. This is a definite positive, as excessive heat can damage batteries.
The build quality is superb. The materials feel premium, and the construction is solid. The compact design and strong magnet contribute to a user-friendly experience.
Screen Functionality and Overall Assessment
The display, while visually appealing with its robot face, lacks practical functionality beyond showing the battery percentage. The small screen size and low brightness severely limit usability in outdoor environments. The aesthetic appeal is short-lived, ultimately feeling like a gimmick.
Considering the price point (around 1000 Mexican pesos), the UGREEN Uno offers a premium design and excellent build quality, but the slow charging times are a major drawback. While it's a cute and well-made power bank, its slower-than-average charging speed compromises its practical use. A higher-capacity version might be a better option for those who prioritize charging efficiency.
