Apparently, we’ve reached a point where even charging bricks have screens. But in the case of the Anker Smart Display charger block, it’s actually useful. The tiny built-in display shows connected devices and their charging speeds in real time, making it easy to see exactly how much power each gadget is receiving. It works surprisingly well, too; one user says it “charges quicker than my Apple charger,” while another deems it “the best charger brick on the market right now.” If that isn’t enough to get you excited, maybe this will sweeten the deal: It’s also 35% off right now if you’re fast enough to grab it.
From changing charging outputs to built-in charging modes, this block will optimize itself to your device and chosen cable.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your USB-C cable is fast-charging or how much power your phone is actually receiving, the built-in display lets you see the charging wattage at a glance. The charger automatically optimizes the appropriate power output for compatible devices. Plug in an iPhone 17, for example, and it’ll supply the wattage the phone requests rather than blasting it with unnecessary power. As one user says, it “takes the guesswork out” of charging.
You can tap the screen once to view real-time charging status, double-tap to switch between charging modes and long-press it to rotate the screen. Its three charging modes include fast, for up to 45W of power, steady for an even 30W or trickle for a minimal 15W of charging power.
Even more convenient is its dual foldable design, which lets you move your charger’s prongs a full 180 degrees so you can reach any type of outlet.
And so many reviewers say it truly is so speedy.
It doesn’t take more than a quick scroll through customer reviews to see just how many people think this charger is reliably fast. Some love how it recognizes Apple devices, like the iPhone and Apple Watch, while others are satisfied with how speedy to makes charging iPads, Samsung phones and even laptops.
According to reviewer Aiona, “the charge is insanely fast and activated Turbo Mode which I haven’t seen on my phone in years.”
“I like it for my tablet, too,” they continued. “Did I mention these are old azz tech from 2021? Much better quality, function, size, time-saver, handy thing all around that can handle ALL the USB C things /o/ Even going from Android to Apple to Switch 2 or whatever else takes USB C, because the inner chip identifies and regulates it. I hope USB C sticks around for a long time and this little guy accompanies me the whole way.”
If you’re looking for a new charging cube to juice up those devices of yours, consider nabbing one of these Anker blocks while they’re on sale. Just take a look at what other reviewers have to say about it below, in case you need the extra push.
“Great charger! It’s compact and easy to use with smartphones. It operates as designed and chargers quicker than my Apple charger.” — TP
“This charger is by all means a typical USB charger with 45W maximum power on a single USB-C output. What sets it apart is the „smart“ function that recognizes a selection of devices (typically iPhone and iPad) to report charge level of that display of the nano. Combined with cute animations that occasionally show the status, it is functional and entertaining.
Granted, the novelty of the animations vanishes with time, but the design of the plug prongs enables to device to flip 90 degree for the display to be visible. They also fold away for storage. The display can turn upside down for even more flexibility.
Aside from display configuration, the touch sensor also allows to switch between normal mode and so-called care modus. The latter is more gentle on the battery at the expense of charging speed.
It’s minimally larger that the typical charger that used to be included with iPhones (5V, 1A) but significantly more powerful (45W) and functional.” — Thomas T.
“The Anker Nano 45W Smart Display Charger is one of the most impressive compact chargers I’ve used, and it definitely stands out from standard USB-C bricks.
The first thing you notice is the built-in smart display, which shows real-time charging info like wattage and charging status. It takes the guesswork out of whether your device is actually fast charging or not, and it’s surprisingly useful once you get used to it. Seeing the numbers change in real time makes charging feel a lot more transparent and “smart” compared to a basic charger.
In terms of performance, it delivers solid 45W fast charging for phones, tablets, and even light laptop use like a MacBook Air. It stays stable during charging and doesn’t feel like it struggles under load. The charger also has different charging modes, including a slower “care mode” that helps reduce heat and protect battery health over longer sessions.
Build quality is another strong point. It’s very compact, dense, and travel-friendly, with foldable prongs that make it easy to pack. Despite its small size, it feels premium and durable like most Anker products.
One of the best real-world benefits is the temperature and safety management. It stays relatively cool and intelligently adjusts power output depending on the device, which helps avoid unnecessary battery stress.
The only downsides are that it’s single-port only, so you can’t charge multiple devices at once, and the smart display while cool might feel a bit unnecessary if you just want a simple plug-and-forget charger.
Overall, the Anker Nano 45W Smart Display Charger is perfect for people who want a fast, compact, and intelligent charger that actually shows what’s happening during charging. It’s a great upgrade if you like modern tech and want more control over your charging setup.” — Patrick walker
Looking for more helpful, life-upgrading tech upgrades? Check out these best tech picks from this year’s HuffPost Shopping Awards.
The Brick: The only reliable thing that will get you off social media
Smartphones: essential to daily life, but so damn distracting. If you find yourself scrolling through brainrot and swiping endlessly on social media, the Brick may be your answer to inner peace — or at least lower your ScreenTime.
The Brick is a small magnetic tile that acts as a physical lock for distracting apps. After setting it up with its companion app, you simply tap your phone on the Brick to “Brick” your device and block selected apps, then tap again to “Unbrick” it.
Unlike built-in app limits on your phone, which you can easily bypass with a few taps, the Brick adds a layer of real-world friction. To regain access, you actually have to walk over and touch your phone to the tile. Set it up and place it somewhere out of sight, and suddenly opening Instagram or TikTok isn’t quite so simple.
The Brick helped senior reporter Monica Torres win back her focus, attention and time — and she's still using it today. (I know because I asked.) In her review back in February, she wrote, “I am happy to report that after more than a month of use, my brain feels different. I expected the strict enforcement of a Brick to change me — but even I was surprised by how much it did.”
At the end of her review, she reports that her average phone screen time dropped 62% compared to the week prior. If that isn't high endorsement for a tech product that delivers, then I don't know what is.
@kevvvincortez Another @HuffPost Shopping Award-winning product for Tech: @GetBrick. This thing helped me curb my worst habits and decrease my overall screen time. Read more about it at HuffPost!!!!! #tech #productreview #fyp
♬ original sound - Kevin Cortez