The Anker Nano Power Bank A1638 combines a 10,000mAh battery with a 45W maximum output and a retractable USB-C cable. Anker’s UK-facing product page confirms the model and feature set; TechRadar lists the UK price at £49.99. This research-led review weighs those specifications against independent testing rather than claiming a personal hands-on test.
The cable is the reason to choose it
A built-in lead removes one small but recurring annoyance: remembering to pack a separate charging cable. The retractable design can be pulled out to the length needed and stowed away again, while the bank also has USB-C and USB-A ports for other devices. That makes it useful for a day bag when a phone needs a top-up and there is not an outlet nearby.
What 10,000mAh and 45W mean in practice
This is a phone-first power bank, not a high-capacity laptop battery. The 45W ceiling is ample for many phones and smaller devices, while 10,000mAh keeps the body more portable than larger travel banks. Actual charge counts vary with the device, cable and energy lost during conversion, so the capacity printed on the case should not be read as a guaranteed number of full phone charges.
Is it worth around £50?
The convenience is easy to understand, but it carries a premium over a basic 10,000mAh bank with a loose cable. If the built-in lead means you are more likely to carry it, the extra cost may be justified. If you already keep a USB-C cable in your bag, compare simpler 10K options and spend the difference elsewhere. Buyers who regularly charge a laptop or several devices should look at larger-capacity banks with higher output.
Verdict: a neat everyday backup for a phone-heavy routine, especially for people who often forget their cable. Its value depends on how much you appreciate that cable being attached.