Anker Nano Power Bank (22.5W, Built-In USB-C Connector) Review

Overview

The Anker Nano Power Bank (model A1653) is a palm-sized 5000mAh battery that punches above its weight class on convenience: dual USB-C ports and a foldable built-in connector make it an efficient, compact charging solution that genuinely eliminates the need to pack a separate cable. At 100g and roughly the footprint of a stack of credit cards, it’s a compelling option for ultralight backpackers doing one- to two-night trips who need a single phone top-up without the fuss of cable management.

Key Specs

Spec	Value
Model	A1653
Capacity	5,000 mAh
Weight	100 g (3.5 oz)
Dimensions	7.7 × 3.68 × 2.5 cm
Max Output	22.5W
Max Input	18W
Ports	2× USB-C (one built-in foldable, one side port)
Charging Tech	PowerIQ 3.0
Battery Indicator	4-LED
Water Resistance	None
Case Compatibility	Up to 4.9 mm thick
Comparison	See how Anker Nano Power Bank (22.5W, Built-In USB-C Connector) compares to similar gear

Performance

Capacity and Real-World Output

The headline capacity is 5,000 mAh, but the real-world picture is more nuanced. When charging a device, Trusted Reviews measured 13.61Wh (3,678 mAh) delivered — meaning only 73% of what was put in actually reached the device. That 73% efficiency isn’t ideal, and it’s one of the lower scores measured from an Anker battery, which can tip over 80% on higher-end models.

What this means on the trail: despite having 5,000 mAh capacity, the Anker Nano will only charge a 5,000 mAh phone to around 70% — less in some cases — thanks to natural power conversion losses. In concrete testing, it took a Xiaomi 14T from flat to 58%, and a Sony Xperia 1 VI from flat to 66%. For most iPhones and older Android flagships with smaller batteries, you’ll get closer to a full charge. The A1653 can deliver a full charge to an iPhone 15 under normal usage conditions, but only if you’re not using the phone while charging.

For backpacking use, I’d budget for roughly one full smartphone charge per outing — not two. If you’re also running a GPS device, headlamp, or satellite communicator off USB-C, plan accordingly.

Charging Speed

PowerIQ 3.0 technology ensures optimized charging speeds for a wide range of devices.

The 22.5W output does make a real difference over older 5W or 10W banks —

when paired correctly with compatible phones like Samsung Galaxy S22 or newer iPhones, the 22.5W fast-charging capability reduces refill times noticeably faster than older 18W alternatives.

There is a slight reduction in charging speed when charging two devices simultaneously, as expected, but it’s not significant enough to be a major drawback.

Recharging the bank itself takes about 1h 48min via the 18W max input — reasonable for throwing on a charge at a trailhead, but not something you’ll be doing from a solar panel efficiently.

Build Quality and Design

Anker appears to have executed the foldable connector well — there’s zero lateral wobble to the USB-C connector, and basically no kind of normal phone motion will make it begin to flip back into the body while you handle your phone.

That matters when you’re hiking with it plugged in; a connector that flops around mid-step would be a dealbreaker.

The connector is designed to fit snugly with phone cases up to 4.9 mm thick

, which covers most standard cases. Thick rugged cases may not work — worth checking before you head out. The body itself feels solid;

the eco-friendly design features an exterior made from 75% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials.

Bi-directional charging is supported via the built-in USB-C port or an additional cable, with ActiveShield 2.0 and a dynamic temperature sensor for protection.

No official water or dust resistance rating, which is worth noting if you’re hiking in wet conditions — keep it in a dry bag or hip belt pocket.

Indicators

There’s no screen on the power bank — a row of four LEDs shows the rough charge level remaining.

Four LEDs means 25% resolution on your remaining capacity read, which is coarse but workable. I’d rather have a percentage display out here, but it keeps weight and cost down.

Pass-Through Charging

You can charge the power bank and devices simultaneously with pass-through charging,

which is useful if you’re near an outlet before hitting the trail and want to top up both at once.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Built-in foldable USB-C eliminates carrying a separate cable — genuine trail weight saving
• 100g is competitive for a 5,000 mAh 22.5W bank
• Solid hinge execution; no connector wobble in real use
• 22.5W output meaningfully faster than 5W/10W alternatives
• Two USB-C ports for simultaneous charging
• Well below capacity limits for airline carry-on — no TSA headaches
• PCR exterior is a nice sustainability detail

Cons

• 73% efficiency is not ideal, and it’s one of the lower scores from an Anker battery

• Real-world output (~3,678 mAh delivered) won’t fully charge most flagship-sized phones
• 4-LED indicator gives coarse 25% battery readouts — no percentage display
• No water resistance rating whatsoever
• No case or carry pouch included
• 18W max input means self-recharge takes ~1h 48min

Who Should Buy This

This is the right bank for ultralight backpackers or fastpackers doing one- to two-night trips who carry a single USB-C device (phone, GPS, headlamp) and want to shed the dedicated charging cable. The built-in connector is the A1653’s defining feature — if that convenience doesn’t move you, a bare-bones 5,000 mAh slab with similar wattage will likely cost less and possibly hit better efficiency numbers. It’s also a strong commuter or travel day-bag battery. It doesn’t replace larger banks for multi-day trips — for anything beyond two nights, step up to a 10,000 mAh option.

Verdict

The Anker Nano A1653 gets the fundamentals right: the foldable connector is genuinely well-engineered, 100g is a respectable trail weight, and 22.5W output keeps top-up times short. The honest knock is efficiency — you’re getting about 73% of that 5,000 mAh rating to your device, so mentally budget for one solid charge rather than one-and-a-half. At its typical street price of around $22, it’s a reasonable trade for the cable-free convenience. Just don’t count on it for anything beyond a single overnight.