Okay, my Anker Prime 12k 130W power bank came in today. I am coming from primarily using (and loving) both the Anker PowerCore 737 24k 140W, and daily carrying the Anker PowerCore 10k 25W Redux - which is the perfect pocket size.
Product side-by-side and size
(left to right)
PowerCore 10k 18W Redux
Prime 12k 130W
PowerCore 737 24k 140W
PowerCore Reserve 548 60k 65W
I am coming from the 10k redux (left), and I'm not sure if this will work as an every-day-carry replacement. It will most likely power my Pinecil v2 well.
Screen comparison
The interface is slightly more similar to the Reserve 584 than it is to the 737.
Between the 737 and the new 12k, the 12k has a brighter screen. It also allows you to to change the screen brightness, which is a nice addition.
Side-by-side of the 737 next to the new 12k. The 12k is charging the 737 at 55W. Picture of the screen brightness menu on the new 12kThere is also the option to change the screen timeout length (options are 30s, 1m, 2m, 5m) This is a nice improvement over the 737, which could only be turned off or permanently on.
Facts/opinions/observations/limitations
Quick-fire facts/opinions/observations. Some are good, some are bad. Take them as you will, this is a review.
Unlike the 737, this battery does not support being charged while in use. The 737 can be used as a USB-C uninterruptable power supply. This device cannot. Furthermore, it does not handle being plugged in to power while powering another device very well.
This battery does NOT support the Anker App. You gotta get the biggest one, the Prime 27k, if you want app-enabled.
It does come with the new connectors for a wireless charging pad on the bottom. I'm debating getting the charging pad, but 100W on my desktop sounds nice. Unfortunately this battery will only charge at 65W even on the wireless charger.
The size and weight feel good in your hand. I have smaller/weaker hands, and it is much easier to hold and carry around than the 737.
It is much larger than my every-day-carry 10k Redux, for only carrying an additional 2,000 mAh.
Obviously the additional weight and size comes from the screen, the 65W in/130W out capacity, and the 65W wireless charging on the bottom.
Two omni-directional (in/out) usb-c ports removes some of the control you would normally have with some batteries specifically having an out-only port. Charging this battery off of another battery's in/out port will cause unexpected results.
Extremely glossy front. I had to repeatedly wipe and clean the whole front of the battery each time I touched it when I took photos.
When you plug the 737 into itself, it makes a cute little face and does not have any issues, nor does it discharge the battery in any way.
When you plug the 12k into itself, it can't figure out what to do, and eventually begins discharging 0.2-0.3W.