Compact 65W GaN Chargers Compared
UGREEN and Rolling Square's smallest chargers put to the test
1Market leaders in miniaturization
UGREEN's Nexode Air 65W and Rolling Square's 65W charger represent the current pinnacle of compact GaN charger design. Both measure approximately 60.5mm in length with 35mm height/width, weighing between 70-77g - significantly smaller than traditional chargers. The Nexode Air retails at $24 (discounted from $39) while Rolling Square's version costs $49, making UGREEN's offering more accessible despite similar core specifications.
2Design differentiation
Rolling Square's charger features textured sides for better grip and identification in bags, while UGREEN offers four color options including a distinctive orange variant. Both maintain single USB-C ports to preserve compact dimensions, though this limits simultaneous charging. The Rolling Square model includes foldable US-style prongs (versus fixed EU pins) that reduce bulk when stored, though both designs achieve remarkable space efficiency compared to non-GaN alternatives.
3Technical performance
Both chargers deliver full 65W power via USB PD 3.0 with identical profiles: 5V/3A (15W), 9V/3A (27W), 12V/3A (36W), 15V/3A (45W), and 20V/3.25A (65W). Rolling Square includes PPS support beneficial for Samsung devices, while UGREEN implements USB PD 3.2 AVS for optimized iPhone charging. Testing across multiple devices including iPhone 17 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro models, and iPad Pro M4 showed consistent performance, with UGREEN having a slight edge in overnight charging with its trickle charge feature.
4Material and build
Constructed from plastic, both chargers achieve similar lightweight builds. The Rolling Square model weighs 70g (73g with EU pins) versus UGREEN's 77g. While Rolling Square claims better heat dissipation from its textured design, real-world testing showed minimal temperature differences during simultaneous charging of two Pixel devices. Both represent significant improvements over traditional chargers, being half the size and less than one-third the weight of conventional designs.
5Target user profiles
UGREEN's colorful options and iPhone-optimized charging make it appealing for Apple ecosystem users, while Rolling Square's PPS support caters to Samsung owners. The $24 Nexode Air presents better value for general users needing reliable portable charging. Professionals who prioritize tactile identification in bags might prefer Rolling Square's textured design despite the higher price point, though both deliver identical core functionality.
6Charging protocol nuances
The inclusion of USB PD 3.2 AVS in UGREEN's charger provides future-proofing for upcoming iPhone models (17 Pro/18 Pro), potentially offering faster charging speeds. Rolling Square's PPS implementation serves current-generation Samsung devices better. Both maintain stable power delivery across varied loads, from smartphones to power banks, with neither showing significant advantage in standard charging scenarios for most devices.
7Portability trade-offs
The single-port design, while limiting for multi-device users, enables the chargers' compact form. Rolling Square's foldable US prongs offer the most travel-friendly configuration, while EU versions add slight bulk. UGREEN's color options provide personalization at no extra cost. Both represent substantial space savings over traditional chargers, easily fitting in small pockets or minimalist EDC setups.
8Final recommendation
For most users, UGREEN's Nexode Air 65W delivers better value at nearly half Rolling Square's price, with comparable performance and additional color choices. Rolling Square justifies its premium for specific needs like Samsung compatibility or textured grip, but doesn't outperform UGREEN in core functionality. Both exemplify how GaN technology enables powerful charging in remarkably small packages, setting new standards for portable power solutions.
Original article: Latest from Android Central — Compact 65W GaN Chargers Compared