UGREEN Nexode Air 65W Charger Review: Pocket Rocket

UGREEN’s Nexode Pro lineup that we previously reviewed made a strong case for itself in the multi-port charging space, but five ports may be a tad excessive for some. Sometimes all you need is something small enough to toss in a bag or forget it’s in your pocket. That’s exactly what UGREEN’s new Nexode Air 65W charger is going for.

What Is It?

The Nexode Air is a single-port 65W GaN charger built around one proposition: maximum output in the smallest possible package. For the uninitiated, GaN or Gallium Nitride is the reason chargers have been getting smaller without sacrificing output in recent years. GaN runs more efficiently and generates less heat than traditional silicon-based chargers, allowing manufacturers to shrink the chassis considerably without compromising on wattage. At 65W in a 100g package, the Nexode Air is a direct result of that technology.

It fits comfortably in a pocket or the smallest compartment of a bag, which is quite impressive for a 65W charger. The UK three-pin version we tested also features foldable prongs, making it even more compact when not in use. In hand, the Nexode Air feels premium and looks the part too, with a clean, minimal aesthetic that slots into tidy desk setups without drawing attention to itself. A USB-C to USB-C cable is also included in the box.

On board is UGREEN’s ThermalGuard temperature control continuously regulates heat within the charger to maintain safer and more stable charging performance during extended use, which is reassuring given the amount of power being pushed through such a small chassis.

How Does It Perform?

The Nexode Air works seamlessly across Apple devices including iPhones, iPads and MacBooks, making it a natural travel companion for those already in the Apple ecosystem, though it performs equally well with Android devices.

For a single-port charger at this size, the Nexode Air certainly delivers. On the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the phone went from 20% at the start of the test to 85% in 40 minutes. The iPhone 17 Pro was even quicker, hitting the same 20 to 85% window in 35 minutes. UGREEN claims an iPhone 17 Pro Max can go from zero to 68% in 30 minutes, which lines up with what we experienced across our testing.

We also put it through its paces on a 16-inch MacBook Pro, where the Nexode Air managed to charge the laptop from 20% to 100% in about 2 and a half hours. It is worth noting that 65W sits at the lower end of what a MacBook Pro is rated for, so charging speeds will be slower compared to Apple’s own 96W or 140W bricks, particularly under load. For topping up at a cafe or keeping the battery ticking over during a meeting, however, it is more than adequate.

The charger does get a tad warm during use, as any 65W charger would, but it never reaches the point of being uncomfortable to handle. The ThermalGuard system appears to be doing its job keeping things in check during sustained charging.

Is It Worth It?

At RM99.90, the UGREEN Nexode Air 65W is a straightforward recommendation for anyone who wants fast charging without the bulk. The foldable prongs, premium feel and included cable make it feel like a well-considered package for the price.

For those who want a more complete travel charging setup, pairing the Nexode Air with the Nexode Pro power bank we previously reviewed covers most bases: the power bank handles top-ups away from a wall outlet, while the Nexode Air keeps everything fast and light when a socket is available. Together they form a capable and pocketable travel kit without much bulk to speak of.

But if you’re a power user that charges not just your phone, but devices like your smartwatch and wireless earbuds, then something like the 5-port UGREEN Nexode Pro 100W charger might be better suited for you.

One minor gripe worth bringing up: the foldable prong mechanism is a little stiff to deploy, requiring some effort to pull out with your fingernail. A mechanism that flips out the prongs would have been appreciated here. It may loosen up over time with regular use, but after over a week of testing so far, the stiffness still remains

The UGREEN Nexode Air 65W is available at RM99.90 on UGREEN’s official Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop storefronts, though you can expect to find it discounted on those same storefronts.