Let me start with this: yes, I’ve lost count of how many chargers I’ve bought in my life (don’t judge me). However, few have delivered the kind of value that makes you shrug and think, “Okay, this is a keeper.” When I saw the Anker Charger for iPhone 16 Pro Max (2-Pack, 20W, dual-port with one USB-C and one USB-A) on deal for $11.89, my inner bargain hunter perked up.
📌 Table of Contents ▼
- 1. Review Scorecard
- 2. Key Features & Specifications
- 3. Design & Build Quality
- 4. Setup & Ease of Use
- 5. Performance & Daily Use
- 6. Battery Life & Durability
- 7. Extra Features
- 8. Comparisons & Alternatives
- 9. Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy
- 10. Here’s What I Like (and Don’t)
- 11. Final Verdict
- 12. FAQs
- 13. Related Posts
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Now, could two budget chargers really keep up with a flagship like the iPhone 16 Pro Max? That’s the question I set out to answer. Spoiler: they surprise you.

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Review Scorecard
- Overall Rating: ~4.2 / 5 — strong value, small trade-offs
- Price: ~$11.89 for the 2-pack (with two cables included)
- Highlights: dual-port flexibility, compact size, excellent value
- Drawbacks: shared output when both ports used, occasional quirks with “dumb” devices
Key Features & Specifications
Here’s what makes this charger interesting:
- 20W maximum output — enough to fast-charge modern iPhones (though not “ultra-rapid”).
- Dual-port (USB-C + USB-A) on each brick — so you can charge two devices at once without needing a second charger.
- Safety features: overvoltage protection, temperature control, etc. (Anker’s “proprietary system”).
- Compact form factor designed to be travel-friendly.
- In the box: two chargers, two 5-ft USB-C to USB-C cables, an 18-month warranty, and a welcome guide.
From user reviews and expert comparisons, this model aligns with what reviewers call the Anker A2348 20W Dual-Port dual pack — praised for striking a solid balance between utility and cost.
A teardown report on Anker’s Nano 20W (a sibling design) also shows the firm has experience packing safety circuits into small shells. Chargerlab
Design & Build Quality
First impressions: the bricks feel sturdy, not flimsy. They have that reassuring weight that says “I’m not going to crack.” The plastic finish is matte and resists fingerprints better than glossy models.
At the same time, they’re compact enough that they won’t hog your outlet. When plugged in, they don’t block neighboring sockets too badly. You’ll still see bigger, gauntlet-style bricks that stick out more — compared to those, this feels restrained and polite.

One aesthetic note — some users mentioned the purple pastel shade looks almost white in photos, but is quite nice in person. (Yep, I giggle a little at product-photo color illusions too.)
The built-in protection against overheating and overvoltage is not just marketing fluff. Anker’s reputation in the accessory space is strong, and when something like this messes up, the internet notices. That said, I always recommend not charging in super hot conditions (sunlight, under pillow) just to be safe.
Setup & Ease of Use
Here’s where things get practical: plug in, pick your cable, and charge. No app, no setup wizard. Simple. That’s exactly what I like in a charger.
Because each brick has a USB-A port, you don’t have to throw away your older cables (which many of us hoard for “just in case”). That’s one convenience many newer models neglect.
One small caveat: a few users reported that if you plug into the USB-A (or add a second load) while something’s already charging on USB-C, the device can reset or the charger might momentarily restart. That’s due to how it manages shared power. (One user said: “the charger will reset both ports if one is being used and the other is plugged in.”)
Also, there’s a quirk with “dumb” devices (i.e. devices that don’t actively negotiate voltage). Some users said the charger simply doesn’t turn on with those. This may stem from stricter USB specs compliance. If you are charging something old or quirky (some LED gadgets, legacy devices), test it before relying on it.
Overall: you’ll likely plug in and forget. It just works — most of the time.
Performance & Daily Use
When I tested it with an iPhone-like load, the charger delivered rates comparable to what you’d expect from a basic 20W charger. In review benchmarks, these dual-port Anker bricks achieved nearly identical results to Apple’s own 20W adapter (when only one port is used).
Real users echoed that sentiment:
“These work awesome… charge super fast.”
“The charger provides the power as advertised … having two ports lets you charge multiple devices at once.”
But when both ports are in use, each port’s output drops — sometimes significantly. In tests cited by TechGearLab, when both ports draw at once, output per port can drop to ~7.5W. For heavy users wanting full-speed simultaneous charging, that’s a limitation.
Another nuance: heat. Some users say they notice slight warmth — not burning hot, but warmer than idle. That’s normal under load. A Reddit comment put it well:
“Anker has a smaller footprint but pulls a bit more from the plug and heats a bit more.” Reddit
Overall, for everyday use (phone + earbuds, phone + watch, etc.), this is admirably capable. Just don’t expect it to feed two power-hungry tablets at full speed simultaneously.
Battery Life & Durability
Because it’s a charger (not a battery), “battery life” isn’t relevant — but durability is. The consensus across reviewers and buyers is that it holds up well over time, as long as it’s not abused.
Multiple reviewers mention the brick “feels solid” and “seems durable.”
One review noted that after ~7 months a unit got “very warm,” raising reliability concerns. But that seems like an outlier rather than trend. Amazon
Given the included 18-month warranty, if you treat it decently, it should last long enough to amortize its bargain price many times over.
Extra Features
There aren’t flashy extras here — no foldable prongs, no LED in weird places, no built-in power meter. That’s by design (economy + utility).
But I’ll give credit: the inclusion of both USB-A and USB-C ports is a thoughtful touch many newer chargers skip. Also, bundling two chargers plus cables helps reduce what you have to buy separately.
One neat thing: on the Anker product site, the Nano 20W (its single-port sibling) claims “15 minutes of charging = ~3 hours of video on iPhone.” That gives you some rough real-world reference of how potent 20W is. Anker
Comparisons & Alternatives
If you’re shopping in this category, here are a few other options to compare:
- Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter – the “official” choice. More efficient in many cases, fewer quirks. But costs more, has no extra port, and doesn’t include cables. Reddit users often say: “Take the Anker for travel, Apple for home.”
- Anker 511 Nano (20W single-port) – ultra-compact, solid for a single device, but you lose the extra port. Anker+1
- Higher-wattage GaN chargers – if you want to charge a laptop or push more power, go 45W, 65W, or more. But those cost more and are overkill if your primary goal is charging a phone or small devices.
In the $10–$20 bracket, this dual-port Anker option is among the best bargains. TechGearLab ranked it top of its USB-A/USB-C multipack list.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy
You should buy this charger if:
- You want good fast charging for your iPhone 16 Pro Max without paying a premium.
- You like the flexibility of charging two devices at once.
- You have a mix of USB-A and USB-C cables (or want to reuse old ones).
- You travel or want a backup charger that’s compact and solid.
Maybe skip (or be cautious) if:
- You often need full-speed charging on two heavy devices at once (e.g. two tablets).
- You have “dumb” or legacy gadgets that might not negotiate voltage properly.
- You demand folding prongs or ultra-premium finishes (but that’s aesthetic preference).
Here’s What I Like (and Don’t)
Pros
- Great value — two chargers + cables for ~$12
- Dual-port flexibility (USB-A + USB-C)
- Compact, outlet-friendly design
- Solid Anker build and safety systems
Cons
- Output diminishes when both ports are used
- Potential quirks with non-smart (dumb) devices
- No foldable prongs or fancy extra features
- Slight warming under load
Looking for fast Charging Station? Check our Anker 6-Port Charging Station review
Why You Can Trust Us:
Over the years I’ve reviewed a dozen chargers, cables, and power bricks. I look at internal safety, real user feedback, teardown reports, and how well things work in everyday use (not just in a sterile lab). This review blends all of that — plus quirks people often skip — to give you the full picture.
Final Verdict
The Anker Charger for iPhone 16 Pro Max (2-Pack, 20W Dual-Port) is, frankly, a gemstone in the bargain-charger world. It doesn’t wow with gimmicks — but it delivers where it counts: power, safety, and flexibility. For everyday phone users, it’s a reliable, wallet-friendly pick.
If you want to go ahead and grab a pair, check the current price on Amazon while it’s still discounted. (Seriously, deals this good don’t last forever.)
buy now on amazonFAQs
Q: Will this charger do 30W on the iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Nope. It caps at 20W. That’s within “fast charging” territory, but not the maximum speed possible on newer phones. Still, for many users, it’s plenty for overnight and daily use.
Q: Can I charge an iPad or small tablet with it?
You can, but depending on the tablet’s power demands and whether you’re also using the other port, charging speed may be slower. It’s better suited for phones and smaller devices.
Q: What kind of cable should I use?
Use a USB-C to Lightning (for iPhones) or USB-C to USB-C for devices that support that. Make sure the cable supports decent current (20W or above ideally).
Q: Does Anker offer warranty support internationally?
Yes, the 18-month warranty is global, but always check local Anker support. In many cases, they respond well if something fails under reasonable use.
Q: Should I get one or two bricks?
If you only need to charge one device, the single-port 20W chargers are fine. But for flexibility (phone + watch, phone + earbuds, etc.), this dual-pack is a safer bet.
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