Anker PowerCore Metro Essential 20000 PD – Black (12 months warranty. Please keep the box)
With support for Power Delivery and Qualcomm Quick Charge, this travel-friendly portable battery offers high-speed charging to virtually any mobile device. And thanks to the huge 20,000mAh cell capacity, you can keep your devices charged for days, no matter where you are.
Features:
– Sleek matte exterior and cool-blue LED light-wheel to display battery level- 20,000mAh cell capacity to keep all of your mobile devices charged up for days- Advanced Charging Technology, USB-C Power Delivery port supports both input and output, so you can power up your devices and recharge your PowerCore at high-speed – all with one cable.- 20w PowerIQ 2.0 USB port, you can now charge virtually any phone or tablet at high-speed. (Compatible with Qualcomm Quick Charge)- Trickle-Charging Mode is designed to provide optimized charging to low-power devices such as earphones, Bluetooth speakers, and other accessories.- Press the power button twice or press and hold for 2 seconds until the LED indicator turns green.
– Compatible with iPhone 11/12/12Mini/12 Pro/12Max Pro/XS / XS Max / XR, Android smartphones and tablets (including the Nexus 7), and other USB devices.
– Note:-
USB-A to USB-C cable, Lightning cable, and wall charger not included.- When the trickle-charging mode is on, the last LED light will remain green, regardless of battery status.- Recharging via USB-A charger will take approximately 20 hours.- When charging an iPad, make sure the portable charger has at least 2 LEDs illuminated, otherwise charging speed will be insufficient- 20,000mAh is the total nominal rated capacity of internal battery cells.
Warranty: 12 months
Review: Anker PowerCore Metro Essential 20000 Power Bank
Most high capacity power banks these days tend to use some sort of fast charging tech like Power Delivery or Quick Charge. The more common fast charging tech that they use is Power Delivery as it’s useful for charging smartphones and laptops. It’s quite rare for a power bank to have a USB-C port for it to only be used as an input port to recharge the power bank.
However, that’s what this Anker PowerCore Metro Essential 20000 power bank features. The USB-C port can only be used as an input port. So let’s see if that’s a good or bad thing.
Power Capacity:
Now we’re to the point where smartphones are going even higher. The new Samsung Galaxy S20 has a 4,000mAh battery, the higher-end S20 has a 4,500mAh battery and the highest end S20 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery.
Even the iPhone, the phone that almost always had a small battery due to its great battery management now has a large battery, with the iPhone 11 Pro Max using a 3,969mAh battery.
With all that said, this PowerCore Metro Essential can charge most phones to full power about three to four times. Charging tablets that would have a 5,000mAh to 7,000mAh battery can fair about two full charges from this Anker power bank.
You won’t be able o charge tablets with this power bank as it does not feature USB-C Power Delivery charging.
Output Charging:
Okay, so when you see a USB-C port on a power bank you likely think that it’s an output that you can use to charge your smartphone or laptop. That’s not the case with this Anker power bank.
The only output ports that you can use to charge your devices are the two USB-A ports. Neither of the USB-A ports uses Quick Charge. The ports have a 5V/2.4A (12W) charging speed, and if you’re using the two ports at the same time, the max output is 3 Amps (15W).
So if you have an Android smartphone that is Power Delivery or Quick Charge compatible, just know that this power bank will not be able to fast charge it. The same is true for iPhones that are Power Delivery compatible. It only features standard charging.
Input Charging:
The recharging part of this PowerCore Metro Essential power bank is somewhat more interesting than the output charging. That’s because two input ports can be used to recharge the power bank, but they can only be used one at a time.
One is the USB-C input port and the other is a Micro-USB input port. Either of the input ports recharges the power bank at the same 12W recharge speed. It would have been helpful to have a USB-C input port charge the power bank faster as it’s a USB-C port and in general it’s more powerful than the Micro-USB input port.
Size and Weight:
The size of 20,000mAh power banks a few years ago use to be quite large, but that has changed drastically and we’re to the point where 20,000mAh power banks are about the size as 10,000mAh power banks. This power bank has a length of 6.2 inches, a width of 2.9 inches and a thickness of 0.8 inches The power bank is about 8 ounces.
So even with its 20,000mAh power bank, you’re still able to place this charger into your
Functional Components:
If you’ve ever used an Anker power bank before, then you know what you expect here.
The charger automatically starts charging when you connect a device to it. There is a power button at the top and it has four white power indicators to show the remaining power capacity.
Structure and Material:
The build of the charger is solid, except for the top where Anker placed a fabric covering. There is still plastic underneath it, obviously, but it’s pretty cool to have and it adds some grip to the power bank.
Tech:
There is no heating up to speak of from this power bank and this can be attributed to the fact that it doesn’t use any fast charging tech.
Reliability
A 20,000mAh power bank with two USB ports is going to be reliable for basically anyone to use to charge their smartphone.
However, what this Anker power bank is not reliable for is for fast charging your smartphone because it does not feature Power Delivery or Quick Charge
Summary:
It has enough power capacity to charge your smartphone to full power a few times, but it does not feature fast charging tech, and he USB-C port can only be used as an input port to recharge the power bank.
It’s a small power bank for one that features a 20,000mAh power capacity.
The Anker Metro Essential power bank does look different than other power banks from Anker, but with its fabric top, it gives a good grip. The charger doesn’t overheat either, likely because of its lack of fast charging.
The charger will be able to charge your smartphone to full power a few times, but it won’t fast charge it with its high capacity.
Specs for Anker PowerCore Metro Essential 20000 Power Bank:
Conclusion:
Anker’s PowerCore Metro Essential power bank is a great standard power bank that offers a great standard portable charging experience. Just know that you won’t be getting any fast charging, but you’ll still be getting the exceptional quality that Anker has to offer.
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD Review
Summary The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD offers the large capacity of a laptop power bank. But by limiting its output Anker is able to pass on cost savings. Ideal for anyone needing to charge handheld devices for long periods of time.
User Review
- Fast charges iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, LG, and Motorola phones
- Charges Switch while you play
- Can be recharged by Nintendo Switch AC Adapter
- Fits in most Switch carrying cases, but takes up most of the accessory
- 15V power output better supports some devices
- Trickle charge mode
- Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable
- Within FAA limits for lithium batteries and flights
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I purchased the product in this review.
Tech Specs:
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD specs
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A
- USB-C Output:
- 18W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 15V/1.25A)
- 18W PowerIQ 2.0 (Anker’s tech, but compatible with the standards below)
- Quick Charge 3.0
- Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging
- Huawei FCP
- Apple 2.4A
Included In Box:
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD box and contents
- Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD
- USB-C to USB-C 2.0 cable, 3 feet
- Travel pouch
Good For:
- Commute
- Travel
- iPhone
- Android
- Nintendo Switch (handheld)
- iPad Pro (pre-2018)
Estimated Number of Charges:
- iPhone 6/7/8/SE: 7 charges
- iPhone Plus/X/XR: 4 charges
- iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S8/S9: 4 charges
- Samsung Galaxy S10: 4 charges
- Nintendo Switch (2017): 9 hours of play
- Nintendo Switch (2019): 12 hours of play
- Nintendo Switch Lite: 9.5 hours of play
First Impression
The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD fills a niche of higher capacity for smaller devices. While a 30W/20,000mAh could do the same job limiting the output to 18W saves on production cost. Allowing Anker to offer this model for 20 less MSRP than its previous USB PD supporting 20,000mAh model.
The Essential has a large, round button on top. Used for checking capacity and activating trickle charge mode. Unlike some older models, there are only 4 LEDs on the button, not 8-10. Don’t expect the circle to fill when recharging, the LEDs cover less than half of the curve. The top also has a grip-friendly surface. But the bottom doesn’t, lessening the gripping surface’s effectiveness.
Compared To Similar Power Banks
are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2023-06-25.
Device Testing
Check with your device’s manufacturer to verify which charging standards it supports.
USB Power Delivery Quick Charge 4 Phones
- Apple iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11/SE
- Essential Phone
- Google Pixel
- LG ThinQ/V30
- Razer
- Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10/S20
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9/10
- Xiaomi Mi 8/9
- ZTE Axon Pro 9/10
Using an iPhone 8 for testing we find USB PD phones will fast charge over the USB-C port. iPhones will need to use a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included. And Android phones will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, which is included.
For older and newer iPhones the USB-A port supports Apple 2.4A. An older, but still functional fast-charging standard. Older iPhones (4-7) can fast charge using USB-A. Newer iPhones will charge ~15 minutes faster using USB-C.
Quick Charge 3.0 Phones
- HTC
- LG
- Motorola
- Nokia
- Samsung Galaxy
- Sony
- Xiaomi Mi 5/6
- ZTE
Using a Moto G6 for testing we see Quick Charge will fast charge over the USB-A port. Anker uses their own PowerIQ 2.0 technology, which mimics Quick Charge. As such it is considered QC compatible and works with Samsung AFC technology.
The USB-C port is strictly USB PD, so no fast charging there for Quick Charge phones.
Nintendo Switch
Works well for all model Nintendo Switch in handheld/tabletop mode.
- Nintendo Switch (original) – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.
- Nintendo Switch (2019 update) – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.
- Nintendo Switch Lite – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.
It will not support the Switch’s dock, as it doesn’t offer the required output.
If you have an original model Switch (pre-August 2019) Anker’s product outperforms the rest. Their support of a 15V power profile instead of 12V allows for faster charging of the original Switch. Due to an underdraw issue of that model Switch.
Trickle Charge Mode
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD in trickle charge mode
Trickle charge mode is for low power devices. Such as a Fitbit or wireless earbuds. These small accessories draw little current (60mA). So much so a power bank thinks charging is complete, and shutdowns to save power. This means a low power draw device could get only minutes of charging.
Trickle charge mode corrects for this, by forcing the power bank to stay on for a couple of hours. Allowing small accessories time to charge.
For Anker’s power bank you double press the button to activate the mode. A green LED will turn on in place of one of the blue LEDs. After two hours the power bank will switch back to regular mode. Shutting down completely shortly afterward. Or you can double press the button again to exit from trickle charge mode. There’s no harm in allowing the power bank to stay in trickle charge mode for the full duration.
No Fast Charging With Two Devices
If you connect two devices to the power bank it will disable all fast charging tech.
Both ports only support 5V. Which removes fast charging options outside of Apple 2.4A standard. There is a 15W total output limit shared between the two USB ports.
When you connect a second device you’ll notice the charging resets on the first. This is the power bank stepping down to a lower output level. If you disconnect the second device you’ll want to unplug and replug the first. To make sure fast charging turns back on.
This limitation is typical of many power banks. A few can allow for one fast charging and one regular charging. Fewer still allow for dual fast charging, and those are always large and heavy. There is a limit to how much current can cross its circuits without extra hardware. Which adds size, weight, and cost.
Whether you should fast charge one device or regular charge two depends on battery levels and your immediate needs. The closer both devices are to 100%, the less impactful not fast charging becomes.
Summary
The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD is a good value option for some, depending on your devices and needs. It works bests with smaller devices, from Bluetooth earbuds up to Nintendo Switch and small tablets. Its higher capacity offers up to twice the run time as a 10,000mAh model. Good if you’re charging several devices on a day trip. Or charging one device over several days.
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD ports
For phones, it fast charges all iPhones and most Androids. Notably Samsung, Google, LG, and Motorola models.
For the Nintendo Switch, it charges in handheld mode as fast as any other option. The original Switch charges faster with the Essential than its peers from AUKEY or RAVPower. But the power bank cannot power a docked Switch.
By limiting the output to 18W Anker saves on production costs, and passes that on to you. The Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD has the same capacity, but 30W output (and no PowerIQ 2.0). It costs 20 more MSRP as of this posting. If you need to charge a small laptop that extra 20 gets you that performance. But if you only have handheld devices the Essential gives you the same performance at a lower cost.
If you don’t need the extra capacity you’ll find a better value with an 18W/10,000mAh power bank. Such as the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux. It offers the same output features. But in a small and cheaper package.
About Anker
Anker has U.S. based support (web, email, phone) and an 18-month warranty. And their own online community with forums. They are a beloved brand within many USB-C communities.
Bottom Line
The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD is perfect for charging small, handheld devices for long periods of time. It’ll fast charge iPhones, most Androids, iPad, and Nintendo Switch. At a cost less than a similar power bank made for small laptops.
Buy if you:
- Need to fast charge iPhone, popular Androids, iPad Pro, or Nintendo Switch for long trips or over a weekend
- Want to charge an original model Switch as fast as possible
- Prefer the Anker brand and customer support
Don’t buy if you:
- Need to also charge a laptop on the go
- Only need to support a single device for a few hours
You’ll want a USB-C wall charger to quickly recharge this USB-C power bank. I recommend the Anker PowerPort III Nano. A small charger for your large power bank.
Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.
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The Anker PowerCore Essential PD is a really versatile power bank
I’ve been a fan of the Anker PowerCore for a while now, specifically the 20100 version, which I use on a regular basis. When I bought it, I found that the multiple phone charges I could get from it made it really useful when I was away from power, especially if I was using GPS on my phone, or I needed to charge more than one device simultaneously. What I didn’t realise when I bought it was how useful it would be for powering a video camera like the Panasonic S1 and S1H. It can keep such a camera powered for hours at a time recording video, making it an extremely cost effective solution for a rig versus a full V-lock or Sony F series system.
Some of the advantages of the Anker PowerCore power banks include high voltage protection, current regulation, and temperature control.
It might not be sexy, but it’s very useful!
The latest PowerCore, the PowerCore Essential 20000 PD allows high speed charging, up to 18W on devices that support it. This is delivered by way of both the PowerIQ 2.0 port (USB-A) and PD via the USB-C port. Note that this is the total wattage available, so if you are charging two devices simultaneously my understanding is that you won’t get the fast charge ability.
With 20,000mAh at its disposal, the PowerCore Essential PD claims to be able to charge an iPhone XS 5.4 times, and a Samsung S10 4,8 times.
The device isn’t particularly light at 345.5G, but it is very neat to look at with a sort of brush textured finish on the top. It measures 6.2 x 2.9 x 0.8 inches making it on par in terms of footprint with a lot of smartphones, although clearly it is a lot thicker, as you’d expect. A single round power button resides at one end, and this has four tiny LEDs embedded in it to indicate the capacity that is left. These are stylishly done, but they aren’t as clear and easy to see as the bright row of lights on my PowerCore 20100. From certain angles you can’t see them. But despite this, it is at least an indication of the power left on it, which is essential if you are using it to power a camera with.
Input/output is simple. Just two ports. One USB-A and one USB-C for use with different types of device.
Connectivity is also incredibly simple, with just one USB-A port and one USB-C. The USB-C port doubles as a charger connection. If you charge the power bank from a USB-C power adaptor such as one from a MacBook Pro it can be charged back up in around 6.5hrs, while with a USB-A style charger it could take up to 10hrs. These might seem long times, but the amount of use you can get out of one charge makes it worthwhile.
The PowerCore Essential 20000 PD might not be the sexiest gadget around, but it is very neatly done, can be used for a wide variety of devices, including cameras, and gives that all important fast charge ability to the latest phones. At 53.99 it is a bargain if you look at the price of much lower powered batteries for cameras. The fact I can power the S1 effectively makes it worth the purchase alone. With more visual devices coming out that can be charged via USB-C, power banks like this are going to become a lot more useful.
The power button on the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD. The power indication lights can be tricky to see from some angles.
Clearly the market is fairly crowded with power bank options. But Anker are a very dependable brand, and the performance I have had long term out of my existing PowerCore has been faultless. I can’t say the same for some other powerbanks I have tried in the past. So for this reason I can highly recommend giving the PowerCore Essential 20000 PD consideration if you are in need of such a power solution, particularly if you have purchased a camera like the S1 or S1H and need external power, or if you need a highly portable charging system for a camera like the BMPCC 4K or 6K.