Anker 737 GaNPrime 120W Charger Review: The Flagship All-in-One GaN Charger
## Introduction As GaN chargers become increasingly common, the Anker 737 GaNPrime 120W remains a benchmark product that's hard to overlook. Sitting at the cor
Introduction
As GaN chargers become increasingly common, the Anker 737 GaNPrime 120W remains a benchmark product that’s hard to overlook. Sitting at the core of Anker’s flagship GaNPrime lineup, it leverages the world’s first HFB (Hybrid Flyback) + iGaN hybrid architecture to stay at the performance forefront of multi-port 100W+ chargers from 2022 through 2025.
The Anker 737 (model A2148) isn’t just a 120W high-power charger — it’s the culmination of Anker’s years of deep R&D in GaN technology. It adopts the GaNPrime™ full-GaN technology system, integrating PowerIQ™ 4.0 intelligent power distribution and ActiveShield™ 2.0 smart temperature control. Its target users are clear: travelers and tech enthusiasts who need to charge a laptop, tablet, and phone simultaneously.
Specifications
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Model | A2148 |
| Input | 100-240V~ 50/60Hz, 1.9A |
| USB-C1 Output | 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/5A (up to 100W) |
| USB-C2 Output | 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/5A (up to 100W) |
| USB-A Output | 4.5V/5A, 5V/4.5A, 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A (up to 22.5W) |
| Multi-Port Total | C1+C2: 120W / C1+USB-A: 120W / C2+USB-A: 24W / All three: 120W |
| Dimensions | 80.53 × 43.08 × 32.44 mm |
| Power Density | 1.07 W/cm³ |
| Weight | 195.1g |
| Fast Charging Protocols | PD3.0, PPS (3.3-11V/5A), QC3.0/4+, FCP, SCP, AFC, Apple 2.4A |
| Tech Architecture | PFC + HFB + Infineon GaN components |
Design and Build Quality
The Anker 737’s build quality is nothing short of luxurious for its category. The body uses an aviation-grade soft-touch matte coating that feels smooth and pleasant to the touch while resisting fingerprints well. The foldable plug design prevents scratches on other devices when stored in a bag, and the included suction-cup silicone base keeps it stable on your desk — a thoughtful touch.
At 195g with a volume of roughly 112cm³, it’s remarkably compact for a 120W multi-port charger. When you compare it side by side with Apple’s original 96W or 140W charger, you’ll truly appreciate the size revolution that GaN technology has brought.
Performance and Charging Tests
In single-port mode, both C1 and C2 can independently deliver 100W, meaning either USB-C port can charge a MacBook Pro 16 at full speed. In our testing, a 2021 MacBook Pro 16 charged from 0 to 100% in about 2 hours and 4 minutes — stable and consistent performance.
Teardown reviews from ChargerLab reveal that the Anker 737 uses a PFC + HFB circuit architecture with Infineon GaN power components. Standby power consumption is just 0.1W at 220V, translating to an annual electricity cost of roughly ¥0.53. Conversion efficiency ranges from 81.35% to 91.86%, and ripple output quality is excellent — most voltage ranges sit around 15mVp-p, far better than industry standards.
The ActiveShield 2.0 smart temperature control system deserves special mention. Under a 1-hour full-load test at 100W, peak temperatures stayed between 66.1°C and 68.8°C. While this feels hot to the touch, it’s well within safe limits for this power class, and the conservative temperature strategy prioritizes long-term reliability.
However, one notable weak point: when C2 and USB-A are used together, total output is just 24W. If your charging scenario happens to pair these two ports, the experience takes a significant hit.
User Reviews
“Essential for travel — small size, big power, one charger handles laptop + phone + tablet.” — JD.com user
“A bit pricey but worth it. Build quality is top-notch.” — Tmall user
“Best travel charger I’ve ever owned. Charges my MacBook Pro and iPhone simultaneously.” — Amazon user
“Gets warm under load but that’s expected for GaN. Never had any issues.” — Amazon user
Amazon’s overall rating is 4.5/5 (based on tens of thousands of reviews), while JD.com/Tmall have 98%+ positive feedback. The most commonly praised features are the intelligent power distribution and excellent build quality. Drawbacks cited most often are the high price and the limited C2+USB-A combined output.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 120W high power supporting simultaneous fast charging of laptop, tablet, and phone
- Power density of 1.07 W/cm³ for a compact footprint
- Foldable plug for easy portability
- Broad fast-charging protocol compatibility
- ActiveShield 2.0 smart temperature control for safety
- Ultra-low standby power consumption
- Aviation-grade soft-touch finish
- Included suction base for desktop stability
Cons
- Premium pricing — 30-50% more expensive than competitors at comparable power levels
- C2+USB-A output limited to 24W, restricting certain use cases
- Noticeable heat under heavy load (~68°C)
- Only 2C1A — some users want more USB-C ports
- Limited purchase channels outside China
FAQ
Q1: Can the Anker 737 charge a MacBook Pro 16? At full speed? Yes. Single USB-C port delivers up to 100W, while the MacBook Pro 16 peaks at about 96W — fully sufficient for full-speed charging. 0-100% takes roughly 2 hours.
Q2: How is power distributed when charging three devices simultaneously? With C1+C2+USB-A all active, total output is 120W max. PowerIQ 4.0 intelligently allocates power, prioritizing high-power devices like laptops first. Actual distribution depends on each connected device’s protocol negotiation.
Q3: Does this charger support Huawei/OPPO/vivo fast charging? USB-C supports FCP/SCP protocols, enabling fast charging for Huawei phones. However, Huawei’s proprietary SCP 40W/66W and OPPO/vivo’s private protocols are not supported — these devices will charge at standard PD/QC speeds.
Q4: Can I bring it on a flight? Yes. The Anker 737 is a charger (not a power bank), so it’s generally allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage under aviation safety regulations. Carry-on is recommended for customs inspection.
Q5: What is ActiveShield 2.0 temperature control? Anker’s smart temperature management system monitors temperature data over 70 times per second, automatically reducing output when temperature thresholds are reached to protect both devices and the charger itself. Real-world full-load temperatures hit 68°C, well below safety limits.
Verdict and Rating
The Anker 737 GaNPrime 120W is among the most well-rounded 100W+ multi-port chargers on the market today. It strikes an excellent balance between power, size, build quality, and safety — making it especially suitable for MacBook users and multi-device travelers. The price is admittedly steep, but if you value quality and long-term reliability, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5)
- Charging Performance: 4.8/5
- Build & Design: 4.7/5
- Protocol Compatibility: 4.5/5
- Value for Money: 4.0/5
- Portability: 4.5/5