REVIEW · POWER BANKS · A1259 / A1638

Anker Nano 10K Review: A1259 vs A1638

This Anker Nano 10K review puts the two portable charger models side by side: the A1259 (30W, 7.6 oz, fixed cable) and the A1638 (45W, 8.2 oz, retractable InstaCord cable). The right choice depends on how you charge and how you carry.

Written by Alisdair, network engineer With Darleene, everyday-use contributor Updated November 14, 2026

Every performance figure comes from named independent testing, not a spec sheet; specs are verified against Anker UK, the manufacturer and Amazon listings. See our method ›

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Anker Nano 10K review hero: the A1638 (45W) portable charger with its retractable InstaCord USB-C cable
SGK SCORE7.8 / 10
PEAK OUTPUT45 W
BUILT-IN CABLERetractable InstaCord
SGK / NANO 10K TEST UNITS
SCROLL FOR THE VERDICT

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THE SHORT VERSION

Of the two Anker Nano 10K portable charger models, the A1638 (45W) scores 7.8 out of 10 and the A1259 (30W) 7.4. The A1638 is the stronger buy for fast charging and cable convenience, the A1259 for a flatter, lighter carry. Neither will sustain a laptop under load.

SGK RECOMMENDED
Anker Nano 10K A1638 45W portable charger on a desk, plugged in over USB-C with its battery display showing the charge level
Anker Nano 10K A163845W

Best for fast charging and cable convenience

  • 45W output, up to 40W for iPhone 17 series
  • Built-in retractable InstaCord cable
  • Pass-through charging tops up your device first

WatchThicker body that does not lie flat

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Deal spotted · 14 Nov 2026, 07:20 GMT · Amazon.co.uk · refreshes daily
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Price and availability are accurate as of the date and time shown and are subject to change. Any price and availability shown on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

VALUE PICK
Anker Nano 10K A1259 30W portable charger on a desk beside a keyboard, its built-in cable coiled and battery display lit
Anker Nano 10K A125930W

Best for a flatter, lighter carry

  • 0.6 oz (17 g) lighter, and lies flat
  • 30W charging with a built-in USB-C cable
  • Does most of the same job for less

WatchSlower 30W, and the cable does not retract

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About this price

Price and availability are accurate as of the date and time shown and are subject to change. Any price and availability shown on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

HEAD TO HEAD

How the two models score across four criteria, each out of 10.

How the A1638 scores

Charging Speed8.0
Carry Rating7.0
Value for Money7.5
Port & Cable Design8.5

How the A1259 scores

Charging Speed7.0
Carry Rating7.5
Value for Money8.0
Port & Cable Design7.0
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Key takeaways

Six things worth knowing before you pick one.

45W Charging speed

How fast does it fill your phone? A1259 30W, A1638 45W. Up to 40W into an iPhone 17 on the A1638, against 30W on the A1259.

Source: Anker product pages
46.5 mAh/g Power to weight

How much battery do you get for the weight you carry? A1259 46.5 mAh/g, A1638 43.1 mAh/g. Both sit in the typical 40 to 50 band for a pocket 10K; the rewind mechanism costs the A1638 a little.

Source: Our calculation from Anker’s figures
About 2 hours Recharge time

How long until the bank itself is full again? A1259 Not timed, A1638 About 2 hours. The A1638 slows its input to 19W after about 10 minutes to stay cool. The A1259 takes the same 30W input but nobody has timed it.

Source: TechRadar, October 2025
About 2.4 Phone charges

How many times will it refill an iPhone 17? A1259 About 2.4, A1638 About 2.4. Same 10,000mAh cell, same answer: about two and a half charges, or 13 for an AirPods Pro 2 case.

Source: Our estimate at about 80% efficiency
Retractable 27.6 in Built-in cable

Will you ever forget the cable again? A1259 Fixed USB-C, A1638 Retractable 27.6 in. The A1638 cable pulls out to 27.6 in (70 cm) and is rated for 20,000 bends and pulls.

Source: Anker product pages
Yes, 36Wh Flight safe

Can it go in your carry-on? A1259 Yes, 36Wh, A1638 Yes, 36Wh. Both sit far below the 100Wh carry-on limit. Keep it in the cabin, never in checked bags.

Source: FAA PackSafe guidance
QUICK SPECS

Quick specs

The paper numbers for both Anker Nano 10K models.

A1259 (30W)Our pick A1638 (45W)
Capacity10,000mAh, 36Wh10,000mAh, 36Wh
Max output30W45W Wins
iPhone 17 charging30W40W Wins
Weight (lighter wins)7.6 oz (215 g) Wins8.2 oz (232 g)
Thickness (thinner wins)1.0 in (26 mm) Wins1.4 in (36 mm)
Built-in cableFixed USB-CRetractable, 27.6 in (70 cm) Wins
Airline statusWithin 100Wh carry-onWithin 100Wh carry-on

Specs confirmed against Anker’s product pages for the A1259 and A1638. Measured figures come from TechRadar’s October 2025 review of the A1638. Lit values win the row. See how we test and score.

WHAT THE NANO 10K IS BUILT FOR01 / 03
01 / SPEED
45W / PEAK OUTPUT
01 / SPEED

Charging performance

The A1638 delivers 45W to a single device through its built-in USB-C cable. Anker confirms up to 40W for the iPhone 17 series and 45W for compatible Samsung devices, while the A1259 peaks at 30W.

TechRadar’s October 2025 review of the A1638 found overall performance good for phones, but noted that thermal throttling can pull output down quickly from the 45W peak. Recharging the bank itself slowed to 19W after about 10 minutes, for a full recharge in roughly two hours. It got a little warm near maximum load but never felt overly hot.

Connect a second device through the USB-A port and total output is shared: 24W on the A1259, 22.5W on the A1638. That covers a phone plus earbuds, but two phones at full speed is not what either model is built for.

No outlet has published a measured conversion-efficiency figure for either model, so we are not quoting one. The estimates below assume about 80% efficiency, the typical figure for this class, and they come out the same for both models.

45WPeak output, A1638
02 / CABLES

Design and build

Both models share Anker’s Nano design language: a rounded rectangular body, a soft-touch matte finish and a color LED display. The A1259 measures 4.1 x 2.1 x 1.0 in (104 x 52.3 x 26 mm), the A1638 a shorter but thicker 3.2 x 2.0 x 1.4 in (81 x 50 x 36 mm).

The fixed cable on the A1259 exits the curved short edge and folds flat against the body when not in use. The A1638’s InstaCord cable sits flush in the same edge and pulls out to 27.6 in (70 cm) with firm, smooth resistance.

A USB-A port and the USB-C input sit side by side on the flat short edge of both units. The A1638 adds a rubber cap over its USB-C input, which the A1259 lacks.

Build quality matches Anker’s mid-range standard, with no flex in the chassis on either unit. Anker rates the InstaCord mechanism for 20,000 bends and 20,000 pulls, a higher durability rating than most built-in cables at this price.

Anker Nano 10K A1259 30W portable charger on a cafe table with its built-in USB-C cable and ports visible, two people chatting over coffee behind
The A1259: fixed USB-C cable and USB-A port on the short edge.
27.6 inInstaCord reach
03 / CARRY

Portability and travel use

At 7.6 oz (215 g) and 8.2 oz (232 g), both models are light enough for daily carry without becoming the heaviest thing in a bag. The A1259’s flat profile disappears into a jeans pocket or slim bag sleeve, while the A1638’s thicker body sits better in a jacket or rucksack pocket.

In power-to-weight terms the A1259 returns 46.5 mAh per gram and the A1638 43.1, both typical for the pocket 10K class. The gap is the cost of the retractable mechanism, and it is a fair trade if you will use the cable daily.

Neither model needs a separate cable, which is the point of the design: the lead you need is always attached. The A1638’s rewind keeps it tidy, while the A1259’s folds flat against the body.

Darleene, a nurse, carries power banks and a tablet on a hospital shift
Darleene, SGK contributor, keeps a compact power bank in her bag on 12-hour shifts.
Darleene
Darleene’s takeI carry a lot on a 12-hour shift, so a heavy bank dragging my bag down is the last thing I need. The Nano 10K goes in and I stop thinking about it, and the built-in cable is the part that counts: no rummaging for a lead at 2am.
7.6 ozThe A1259, the lighter model
FIRST IMPRESSIONS

First impressions

The Anker Nano Power Bank (10K, 45W), model code A1638, and the Anker Nano Power Bank (10K, 30W), model code A1259, both arrive in Anker’s standard retail box with a short USB-C cable for recharging the bank itself. No wall charger is included, so you need a 30W source to refill either bank in reasonable time.

The A1259 stands out for how flat it is: a 1.0 in (26 mm) profile that sits flush in a palm or jacket pocket. The A1638 is more block-shaped at 1.4 in (36 mm) thick, the cost of fitting the retractable cable mechanism inside the housing.

Both units have a physical button that wakes the LED display: press once to check remaining charge, hold to start output. The A1638 display is light-sensitive and brightens outdoors, where the A1259 screen can need a second look.

Darleene, SGK contributor Darleene asks
“They look identical to me in the photos. What am I really choosing between?”

Alisdair’s answer: Shape and speed. The A1259 is the flat one: 30W, 7.6 oz (215 g), made to disappear into a pocket. The A1638 is the quick one: 45W and a cable that rewinds itself, in a thicker 8.2 oz (232 g) body.

Speed is the part you notice day to day. If you charge an iPhone 17 or a recent Samsung flagship, the A1638 tops it up at up to 40W or 45W, where the A1259 caps at 30W.

If your phone charges at 30W or less anyway, or the bank lives in a tight pocket, the A1259 is the better buy and the thicker body would buy you nothing.

2.4 full charges

iPhone 17. 3,279mAh.

2.4 full charges

iPhone 15 Pro. 3,274mAh.

2 full charges

Samsung Galaxy S24. 4,000mAh.

13 full charges

AirPods Pro 2 case. 610mAh.

1.5 full charges

iPad mini 7. 5,124mAh.

Estimates from a full 10,000mAh bank at about 80% conversion efficiency. Capacity data: manufacturer specifications. Neither model sustains laptop charging under active load.

Darleene
Darleene’s version:The 45W one fills your phone faster and its cable winds itself away; the 30W one is slower but flatter in your pocket. Both charge a phone about twice over.
PASS-THROUGH CHARGING

Pass-through charging

The A1638 supports pass-through charging. With a device plugged in while the bank itself recharges, it prioritizes the device to about 80%, then redirects power to refill the bank, per Anker’s official documentation.

Anker does not list pass-through for the A1259, so treat that model as charge first, then use. If topping up a device while the bank recharges matters to you, the A1638 is the one to pick.

Both models accept 30W input, so a full recharge from flat takes about 2.5 to 3 hours with a 30W charger, which suits an overnight charge cycle. Anker says the A1259 reaches about 50% in 45 minutes.

AIRLINE CARRY-ON

Airline carry-on

At about 36Wh, both Nano 10K models sit well inside the 100Wh carry-on limit that applies on UK, EU and US carriers, so there is no separate airline approval step: every power bank under 100Wh is automatically cleared to fly. Banks must travel in your carry-on, never in checked bags.

American Airlines

Two banks. Use it, keep it visible.

Permitted

Delta

Two banks. Use at cruise only.

Permitted

United

Two banks. Use it, keep it in reach.

Permitted

Southwest

One bank only, since April.

Permitted

British Airways

Two banks. Not from seat power.

Permitted

Ryanair

Two banks. Not during taxi or take-off.

Permitted

All six clear the Nano 10K’s 36Wh without an approval form. None of them lets you recharge the bank itself from a seat outlet, and none allows it in an overhead bin.

Keep it under the seat in front or in the seat pocket. Every row was checked against that airline’s own page in October 2026; the full 25-airline table lives in our guide to taking a power bank on a plane.

The US limit comes from the FAA PackSafe lithium battery guidance.

Full rules are in our Can you take a power bank on a plane? guide. Check any capacity in seconds with our mAh to Wh calculator.

FULL SPECIFICATIONS

Full specifications and safety

Anker’s official figures: the A1259 weighs 7.6 oz (215 g) and measures 4.1 x 2.1 x 1.0 in (104 x 52.3 x 26 mm), a flat slab that sits neatly behind a phone. The A1638 weighs 8.2 oz (232 g) at 3.2 x 2.0 x 1.4 in (81 x 50 x 36 mm), shorter but chunkier. Both carry a 10,000mAh cell, about 36Wh.

Anker Nano 10K A1259 A1259 30WAnker Nano 10K A1638 Our pick A1638 45W
Power
Capacity10,000mAh, 36Wh10,000mAh, 36Wh
Max output (single port)30W45W Wins
iPhone 17 max charge30W40W Wins
USB-A output22.5W22.5W
Combined output (2 ports)24W Wins22.5W
Input30W30W
Ports and cable
Ports1x USB-C, 1x USB-A1x USB-C, 1x USB-A
Built-in cableFixed USB-CRetractable InstaCord, 27.6 in (70 cm) Wins
Cable durabilityNot rated20,000 bends and pulls Wins
Size and weight
Weight7.6 oz (215 g) Wins8.2 oz (232 g)
Dimensions4.1 x 2.1 x 1.0 in (104 x 52.3 x 26 mm)3.2 x 2.0 x 1.4 in (81 x 50 x 36 mm)
Features and travel
DisplayColor LEDLight-sensitive color LED Wins
Thermal managementStandardActiveShield 3.0 Wins
Pass-through chargingNot listedDevice first to ~80% Wins
Warranty18 months18 months
Airline compliantYes, within 100WhYes, within 100Wh

Sources: Anker’s product pages for the A1259 and A1638, accessed June 2026. Measured figures: TechRadar’s review of the A1638 (October 2025). Lit values win the row; ties stay neutral.

Safety certifications

Both models meet the relevant safety standards for UK and EU sale, per Anker’s UK product pages: CE marking, FCC certification, RoHS compliance and UN38.3 air-transport battery certification. The A1638 adds ActiveShield 3.0 thermal management.

Neither model appears on Anker’s official recall page, which lists every model covered by Anker’s voluntary power bank recalls; checked September 2026. Anker publishes safety notices there, and both models carry an 18-month warranty. Confirm the certification marks on the unit and packaging when yours arrives.

SCORING

Anker Nano 10K review scores: how we rated both models

Each overall score is the average of four sub-scores on our current rubric: 7.8 for the A1638, 7.4 for the A1259.

Charging Speed
A16388.0
A12597.0
The A1638 pushes up to 40W into an iPhone 17, per Anker; the A1259 caps at 30W.
Carry Rating
A16387.0
A12597.5
The A1259 is 0.6 oz (17 g) lighter and lies flat; the A1638 is a thicker block that stands upright.
Value for Money
A16387.5
A12598.0
The A1259 does most of the same job at lower spend; the A1638’s premium pays off only if you use the retractable cable daily.
Port & Cable Design
A16388.5
A12597.0
The A1638’s retractable 27.6 in (70 cm) InstaCord beats the A1259’s fixed cable you cannot extend.

Anker Nano A1638 review: 7.8 out of 10

Our pick

Port and cable design is where the A1638 earns its premium, scoring 8.5: the retractable InstaCord is rated for 20,000 bends and 20,000 pulls and carries the full 45W. No fixed-cable rival at this price matches it, including the A1259.

Charging speed scores 8.0. Its 45W output is the fastest available in a 10,000mAh bank with a built-in cable, though TechRadar’s October 2025 review notes that thermal throttling can pull it below that peak.

Carry rating is the A1638’s weakest score at 7.0. At 8.2 oz (232 g) and 1.4 in (36 mm) thick it sits upright rather than flat, the honest cost of the rewind mechanism. Value scores 7.5, because the premium only pays off if you will use the retractable cable daily.

Anker Nano A1259 review: 7.4 out of 10

Value pick

Value is the A1259’s best score at 8.0: a built-in cable, a bonus USB-A port and 30W output at lower spend.

Carry is its other strength at 7.5: a flat 7.6 oz (215 g) slab, 1.0 in (26 mm) thick, that disappears into a pocket. Charging speed and the fixed cable both score 7.0, which is where it gives ground to the A1638.

That is how the A1638 edges it, 7.8 to 7.4. Buy the A1638 for speed and cable convenience, the A1259 for a flatter, lighter carry at lower spend, and look elsewhere if you need to power a laptop.

THE VERDICT

The verdict

The Anker Nano 10K solves a real problem: the cable you need is always attached. Both models deliver their rated speeds in independent testing, and both sit well within the airline carry-on limit.

The A1638 is the stronger buy for fast charging: 45W output, up to 40W for the iPhone 17 series, and the retractable InstaCord cable. The cost is a thicker body and a higher spend over the A1259.

The A1259 is the easy recommendation for everyday carry: flatter, lighter and cheaper, giving up 15W of peak speed most phones will never use. If you fast-charge an iPhone 17 or a premium Samsung daily, pick the A1638; everyone else should save the difference.

SHOULD YOU BUY IT?

Should you buy the Anker Nano 10K?

The honest split.

Buy it if

You charge an iPhone 17 or premium Samsung and want 45W without a separate cable (A1638)

You want a flat, light bank that disappears into a pocket or slim bag (A1259)

You fly regularly and want a bank that clears the 100Wh limit with no sums (either model)

Skip it if

You need laptop charging: neither model sustains a laptop under load

You mainly charge USB-A devices and have no use for 45W

You want a replaceable cable: the built-in lead cannot be swapped if it fails

WHICH MODEL

Which Anker Nano 10K should you buy: 30W vs 45W?

Quick answer: the Anker A1259 vs A1638 choice is an Anker Nano 30W vs 45W decision. Buy the A1638 if you want 45W fast charging and a retractable cable; buy the A1259 if you prioritize a flatter, lighter carry and do not need more than 30W.

The A1638 scores 7.8 and the A1259 7.4, and both are recommended. The right choice depends on how you charge your phone and where you carry the bank.

Daily commute, light bag

Get the A1259. A1259: Best fit, flat 7.6 oz. A1638: Good, thicker.

iPhone 17 fast charging

Get the A1638. A1259: 30W, good. A1638: 40W, optimized.

Samsung flagship

Get the A1638. A1259: 30W. A1638: 45W, full spec.

No separate cable needed

Get the A1638. A1259: Fixed cable. A1638: Retractable, 27.6 in.

Tight bag or pants pocket

Get the A1259. A1259: Best fit, flat. A1638: Stands upright.

Budget conscious

Get the A1259. A1259: The value pick. A1638: Premium for the cable.

Airline carry-on travel

Either works. A1259: Permitted. A1638: Permitted.

HOW IT COMPARES

How the Anker Nano 10K compares

Our pick Nano 10K A1638 45W INIU Pocket Rocket P50 45W Zendure SuperMini 10K 20W
Power
Capacity10,000mAh10,000mAh10,000mAh
Max output45W Wins45W Wins20W
Size and weight
Weight8.2 oz (232 g)~5.6 oz (~160 g) Wins~6.3 oz (~180 g)
Dimensions3.2 x 2.0 x 1.4 in (81 x 50 x 36 mm)3.3 x 2.0 x 1.0 in (84 x 51 x 25 mm)3.1 x 2.2 x 1.0 in (79 x 56 x 26 mm)
Cable and features
Built-in cableYes, retractable, 27.6 in (70 cm) WinsNo (detachable lanyard)No
Cable durability20,000 bends and pulls WinsN/AN/A
DisplayLight-sensitive color WinsNoNo
Best forFast charging, cable convenienceLightest 45W optionUltra-compact, low power

The INIU Pocket Rocket P50 matches the 45W output at roughly 5.6 oz (160 g), but its cable is a detachable lanyard rather than a built-in rewind. The Zendure SuperMini 10K is the compact low-power option at 20W.

IF THIS ONE IS NOT THE FIT

Alternatives worth a look

Where the Nano 10K is the wrong fit, one of these is usually right.

UGREEN Nexode 100W 20000mAh power bank
High capacity

UGREEN Nexode 100W Power Bank

Doubles capacity to 20,000mAh with 100W output and four ports. Better suited to multi-day trips or charging a laptop and phone together.

ugreenCheck latest price amazonCheck price 📖 Read our review
Anker 737 PowerCore 24K power bank
For laptop charging

Anker 737 PowerCore 24K

Steps up to 24,000mAh and 140W, enough to charge a MacBook Pro alongside a phone. The natural choice if laptop top-ups are the requirement neither Nano 10K model can meet.

amazonCheck price 📖 Read our review
Best power banks for travel 2026 roundup
Travel pick

Best Power Banks for Travel 2026

Not sure the Nano 10K fits your travel setup? Our roundup covers top-rated options across compact, mid-capacity and high-output classes, with airline compliance confirmed for each pick.

📖 Read the roundup
STRAIGHT ANSWERS

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to what buyers search for.

What is the difference between the Anker A1259 and A1638?

Both are 10,000mAh power banks with a built-in USB-C cable. The A1259 delivers 30W from a flat, pocketable 7.6 oz (215 g) body with a fixed cable.

The A1638 delivers 45W from a shorter, thicker 8.2 oz (232 g) body with a retractable InstaCord cable and ActiveShield 3.0 thermal management. It costs more but offers faster charging and greater cable convenience.

How fast does the Anker Nano 10K charge an iPhone 17?

The A1638 charges the iPhone 17 series at up to 40W, per Anker’s official specifications. The A1259 maxes out at 30W for iPhone 17.

Both are far quicker than a standard 5W or 12W charger. Actual charge times depend on battery state and ambient temperature.

Can I take the Anker Nano 10K on a plane?

Yes. At about 36Wh, both the A1259 and A1638 sit well within the 100Wh limit that applies on most carriers in the UK, EU and US.

Always carry power banks in your carry-on, not in checked bags. See our power bank airline guide for a full breakdown by carrier.

Does the Anker Nano 10K support PPS and Samsung Super Fast Charging?

The A1638 does, through its USB-C port and built-in cable only. Anker’s product page says that port supports Samsung Fast Charging 2.0 at up to 45W for Samsung phones, which is the fast mode a Galaxy uses. Anker does not use the term PPS on that page.

The USB-A port on the A1638 does not support it, and Anker lists no Samsung fast-charging mode for the A1259, which tops out at 30W. If you charge a recent Galaxy, the A1638 is the one to buy.

Does the Anker Nano 10K support pass-through charging?

The A1638 does. In pass-through mode it prioritizes the plugged-in device until it reaches about 80%, then redirects power to refill the bank itself, per Anker’s official documentation.

Anker does not list pass-through for the A1259, so treat it as charge first, then use. If charging a device while the bank tops up matters to you, pick the A1638.

How long does the Anker Nano 10K take to fully recharge?

Anker rates both models for 30W input, so a 30W or higher PD charger refills the bank from flat in roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. Anker says the A1259 reaches about 50% in 45 minutes. A slower charger or a low-power laptop port extends that considerably.

Is there an Anker Nano 10K recall?

No. Neither the A1259 nor the A1638 appears on Anker’s official recall page, which lists every model covered by Anker’s voluntary power bank recalls. Checked September 2026.

No action is required for either model.

What are the common problems with the Anker Nano 10K?

The main practical limitation is combined output: total power drops when two devices are connected at once, to 24W on the A1259 and 22.5W on the A1638.

The A1638 runs warm during sustained 45W charging, noted in TechRadar’s October 2025 testing as expected behavior for ActiveShield 3.0. Neither model powers a laptop under active load.

Does the Anker A1638 work with Samsung fast charging?

Yes. The A1638 delivers up to 45W to compatible Samsung devices through its USB-C cable, matching Samsung’s flagship fast-charging specification.

That makes it one of the more capable 10,000mAh options for Samsung users.

How many times can the Anker Nano 10K charge my phone?

From the 10,000mAh cell, expect about 2.4 full charges for an iPhone 17 and about 2.0 for a Galaxy S24, at roughly 80% conversion efficiency. Smaller devices like AirPods Pro 2 stretch to about 13 charges.

How much does the Anker Nano 10K weigh, and what size is it?

The A1259 weighs 7.6 oz (215 g) and measures 4.1 x 2.1 x 1.0 in (104 x 52.3 x 26 mm). The A1638 weighs 8.2 oz (232 g) and measures 3.2 x 2.0 x 1.4 in (81 x 50 x 36 mm).

The A1259 is the longer, flatter of the two; the A1638 trades a thicker body for the retractable cable. Both are flight-safe at about 36Wh.

Which Anker Nano model do I have: A1259, A1387 or A1638?

All three are Nano power banks with a built-in USB-C cable, and the code is printed on the label on the base. A1259 is the Nano 10K (30W) with a fixed cable, and A1638 is the Nano 10K (45W) with the retractable InstaCord cable; those are the two models this review compares.

A1387 is the larger Nano 20K (30W). If that is your model, our best 20,000mAh power banks roundup is the right starting point.

Can the Anker Nano 10K charge a laptop?

For a top-up, yes: the A1638’s 45W USB-C output can refill a compatible laptop while it sleeps or runs light tasks. Neither model will sustain a laptop under load; that is where a higher-wattage bank takes over.

Our best 20,000mAh power banks guide covers the models that do.

STILL DECIDING

Final word

The Anker Nano 10K earns its reputation as a portable charger by keeping the cable attached: whichever model you pick, you always have a lead to hand. Both matched their rated speeds in independent testing, and both are safe to fly with.

Fast chargers and cable minimalists should shortlist the A1638; light packers on a tighter budget should take the A1259. See how we test, or see where both rank in our best power banks 2026 roundup.

KEEP READING

Keep reading

Three guides that pick up where this review ends. Or browse all our power bank guides and reviews.

WHO WROTE THIS

Tested by people who know what the numbers mean

SmartGadgetKit checks every spec against the manufacturer and independent sources, and tells you the trade-offs, not only the wins. Our verdicts combine hands-on testing by the SGK team with manufacturer and retailer specs.

How we test
Alisdair, SmartGadgetKit author
AlisdairNetwork engineer, 9 years
Darleene, SmartGadgetKit contributor
DarleeneNurse, everyday-use contributor

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