Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 Review
About Rahul Verma: Rahul is a tech enthusiast and gadget reviewer with over 8 years of experience testing consumer electronics. He specializes in audio gear, smartwatches, and mobile accessories. When he is not testing products, you will find him exploring the latest in AI and smart home technology.
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000
Premium ★ 4.5/5The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 brings Anker's premium build quality and battery technology to a more accessible price point. With 18W USB-PD charging and Anker's PowerIQ technology, it's the choice for users who prioritize reliability and brand reputation.
- Capacity: 20000mAh
- Battery Type: Lithium Polymer
- Output Ports: 2x USB-A, 1x USB Type-C
- Output Power: 18W Max
- Input Port: USB Type-C
The Quick Verdict
Most power banks are designed for phones. The Anker 737 Power Bank is different — it's a 24000mAh power bank with 140W USB-PD output that can charge a MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, or gaming laptop at full speed. After three weeks of testing with multiple laptops and phones, here's the honest take: this is one of the most capable portable chargers you can buy in India, period. The 140W output works as advertised, the smart display shows useful info, and the build quality is genuinely premium. For power users with laptops, this is the gold standard.
Who Should Buy?
| Buy If | Skip If |
|---|---|
| You own a laptop that charges via USB-C (MacBook, Dell XPS, ThinkPad, etc.) | You only need to charge phones (overkill, cheaper options exist) |
| You want 140W output for fast laptop charging | You don't need laptop charging |
| You appreciate premium build quality and a smart display | You want a budget option (URBN 65W is half the price) |
| You're okay with the ₹7,699 price for the capability | You want wireless charging |
What's In The Box
- Anker 737 Power Bank
- USB-C to USB-C cable, 1.5m (a nice touch for laptop users)
- Travel pouch (a quality touch)
- User manual and warranty card
- No wall adapter (you'll need a 140W USB-PD charger for fastest input)
Build & Design
The Anker 737 has a premium metal-finish body with rounded edges. The finish is matte black with subtle Anker branding. The smart digital display on the top edge shows battery percentage, wattage in/out, and time remaining. The 3 ports (1x USB-A + 2x USB-C) are clustered on one short edge.
At 630g and 50mm thick, it's a substantial brick — but for 24000mAh at 140W, the form factor is reasonable. The dimensions (156 x 65 x 50 mm) are laptop-bag-friendly. The build feels genuinely premium — solid metal, no flex, no creaking.
Charging Speed
The 140W USB-PD output is the headline feature. Tested with a MacBook Pro 14" (which supports 96W USB-C charging):
- 0% to 50%: 30 minutes
- 0% to 100%: 1 hour 30 minutes
Almost as fast as the wall adapter. The 140W output can also charge gaming laptops (ASUS ROG, Razer Blade) at their full rated wattage — something most power banks can't do.
With a Dell XPS 15 (130W charging), full charge in about 1 hour 25 minutes. With a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (65W charging), full charge in about 1 hour 35 minutes. The 140W output is overkill for most ultrabooks, but it's a real upgrade for power users.
Capacity Test
24000mAh rated. Tested by charging a dead MacBook Pro 14" (70Wh battery):
- 0% to 100%: full charge (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Remaining: ~15% (about 3600mAh)
Real-world capacity: about 1 full MacBook Pro charge plus a partial phone charge. For a MacBook Air (50Wh), about 1.3 full charges.
Input Charging
Recharging takes about 1.5 hours with a 140W USB-PD adapter. With a 65W adapter, about 3 hours. The fast input is genuinely useful — you can fully recharge during a lunch break.
Ports & Connectivity
2x USB Type-C (140W + 100W) + 1x USB-A (18W). The dual USB-C ports allow simultaneous laptop and phone charging. The smart display shows wattage per port in real-time.
Safety
Anker MultiProtect 11-point safety system. BIS certification is visible. In three weeks of testing with multiple laptop cycles, no issues.
The Competition
| Alternative | Price | Why Consider It |
|---|---|---|
| URBN 50000mAh 65W | ~₹4,799 | Much more capacity, 65W (not 140W), half the price |
| Ambrane Stylo Max 50K | ~₹4,299 | More capacity, only 22.5W (no laptop charging) |
| Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 | ~₹4,999 | Anker brand, 18W only, no laptop charging |
| Mi Boost Pro 30000mAh | ~₹2,799 | More capacity, 18W only, established brand |
Bottom Line
The Anker 737 Power Bank is the gold standard for portable laptop charging in India. The 140W output works as advertised, the smart display is genuinely useful, and the build quality is premium. For power users with laptops, this is a real upgrade over 65W alternatives. The ₹7,699 price is high, but for the capability, it's worth it.
Rating: 8.7/10 — Best portable laptop charger in India.
Pros
- 140W USB-PD output (laptop charging at full speed)
- Smart display with real-time wattage
- Premium metal build
- 18-month warranty
- Dual USB-C ports for simultaneous charging
- Travel pouch included
Cons
- Premium price (₹7,699)
- 630g is heavy for daily carry
- 50mm thick (substantial brick)
- Overkill if you only need phone charging
- No wireless charging
Verdict
The Anker 737 is the best portable charger you can buy in India for laptop use. The 140W output, smart display, and premium build justify the high price for power users. If you only need phone charging, the URBN 65W or Anker PowerCore Essential are more sensible choices. If you need laptop charging at full speed, this is the gold standard.
8.7/10
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