The market for Gallium Nitride (GaN) power chargers has evolved at a rapid pace over the last few years, moving away from bulky, traditional silicon bricks toward ultra-compact pocket-sized accessories that can deliver substantial wattage without generating excessive heat. Among the companies constantly iterating on this form factor is UGREEN, which has introduced a steady stream of power solutions, including its high-powered 160W Nexode Pro charger. However, for everyday carry convenience, the brand’s latest offering—the UGREEN Nexode Air 65W—represents its smallest endeavor in this specific category yet.
Priced competitively at just $24 down from its standard $39 retail price and inclusive of a USB-C to USB-C cable, the Nexode Air 65W presents a compelling option for consumers seeking a reliable, high-output charger to keep on hand at all times. Yet, it is not the only option in this newly refined ultra-compact tier. Competing directly against it is Rolling Square’s 65W charger, an alternative that shares a remarkably similar physical footprint while offering its own distinct design choices and a substantially higher price point.
When examining the physical dimensions and architecture of both devices, the similarities are immediately striking. Rolling Square’s 65W model features dimensions of roughly 60.5mm in length and 35mm in height and width, tipping the scales at just 70 grams. The primary external differentiator between the two rivals lies in the grip; Rolling Square incorporates a textured design along the sides of its charger, which is intended to make it easier to locate by touch when digging around the bottom of a crowded bag.
According to the manufacturer, this textured exterior also aids in thermal management by allowing the charger to run cooler during intensive tasks. However, real-world, side-by-side testing reveals minimal practical difference in operational temperatures. When both chargers were put to the test simultaneously to power a pair of Google Pixel devices, their thermal performance remained comparable. Furthermore, both accessories are constructed from sturdy plastic and share nearly identical dimensions, though minor variations emerge depending on the regional prongs chosen by the user.
The plug configuration plays a noticeable role in the overall weight and pocketability of these accessories. When outfitted with U.S. blade prongs that fold inward directly into the chassis, the chargers achieve maximum portability. In contrast, the European-style variants feature rigid pins that jut out considerably from the body. The EU-style Rolling Square unit, for instance, weighs slightly more at 73 grams, while the UGREEN Nexode Air sits marginally heavier at 77 grams. Despite these minor discrepancies, both options are noticeably smaller and lighter than just about anything else in their power category. In fact, they measure roughly half the size and weigh less than a third of a traditional, non-GaN charger of equivalent output.
Each of these ultra-compact models features a single USB-C port. While some power users might lament the absence of a secondary port—particularly those who routinely travel with multiple devices requiring simultaneous replenishment—the engineering choice is understandable. Restricting the architecture to a single port is the primary reason these brands were able to maintain such an impressively slim and unobtrusive profile.
Between the two contenders, aesthetic and tactile preferences can heavily influence a buyer’s final decision. The textured sides of the Rolling Square charger make it notably secure to hold and manipulate when plugging it into awkward wall outlets behind furniture or in tight airport terminal spaces. On the technical side, it delivers the standard suite of 65W USB Power Delivery 3.0 power profiles: 5V/3A at 15W, 9V/3A at 27W, 12V/3A at 36W, 15V/3A at 45W, and 20V/3.25A at 65W. Additionally, it supports Programmable Power Supply (PPS), making it an exceptionally strong choice for modern Samsung smartphones that rely on rapid charging protocols.
On the other hand, the UGREEN Nexode Air 65W counters with its own set of distinct advantages. For starters, it is available in four different colorways, allowing users to coordinate their charging accessories with their Apple iPhone or MacBook Air hardware. Beyond aesthetics, the Nexode Air matches the 65W output via USB PD 3.0 while also incorporating the newer USB PD 3.2 AVS (Adjustable Voltage Supply) fast-charging protocol. For owners of newer hardware like the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro, this advanced protocol can translate to a noticeable difference in charging speeds and efficiency.
In rigorous real-world testing across a wide array of modern hardware—including the iPhone 17 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Oppo Find X9 Ultra running at up to 50W over USB PD, the M4 iPad Pro, and roughly a dozen external power banks—both chargers proved to be remarkably reliable. They deliver consistent, dependable power across diverse ecosystems without unexpected throttling or disconnects. The Nexode Air maintains a slight edge for overnight charging habits, however, as it intelligently switches to a gentle trickle-charging mode when a device is left connected for extended periods once capacity reaches 100 percent.
Ultimately, choosing between the UGREEN Nexode Air 65W and the Rolling Square alternative comes down to a straightforward value proposition. While Rolling Square has engineered a very capable and tactile accessory, its $49 asking price makes it twice as expensive as its primary competitor. With the UGREEN Nexode Air available at a heavily discounted rate of just $24, it secures a distinct market advantage for budget-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on build quality, protocol support, or ultra-compact portability.
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