The Sharge Retractable 3-in-1 is the coolest power bank that you might regret throwing in your bag
Source: Android Authority
Why Choosing a Power Bank Is Hard
The market is saturated with options:
- Wireless charging (including Qi2 support)
- Built‑in displays
- Integrated cables
- Various form‑factors and aesthetics
Most reviews focus solely on specs, but Sharge takes a different approach: design and style are just as important as performance.
Design Comparison
| Product | Design Theme | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sharge Retractable 3‑in‑1 | Minimalist, reminiscent of the Nothing Phone | Retractable connectors, sleek aluminum body |
| Shargeek 170 | Cyber‑punk, game‑inspired | LED lighting, bold color accents |
| Other mainstream banks | Conventional | Fixed ports, generic plastic shells |
The Sharge 3‑in‑1’s clean lines and low‑profile look set it apart from the more flamboyant options.
Key Specs & Features
- Capacity: 10,000 mAh
- Output: 5 V/2.4 A (USB‑C), 5 V/1 A (USB‑A)
- Retractable connectors: USB‑C, USB‑A, and a built‑in Lightning cable
- Wall charger mode: Works as a 20 W USB‑C charger when plugged into AC
- Build: Aluminum alloy body, matte finish, anti‑slip silicone edges
- Weight: 210 g (≈ 7.4 oz)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Minimalist, premium look that ages well
- 3‑in‑1 functionality reduces the need for extra cables
- Decent 10 Wh capacity for everyday top‑ups
- Reasonable price point for the design quality
Cons
- No wireless charging (Qi2)
- Limited fast‑charging support (max 20 W)
- Retractable connectors can feel a bit loose after heavy use
Verdict
The Sharge Retractable 3‑in‑1 Power Bank proves that a power bank can be both functional and fashionable. At $50, it offers a solid blend of capacity, versatility, and a design language that stands out from the crowd. If you value a sleek aesthetic and don’t need wireless charging, this is a compelling choice for both home and on‑the‑go use.
Related Links
- Shargeek 170 on Amazon – a more futuristic, cyber‑punk alternative.
Happy charging!
Not Just a Power Bank
Zac Kew‑Denniss / Android Authority
The 3‑in‑1 device, as the name suggests, is more than just a power bank. It functions as:
- a wall charger,
- a power bank, and
- an integrated cable.
Personal note: Using the integrated cable to call this a “3‑in‑1” feels a bit of a stretch, but the concept is solid.
One of the biggest annoyances with power banks is forgetting to recharge them after use. I often leave them in my bag, only to realize they’re dead the next day. My solution? A dedicated “Tick Tick” reminder system that makes sure everything stays charged.
Why This Design Helps
- Dual role: Being both a wall charger and a power bank means the built‑in 10,000 mAh battery stays topped up whenever you plug it in, so it’s always ready for the day ahead.
- Integrated USB‑C cable: One less item to remember when you’re rushing out the door.
All you need to do when you head out is toss the 3‑in‑1 into your bag, and you’ll have a charger, a power bank, and a cable—all in one compact package.
Sharge 3‑in‑1 Power Bank – First Impressions & Real‑World Use
What I Like
- Eye‑catching design – The clear‑plastic housing lets you see the spinning USB‑C reel, giving the charger a distinctive look.
- Portability – At 110 × 52 × 40 mm and 300 g, it’s only a little heavier than a phone, so it slips easily into a backpack, laptop bag, or pocket.
- Convenient display – A dot‑matrix read‑out shows the remaining charge at a glance.
- Integrated cable – The built‑in USB‑C cable extends to 68.5 cm, and you can attach a longer cable to the USB‑C port when needed.
Issues I’ve Encountered
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface wear | The white/clear plastic scratches, swirls, and stress marks after normal daily use (backpack, car, pocket). |
| Discoloration | The soft‑plastic strap and the clear panel develop yellowing and grime quickly. |
| Dust inside the clear section | Small particles are visible inside the housing; they don’t affect functionality but detract from the aesthetic. |
| Strap usability | The side strap is difficult to open—its opening is too small for most hands, making it more decorative than functional. |
Why It Matters
Sharge’s brand is built around sleek, minimalist design. The visual wear described above reduces the product’s appeal over time, even though the charger’s performance remains solid.
Possible Improvements
- Offer a black‑or‑dark‑colored variant to hide swirl marks and discoloration.
- Redesign the side strap with a larger, more ergonomic opening or replace it with a detachable loop.
- Use a more UV‑stable plastic for the soft strap to slow yellowing.
- Add a seal or vent to keep dust out of the clear housing.
Bottom Line
The Sharge 3‑in‑1 is a well‑designed, functional power bank that’s easy to carry and use. Its main drawbacks are cosmetic: the clear and white plastics show scratches, swirl marks, and discoloration relatively quickly, and the side strap is awkward to operate. If Sharge addresses these durability and usability concerns, the device would be a truly standout accessory.
Charging and Power Delivery
Image: Sharge 3‑in‑1 battery pack
Photo credit: Zac Kew‑Denniss / Android Authority
The Sharge 3‑in‑1 backs up its sleek design with solid performance:
- 30 W output via the built‑in USB‑C cable or the USB‑C port.
- Supports Power Delivery 3.1 and PPS standards (see Android Authority’s USB Power Delivery guide).
- The 30 W ceiling is reachable on most phones, including Samsung and Pixel devices.
- It kept my Steam Deck topped up while I played Horizon Zero Dawn during a hospital wait‑in.
Battery Capacity
- 10 000 mAh internal cell.
- Charged my Galaxy S23 Ultra about 1.5 times—more than enough for a power bank of this size.
Recharging the Power Bank
Recharging feels a bit slow:
- The unit draws 20 W from a wall charger.
- It went from 0 % to 25 % in roughly 30 minutes.
While not impressive, the Sharge 3‑in‑1 is primarily intended to act as a wall charger, only switching to power‑bank mode when needed. In typical use it will stay topped up most of the time.
Image: Sharge 3‑in‑1 with US wall plug
Photo credit: Zac Kew‑Denniss / Android Authority
A Minor Drawback
Although the Sharge 3‑in‑1 is sold in the UK via Sharge’s official website, it ships only with US‑style wall pins. Consequently, I had to use it as a conventional power pack—a use case that clearly isn’t what the product was designed for.
Should You Buy the Sharge 3‑in‑1?
Overall, I think this is a great product for the niche it serves, and if it were available with UK power pins I would absolutely buy one for myself. If you live in the US and want a stylish 30 W wall charger that you can unplug and use as a power bank every so often, this is really good at that.
- Plugged into the wall, it always has a full battery ready to charge your devices on the go.
- No need to remember a separate cable.
$50 is a reasonable ask for something that can serve as both a charger and a power bank, and it’s often on sale for less. As I write this, it’s $10 off on Sharge’s website.
If, however, you want something that’s a power bank first and foremost, there are better options out there, both from Sharge and competitors. The same price will get you a power bank with a larger battery or faster charging, while a similarly spec’d power bank will cost you less.
Sharge Retractable 3‑in‑1 Power Bank
- Charges when plugged into the wall
- Integrated retractable cable (2.3 ft)
- USB PD 3.1 and PPS support
- MSRP: $49.90
- Stylish design and decent specs
Positives
- Charges when plugged into the wall
- Integrated cable eliminates extra accessories
- USB PD 3.1 & PPS for fast, flexible charging
- Attractive, modern look
Cons
- Clear and white plastic scratches and discolors over time
- Slow to recharge the internal battery
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