Apple recently stopped providing power adapters with new iPhones. The reason? “Everyone has a drawer full of iPhone power adapters…” That might be true for some people; others need AC adapters. The Spigen PowerArc ArcStation Pro ($15.29, Amazon affiliate link) is a fast 20W adapter with features and pricing that make it a winner. Read on for a full review.
The PowerArc ArcStation Pro (which I’ll call the PowerArc from here on out) is a tiny adapter with foldable prongs. Weighing just 1.48 ounces (42 grams) and measuring 1.56 x 1.36 x 1.09 inches (39.5 x 34.5 x 27.7mm), the PowerArc charges quickly and efficiently.
The PowerArc uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) semiconductor technology to charge devices up to 3.1 times faster. This figure comes from comparison testing versus the stock 5W Apple adapter. GaN is more efficient than silicon converting AC power to the direct current needed for charging. As a result, GaN chargers run cooler and are smaller than traditional 20W chargers. You can read more about GaN semiconductor technology here.
The PowerArc is compatible with just about all current Apple products except for the MacBooks, which require more power.
| iPhone 12 | iPhone 12 Pro | iPhone 12 Pro Max |
| iPhone 12 Mini | iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone X | iPhone XS |
| iPhone XR | iPhone XS Max | iPhone SE 2020 |
| iPhone 8 | iPhone 8 Plus | AirPods |
| AirPods Pro | AirPods Max | iPad Pro (12.9-inch or 11-inch) |
| iPad Air 4th Generation |
While it doesn’t have the capacity to charge a MacBook, the PowerArc fits in a pocket. As you can see, It’s more compact than the standard charger that comes with the iPad Pro:
The PowerArc charged my 12.9-inch iPad Pro faster than the included charger! The light blue LED on the USB-C side of the charger helps to ensure it is plugged in correctly. The GaN technology provides current and voltage regulation, overcharge prevention, short circuit protection and temperature control all in one svelte package. I wish that Apple would adopt the Navitas GaN technology to reduce the size of its AC adapters for all products.
At a current (January 2021) Amazon price of $15.29, it’s 20% less expensive than the bigger and less efficient Apple 20W adapter.
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