Shipping Estimate
USA
- USA
- CAN
- USA
- CAN
Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 7 - Jul 12
Promo Codes Available:
For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15
Description
store that buys pokemon cards near me Pokemon Vending Machine: Slim Pack Tower 2.0Half the price of competing kiosks. Bigger touchscreen. Same Gem Mint delivery. Pokemon vending machines from other manufacturers cost $10,000$15,000+ saddled with expensive robotic elevator arms that "catch" each pack as it falls. VTM engineered the elevator out. The Slim Pack Tower 2. 0 uses a custom 22mm precision coil sized to the exact width of a Pokemon booster pack, paired with a clear acrylic top loader case that absorbs the drop. No elevator
Half the price of competing kiosks. Bigger touchscreen. Same Gem Mint delivery.
Pokemon vending machines from other manufacturers cost $10,000–$15,000+ — saddled with expensive robotic elevator arms that "catch" each pack as it falls. VTM engineered the elevator out.
The Slim Pack Tower 2.0 uses a custom 22mm precision coil sized to the exact width of a Pokemon booster pack, paired with a clear acrylic top-loader case that absorbs the drop. No elevator arm. No $5K mechanical workaround. No service downtime. Same Gem Mint pack delivery, fraction of the cost — and a bigger 43" touchscreen than the $10K legacy kiosks ship with.
And the placement story is the real unlock. Pokemon vending isn't age-gated, licensed, or zone-restricted. It's kid-friendly, has good optics for the host location, and is easy to place. Locations chase operators, not the other way around.
22mm Coil Vending · Pokemon Ready
The flagship high-capacity Pokemon vending machine, shipped to operators across the USA and Canada. Engineered around 22mm precision coils plus top-loader cases. Same Gem Mint pack delivery as $10K to $15K elevator kiosks, half the cost.
456
Pokemon Packs
24
Aisles
43"
HD Touchscreen
22mm
Coil Spirals
Built For TCG Operators
Key features.
- High-Capacity Layout 24 aisles by 19 slots. Up to 456 Pokemon booster packs with 22mm coils. Optional 50mm coils available for ETBs and tin sets.
- Rugged Security 1.8mm thick steel casing with triple barrel locking mechanism.
- 43" Interactive Display High-brightness LCD touchscreen with adjustable settings for maximum impact.
- Smart Connectivity Built-in Android board with high-gain antenna, WiFi, and 4G cellular.
- Cashless Payments Nayax VPOS Touch credit card reader with cellular SIM included.
- Remote Management Full integration with the VTM Vending web and mobile app.
- Warranty + Software 1-year warranty and 1-year VTM Vending software subscription. $29 per month after.
Which VTM Machine Fits You?
Compare the lineup.
Pokemon booster pack capacity shown with 22mm coils. The Slim Pack Tower 2.0 is built for high-traffic locations where maximum capacity matters most.
| Mini TCG | Slim Wall TCG | Mega Wall 2.0 | Slim Pack Tower 2.0 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokemon packs | 120 | 160 | 240 | 456 |
| Aisles | 8 | 10 | 15 | 24 |
| Touchscreen | 21.5" | 32" | 32" | 43" |
| Weight | 66 lbs | 121 lbs | 149 lbs | 220 lbs |
| Footprint (W×H×D) | 21.6"×33.3"×8.7" | 23.6"×40.5"×10.2" | 23.6"×40.2"×14.0" | 33.5"×72.8"×23.2" |
| Mount | Wall | Wall | Wall | Free-standing |
| Best for | Test markets, small footprint | Hobby shops, single locations | Mid-traffic, multi-product | High-traffic, max capacity |
| Starting price | $2,850 | $3,450 | $4,150 | $5,000 |
Slim Pack Tower 2.0 Specs
Tap a section to expand details
Slim Pack Tower 2.0
Physical
Dimensions (W x H x D)
33.5"W × 72.8"H × 23.2"D
Weight (lbs)
220 lbs
Material
1.8mm steel casing, powder-coated finish
Locking Mechanism
Triple barrel, standard keys
Mount
Free-standing
Vending + Tech
Display
43" Touchscreen
Number of Aisles
24 Aisles
Capacity (22mm coils)
456 Pokemon booster packs
Capacity (50mm coils)
Lower, sized for ETBs and tins
Payment Model
Nayax VPOS Touch
Network
WiFi / 2G / 4G (Ethernet port and WiFi receiver)
OS
Android OS
Software Stack
VTM Vending
Power + Environment
Power Consumption
80W
Voltage Supply
110VAC 60Hz
Current Draw (110V)
0.5 to 0.6 A (amps)
Operating Temperature
41°F to 104°F
Got The Machine? Stock It.
Two things every Slim Pack Tower 2.0 operator needs.
Authentic sealed Pokemon booster packs, plus the top-loader cases that make the 22mm coil work. Restock from the same supplier you trust for the hardware.
🎴 Pokemon Booster Packs
Authentic sealed Pokemon booster packs sized for 22mm coils. Scarlet & Violet, Surging Sparks, Prismatic Evolutions, Mega Evolution, and current sets.
Shop Booster Packs →
🛡️ Top-Loader Cases (30-Pack)
Clear acrylic protective cases that make the 22mm coil work. $39 per 30-pack — standard restock supply for every operator route.
Shop Top-Loader Cases →
Common Questions
Frequently asked.
How many Pokemon booster packs does the Slim Pack Tower 2.0 hold?
The Slim Pack Tower 2.0 holds up to 456 Pokemon booster packs across 24 aisles using the standard 22mm coils. For Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) and tin sets, optional 50mm coils are available which adjusts capacity downward to fit the larger product. The same machine also accommodates Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and other sealed TCG products.
Why is the Slim Pack Tower 2.0 cheaper than $10K–$15K Pokemon kiosks?
VTM engineered out the most expensive component of traditional Pokemon vending machines: the robotic elevator arm. Competing kiosks use a complex motorized lift to "catch" each booster pack as it falls — a $5,000+ mechanical workaround for an under-engineered coil. The Slim Pack Tower 2.0 uses a custom 22mm precision coil sized to the exact width of a Pokemon pack, paired with a clear acrylic top-loader case. Same Gem Mint pack delivery, larger 43" touchscreen, fraction of the cost. Read the full breakdown: Why Pokemon Vending Machines Are So Expensive.
Where can I place a Slim Pack Tower 2.0?
Almost anywhere. Pokemon vending isn't age-gated, licensed, or zone-restricted like vape vending. It's kid-friendly with great optics for the host location, so placement venues love hosting these machines. Best fits for the 220-lb floor-standing footprint: family entertainment centers, malls, hotels, hospitals, libraries, gyms, conference venues, hobby shops, comic stores, and TCG event spaces. Requires a 34"×24" floor area and a standard 110V outlet.
How do I install a Slim Pack Tower 2.0?
The machine ships fully assembled from our Cleveland, Ohio warehouse and weighs 220 lbs. LTL freight delivers to all 50 U.S. states and every Canadian province. Installation requires a standard 110V outlet and a flat surface approximately 34 inches wide by 24 inches deep. Most operators have it operational within 30 minutes: connect power, configure pricing through the VTM Vending mobile app, and load product. Cellular signal works out of the box with the included 4G data plan, or connect to local WiFi.
What else do I need besides the machine?
Three things: (1) a 30-pack of top-loader vending cases ($39, restock supply that makes the 22mm coil work), (2) Pokemon booster pack inventory sourced wholesale, and (3) a placement location. The machine arrives fully assembled — plug into a standard 110V outlet and you're vending.
What kind of support comes with the Slim Pack Tower 2.0?
Every Slim Pack Tower 2.0 includes a 1-year comprehensive warranty covering all hardware, electronics, and software. The US-based VTM support team is available via live chat, phone, and email from our Cleveland, Ohio office during business hours. The machine also includes a 1-year subscription to the VTM Vending platform for inventory management, pricing, and remote monitoring. After year one, the platform subscription is $29 per month.
What is covered under the 1-year warranty?
The warranty covers the touchscreen, payment system (Nayax VPOS Touch), coil mechanisms, lock hardware, electronics, and software. Defective parts are replaced at no cost and shipped from Cleveland. Wear-and-tear consumables like lights and fuses are covered for the first 90 days. The Slim Pack Tower 2.0 is also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Return the machine in original condition for a full refund if it is not the right fit for your retail location.
How much profit can I make with a Slim Pack Tower 2.0?
Net profit averages $5 to $10 per pack sold depending on the booster set and your retail price. Most operators move 5 to 20 packs per day based on location traffic. At an average of 10 packs per day at $7 net profit per pack, the Slim Pack Tower 2.0 generates roughly $2,100 per month per location. With 24 aisles and capacity for 456 packs, the machine is engineered for high-volume environments where sell-through justifies the larger footprint. Use the VTM profit calculator to model your specific location.
Helpful Resources
Before you buy.
The Engineering Story
Why VTM costs half what $10K–$15K Pokemon kiosks charge — the 22mm coil + top-loader case explained.
Top-Loader Vending Cases
30-pack restock supply at $39 — the protective shell that makes 22mm coil dispensing work.
Profit Calculator
Model your specific location, pricing, and pack mix to see realistic monthly profit.
Warranty & Returns
1-year comprehensive warranty plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.
VTM Vending Software
Manage inventory, pricing, and operations from your phone. Free for year one.
All TCG Machines
Compare every Pokemon and TCG vending machine in the VTM lineup.
★ Real Operator Reviews
Excellent on Trustpilot
Trademark notice. Pokémon and all related names, characters, logos, and trademarks are property of Nintendo, Game Freak, Creatures Inc., and The Pokémon Company International. VapeTM (operating as VTM Vending) is not affiliated with, sponsored by, authorized by, or endorsed by any of these entities. Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece TCG, and Lorcana are trademarks of their respective owners. VapeTM manufactures and sells vending hardware and accessories only; we do not distribute, license, or resell trading cards. Operators are solely responsible for sourcing authentic, properly licensed inventory and complying with all applicable trademark and resale laws.
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
4.2 ★★★★★
Based on 301 reviews
Sort
Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
Must buy.
use this thing every day I combined it with a quad lock MagSafe compatible charger and I could not imagine my life without it makes charging and using Google maps so much easier.
really easy install extremely sturdy and it fit perfectly.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2026
★★★★★ 5
*SEE UPDATED REVIEW BELOW ORIGINAL REVIEW* SLOW CHARGING EVEN WITH ANKER'S RECOMMENDED WALL ADAPTER
Size: 1pack, Color: Black
Date of original review: 9/20/19
I bought this back in January of 2019 and as described in the product information, I bought the Anker Powerport +1 with Quick Charge 3.0 at the same time. This was the wall adapter that Anker suggested to get along with this charging stand to ensure you get maximum performance.
To this date, this was my first and only time using a wireless charging setup, and I was quite excited to try it out because of the perceived convenience factor. But unfortunately I was let down, because immediately I noticed how incredibly slow this thing charges my s9+. It is ridiculously slow, and pretty much unusable. Unless of course you have the thing parked on the charging stand every second that you aren't using the phone, which then it might keep up with the phone in maximum power saving mode and barely using it at all for even basic low power consuming things like texting or making a call etc.
This may sound strange, but I did not think to check the reviews on here to see if others had the same problem. Normally I would recognize if a device I just bought had issues, and would be online searching for answers or a return of the item the same day I got it. But this time was different.
In my defense, I had a lot of things going on at once in my life at the time, and so for some reason I assumed this was the nature of wireless charging and that they haven't figured out the technology yet to make is a reliable, functional way to charge one's phone. Come to find out, as of today (9/19/19) I am discovering by near accident that wireless charging is not supposed to be that slow, and actually according to reviews on here it should be reasonably decent speed of charging. But only when you have the right adapter, the correct cable, and your charging stand is not faulty and you use it correctly. I did all of those things except for the one thing that was an unknown to me, which was having a charging stand that is working properly and not potentially faulty, and so hence this review in the hopes that others may see it and consider other similar items instead of this one.
The couple times I used this charging stand I noticed a few things that basically made this item unusable: 1) the phone heats up to where it is SUPER hot when on the stand, 2) the battery goes down FASTER than if it was not charging at all, and 3) the only way to remedy #2 is to have the phone off while charging on the charging stand! If the phone is off and I put it on the wireless charging stand with the Anker powerport adapter that has Quick Charge and using the micro usb cable that came with the charging stand, I can maybe get a couple percent charge per hour. I just tested it now actually and in 20 minutes my phone actually lost a percentage point in its battery level!! I guess it has gotten worse at charging since I last used it back in January when I got frustrated, felt duped, and was extremely irritated that I spent money on something that hardly works, and thus ended up shelving the stand completely in favor of using the wall adapter with a normal corded setup. I use a USB-C cable also from Anker, which is great btw, and that works fine and charges totally fast. It even seems a bit faster than the Samsung stock wall charger that came with my Galaxy s9+.
To ensure any readers of this are following my somewhat scattered review, when I purchased this item it was my first time using a wireless charger of any kind, and I honestly did not know that it was supposed to be faster than the dismal charging speeds I got from this stand. I just figured that is the speed at which these things charge devices like my s9+.
So in the end I put it aside and there it has sat for months and months until now when I decided to try it once more, this time with a different phone. Well, the other phone I tried didn't actually have the wireless charging capability so I decided to try my s9+ again just for kicks. It was just as slow and as stated above it even drained my battery instead of charging it, which was unsurprising because that is what it has done every other time unless I charge it with the phone turned off.
I happened to be on Amazon at the same time as this most recent re-test was taking place, so I looked up reviews and searched for reviews for this stand that had s9+ in them. Lo and behold, there were countless others that have had the same issue!
I had no idea that my charging stand might be faulty/defective like so many other reviewers have experienced with this product! But now my return period has lapsed and also my product support window has closed from Amazon, so I will probably try Anker customer service to see if they can help or if they offer a longer warranty with potentially faulty devices like the one I made the mistake of buying.
I will update this review with what goes down, if anything. In the meantime, I do recommend the above mentioned wall adapter and also the USB - C cord that Anker makes. Those are of high quality and work flawlessly.
BTW I forgot to mention that I tried charging my s9+ without a case on it, and actually now that I think of it this is the only way I have tried to charge using this item. I have a metal disc that is for my phone holder in my car, so I took the case off every time I tested this item out. So the case is not the reason for such dismal performance, rather it is the item itself that is the cause. I am pretty unhappy with Anker because I love their products and have always been impressed with the quality, and I am also kicking myself or not looking more in depth into this earlier. Maybe I could have got it resolved under warranty or the support window, and now I am stuck pleading my case to their customer service department. WIll update if anything develops or changes with my situation here.
**UPDATE as of 10/21/19**
Here's a quick synopsis of what went down since I wrote the review. FIrst off, as I had hoped would happen, Anker saw the original one-star review I left on here, and they actually took the first step in reaching out to me. It seemed like a bot or something automated that had typed that up and sent it to my email, but either way I was pretty impressed with how quickly they jumped into action. It basically said something to the effect of them having been aware of the review I left and also them confirming that I had been experiencing the issue with the device since the very beginning when I received the device, and that I should then reach out to Anker customer service. They said they wanted to have a chance to correct the issue because based on my description of the issue, they felt like the charging stand has some issues and may be malfunctioning.
I followed the instructions on how to contact customer service about the issue and basically did a cut and paste of everything I wrote in this review and sent it to Anker along with my Amazon order number. There were a few options they listed as methods to contact them: one was through Amazon messaging, another was by calling them directly, and the one I chose was to go to Anker's website and submit a service request.
At that point I had already received a notification from Amazon that stated how I was outside of the warranty and also that my service window had expired, so because Amazon said I was out of luck, I did not expect Anker to do anything to help because of that same reason. I knew it was a shot in the dark, but I had no use for the thing if its just gonna sit there and not work properly, so I thought that I might as well go through the steps and see what happens.
The Anker website did say something about a longer warranty period, or maybe I saw that somewhere else during my search for answers and when I was scouring the package inserts that came in the box along with the charging stand for anything that could be of use. Can't remember exactly where I saw this but I think Anker has an 18 month warranty for most items, but I could be wrong about that. I had a lot going on when I was doing all of this so I wasn't engaged 100% of the time, and had to handle other obligations that were more pressing and put this on the back burner for a few days here and there. I do remember seeing something about that warranty somewhere, and so that kept hope alive that I would get some assistance with this obviously faulty device that I was stuck with for the time being.
So I reached out to Anker on 10/4/19 and got the usual auto response saying they received the service request and here is your RMA number and so on. I waited patiently for a few days, but didn't give it much thought because of the aforementioned obligations and stuff I had to focus my attention on.
This went on for a few days until one fortuitous afternoon when I received a surprise package in the mail from Anker. I was kind of confused because I had not done any other step than submitting my initial service request, and usually these things take a bit of time and interacting with tech support and sometimes even sending in the item so that they can figure out the issue before anything is done to remedy things. So having had some experience with this sort of thing, I was expecting to get return shipping instructions or some other correspondences from Anker's support team. But they did not do any of that, and skipped right ahead to what was my desired end result!
Anker is on a whole different level of customer service than nearly every company out there, and here's why: they had taken the initiative and without hesitating had sent me a brand new device!! And it was even the updated version that had since come out since my initial order!! Let me reemphasize the fact that I had not done anything at all other than submitting my review on here and then sending in a service request on Anker's website. I did not have to speak to anyone, had no correspondences with anyone prior to receiving the new charging stand, and I definitely did not have to send in my device nor did I have to prove to them that my device was faulty by sending it in to them for servicing. I didn't have to do anything and they handled it, just like that.
They even followed up shortly after with an email saying that they decided my original device was faulty and that they were checking in to see how I like the new one (which I totally do like it and it works perfectly and charges like it should, seeing as how it's capable of "fast charging" ). I told them how grateful I was and that the device worked perfectly and they thanked me for being a customer and that was that. There was no word of any sending in the old item or anything at all that I had to do on my part to complete the process. Well, except updating my review so that others can see the superior level of customer service that Anker provided, which I am more than happy to do (as you can clearly see my enthusiasm by how lengthy this review is... LOL. The time it took to write this and give my endorsement is well deserved by Anker though, because they really knocked it out of the park with this whole experience).
So that is basically what went down with my first and only interaction with Anker customer support. Every other Anker product I have owned is flawless in design and overall build, and the prices they charge for their devices are actually totally and completely reasonable, and actually are kind of outstanding because that build and quality (and now their level of customer service they provide) are all things that you would normally see with much more expensive and high end products.
I cannot recommend Anker enough to those pondering if they should in fact buy something made by this company. I currently own two USB-C to regular USB charging cables, a Quickcharge 3.0 wall charger, this wireless charging stand, and also the Soundcore Liberty wireless earbuds and all are amazing devices with top of the line quality of construction. So if given a choice, go with ANKER! And if you have any problems with any of their devices, then do what I did and reach out to their customer service and you will be pleasantly surprised, just as I was, at how they handle their relationships with their customer base.
For the above mentioned reasons, my original one-star review is now a five-star rating, and if I could do six or more stars I probably would. Very happy customer here and they have gained some serious brand loyalty from me for life!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2019
★★★★★ 5
Buying another one and realized I owed this great product a review!
Size: 1pack, Color: White
Anker seems like a brand that puts out good products. I own a number of them and when I’m selecting a charging product, I expect quality when I see an option from Anker. This product is no exception.
I’ve been having trouble with my phone (Samsung Note 9, if you care) staying connected to a charging cable for some time, but I’m really not in the mood to change to a new phone. Then, quite by accident, a few weeks ago, I discovered that my phone supports wireless charging. W00t! We were cleaning out a room and discovered a wireless charging pad amongst one of my sons’ junk that they didn’t need. That charging puck lays flat but worked so well I wondered what it would take to get an upright wireless charging stand. So, I came up to Amazon and discovered this thing that should work with both my Android device or the rest of my family’s iPhones. I bought it for my desk at work and fell in love with it. It holds my phone in portrait or landscape orientation and clearly indicates that it is charging. I appreciate the charging indication because the charging puck that I had that lays flat left enough room for error that if I didn’t place the phone centered over the puck (usually a problem that only happened in the dark), then it might not charge. With this stand, though, I’ve never found a way to put the phone on it incorrectly.
I don’t pay attention to the charging speed - only that it goes up at a decent rate and is better off when I pick it up. I actually thought the description said 15W when I bought it, but the charging speed hasn’t bothered me, so sorry I can’t speak to that. It seems that the claimed 10W is still 2A at 5V, so that’s still pretty good.
I can use the phone while in the stand. I think that’s mostly a throwback to my charging cable days when it was a minor inconvenience to unplug and reconnect the cable. I’m slowly learning that it’s so easy to simply pick up the phone, I don’t have to worry about that minor inconvenience, anymore.
It’s also worth noting that the stand seems to sit snugly on the table/desk/counter surface. So, if I’m stretching the cable and/or there’s a risk of tugging on it, the stand isn’t going to easily slip off the counter. It also holds the phone snugly. I was tempted to use this in my car, but I’m ordering a different product for my car, today, so hopefully I won’t have to try it. But, I wouldn’t be surprised with good driving habits if this thing wouldn’t sit on my dash (especially if I were to take the time to wipe the dust off my dash) and would also not easily jettison my phone off the side of the stand. It’s just a theory - I haven’t tried it… yet.
I traveled with this stand, this week. It’s a rigid stand made out of plastic (all as I would expect). I was a little uncomfortable throwing it in my heavy backpack for fear that it might get broken. It survived just fine (so far), but I’m thinking that it might not be ideal for traveling. It could be shoved in my clothing much more comfortably than in my heavy backpack, I guess. I’m just afraid I might forget that it’s in my heavy backpack and drop the backpack resulting in damage to the stand, but that hasn’t happened, yet.
I don’t know what else can be said for this product. It’s not very expensive and it seems to simply work. There aren’t any batteries to go bad, so I would be really surprised if my impression of the product to change, but I expect that I would be back here if it does.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024
★★★★★ 5
Another excellent Anker product!
Size: 1pack, Color: Black, Size: 1pack, Color: Black
Light weight, compact enough to pack away for travel, and doesnt make my phone hot. I've never been much for wireless charging given its slow speed. However my phone likes to glitch when it fully dies, saying there's water in the charge port when there's no water or debris. Meaning it wont take a charge thru the type C port, thus a wireless charger became nessicary. I have 2 Anker battery packs and love them both, they're high quality, affordable, and versatile. This Anker 313 wireless charging stand is no exception to Anker's reputation for quality and durability. I've found myself using it far more than I thought I would! If you're looking for a solid stand with wireless charging this is a great choice!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2026
★★★★★ 4
These are very nice but limited life
Size: 1pack, Color: Black, Size: 1pack, Color: Black
I got a couple of these for my wife's iphone 8+.
They really are great in all charging respects when fed with a high power supply.
But be aware they probably will not have long life. It depends on how often you plug/unplug the charger cord, and how you manhandle the charger itself.
What I hate about these is the use of the USB micro charging port.
If Anker were to use a USB type C charging port -maybe the lifespan would be greater.
But I doubt it. This is why a 5 star item becomes a 3 star.
The problem with USB ports as a power connector is that most people are rather klutzy with this connector while plugged into the charger's port. The USB micro connector socket is a very flimsy structure and not suited to heavy use (many plug/unplug or move cycles).
If you are clumsy with plugging in the cable, you bend the outer metal housing that both guides the connector in while plugging, and also holds fast the connector so the contacts mate and remain in contact. Same is true if you move the charger body...it flexes the power cord which in turn wobbles the connector.
Another great way to mangle the connector is moving or dropping the charger's body while the cord is connected. Anything that wobbles the cord while connected tends to waller out the USB port and after enough slop, the charger can become inoperative.
Once the geometry of the housing is compromised, the electrical power connection becomes flaky (intermittent) and then you have a charger that may or may not work. So then you have a phone without the expected recharge. For most people this forces them to discard and re-purchase the charger.
Call it designed-in obsolescence (shortened lifespan).
I have seen this across a wide range of electrical items. Anything that uses the USB mini or micro port as an electrical path for the sole purpose of energy transference will eventually fail. USB type A (large rectangular) is less affected by this due to the heavier, robust structure.
For me, I repair these by simply installing a permanently connected power cord. Soldered directly to the charger's circuit board. This is not something most people can do, and it requires intrusive access to the charger. On this model there are no screws to gain access to the connector and PCB...the case is permanently glued together.
If Anker wanted to provide a better solution, they would deploy these with a barrel connector/power pack, but they play this game with the consumer forcing them to buy a separate, high-power pack that must be USB.
bleah!
Update 10 July 2023
Anker was graceful in contacting me the day after submitting this review and offering a full refund.
Admittedly, I wrote this, feeling a bit frustrated that the product failed, but surprised with Anker's response with a request they be given another chance. Very commendable in today's world.
+1 star for their diligence.
Re:
Duly noted.
I'm sorry to have reported my experience with this product but it is the truth.
Thanks but no thanks for the refund offer. I hardwired a power cord to the charger and now it works without intermittent behavior thus sustaining its use.
Another chance? Of course. I like the product (and Anker) but do not like the micro USB connector it uses.
I may follow up with a secondary comment on the rapidity of your response.
This was a generalized comment for the industry to consider.
I only apologize that it was targeted solely at Anker.
You are not alone. Many of your competitor's products use the same connector so the consumer has little choice but to accept the limitations -or choose a product that does NOT use the mini or micro USB connector. Good luck with that.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2023