Anker Cuts 160W Prime Charger to $100, 33% Off on Amazon

Q: Is a $100 'smart' charger a real fix for e-waste, or a premium gadget that creates new demands for special cables?

It is both: a meaningful step against charger clutter and some e-waste, but not a complete fix, and it does push buyers toward better, sometimes pricier, cables. The strongest case for a device like Anker’s 160W Prime Charger is consolidation. One USB-C PD charger can replace several separate bricks for a laptop, tablet, phone and accessories. That matters because unused and discarded chargers are a real waste stream; the EU has cited about 11,000 tonnes of cable-related e-waste annually from this problem alone. A multi-port USB-C charger also supports the broader shift toward a common charging standard, which can reduce redundant accessories over time. But the limits are important. USB-C is a shared connector, not a guarantee of identical performance. High-power charging depends on the charger, the device and the cable all supporting the same standard. For top speeds on a 140W-capable port, users need a properly rated USB-C cable, often an e-marked cable for higher wattage. Anker’s charger does not include a 140W cable, so some buyers may need to purchase one separately. That adds cost and creates another accessory that will eventually enter the waste stream. So a $100 smart charger is best seen as a partial solution. It can reduce the number of chargers people own and improve efficiency, especially for travelers and multi-device users. But its environmental value depends on long-term use, broad device compatibility and clear labeling, not on premium features alone.

3 articles · Updated · XDA Developers · Jul 10

$100 buys Anker’s Prime 160W charger on Amazon for a limited time, a $50 markdown from its regular price.
The charger is pitched as a single replacement for multiple adapters, with three USB-C ports and enough output to power laptops, tablets, phones and accessories.
160W is shared when several devices are plugged in, but the main port can still deliver 100W while the other two provide 30W each.
A built-in display shows power distribution in real time, and Anker includes a 24-month warranty with the charger.