Tech Advisor

Olixar 6 USB Smart IC Charger

- Marie Brewis

Olixar’s six-port desktop charger is very similar to the Zendure 5-Port Turbo Desktop Charger (below). It’s a little more expensive, but in return you get faster-charging and a reassuring two-year warranty. It’s also got an extra output when compared to the Zendure.

When choosing a desktop charger a key considerat­ion is how much power it can deliver. It could have 10 USB ports, but if it weren’t able to support all at once it would be no better than those devices that have just three or four.

It’s a six-port desktop charger with a 50W total output. That’s an improvemen­t over the five-port, 40W Zendure, but with all ports in use the difference between how much power is delivered is minimal.

Assuming all devices plugged into the Olixar are drawing maximum power, this desktop charger can deliver 8.3W to each. However, like the Zendure and iClever, intelligen­t technology (here known as Smart IC) built into the device recognises the attached gadget and automatica­lly delivers the correct amount of power. The maximum a single port can deliver is 12.5W, which is slightly up on the 12W offered by the competitio­n, resulting in faster charging for your connected devices.

The Olixar is a sleek white plastic device, but its design is marred somewhat with the specs plastered on one edge. The edges are rounded, yet not entirely smooth, and we found this white device could pick up dust from the desk.

It’s a little larger and heavier than the Zendure and iClever, although you’d notice the difference only if you were to place all three side by side. All three feature an 100- to 240V AC input at one end, and six (five for the Zendure) USB ports at the other.

As well as supplying a generous two-year warranty for peace of mind, the Olixar builds in an automatic safety cut-off should it be required.

Verdict

A tad more expensive than some of its rivals, Olixar’s desktop charger adds value with a lengthy warranty and six faster-charging USB ports.

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