Portable chargers are everywhere, but not all of them are worth carrying. Some boast huge capacities but are too bulky to be practical. Others promise speed but skimp on features. The Anker PowerCore III 10K Wireless (A1617) takes a different approach. It isn’t trying to be the biggest or the fastest. Instead, it’s designed to be the one you actually use. It is the one that slips into a bag without fuss, the one that quietly solves problems when your phone is gasping at 3%.
It truly is the power bank that wants to be your travel buddy! With 10,000mAh capacity, Qi‑certified wireless charging, USB‑C Power Delivery, and even a built‑in stand to rest your phone on (albeit horizontally, and only charging via cable), it’s less of a brick and more of an on-the-road companion.
First Impressions
The design is understated. Anker has opted for a matte finish that resists fingerprints, with rounded edges that make it comfortable to hold. The PowerCore III 10K Wireless feels reassuringly solid without being cumbersome. At 151.8 × 68.4 × 18.7 mm (about 14.9 × 6.8 × 1.9 cm) and 243–245 g (around 8.5 oz), it strikes a balance between portability and reassurance.
The top surface houses a Qi wireless charging pad rated at up to 10W, with a subtle ring etched into the finish to help align your phone. A fold‑out kickstand at the rear lets you prop up your device while it charges through a cable, turning the bank into a makeshift stand for video calls or streaming. Wireless charging still requires the phone to lie flat on the pad. The build feels solid, with no flex or creak, and the branding is subtle. It is the kind of accessory that blends into your bag until you need it, which is exactly what a power bank should do.
Everyday Use
The appeal lies in versatility. The PowerCore III 10K Wireless can charge up to three devices at once: one wirelessly, one via the USB‑C PD port, and one through the USB‑A port. The 10,000mAh capacity translates to around 2.5 charges of an iPhone 11, 1.5 charges of a Galaxy S20, or a full top‑up for a Nintendo Switch. The USB‑C PD port delivers up to 18W (5V⎓3A or 9V⎓2A), which is enough to take an iPhone from empty to 50% in half an hour or fully recharge a Galaxy S20 in under two hours. The USB‑A port is flexible, supporting multiple voltage profiles up to 18W.
Wireless charging is slower at 10W, although it remains reliable and convenient when you do not want to fuss with cables. Its best described as being great for certain people who value convenience over speed. The kickstand is genuinely useful for video calls and streaming, despite the drawback of losing wireless charging function when in use. Wireless charging quirks can be noted, as well, such as the need to press the power button before it starts, rather than automatically recognising a device, and the occasional fiddly alignment with larger phones in cases.
Hidden Extras
There are various features revealed that make it more than a straightforward charger. A trickle‑charge mode supports low‑power accessories, such as earbuds and fitness bands, activated with a double‑tap of the power button. When this mode is active, the LED turns green, providing a clear visual cue. The bank supports pass‑through charging, so it can recharge itself while charging your phone. The LED indicators are practical: breathing blue means wireless charging is active, flashing blue indicates a foreign object, and solid blue signals an error. Since it is a 10,000mAh pack, it is comfortably under airline limits, making it flight‑safe for carry‑on. Anker also recommends recharging or discharging it every three months if unused, and storing it in a cool, dry environment to preserve battery health.
The Trade‑Offs
There are limitations. Wireless charging will not work through cases thicker than 5 mm, and it cannot charge an Apple Watch or Samsung Watch. It is not MagSafe, so there is no magnetic snap‑on alignment. The power button must be pressed to start wireless charging. When multiple devices are connected, total output is shared across ports. The USB‑C and USB‑A ports each support up to 18W individually, while the wireless pad delivers up to 10W. In practice, the bank balances power between them, so expect reduced speeds when charging two or three devices at once.
Recharging takes about 4.5 to 5 hours with an 18W USB‑C charger, or more than ten hours with a slower USB‑A charger. Recharging through a laptop USB port is technically possible but extremely slow and not recommended. Thermal management can slow or pause charging if the pack overheats, with best wireless performance below 25 °C. It is thicker than slimline 10K packs, which makes it more bag‑friendly than pocket‑friendly, and it is better suited to phones and small devices rather than tablets or laptops.
Ownership Experience
Beyond the specifications, the ownership experience is where this charger shines. The LED indicators reduce guesswork, trickle‑charge mode ensures your earbuds or fitness band will not be overpowered, and the kickstand adds day‑to‑day usefulness. The reset button is a small but welcome inclusion for troubleshooting. It is also worth noting the safety certifications: CE, FCC, IC, UKCA, and RoHS compliance confirm it is built to international standards. For a device you will toss into bags, take on flights, and rely on in emergencies, that reassurance matters.
The Anker PowerCore III 10K Wireless (A1617) is not about headline numbers. It is about everyday convenience. With wireless charging, dual wired outputs, trickle‑charge mode, and a clever kickstand, it is one of the most practical portable chargers in its class. For commuters, casual travellers, or anyone tired of juggling cables, it earns its place in your bag. It is not perfect. Wireless charging is slower than wired, the stand does not support wireless mode, and the total output cap means you will not be powering three devices at full tilt. Those compromises are easy to accept when the trade‑off is a charger that is genuinely useful in daily life.
