Anker Powerwave 10w Wireless Charging Pad Review

Wireless charging is the future of juicing up the battery powering your smartphone, earbuds, and anything in between. Almost every major smartphone flagship in 2020 is supporting some form of wireless charging. From the iPhone 12 , Samsung Galaxy S20 & Galaxy Note Series, Pixel 5 , Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra, and more. Even mid-range devices are now supporting wireless charging. But almost none of them ships with a wireless charger in the box. You have to buy it separately.

What I Liked:

• Soft plastic rubbery surface.
• Lightweight.
• Wide compatibility.
• Budget price.

What I Didn’t Like

• No Power adapter included in the box.
• The rear is a dirt magnet.

First released in 2018, the Anker PowerWave Pad is a circular plastic disk with a rubbery coating that measures 10 x 10 x 1.1 cm and weighs about 70 grams . It’s really light-weight and it comes in black color. The charging pad ships with a 4-ft Micro-USB cable but no power adapter is added in the box. For best charging result, you’ll have to power it with a compatible Quick Charge 9V/2A adapter (for Samsung Galaxy devices) or a 5V/2A adapter (for iPhone). I purchased a $10 Anker Elite Dual Port 24W Wall Charger to power it for best result.

With the Anker 10W Powerwave wireless charging pad, I was able to fully charge my iPhone SE 2020 in about two and a half hours. You will take about the same time with the standard 5W wired charging brick that comes in the box. The charger has a LED indicator light that beams solid blue when actively charging your device. It’ll flash Blue when it detects metal obstruction and Green when an incompatible AC adapter or cable is connected.

I also have the 10W Anker Powerwave stand which I already reviewed . However, I like this charging pad better is because you just drop your device on it in a horizontal position. In this position, you can also charge other Qi-enabled devices like smartwatches, earbuds by just placing them on the pad. The PowerWave Pad can be powered by your existing 5V/2A adapter or Quick Charge 2.0/3.0 adapter. Or you can just buy a dedicated adapter for the pad.

The iPhone SE (2020) on the Anker Powerwave 10W Wireless Charging Pad

Summary

David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

• SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
• Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
• Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
• Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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I have always hated the inconvenience of having to move with my keys. It is even worse losing the keys to my house for instance. So I have been fascinated with biometric physical security products because they take away the inconvenience of always having to carry keys with you. As such, I bought myself a nameless $20 fingerprint padlock from Aliexpress just to taste out how they work before I can commit to more costly alternatives.

A fingerprint padlock is a keyless lock that uses your fingerprint as the key to unlock it. It comes with a fingerprint reader similar to what you have on your Smartphone. The reader scans your fingerprint to unlock the padlock. It’s battery-powered and can be recharged via micro USB port. So instead of the key hole, you instead get a microUSB or USB-C port for charging it. The battery could take upto a year without needing recharging.

This fingerprint lock I got from Aliexpress typically has the dimensions of a mid-sized padlock. It looks exactly like a traditionally key-based lock except that it has a fingerprint scanner on one side of the lock and a micro USB charging port at the bottom. It also has an LED light which lights red when authentication fails and green when your fingerprint passes.

You can set it up with upto 10 different fingerprints . So that’s enough for every family member at home or in the office. When setting this lock up, it allows you to set up the administrator fingerprint which then can be used to set up other fingerprints.

So operationally, this fingerprint lock is really convenient. You just have to unlock it using your fingerprint. No more troubles when you forget or lose your keys because the key is always with you. I think I really like that about fingerprint locks. This model is also not smart. It doesn’t need to connect to some kind of app on your phone via Bluetooth or WiFi or any other similar scheme. It’s a complete standalone system just like a traditional padlock. This has security benefits of making it slightly less hackable.

However, there are models that support Bluetooth and can be setup with an App. This has the benefit of viewing exactly which users or fingerprints have access from the app user interface. You can also remotely unlock the padlock via the app. If that’s what you’re going for, then you can consider this $27 Pothunder Padlock. With the smarts comes added complexity such as setting up the padlock with your smartphone. This might require internet connectivity and sometimes things might not run very smoothly.

However, I am not totally confident about fingerprint locks. I am using it for low-security applications such as locking the dog’s house or a specific cabine only I should access. At least for now, I am not replacing it with traditional key-based padlocks that I use in my house. That’s because I am not certain if the fingerprint scanner can hold off intruders. For this model I got from Aliexpress, I have experienced instances where the lock fails to read my fingerprint. I have also had situations where it randomly unlocks users I have not added to the system. I suppose it’s because this is a cheap knock-off model I bought from Aliexpress. So perhaps, the more legitimate costly ones are more secure. Or maybe physiologically, I trust the traditional old-school locks than these fancy fingerprint ones.

Also I am concerned about how weather proof fingerprint padlocks are. Electronics and water don’t particularly mix well. I am not certain of this model’s weatherproof rating, most premium models such as this $36 MEGAFEIS fingerprint lock is IP65 rated meaning it can stand up to water and dust elements.

Then, there’s the issue of the battery . What happens when the juice runs out? You obviously can’t unlock it to charge it. Maybe you can use a powerbank to charge it on the spot. This model I have doesn’t even have a battery level indicator, so I can’t tell how soon I need to recharge the padlock. Perhaps the more costly brands have a battery-level indicator or maybe a battery indicator icon that appears when the padblock is paired with your phone. And what about family members or housemates that don’t have their fingerprints added to the padlock. How are they going to open the door? Keeping a shared physical key at a common location such as table top is a lot more convenient than having to keep adding each and everyone to your fingerprint padlock. But if you’re single or just two people, a fingerprint padlock makes sense.

• MEGAFEIS Smart Padlock – $36.99
• Pothunder Padlock – $26.99
• Mypin Fingerprint Lock – $33.99
• eLinkSmart Fingerprint Padlock – $26.99
• KISSTY Fingerprint Padlock – $18.99

In conclusion, the way I see it, fingerprint locks make sense for applications where only authorized individuals are allowed to enter. They are more convenient for less security sensitive situations where nothing much is at stake. While traditional padlocks are less inconvenient, they are still a lot cheaper and much more secure than newer fingerprint-based padlocks.

David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

• CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
• MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
• MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
• TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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