Review: Gravastar Alpha65 charger (65W GaN)

Review samples provided by Gravastar

It's quite rare to see a GaN charger that does not look like a GaN charger.

Gravastar has done a terrific job with the design with their Alpha65 GaN charger by combining sci-fi asesthetics with household convenience. The retail price of USD 49.95 does not include shipping cost. Free shipping is provided only for purchases over $70 in USA.

By the way, the company also sells Bluetooth speakers and earbuds that are also sci-fi or mecha themed. A good design is what makes people look at your product so the company has made a good choice to focus on design, or the looks.

Included in the box are two power plugs (UK 3 pin and EU 2 round pin), stickers, user guide, two "ears" and the charger.

Specs

• Output: 65W Max
• Number of USB-C Ports: 2 USB-C Ports (1x max 20W, 1x max 65W)
• Number of USB-A Ports: 1 USB-A Port (max 18W)
• Number of Outputs: 3
• Input Voltage: 100V – 240V
• GaN: Powered by GaN technology
• Compatible with: US plug, EU plug, UK plug
• Single Port Charging
• 1. USB-C 1 (65W)
• 2. USB-C 2 (20W)
• 3. USB-A (18W)
• Dual Port Charging
• 1. USB-C 1 (45W) + USB-C 2 (20W)
• 2. USB-C 1 (45W) + USB-A C1 (18W)
• 3. USB-C 2 + USB-A (15W)
• Three Port Charging
• 1. USB-C 1 + USB-C 2 + USB-A: (45W)
• 2. USB-C 2 + USB-A: (15W)
• Protection: Overvoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, overtemperature, overpower, under voltage, electrostatic, and anti-interference protection. Flame-retardant shell for safe.
• Dimensions: 3.3 x 2.3 x 2.4 inch / 84.5 x 60 x 62 mm
• Weight: 128g / 4.5oz

Design

This is mecha-inspired design and it looks so good. Build quality is quite solid even though everything is made of plastic.

The only part that has some flex is the heels of the feet.

The charger is available in either white or war-damanged yellow.

Both colours look great so it's actually not easy to choose between the two.

The scuff marks are actually painted and not physical scuff marks or scratches. Look at the amount of details that went into the design.

The legs are collapsible and there are three hinges for movement. To adjust the legs, you should move it by the toes and the extended part behind the "kneecap".

There are two USB-C and one USB-A port on top that are labeled with the power output. Depending on whether the charger is facing up or down, the labels may be upside down. Anyway, after using the charger for a while you will know which port will output which power.

The edges of the feet also have scuff mark designs.

The back of the mecha.

When plugged in, the eyes will light up blue.

How well the mecha design will look really depends on which direction the robot or charger is facing. This looks the best if you have a power outlet on your table and the shining eyes are looking at you.

When using the US and UK pins, the legs have to be collapsed.

When using the EU pins, the legs can be extended.

If you extend the legs with the UK pins attached, the plug actually pushes the two legs outwards which is obviously not good.

The charger outputs a maximum of 65W. And if all three USB ports are used, the power will be automatically allocated. As for how the power is allocated, you will have to study the specifications.

65W is able to charger phones and tablets quickly, but may not be enough to charge laptops that have minimum power requirements.

The power delivery protocols supported, as mentioned in the user guide, are:

• USB-C: QC 3.0, PD 2.0, PD 3.0, PPS, Apple 5V/2A, BC 1.2, AFC, FCP
• USB-A: QC 2.0, QC 3.0, AFC, FCP, Apple 5V/2A, BC 1.2, Samsung 5V/2A

The charger is quite compact, portable and lightweight (128g). There's no carrying case for the charger so you will have to find some place to store the removable "ears" so that you don't lose them.

This is definitely one of the better looking GaN chargers out there. If you want a beautiful, stylish or cool looking charger, this is the one to consider. It makes for a great gift too.

The pricing of USD 49.95 seems reasonable to me but that does not include free global shipping. Free shipping is only for US addresses and purchases over $70.

For shipping to Singapore where I am, it's USD 15 and for additional items it's $5 more.

5% coupon code from 19 June to 4 July 2023: YTA65

If you want to buy this charger, you can find it on Gravastar online store