For A Modern Powerbank the CUKTECH 15 Ultra has it all.
Good Points:-
- 140W Maximum Output.
- Useful TFT display
- Fast charging for mutliple devices.
Bad Points.
- No Wireless charging
- Slow Interface.
You might not have heard of Cuktech yet, but this emerging brand has a solid foundation. Previously a white-label manufacturer, Cuktech took a significant step in 2022 by merging with ZMI, a well-known brand within Xiaomi’s vast ecosystem. With ambitious global expansion plans, Cuktech is launching intriguing products such as the Cuktech 30, a massive 40000mAh power bank with a 300W power budget and Qi wireless charging. This review focuses on the Cuktech 15 Ultra, a capable 20000mAh power bank offering a 165W power budget.
Like Anker and UGREEN, Cuktech chose a vertical profile for the power bank, a decision that undeniably boosts the 15 Ultra’s portability.
Beyond its shape, the 15 Ultra boasts thoughtful design elements. The clean grey and black color combination is visually appealing, while the textured back provides a secure and comfortable grip. Overall, Cuktech has executed the design of the 15 Ultra effectively, leaving me with no complaints.
In The Box:-
In the box comes the powerbank, usual documents, a USB Type C to C cable that can be used to charge the powerbank, or charge your device, and a nice velvet pouch to carry it all in.
The front button wakes up the display, which offers a comprehensive overview including battery level, charging duration, and real-time power flow. While the simultaneous display of all this information can feel a bit busy, ultimately, the panel provides all the crucial details you need.
You won’t encounter any issues taking the 15 Ultra on a plane due to its 72Wh battery. The 20000mAh capacity offers good endurance for charging your phone and accessories several times, and its charging efficiency is on par with other brands I’ve reviewed.
Just a heads-up: that 20000mAh rating on the 15 Ultra doesn’t mean you’ll get a full 20000mAh of charge for your devices. Power banks lose some energy during the charging process, so you’re looking at closer to 12000mAh of actual charging capacity (around 60% efficiency). This is normal for all power banks, so you’re not at a disadvantage with the 15 Ultra.
For charging your devices, the 15 Ultra provides two USB-C ports and a standard USB-A port. The main USB-C port is a powerhouse, delivering up to 140W via USB PD 3.1, while the second USB-C port offers a respectable 65W. The 18W USB-A port is ideal for lower-power accessories. Using both USB-C ports simultaneously allows for a combined output of 165W. Below are the detailed power specifications for each port and how they work together:
- USB-C1 (Input/Output, Maximum 140W): [List of voltages and amperages]
- USB-C2 (Output, Maximum 65W): [List of voltages and amperages]
- USB-A (Output, Maximum 18W): [List of voltages and amperages]
- Simultaneous Output (USB-C1 + USB-C2, Maximum 165W): 100W + 65W
- Simultaneous Output (USB-C1 + USB-A, Maximum 118W): 100W + 18W
- Simultaneous Output (USB-C2 + USB-A, Maximum 83W): 65W + 18W
- Simultaneous Output (USB-C1 + USB-C2 + USB-A, Maximum 163W): 100W + 45W + 18W
The 15 Ultra reliably charged my range of test devices, including the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy ZFold 6, Iphone 16 plus, Tab S9 Ultra and Galaxybook pro 360, Importantly, I observed no overheating during use, indicating effective thermal management by Cuktech. The device was even able to identify my Samsung devices, and the phones themselves reported the abiltity for “Superfast Charging” that said charging cable choice did affect charging speeds.
The 15 Ultra delivers incredibly fast charging. My phone went from zero to 24% in a mere 15 minutes, and the USB-C port pushed that to an even quicker 27% in the same short time. This level of speed is among the best I’ve encountered with a power bank.
The Cuktech charger boasts a clever final feature: while it can handle a 100W input on its own, you can also connect two wall chargers simultaneously for a combined 165W. This unlocks a special “Beast Mode” on the 15 Ultra, complete with a visually satisfying animation that tracks the charging percentage in real-time. In this mode, I observed the phone rocket from empty to 80% in a mere 20 minutes. Despite this rapid charging, the device remained only slightly warm to the touch, alleviating any concerns about excessive heat.
Conclusion:-
The Cuktech 15 Ultra offers a compelling package with few drawbacks. While the user interface for setting the USB-C port’s function (input, output, or bidirectional) isn’t the snappiest, its limited use makes this a minor quibble. The absence of wireless QI2 charging is understandable, likely a cost-saving measure that contributes to the power bank’s attractive price point. For those seeking a potent, future-ready high-speed charger capable of handling three devices, the Cuktech 15 Ultra delivers. It’s fast, boasts ample capacity, and maintains a reasonable size and weight. While perhaps not an everyday carry for a backpack, it’s an excellent companion for weekends or extended trips, and the rapid “Beast Mode” is a lifesaver for last-minute charging needs.
The 15 Ultra is available from Amazon and CUKTECH web site at £89.99