SHARGE has expanded its portable power lineup with the launch of the SHARGE Retractable 165, a 20,000mAh power bank built to eliminate the clutter of loose charging cables. This new flagship delivers a 165W maximum total output, aiming to be a one-stop charging solution for laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

While SHARGE is known for its "transparent" aesthetic, the Retractable 165 shifts the focus toward practical utility. By embedding a 70cm (27.5-inch) retractable cable directly into the chassis, the brand is targeting digital nomads and power users who want to minimize their everyday carry (EDC) without sacrificing performance.

Power Specs and Port Configuration

Powering the unit is a 72Wh automotive-grade lithium-ion battery system, selected for its energy density and longevity. The 20,000mAh capacity sits right at the limit for airline safety, providing the maximum allowable overhead for travelers. In practical use, the 165W output is capable of pushing a current-gen iPhone 17 to 55% in roughly 30 minutes.

The power is distributed through a three-port setup:

• Dual USB-C Ports: Each port supports up to 100W individually. When multiple devices are connected, the system intelligently throttles wattage to stay within the 165W total limit.
• USB-A Port: A single legacy port provides 30W for smaller peripherals or older hardware.
• 65W Rapid Recharging: The unit itself can be refilled at 65W via USB-C, significantly shortening the downtime for such a high-capacity cell.

Integrated Cable: Utility vs. Durability

The standout feature is the 70cm built-in cable, which allows users to charge on the go without carrying a separate cord. While this reduces friction, it also introduces a potential point of failure. Retractable mechanisms are notoriously susceptible to spring fatigue and internal wire fraying over time. Whether SHARGE’s internal winding system can withstand the thousands of "pull-and-release" cycles expected from a daily-carry device remains to be seen.

Furthermore, while SHARGE suggests the device can be held in one hand alongside a phone, the reality of a 20,000mAh brick is that it remains bulky. The retractable cable makes it more manageable than a dangling meter-long cord, but users should still expect a significant weight in their pocket or palm.

To help manage these high power draws, the Retractable 165 features a smart interactive display. Rather than a simple battery percentage, the screen shows real-time wattage allocation across all active ports, allowing users to verify if their devices are actually receiving the fast-charging speeds they expect.

Market Positioning and Competition

The Retractable 165 is a direct successor to the Shargeek 140. It bumps the maximum output from 140W to 165W and adds the integrated cable that the previous model lacked.

In the competitive landscape, SHARGE is going head-to-head with the UGREEN Nexode series. While UGREEN offers a similar 165W/20,000mAh spec sheet, SHARGE attempts to justify its premium pricing with a slightly longer cable (70cm vs. UGREEN’s 65cm) and its signature industrial gradient finish.

While official MSRP varies by region, the Retractable 165 is currently retailing between $149 and $169 through major tech distributors and the official SHARGE storefront. This keeps the brand firmly in the premium tier, betting that users will pay extra for the convenience of a built-in cable and a more sophisticated monitoring interface.