The Lowdown
When I first started testing the Statik Powerstand, I was kind of locked in on its usefulness as a travel accessory, but I find myself grabbing for it more and more around the house and the office. It’s pretty much replaced all my other cables for day-to-day use.
Overall
Pros
- Tough enough for travel and daily use
- Extra-long cable length
- Stand design does not interfere with flat charging
Cons
You know that one simple gadget that you didn’t know you needed at the time, but now you can’t live without? The Statik Powerstand is doing that for me right now. It’s a USB-C to USB-C cable that can be used with all your gear, including laptops, comes with an extra-long 6′ cable, and has an integrated stand for your phone that disappears when not in use! It may be the ultimate travel charging cable. Let’s find out more!
Design Overview
The Statik Powerstand is a 6′ long USB-C to USB-C charging cable that is built for durability. The cable is jacketed in braided nylon & designed for strain relief from bends and twists. The connector pods on each end are built from a combination of TPE plastic and aluminum. It all feels sturdy and ready for abuse.
Flipping that pod over reveals a pair of slim aluminum tabs that swivel out to form the legs as you set up the stand for your phone.
There’s a scoop out in the base that runs between the screws and the beefy USB-C post. This is an intentional part of the design that prevents the speakers from being covered, channeling the audio towards you for better sound quality when your phone is in place.
You also notice that the USB-C tip is elongated so that it can be used without taking bulky cases off of your iPhone. Here I have my phone mounted in its case, and it is firmly planted on that post.
You’ll slide those little legs around behind the phone, which creates a slight lean-back angle so that the phone stands on its own despite that super-tiny footprint. You can also adjust the position of those legs to set the phone in a horizontal/landscape position (not shown here).
The Statik Powerstand also has an integrated cord wrap that’s permanently affixed to the cable. This can be slid up and down the length of the cable so that it doesn’t get in your way if you’re trying to squeeze into a tight space with that plug.
You’ll insert the open end of the wrap into the slot and pull it tight for a snug fit. The wrap has notches along its length to prevent it from sliding loose.
This charger supports up to 240W and is fast-charging compatible. If you’re using it to transfer data, you’ll get USB 2.0 compatibility with a 480 Mbps transfer speed.
Performance and Use Cases
The Statik Powerstand is a simple solution that solves several problems at once, improving accessibility and utility. Ever been in a hotel room or conference room where the outlet is far, far away? The 6′ length has you covered.
The built-in stand also eliminates the need to carry an extra solution if you’re traveling. You can pop the legs out and stand your phone up on the nightstand at the hotel. I also find it useful in the kitchen to access my recipes while I’m cooking.
Horizontal mode enables you to watch movies while you charge by popping up the stand. That 90-degree positioning of the charging pod also lets you play games in horizontal mode while charging, without interference from the cable.
The 240 W fast-charging capability works just as well for charging larger devices like tablets and laptops, reducing the need for additional cables on the go. Note that you still need to pack a USB-C compatible power brick or have access to an appropriate port wherever you go.
When I first started testing the Statik Powerstand, I was kind of locked in on its usefulness as a travel accessory, but I find myself grabbing for it more and more around the house and the office. It’s pretty much replaced all my other cables for day-to-day use.
I should note that I am fully dialed in on USB-C Apple products, so it’s easy for me to transition between devices. I also don’t use an Apple Watch, so I don’t need the extra charger on the road. If you’re charging multiple devices at once, you’ll still need other options. But if you’re looking for a single device with multitasking adaptability, the Statik Powerstand is a winner!
Conclusion
The Statik Powerstand is one of those gadgets that adds unexpected value through good, simple design. I’m finding that I may need several of these around the house (in the kitchen, in the office, on the nightstand), in addition to one for travel & work.
The Statik Powerstand Charging Cable and Stand for iPhone retails for $19.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including Amazon.
Source: Manufacturer-supplied review sample
What I Like: Tough enough for travel and daily use; Extra-long cable length; Stand design does not interfere with flat charging
What Needs Improvement: Nothing I have found yet