| ✔️ Good Selection of Ports | ✘ No Cable Management |
| ✔️ 4k @ 60Hz HDMI | ✘ Needs a Travel Case |
| ✔️ Great Design/Styling | ✘ Logo lights up a bit too much |
| ✔️ Long Power Lead perfect for hotels | ✘ |
| ✔️ Smaller than a Credit Card | ✘ |
{Tech} for Travel Says….
Hands-On Review: Zendure SuperHub is for the connected traveller who travels light but compromises on nothing.A single compact device to charge, connect and display your digital devices when away from home or the office.
Zendure SuperHub
After a product packed 2019, Zendure is now on to its second device launch of this year.
Following on from MIX GO, the Zendure SuperHub has been designed to power your digital world, move data between it and helps you leave a few cables and adapters at home.
If you use an ultra-slim notebook or tablet as your main device when you’re travelling, then chances are you’re already weight conscious when packing.
SuperHub will enhance that minimalist approach to travelling light.
Features
So how does a single device replace a laptop, a tablet and phone charger in one go, deliver up to 4K video along with some decent data transfer speeds and remain smaller than a credit card?
Once again, in what is becoming a standard feature, Zendure has utilised GAN technology (gallium nitride). This material is used instead of silicon, which means devices can become smaller and more efficient.
To the rear is a dual pin (figure of 8) connection for the power lead with the main ports to the front.
The SuperHub combines 2 USB-C ports with a single USB-A and an HDMI port all on one panel under a bright Zendure logo which illuminates when on.
Compact Power
In its most basic use, the Zendure SuperHub is a standard charger. Both of the USB-C ports support Power Delivery (PD), with either one capable of delivering a maximum 30W of power when used on its own.
I put it to the test with a 12.9” iPad PRO and an iPhone 11. With both devices flat, the SuperHub charged them to 100% in just under 4 hours.
Which I think is an acceptable amount of time as I was still using both of the devices during that period.
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The Zendure SuperHub is targeting the ultra-light/portable notebook and tablet market. In the UK, a MacBook charger alone is bigger than the SuperHub, and then there are all the other adapters.
Low power devices are supported and it easily recognised and charged both my Apple Watch and Wireless Earphones.
During the review, I tried the SuperHub on a MacBook Pro which requires 60w of power. The SuperHub did charge it, but slower than the iPad and MacBook Air devices I had tried it on, and heated up more during the charging process.
If you are a power-hungry traveller check out the Zendure SuperPort 4.
Connecting Devices with SuperHub
As the name suggests, the SuperHub is much more than a charger.
The primary USB-C and sole USB-A 3.0 ports are both capable of data transfer up to 5gbps.
As an example, even if you’re using a Microsoft Surface PRO 7, which is port rich for a tablet device, there’s still plenty of benefits to be had.
Apple users do have AirDrop which is great for a few files, but with the SuperHub, large scale data transfers proved easy. I attached an SSD drive and DSLR Camera to it and both appeared in my Finder folder.
In terms of speed, the 5gbps is more than sufficient for most users. I drag and dropped a folder just over 2GB in around 45 seconds.
This is why I feel the Zendure SuperHub will be a hit with many travellers, it’s the ease of use and replaces so many bulky items.
If all you need is the hub functionality then the SuperHub doesn’t need to be attached to a power source.
4k Video over HDMI
Despite many hubs offering an HDMI port most only support 30Hz. The Zendure SuperHub offers 4K resolution at 60Hz.
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If you are using a laptop just attach the HDMI cable into the SuperHub for screen sharing or casting. If you want to do the same from a tablet it will depend on the model.
As an example, the 2nd Gen iPad Pro would still need a Lightning Digital AV Adapter. However, a 3rd Gen model using USB-C will not.
Thankfully, the future is USB-C and tablets with this connection can make use of Zendures built-in hub and send video to any 4K ready display or projector.
Specifications
If you decide on going with the White model it’s worth noting the finish is more of a matte pearlescent colour than a standard white gloss charger. This is no bad thing; it looks and feels great.
The glowing Zendure logo is a nice addition and screams look at me when you have the hub on a desk being used.
Just be aware, if you like to charge your devices at night, the logo can just about light up that part of the room!
- Dimensions – 8.3 x 5.8 x 2.8cm
- Weight – 133g
- Colours – Black | White
- Ports –
- 1 x USB-C PD/Hub
- 1 x USB-C PD
- USB-A 3.0 Hub
- HDMI 2.0 w/ Up To 4k @ 60Hz
- 1.5m Power Lead
- In the Box –
- Zendure SuperHub
- USB-C to USB-C Cable
- 1.5M Power Lead
- Instructions
How Much Does the Zendure SuperHub Cost?
As with many other of its new product launches, Zendure has chosen to start off on crowdfunding site Kickstarter.
At the time of writing a Zendure SuperHub is priced at $49 / £38.
Normal retail price after the Kickstarter campaign has finished will be around $98 / £76
Final Thoughts…
Most of us travel with multiple adapters and often a selection of dongles (Apple users!) and I’d much rather pack a single Zendure SuperHub.
Long-time readers will know I regularly try the ‘tablet only’ approach to business travel but have always come up against issues. The SuperHub now adds a new dimension at a reasonable price point.
The design and look of the SuperHub is on par with other Zendure devices, which continues to deliver that premium feel and brand name in the portable power market.
