Blitzwolf BW-S4 Desktop Charger Review

I’m always on the lookout for a more compact charging solution, and my storage areas are full of desktop charging stands, all, for one reason or another, are not fully utilised. The Blitzwolf BW-S4 desktop charger gives me the opportunity to charge 6 concurrent devices via USB Type-A port, in a relatively compact form factor, at a great price.

Blitzwolf BW-S4 Charger

+ FOR

• Cool design
• Compact
• Consistent power delivery

- AGAINST

• Only USB A options
• 10A max output can be inhibiting

Buy at Blitzwolf – £18

Specifications – Blitzwolf BW-S4

Overview & Use – Blitzwolf BW-S4

There’s not much to say about the Blitzwolf BW-S4 that isn’t written all over the user guide. It has 6 USB Type-A ports. They are rated for 2.4A maximum output. When connecting multiple devices, the maximum output will not exceed 10A. It’s white.

Okay, so it’s not really that clear cut and I’m being a little facetious, but it is a very simple product. Whilst I’m all for “Smart IQ” ports and marketing buzzwords, sometimes I long for a product that does one thing, does it well, and can fill the functionality gap you’re looking for. The Blitzwolf BW-S4 is that product.

In the box comes a 1.5m figure 8 power cable, a welcome guide, as well as the 6 port charger itself. The construction of the Blitzwolf BW-S4 is pure plastic. That plastic outer casing is finished in a glossy white, which seems to be the only colour variant offered. Don’t they know that even iPhones come in red now?

During testing I saw the port deliver just above the rated 2.4A with 2.6A frequently being hit by my testing dongles. Your mileage might vary on this. I was a little worried that this variance from the suggested power delivery might lead to a hotter or less efficient unit. That doesn’t seem to be the case with the outer casing warming up under extended use, but never getting so warm I have to worry. There is a great tear down of this particular unit over at Lygte-info that shows just why temperatures are maintained efficiently.

The Blitzwolf BW-S4 manages to keep things nice and clean when the USB ports aren’t in use by using a clam shell cover design on each port. This is neat and tidy and they do feel relatively robust. Depending on where you are situating this charger, they can also act as a cable tidy when devices are connected.

The slightly disappointing thing here is the maximum 10A output. Whilst all ports are rated for a maximum 2.4A, connecting multiple devices with a high power draw is going to see that power delivery limited to accommodate that maximum output. Whilst in practice this might be fine for some devices like smartwatches and other small electronic devices, smartphones, with their fast charging technology and tablets, may suffer in terms of recharge times as soon as they are charged together from this device. If you absolutely must have quick charging, or moire output per port, then check out the Blitzwolf BW-S7.

Conclusion – Blitzwolf BW-S4

This desktop charger sadly isn’t going to be the replacement for my mess of wires at home. The maximum output of 10A just isn’t going to cut it with multiple smartphones and tablets I charge regularly and need a quick turnaround. It’s not meant for me. It’s aimed at families that have devices that could be charged overnight, and be ready in the morning.

For that use case, it’s a great little unit for next to no money.

This isn’t available at Amazon at the time of writing, but from Banggood (through the Blitzwolf website) for as little as £18. That’s quite decent value, and there is just something about those port covers that has me wanting to find a place for this unit in my small office.