Belkin has introduced a 45W GaN wall charger that takes a more practical route than most compact adapters on the market. The new Belkin 45W Retractable GaN Wall Charger, model WCH023, combines a built-in USB-C cable with a second USB-C port, giving users a single charger that is easier to carry and more flexible to use.
The most notable feature is the retractable cable, which extends up to 0.8 meters and disappears back into the rounded white body after use. For people who travel often or prefer a cleaner desk setup, that built-in cable removes the need to pack an extra cord.
Built for portability and daily use
Belkin has paired the retractable design with foldable pins, making the charger easier to store in a bag or pocket. The body measures 65 x 52 x 38 mm and weighs 145 grams, keeping it compact enough for everyday carry.
The retractable mechanism is designed for long-term use as well. Belkin says it is built to last up to 20,000 cycles, while the attached cable is rated for 5,000 bends and can reportedly withstand up to 10 kg of load.
45W output with two-device support
When used with a single device, the charger can deliver up to 45W through either the built-in cable or the front USB-C port. That makes it useful not only for phones, but also for tablets and other USB-C devices that can take advantage of higher-wattage charging.
If two devices are connected at the same time, power is split between the two outputs at 25W and 20W. This allows the charger to handle a phone and a second accessory at once without needing a separate adapter.
Belkin says the charger supports USB PD 3.1 and PPS, two standards that broaden compatibility across modern USB-C devices. The company also estimates that 45W is enough to charge an iPhone 17 Pro to 50% in 20 minutes and a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to 50% in 25 minutes.
GaN efficiency and thermal management
Inside the charger, Belkin uses gallium nitride, or GaN, to keep the adapter small without reducing charging performance. The company claims the design reaches up to 92% power conversion efficiency and runs about 10 degrees Celsius cooler than older non-GaN chargers.
Temperature monitoring is built in, along with protection against overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits. Those safeguards are aimed at making the charger suitable for frequent charging sessions rather than occasional use only.
Recycled materials and market positioning
The outer shell is made from 90% post-consumer recycled plastic, adding a sustainability angle to a product focused on convenience and mobility. Belkin has priced the charger at 199 yuan and is currently selling it through JD.com in China.
The launch comes as competition in the GaN charger segment continues to intensify. Anker recently unveiled a 160W smart charger with proprietary fast charging for Huawei and Xiaomi devices, while Baseus introduced a compact 100W GaN charger with foldable prongs.
Against that backdrop, Belkin is choosing a different selling point. Rather than competing on maximum wattage alone, the WCH023 stands out by integrating a retractable cable into the charger itself, a detail that may matter more to travelers and users who want to reduce cable clutter.