That’s correct, the portable charger and the Dot are the same functionality wise. They charge at the same speed as well. The Dot has an extra shell on top to make it water-resistant, which allows you to install it outdoors without worrying about occasional splashes of water hitting it.
With the portable charger, you’ll need to ensure that it’s not exposed to rains.
The Dot is mapped to your scooter and would not charge other vehicles. If you have a friend or family who’d like to use your Dot, you can reach out to customer support to get their scooter mapped to the Dot as well. The portable charger is not mapped to any particular scooter, so it can be used by anyone with an Ather scooter.
Dot is the one to go for if your commutes are predictable and within the city limits, so you can simply park your scooter and charge at night. Portable charger is a great option if you feel you’ll frequently charge outside of your home such as your office.
You can also check out the FAQs on the website for more info on making this decision. https://www.atherenergy.com/faq/vehicle/charging