An external battery (or as it is also called Power Bank) is a small portable device that allows you to recharge smartphones, phones, tablets and other mobile equipment on the go, without using an outlet and power adapter. A properly selected external battery will allow you to extend the battery life of your device several times, which will significantly increase your mobility and will allow you to worry less about battery power and the likelihood of being left without connection.
When choosing an external battery for a smartphone, first of all, you need to decide what capacity you need. In this matter, you need to build on the battery capacity of your smartphone and the mobility that you want to get. For example, if the battery of your device has a capacity of 3000 mAh and you want to extend its battery life by 3 times, then you need the power bank to provide 2 full charges, that is, so that it can give the smartphone 6000 mAh.
In order for an external battery to charge your smartphone with 6000 mAh, its capacity must be significantly higher. The fact is that the battery cannot give up all 100% of the energy that is stored in it. Energy will be spent on voltage conversion, heating, etc. In total, all these losses will amount to about 30-40%. Therefore, in order to get 6000 mAh from an external battery, you need to choose a model with a capacity of at least 8000 mAh, and preferably all 10000 mAh.
After you have chosen the capacity of the external battery, you need to take into account its dimensions and weight. Carefully study the specifications of the devices with the capacity you need and decide if you are ready to carry a device with this size and weight, or if you need to consider more compact devices. After all, if you purchase a device that is too bulky, then it will be inconvenient for you to use it. You will increasingly leave it at home and eventually your mobility will not improve. In general, you should not chase the maximum capacity, it is important to catch the balance, otherwise the bank will not be mobile.
External battery connectors
Connectors are another important point to consider when buying an external battery. Most models are equipped with a regular USB connector. This will work with most smartphones, but in some cases you may need a different connector.
For example, now more and more smartphones are equipped with a USB type C connector and are equipped with a cable on both sides of which the same USB type C is used. In order to charge such a smartphone from a regular Power Bank, you will need an adapter from USB to USB type C. If you do not If you want to use adapters, then you should look for a model with a USB type C connector. In this case, you can use the supplied cable.
If you don't want to carry a cable with you, then you can choose a power bank with a built-in cable. But, it should be borne in mind that such built-in cables are usually very short (up to 10 centimeters), which makes it inconvenient to use a smartphone when it is charging.
You also need to consider the number of connectors. Most external batteries have only one output connector. Therefore, if you need to charge several devices at once, then you need to choose a model with the appropriate number of outputs.
Smartphone charging speed from external battery
Like a regular charging adapter, an external battery has such a characteristic as an output current, which is measured in amperes. The higher the output current,.
Low-cost power banks usually issue about 1 Ampere of current. If you need to charge a budget smartphone and a push-button phone, then this amperage will do. But, to charge more serious devices, you need to choose models that can provide 2 or even 3 Amperes of current.
In order to determine what current strength is needed for your device, look at what is indicated on the charger that came with the kit. The charger should have approximately the following line "Output 5 V - 1 A". 1 A is the current strength that your device needs. For the fastest charging possible, choose an external battery that can provide the same or higher amperage. Do not be afraid if the Power Bank can provide more amperage than standard charging. The charging process is controlled by the smartphone, and it will not consume more current than it needs.
If your smartphone supports some kind of fast charging technology, such as Quick Charge 3.0 or Quick Charge 4.0, then you should look for an external battery that supports this technology. With the support of these technologies, the speed of charging a smartphone from an external battery will significantly increase.
In general, the above is enough to choose a suitable external battery for your smartphone. But, there are a few more points that I would like to mention.
- Choose models from famous brands... The Power Bank is a fairly simple device, which is why many companies produce it. Many such companies disappear very quickly and do not monitor quality. To purchase a device that will meet the stated characteristics, it is advisable to choose trusted brands. For example, Asus, Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Energizer.
- Buy from trusted stores... External batteries are often counterfeited, so you shouldn't save money and buy power banks on Aliexpress or somewhere in the market. It is better to choose a large and proven store that will definitely not sell "fake" goods.
Nowadays electronic gadgets are used everywhere. They are needed for work, communication and entertainment. With active work, modern mobile phones and tablets are quickly discharged. Even if you always carry a charger with you, it is not always possible to plug it in. A portable charger for your phone called Power Bank will help you not to be left without connection at the right moment.
The device is called differently - external battery, portable or mobile charger, portable charger. In this case, we are talking about the same thing - charging a phone without an outlet.
The advantage of Power Bank is that it can be used to charge electronic gadgets when other methods are not available. This can happen not only in situations where there are no outlets nearby or they are all busy, but also during long trips, travels, and even hiking trips. For those who like to often get out into nature, there are special external batteries equipped with a solar battery.
Power Bank is a battery that must be pre-charged and then used to power other devices.
The portable charger is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around in your bag. Gadgets are connected to the Power Bank via a cable connected to the USB connector, which makes the external battery a universal device. It can be used not only to charge the phone battery, but also for tablets, cameras, laptops, players.
Some models of the portable device have more than one USB connector, which allows you to charge several gadgets at the same time.
More about capacity
Capacity is a characteristic that indicates how long a portable battery can be used to power other gadgets without recharging. Most portable devices have an indicator that flashes when they are low. To use PowerBank again, you need to charge it in one of the ways - from the mains, laptop or computer. Charging takes place through a special micro-USB connector on the case.
Most of the demanded batteries have a capacity in the range of 1500-20000 mAh. How much capacity is needed depends on the devices that PowerBank will be used to power. If you need a battery to charge your phone, a device with a lower capacity is suitable than for recharging a laptop or photography equipment.
The weight of the portable battery directly depends on the capacity. You should know this in order to avoid buying a fake. On the Internet, you can find offers in which the low weight and low price of the battery do not correspond to its capacity. The increase in capacity by 5000 mAh makes the model weigh about 100 g more.
We calculate the number of charging cycles
PowerBank can be used to recharge electronic devices as many times as its capacity exceeds the battery capacity of the charging devices. When choosing a portable battery, it is advised to focus on several charging cycles. To do this, you need to multiply the battery capacity of the gadget that you plan to connect to the portable charger by 2-2.5.
For example, if you are looking for a portable charger for mobile phones with a 2600 mAh battery, you should not buy an external battery with less than 5200 mAh.
Please note that PowerBank will not charge gadgets with more battery capacity than the external battery.
It should be understood that a portable battery will not be able to fully charge the device if the capacity of their batteries is the same, since the PowerBank battery is consumed to keep it running.
Charge currents
The strength of the current affects the charging speed of the devices. In external batteries, USB ports for 1 A or 2 A are common. A 1 A plug is needed to charge phones, smartphones, players, e-books. The 2A USB port is suitable for large equipment - tablets, cameras, laptops.
There are PowerBank models with multiple connectors. Most of these chargers have ports with different amperage.
Mobile batteries are equipped with controllers that limit the supply of voltage to devices with a weak battery, so the player or phone will not be damaged if connected to a 2 A connector. Otherwise, when large equipment is connected to a connector with a weak current, the charging process will be slow.
Battery type
There are 2 types of batteries: lithium-ion and lithium-polymer.
Li-ion devices
Lithium-ion chargers are more common on the market. This type of battery matches most batteries found in modern mobile phones.
Li-ion PowerBank is inexpensive and can charge most tablets and smartphones.
The disadvantages of this type of battery include the risk of damage from overcharging or overheating. There are PowerBank models that provide automatic shutdown in such situations.
Li-polymer devices
Lithium polymer chargers have an internal structure that allows you to get more battery capacity with less weight compared to Li-ion devices.
Li-polymer chargers have a higher price. This is due to the need to install a special board to ensure the operation of the device, which has a complex internal circuit. The batteries are also equipped with an overheating design.
Cheap lithium polymer chargers can neglect the installation of additional cells, which can quickly deteriorate batteries.
How to choose the right one?
To choose a good external battery, you need to build on the needs of the buyer. It should be understood which gadgets are planned to be charged, in what quantity and how often.
There is no point in overpaying for PowerBank with a large capacity if you choose an external battery for your phone that can be charged at fairly minimal rates. To charge a laptop, you need a device of at least 20,000 mAh, less capacious ones simply will not work. It should be borne in mind that the larger the capacity, the more weight, and some models may not be comfortable to carry with you every day.
When using tablets and photographic equipment, it is better to opt for models with a higher amperage, which will provide fast charging.
If you need to charge the battery of your phone or other gadgets that do not have a USB port, choose a model that includes adapters for connecting old-style devices.
Portable chargers can be made of plastic or metal. In the second case, the phone charger will be stronger and less prone to scratches, but its price and weight will be higher.
You can find PowerBank with an unusual design. They can be made in the form of various toys, animals, or any other shape. It should be borne in mind that such decorative devices, due to the original appearance, have a higher cost, although they may not have high performance.
If you need to use the device while traveling, you should pay attention to devices with a built-in solar battery. They will make it possible to recharge the phone for several hours even in extreme conditions where there is no electricity.
Sometimes it may be necessary to use the device while being powered by PowerBank while standing or on the move. In this case, it is better to choose a small battery, which will allow you to stay connected to the case - it is not difficult to hold such a device in your hands.
Some models are equipped with additional elements that can make the work more comfortable - LED indicators, screen, flashlight.
Top portable chargers
The popular model is Xiaomi Power Bank 2 20000 mAh. This device provides the best value for money. Has a plastic case. A 20,000 mAh battery and 2.4 A connectors allow it to be used not only as a phone battery charger, but also for tablets and other more capacious equipment. 2 USB ports make it possible to simultaneously power multiple devices.
ASUS ZenPower 10050 mAh ABTU005 is a portable phone charger made of metal and equipped with an LED that will notify you when the device is running low. Features allow you to charge smartphones, including newer iPhone models, which have higher capacity.
TP-LINK TL-PB10400 is a compact model, the size of which allows you to use PowerBank on the go, while on the road a built-in flashlight can help out. Has 2 ports for connecting devices for 1 and 2 A.
One of the best options for portable phone battery charging is the SONY CP-V10. Its advantages are compact. The 10,000mAh battery and 1.5M current output keep the price affordable. A light indicator adds to the comfort in use.
The main reason for the emergence of portable USB power banks was the increasing use of mobile technology, the energy level of the built-in batteries is sufficient for less time - on average, half a day or a day. Every year, new smartphones and phablets enter the market, with an increased diagonal, saturated screen brightness, increased performance, support for even more sensors, while the battery remains the same capacity. A large screen with a high resolution and high pixel density (PPI), a touch screen with a wide diagonal are the main factors of high power consumption and fast discharge of a smartphone. To charge such gadgets in the absence of a wired power grid, portable external power banks were developed.
In the modern world, a trip on a business trip or a trip, going on vacation - to nature, fishing or hunting is not complete without a portable power bank charger. In the absence of an electrical outlet, as well as other sources of energy, a portable power bank becomes indispensable for uninterrupted communication for a long time, with it you can not worry that watching a movie in the evening or chatting on social networks will leave a voracious smartphone or phablet without energy.
The average weight of a portable external battery is 150-300 grams, and its capacity is 2500-30000 mA / h, compact models are capable of recharging a smartphone one or two times, and the use of capacious portable USB power bank will restore a smartphone battery up to 10-20 times. Most models of external USB power banks are endowed with a full-size USB port and come with a USB-MicroUSB cable, and external batteries with a USB Type C connector are also available. Top-capacity portable power banks can also be equipped with adapters for charging laptops. Often, for convenience, a power level indicator is additionally placed on the front panel of a portable powerbank, as well as an integrated LED flashlight.
The principle of operation of the portable charger power bank
The portable charger power bank will easily restore the energy of the connected gadget to the required level when the own battery of the mobile device is discharged. The universal power bank charger is equipped with one or more batteries connected to the controller board, which also has connectors for charging the portable power bank itself and connected mobile equipment.
The service life of a portable power bank charger directly depends on the quality of the batteries and materials used in its composition: the higher-quality components were used in production, the more reliable its design and the longer the life of the portable power bank charger will delight the owner. Also, the operating mode of the universal power supply has a significant effect on the lifespan.
- do not allow deep discharge of the battery (this can lead to its complete failure);
- charge only with currents not higher than those indicated on the usb in the bank (energy recovery with high currents leads to a reduction in the life cycle of the battery);
- do not charge and try not to use at low or high temperatures (in such conditions, capacity, operating time and efficiency are reduced).
Thus, when choosing a universal external usb battery, we strongly advise against stopping at the cheapest model - there is a risk of purchasing a low-quality device. Cheap USB power banks may contain inaccurately assembled elements, low-quality parts, due to which the gadget may fail prematurely.
Features, differences and characteristics of power bank
Portable power banks are available in various sizes, designs, design features, but are rated and differ in their main characteristics:
- current strength when charging connected devices (output current);
Let's consider the specified features, differences and characteristics of the power bank in more detail.
Selecting the capacity of the external battery
The capacity of the external battery powerbank is the most important characteristic that shows how long the powerbank is able to be a source of energy for connected equipment. Simply put, it shows the number of times that a portable additional battery will allow you to recharge a connected gadget using its own energy. Capacity is measured in milliampere hours (mAh).
When choosing the capacity of a universal portable external battery, we recommend that you follow the rule: it should be selected 2 - 2.5 times the size of the battery of the device being charged. For example, when choosing a power bank for iphone X, the capacity of the built-in battery of which is 2716 mA / h, we recommend purchasing an additional battery for iPhone with a capacity of 5000-1000 mA / h - this is enough for one or two full recharges so as not to be left without connection with regular use iPhone.
It should also be borne in mind that the real capacity of universal external USB batteries, indicated by the manufacturer, is given taking into account the voltage of the built-in batteries of 3.7 volts. And when you connect a mobile gadget to a portable power source, the current is transmitted with a voltage of 5 volts. In mobile technology, batteries with a voltage of 3.7 V are used. Thus, during charging, a double conversion of voltage occurs: first, by turning the bank from 3.7 V to 5 V and then by the connected device from 5 V to 3.7-4.2 V, the losses during this conversion are 20- thirty%. For example, if you charge a tablet with a battery with a capacity of 10,000 mAh with a portable charging power bank with the same battery, then the energy of the external battery will be enough to restore the battery of the phablet only by 70-75%.
The best choice of external battery power bank for a budget smartphone would be a compact power bank with a capacity of 5000-10000 mAh, it is small, it will allow you to use the device comfortably for several days, it can be carried in your pocket or small bag. Users of productive smartphones and tablets usually purchase a power bank for a smartphone with a capacity of 10,000 - 20,000 mAh. For long business trips, hikes, trips or travels, powerful power banks with a capacity of 20,000 - 30,000 mAh are better suited.
Amperage when charging connected devices (output current)
The current is measured in Amperes (A) and is considered the main indicator characterizing the efficiency of charging an external battery. The output current shows how quickly the connected equipment will be recharged. Portable batteries use a 1 A USB connector and a 1.5 - 2 A USB connector for more demanding tablets.
- up to 1 A - cell phones (not smartphones), wireless headphones, bracelets, and other accessories;
- 1–1.5 A - most smartphones, GPS navigators, portable recorders and other autonomous devices;
- 2-3.6 A - smartphones with high-capacity batteries and tablet PCs.
The rate of energy replenishment is also affected by the charge controller of the connected device, which will limit the current if it exceeds the manufacturer's specified value. For example, a Sony Xperia Z3 smartphone has a 1.5 A limitation in the controller: when this smartphone is connected to an external portable battery with a 1 A and 1.5 A port, the current will not be limited, and when connected to a port with a current of more than 1.5 A, the smartphone will still be consume no more than 1.5 A. For each gadget, the restrictions are different, in some rare cases (often on cheap Chinese equipment) there is no protection at all, so it is highly discouraged to connect to powerful ports without first checking compatibility. The easiest way to check compatibility is by looking at the specifications of the device being charged or at the charger (charger) supplied with it, if the current in the complete charger matches the output current at the external battery port (or slightly exceeds - by 0.1-0.5 A) , then you can safely charge mobile equipment with an external battery power bank. For example, iPhones are equipped with a 1 A charger, while Apple iPads come with more powerful 2 A RAMs.Therefore, we recommend charging the iPhone with a universal external battery for an iPhone with a 1 A port, and with iPad tablets, it is better to use an external battery for an iPad with a 2 A port. ...
For owners of modern gadgets with a capacious battery, we recommend choosing a universal external battery with fast charging and a current of at least 2 A, since the connected device will charge slowly with a portable powerbank with a lower amperage (or it will not be at all with constant use of the charged device).
To find out the current strength before purchasing a universal portable battery, you should look at the markings next to the USB port - 90% of external power banks have information there. Some universal external batteries for mobile devices are equipped with Quick Charge (fast charging) technology. Such additional batteries are capable of charging the connected device with increased voltage, but with reduced amperage, so it is possible to charge the smartphone battery up to 50-60% in just 30-40 minutes (if the smartphone supports QC technology).
Power bank charging current (input current)
The universal power bank is charged using the microUSB connector located on its body or in the latest models of the more modern USB Type C connector. The speed at which a Portable Portable Battery recovers is dependent on the voltage and current when it is connected to a power source. The current strength is influenced by two factors:
- what current can the charger give;
- what current can the powerbank consume.
To charge the YUSB power bank battery, we recommend purchasing network (SZU) or car (ACU) chargers for 1-2 A. This charger is enough to completely and quickly replenish the energy of the universal powerbank charger. It should be borne in mind that external power banks have different maximum input amperage, and it is better to select the charger with this feature in mind. Some models of external batteries with fast charging support the Quick Charge function, which allows them to be recharged with increased voltage much faster.
LED flashlight. A useful option that helps you easily navigate in the dark or during a power outage. When choosing a large powerful power bank for long journeys, hikes and frequent trips, this function is highly desirable. A power bank model with a flashlight is preferable than without it - an LED flashlight can help out at an unexpected moment;
Second USB connector. In capacious external power supplies, the presence of a second USB port is also highly desirable and will allow you to charge two devices at the same time. In addition, in batteries with two usb outputs and increased current strength at the output of the second port, it is possible to quickly charge powerful devices, for example, the Apple iPad phablet;
Charging the external battery from the network. By default, power bank rechargeable batteries are charged from a computer or laptop via a USB port, but if you charge them in this way, it will take a long time, so it is preferable to be able to recover the energy of an external USB battery using the SDR (connected to the AC mains), which will allow you to quickly restore capacity;
Charge indicator. Shows information about the residual energy level of the external power bank. Displaying the residual level is a useful function, since having recognized it in advance, a fully charged power bank with a charge indicator will help you not to get into a mess in a difficult situation - staying with a planted smartphone and a discharged portable power source;
Recessed into the body of the battery activation button. A useful feature that helps to avoid accidentally turning on or off the external backup battery;
The presence of a solar panel. The option will be useful for those who like traveling, hiking in nature or in the mountains - in all cases when it is not possible to charge even a portable power bank for a long time. Thanks to the solar panel, it is possible to recharge the portable battery using sunlight, but it is worth noting that solar panels are 12-25% efficient and will be slow to recover with solar energy.
Whether a portable power source needs some additional function depends on the usage scenario. Of the most useful functions, we recommend looking at the presence of a charge level indicator(will help to avoid unpleasant situations), flashlight(will help out at any time) and second USB port for capacious powerful power banks when using multiple devices. It should also be borne in mind that the presence of each option increases the price of a portable power supply.
Interesting models with original solutions:
- yusb power bank with a digital indicator Energizer Power Bank UE10018 digit screen 10000;
- universal charger power bank with a flashlight-night light Remax Power Bank Proda Power Box 30000 mAh black;
Choosing an external battery manufacturer
There are external batteries of many manufacturers on the market, but among them we can distinguish: Xiaomi, Remax, Rock and Energizer. Let's consider these companies in more detail.
External batteries Xiaomi Power Bank
Among the manufacturers of external batteries, the leading place is occupied by the Chinese company Xiaomi.
The position of Xiaomi and the founder of the company Liuei Yun is that excellent, high-quality, easy-to-use technology should not be expensive, so the price of Xiaomi devices often includes only the costs of materials and manufacturing, there is no "brand" component that increases the final price for the consumer. Xiaomi strives for excellence in the release of devices, wishing to create premium quality products for maximum consumer comfort. Through regular innovations, testing, the implementation of fresh ideas, faith in innovation and support from fans, it becomes possible to release fresh, interesting, unique gadgets. Therefore, it is not surprising that the release of each new product causes a stir among the brand's fans. Xiaomi produces technological gadgets at a surprisingly low price, most of them are positioned as goods, the price of which includes only the cost of materials.
The most popular Xiaomi models:
- power bank with fast charging in a durable plastic case;
- protected power bank in an aluminum case Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 10000 mAh (VXN4253CN) silver.
Remax Power Bank external batteries stand out from the competition primarily by their original design, high quality materials and practicality. When developing gadgets, designers were inspired by the ideas of fashion, youth and passion, which made the brand popular among young people. High-quality Remax power bank combines convenience, creativity, and increased reliability.
The most unusual external batteries Remax Power Bank:
- external battery lipstick Remax Power Bank LipMAX RPL-12 2400 mAh purple;
- an unusual power bank with a flashlight Remax Power Bank Proda Power Box 10000 mAh white;
- original poverbank in the form of a cartridge Remax Power Bank Shell RPL-18 2500 mAh white.
Currently, Remax is actively expanding its presence in European markets, including Russia. Remax is committed to using modern technology to design and manufacture practical accessories of the highest quality in fashionable design.
Rock Power Bank Portable Batteries
Portable external battery for phone power bank
If you need a portable external battery for your phone power bank, which is enough to charge the gadget 1-3 times, portable batteries for your Xiaomi phone with a capacity of 5000 mAh will be suitable:
Powerbank for phone with fast charging function Xiaomi Mi Power Bank ZMI QB805 5000 mAh
The increased quality of the components used in portable batteries for Xiaomi phones, as well as the attractive price, make them the best choice. Other portable external batteries for the phone are available for purchase in the catalog.
Additional external battery for smartphone
The best choice of an additional external battery for restoring the energy of a smartphone will be Xiaomi power banks with wireless fast charging and a capacity of 10,000 mAh, such an additional power supply is compact, fits in a pocket or a small bag, and allows you to comfortably recharge devices for several days without wires. Recommended models:
Additional external battery for smartphone with support for fast charging Xiaomi Mi Wireless Power Bank Youth 10000mAh
;- Portable external battery for iPhone in a plastic case with support for fast charging Xiaomi Mi Power Bank ZMI QB805 5000 mAh silver;
- One of the most affordable and best external batteries for iPhone Xiaomi Redmi Powerbank 10000mAh white;
- Portable external battery for iPhone with QC function Xiaomi Redmi Powerbank Fast Charge 20000mAh white;
- Additional battery power bank for iPhone in a durable ABS plastic case Xiaomi Mi Power Bank ZMI QB810 10000 mAh white;
- External power bank for iPhone with Quick Charge 2.0 support in a durable ABS plastic case Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2C PLM06ZM 20000 mAh white.
In our catalog, other portable external Power Bank batteries for iPhone are presented for purchase.
Universal external battery for tablet and powerful smartphone
When using powerful smartphones and tablets, it is recommended to purchase additional power bank batteries with a capacity of 10,000-20,000 mAh, for these purposes the following is suitable:
Universal external battery for tablet and powerful smartphone ZMI Power Bank QB822 20000mAh 2-way fast charging digital display 27W
Large powerful power bank for travel and camping
For long hikes, business trips, trips or travels, large powerful power banks with a capacity of 20,000-30000 mAh are suitable, which allow you to fully recharge your smartphone up to 15-20 times, and the tablet up to 5-6 times. Such additional energy sources do not need to be charged frequently - the large capacity allows you to replenish the power of other gadgets for a long time. We advise you to choose.
Every year, new smartphones appear, more and more powerful and gluttonous. Innovations in the field of batteries are not yet foreseen, which means that the power bank (powerbank, external battery, portable battery) remains the only way out for those who often live away from outlets.
What is the difference between external batteries
Portable power supplies, unlike the same smartphones and other types of advanced technology, cannot boast of a special variety. And this is quite logical. Batteries - These are batteries, but you still need to know a thing or two about them.
Capacity and accompanying dimensions
The most important parameter of an external battery is its capacity, which the manufacturer usually indicates in milliampere-hours (mAh). Roughly speaking, it is the amount of energy that a battery can store (but not transmit).
Please note: due to the fundamental laws of physics, no external battery can transfer 100% of the stored energy and no smartphone is able to fully absorb the received energy. Part of the resource is always lost during voltage conversion, and a certain amount goes into heat.
On average, the cumulative losses are from 30 to 40%, although some (and usually more expensive) models of external batteries and smartphones can boast an efficiency of about 90%.
Thus, it is incorrect to determine the number of possible charges of a smartphone with a known capacity of the built-in battery from a powerbank with a known capacity using a simple division. The loss factor must be taken into account. Moreover, for reinsurance, it is better to take it at the upper limit, that is, at least 35%.
To put it simply, a powerbank with a declared capacity of 10,000 mAh in practice will transfer approximately 7,500 real mAh, which means that it will fully charge a smartphone with a battery with a capacity of 2,500 mAh, not four times, but only three times.
Please note that the above calculation is very average and quite optimistic. It is possible to check the real losses when charging a specific smartphone from a specific external battery only in practice.
In addition, physics obliges to draw a direct relationship between the capacity and mass of the power bank. To store more power, the battery needs to be heavier and larger.
Connectors
The vast majority of external batteries, and especially, are sold without cables. It is assumed that you will be using the cable that came with your smartphone. Accordingly, the connectors on the battery and the cable must match.
It may seem that you don't need to pay attention to the connectors, because all smartphones have the same cable with standard full-format USB on one end and microUSB on the other, but this is not the case.
For example, the bundled Nexus 5X cable has USB-C on both sides. And in order not to buy additional wires, you will have to look for an external battery with just such a connector, both output and input, or purchase an adapter.
Kanex GoPower Slim Aluminum USB-C
Some manufacturers, such as Motorola, include a plug with a non-removable cable in the kit of certain smartphone models. In this case, the purchase of an additional cable is inevitable.
There are power banks with a built-in cable. In this case, it is important to make sure that the connector fits your smartphone.
EasyAcc iChoc 5000 mAh Ultra Slim Power bank output current and fast charging
The external battery charges the smartphone, which is great. It's even better if he does it quickly, right? The charging speed depends on many parameters, but the determining factor is the output current of the powerbank. It should be no less than that provided by the smartphone manufacturer.
Finding the optimal amperage for your smartphone is easy. Take the plug that came with the device and look at the OUTPUT value.
Output current It will say something like 5 V - 2 A. You need the number next to A because current is measured in amperes.
You can find out the output current of the powerbank in the description or instructions. If the external battery has more than one output connector, then the current strength is sometimes indicated directly on the case next to each connector.
HP 7 600 mAh Power Pack Slim Portable If there are two or more connectors, remember that the total output current of the powerbank is limited. For example, a battery can have two outputs of 2.5 A each, but give a total of no more than 4 A. Accordingly, when two devices are connected at once, each of them can receive no more than 2 A.
If the output current of the external battery is less than that for which the smartphone is designed (for example, 1 A for a powerbank and 1.5 A for a smartphone), then charging will still occur, but noticeably slower.
There is no need to be afraid if the output current of the external battery is higher than that for which the mobile device is designed (for example, 2 A for a powerbank and 1 A for a smartphone). Mobile devices have built-in protections that limit the incoming current to an acceptable value. Simply put, your smartphone won't explode or melt.
For the same reason, your mobile device will not charge faster if you use a plug or power bank with an output current higher than that specified by the manufacturer.
Let's say you find an external battery with a suitable output current strength, but the included plug will still charge your smartphone faster. What's the matter? Most likely, your smartphone supports some kind of accelerated charging technology like Quick Charge 3.0, Quick Charge 4.0, or a variant with its own name from a specific manufacturer (for example, mCharge from Meizu). Look for a power bank that is friendly with exactly the fast charging technology used in your smartphone.
Powerbanks with smart fast charging technologies like PowerIQ are gaining popularity right now. In theory, they recognize the device connected to them and supply the optimal current for it, but in practice this does not always work and not with all smartphone models.
External battery input current
No matter what capacious external battery you buy, its own energy supply will sooner or later be exhausted. It's nice when the powerbank quickly charges the smartphone, but it's even more pleasant if it charges quickly itself.
The charging speed of a powerbank is determined by its input current strength, voltage and the presence of one technology or another that provides a faster replenishment of its own charge. There are now external batteries that can be fully charged in less than 30 minutes.
Please note: the powerbank's own charging speed does not affect the speed at which it charges the smartphone.
But lack of understanding of technology and gaps in English knowledge can be confusing to the user. For example, you see a power bank that says something like 5 minutes charge. You might think that this miracle device charges your smartphone in 5 minutes, but in reality everything is different.
Let's say the capacity of a particular battery is 10,000 mAh and it is fully charged in 20 minutes. In this case, it will replenish approximately 2,500 mAh in 5 minutes. And this charge is really enough to charge a typical smartphone.
The problem is that the charging time of a smartphone is limited by its own maximum input amperage and the availability of support for one or another fast charging technology.
Simply put, the pretentious phrase 5 minutes charge actually means: "It takes 5 minutes for this powerbank to get the charge necessary for further full charging of the smartphone." Don't get caught up in marketing noodles and pump your technical literacy.
Best Power Banks
Lifehacker invites you to compile a top reader's powerbanks. Write in the comments the names and characteristics of the models you use, and your opinion about them. If there is already a comment with your model, please add it and supplement it with your experience of use.
The models with the most pluses will be included in our 2017 Best Power Banks selection, which we publish.
Other guides for choosing a technique from Lifehacker.
A portable charger is a very useful thing that every modern smartphone owner will need. In particular, PowerBank (poverbank) will become an indispensable device for lovers of hiking and long journeys. The choice of models is simply huge, so finding an option that would completely suit you in terms of basic parameters and cost is not difficult. Below we will talk about what you need to consider when buying an external, and which of its characteristics are most important.
Charger capacity indicator
This parameter determines how functional the power bank will be. It also has a significant impact on its weight and price. Capacitance units are ampere-hours. (abbreviated designation - mAh in Russian and mAh in English).
How do you know which PowerBank capacity is best for you? In this case, an important role is played by which gadget will be charged most often. If it is a smartphone, then the indicator of the capacity of the external battery should be at least 1.5 times higher than that of the battery. It is desirable that this parameter be higher and allow at least 3 times to charge a completely dead phone. Any portable charger is less than 100% efficient. This indicates that energy losses cannot be avoided during charging. It is difficult to name their exact volume. It all depends on the quality level of the installed battery. In other words, having a PowerBank with a capacity of 5 thousand mAh, you cannot use it to fully charge a 2.5 thousand mAh battery twice.
Pay attention to the little things
Sometimes the connectors are poorly made. In particular, this applies to power banks that are produced by little-known firms. Reliable manufacturers do not see the point in saving on cheap parts, but small ones do not even shy away from this. Take a close look at your portable charger before purchasing to avoid getting yourself into trouble. If the connectors seem flimsy to you, then it is better to refuse such a purchase, because in the future you will experience significant inconvenience when connecting a smartphone or other gadgets.
Complete set of charging models for phones
Very often the package includes several adapters in addition to the external battery itself. Among them it is necessary to highlight:
- Micro USB designed to connect modern tablets and smartphones.
- Lightning compatible with Apple appliances.
- Mini USB, thanks to which you can charge your old phone, player, camera, etc.
- Outdated adapter for gadgets from Apple.
As you can see, the list is not so bad, because there will definitely be a cable in it that will fit the device you have, but it is better to refuse to use it. The fact is that the quality level of any of the above adapters usually leaves much to be desired. It will quickly break down, and can also adversely affect the condition of the gadget. Thus, if you purchased a power bank from a little-known manufacturer, then be on the lookout and do not rush to connect cables that can only harm.
An AC adapter is supplied with the new charger. It will definitely come in handy when you need to connect both a smartphone and PowerBank to an outlet. In this regard, it is better to have two adapters with you.
Availability of indicators
Some portable battery models have built-in indicators. Using them, you can find out information about the remainder of the stored energy, or the time that remains until a full charge.
An excellent choice would be a model equipped with a small display on which data on the state of the power bank will be displayed. Despite this, it is not worth making the presence of indicators one of the mandatory requirements for a portable charger. If you find a portable battery that suits you completely and is equipped with flashing lights, then feel free to buy it, and do not look for a device with a screen similar in parameters.
What should be the case?
The material from which the PowerBank case is made does not play any significant role. It serves an exclusively aesthetic function, so choose what you like. There is an opinion that a metal case will always be better than a plastic one. It is easy to disagree with this, because the most important thing is the "filling" and reliability of the portable battery, and not its appearance. Meanwhile, we can recommend a power bank in the case, which is coated with "SoftTouch". It is pleasant to the touch and slightly rough. The main advantage is that the Soft-touch layer provides a secure grip and reduces the likelihood of the battery accidentally falling out of the hands. If we talk about the strength of the case, then it should be high, but the presence of a shockproof coating is not necessary.
Simple and at the same time stylish design of the 10 thousand mAh power bank from the company "Xiaomi": the corporate logo flaunts on the metal case. It looks very attractive. There are also models with an unusual design. For example, one of them is PowerBank Emie Devil Doodle. This device costs about $ 50, but it works stably and looks beautiful. The only drawback is that it can only be purchased via the Internet by ordering on one of the Chinese sites.
PowerBank Manufacturer's Choice
This is a very important criterion that must be taken into account when buying an external battery. Meanwhile, this does not mean at all that you need to purchase an expensive model produced by a well-known company. Currently, Chinese powerbanks produced under well-known brands are in high demand: TP-LINK, Meizu, Drobak, Xiaomi, Sony, etc. In terms of sales, Xiaomi products are in the lead. This company has established itself as a reliable manufacturer of not only portable chargers, but other "smart" equipment, such as pedometer bracelets.
It is not worth buying PowerBank of dubious production because:
- The difference between the capacity declared in the documentation and the actual one will be solid;
- The quality of adapters and connectors will leave much to be desired, which will cause significant inconvenience at the time of using the device;
- The likelihood of a quick breakdown will be noticeably increased;
- Problems with warranty repair are possible.
Are you looking for additional features?
The range of portable batteries is wide enough. In this regard, it will not be difficult to purchase a device that will have additional functions. Some power banks are equipped with card readers, Wi-Fi modules, memory cards, etc. Whether they are useful or not, everyone decides for himself. Most importantly, do not buy a battery that is too cheap or made by a little-known company, because such an acquisition will most likely only bring a loss.
As for successful examples, Kingston Mobilelite G2 has a wide functionality. The cost of this device is about $ 50, but it's really worth it. This charger will definitely appeal to owners of iPhones and other smartphones that do not support memory cards, which leads to problems with autonomy.
If you are looking to buy something special, then look out for power banks that charge from direct sunlight. This option is likely to appeal to fans of summer hikes. Despite this, one should not forget that the weather can be cloudy, it takes more time to charge, and the weight of such a device is quite large.
