How many times have you had to suffer from discharging your smartphone at the most inopportune moment? And if you need to call urgently or wait for an important message? It’s good if there is an outlet or a computer nearby, from which you can quickly charge the device. But what if they are not? Exit - use external battery (power bank). The Internet project "Be mobile" has collected tips that will help you choose the best option for you.
First, let's define what an external battery is and what are its advantages. An external battery or Power Bank is a portable high-capacity lithium-ion battery, from which you can charge a variety of mobile devices: phones, smartphones, tablets or e-books. This battery is capable of storing energy within itself for a long time. You can take it with you to work, study, on a business trip or while traveling.
The portable charger can be made in various form factors with a plastic, polycarbonate or metal case. On sale you can find models in the form of boxes, bars, discs, cones and tubes of various colors.
The Power Bank is charged from the electrical network or from any device with a USB output (for example, a computer or laptop).
All external batteries are equipped with one or more USB ports. Modern phones, smartphones or tablets can be charged using a USB cable, which in most cases is included with the device.
id="sub0">The main parameter when choosing an external battery is energy intensity. Everything is simple and clear here. The larger the capacity, the more energy the device stores, and the more expensive it is. Capacity is measured in mAh - milliamp hours.
On sale at present, you can find portable chargers with a capacity from several hundred milliamp hours to several tens of thousands. You can estimate the level of charge that you need based on the battery capacity of your smartphone or tablet.
For example, in an average smartphone, the battery has a capacity of 2,000 mAh, in productive and expensive models - from 2,500 to 3,000 mAh. This means that a fully charged external battery of 5,000 mAh is enough for 2-2.5 charge cycles. A fully charged 10,000 mAh external battery will last for 4-5 cycles. If portable charging is necessary for the tablet, then you should choose from models with a larger capacity, for example, 20 or 30 thousand mAh.
The current portable power sources are equipped with lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. Depending on type and design Rated voltage the output of the battery can be different (3.7, 4.2 or 7.4 V), while the standard voltage of the USB power bus is 5 V direct current. Obviously, in this case, a 2000 mAh battery with a nominal voltage of 3.7 V, even under ideal conditions, will not work for even an hour and a half when powered by an external load connected via the USB bus and consuming a current of 1 A. In addition, the amount of electricity that can be stored Batteries having the same capacity but different voltage will be different.
Tip 2: look at the current strength, it affects the charging speed
id="sub1">Another factor that affects the charging speed is the current strength. The more amps, the faster the charging speed. For phones and smartphones, this figure must be at least 1 ampere. Otherwise, the process itself will be extremely slow. It will take 3 or 4 times longer to fully charge than from the mains.
For tablets, devices with a current strength of 3 A or more will be preferred. The ideal option is 4 A.
Tip 3: trust, but verify, because the declared capacity does not always match the real one
id="sub2">Another important point- the real capacity of the Power Bank. The fact is that many manufacturers embellish the performance of their products. Of the 50 models of portable chargers that came to us for testing for Last year, 46 had a significantly lower capacity than was stated. The average difference was 25%.
For example, the manufacturer indicated that the external battery has a capacity of 10,000 mAh, but in reality - 7,800 mAh. The difference is connected both with the dishonesty of the developers and improper storage of batteries during transportation and subsequent sale.
The real capacity is also affected by such an indicator as self-discharge.
On average, external batteries with fully charged within two weeks they are discharged by 5%. This should be taken into account if you do not use Power Bank for a long time. To activate electrolytic reactions, it is worth putting the device on recharging before use.
Keep in mind that battery capacity will decrease over time. Our measurements show that with active use, a high-quality battery loses its capacity by 15% per year, the cheapest models - 35%.
To control the level of charge in almost all Power Banks, LED indicators. And some external batteries are equipped with LED displays that show the exact state of charge in percent.
Tip 5: choose a power bank with multiple USB ports to charge your friends smartphones at the same time
id="sub4">Some models of portable chargers have several USB ports for connecting two, three or even more at once. mobile devices. This option is suitable for simultaneous recharging, for example, when you go on a trip with friends. It's comfortable. Together you can charge your phones, smartphones and even tablets.
Often you ask us where you can guarantee to buy a high-quality external battery cheaply. We cannot give a definite answer. Of course, the reliability of a purchase in a large Russian online store or in a retail network is higher, but the prices there are also higher. It is worth remembering that little-known Chinese sellers have a peculiarity: they can deceive. Their external batteries are much cheaper than branded counterparts, often they indicate the volume is 2 or 3 times higher than the real one. Too low a price can be a trap. Although branded Power Banks in such stores can be fakes.
Compact
id="sub5">If you need compactness, you can pay attention to ergonomic models, for example, Anker Astro E1. This battery will not take up much space in your bag or pocket.
Universal
id="sub6">The ideal option would be batteries with a capacity of about 10,000 mAh. This is about three times more than the battery in modern smartphone, which means that even taking into account the loss of energy during recharging, it will be enough to fully restore the charge of the gadget several times. A good example of such a power bank is the Anker PowerCore 10400 mAh model.
Another option for a high-quality external battery with universal functionality is Aukey PB-N42 10000 mAh.
Supports fast and wireless charging
id="sub7">If universal options are not your option, then you should pay attention to models with additional features. For example, a power bank with support for fast charging will be able to charge compatible gadgets much faster than usual. If the battery is capable of delivering a consistently high current (about 2A), then even without support for fast charging, your gadgets will charge stably and relatively quickly.
Among those recommended by us is the Baseus Wireless Charge Power Bank 8000 mAh external battery. Its main feature is the presence wireless charging Qi standard. That is, to charge a smartphone - you do not need to connect a wire to it, just put it on an external battery and that's it. Charging started. In addition to wireless charging with a current of 1A, the device supports a wired USB connection of two compatible devices, while the output current to the USB connectors is 2A.
A good option for the iPhone is the Zikko PowerBag 6000 mAh external battery. The main difference from the popular Xiaomi external batteries is the MFI certification, that is, the battery is compatible with all Apple devices. The device supports fast charging - the output current to the USB connectors is 2.4 A. In order to track the battery capacity, there are special LED indicators on the end. A nice bonus - the smartphone is connected to the battery via the supplied Lightning cable.
With a record capacity
id="sub8">If you're looking for a strategic boost of power, check out the 26,000mAh HyperJuice AC Battery Pack. This giant can quickly charge absolutely any device, including a tablet, other portable equipment and even a laptop. There are 2 USB outputs here. One provides a maximum charge of 3A at a voltage of 5W, and the other provides a current of 2.4A. A nice bonus is the ability to provide 220W power to any electrical appliances with a power consumption of up to 100W. You can connect a laptop, a flashlight and even a blender to such a battery.
The HyperJuice AC Battery Pack is made of aluminum alloy, which perfectly protects the device from external mechanical influences.
We hope that our advice will help you buy a truly high-quality external battery and charge your phone, smartphone, laptop or e-book without any problems.
Along with the increase in the functionality and performance of mobile phones, the requirements for batteries are also increasing. A typical battery is capable of running the device for 2-3 days, but if the operation involves activity in social networks, the use of multimedia tools and frequent conversations, then discharge can be expected in the coming hours. Moreover, it is not always convenient to carry a charger with you - the point is not only in the need to find the cherished outlet, but also in attachment to it as such. The best solution to the problem can be a portable battery for mobile phones, which is also called Power Bank. Such accessories also cause some trouble, but with them the user still gets some autonomy.
Choice by capacity
At the first acquaintance with the characteristics of external chargers, an inexperienced user may be fascinated by the huge capacity of such devices. For example, there are models with a capacity of 10,400 mAh. It would seem that such an arsenal is enough for 5 sessions of replenishing the energy of a mobile phone, the battery of which contains 2,000 mAh. In fact, everything is not so simple. The fact is that a portable battery for a phone has a nominal voltage of 3.7 watts. In turn, mobile devices are charged at 5 V. This difference leads to a loss in the energy potential of up to 30%. And this is at best, since cheap Chinese models do not provide more than half of the declared volume.
But you still have to rely on official data - it all depends only on the brand of the manufacturer, based on the reliability of which you should make a discount in the real amount of energy. By the way, if a portable phone battery is purchased for the purpose of emergency maintenance of the device for a short period of time, then there is no need for a large capacity and you can limit yourself to a compact, but high-quality and reliable accessory.
Current selection
For most users of mobile devices dependent on a power source, the indicator of charging speed is also important. This characteristic is determined by the strength of the current, which is measured in Amps (A). Typically phones and smartphones charge at 1A, while more demanding tablets require 2A. These indicators should be guided by, choosing by the way, it can be supplied with two outputs - 1A and 2A. As a rule, such models also have a decent volume - at least 7,800 mAh. Such devices, of course, are more expensive, so you might think about using an external battery with one output to service different devices. But such a solution is inconvenient and risky, since the discrepancy in current strength is harmful to the phone. And this is not to mention the fact that the charging process itself will take longer in the case of a tablet.
Buying a Power Bank without a battery
For the most economical, it is worth recommending the purchase of a separate Power Bank case and battery. This option is beneficial for the reason that initially you can be sure of the reliability and characteristics of the battery. In turn, the Power Bank will act only as a shell of the battery that provides interaction with the phone. True, there are also disadvantages to such a solution. The fact is that a portable battery for a phone in this case will work on a weak outgoing current. Therefore, it will take more time to charge. On the other hand, the owner will have the opportunity to change the battery to another, while maintaining the main Power Bank.
Manufacturers and prices
The importance of the quality of the charger has been noted more than once. In many ways, the reliability, durability and operational properties of external power sources are determined by the manufacturer. According to experts, Korean models from LG and Samsung are the most trustworthy. Usually the sellers themselves do not hide the belonging of the batteries to these brands. If the manufacturer is not indicated at all in the marking or a little-known company appears in it, then it is better to refuse the purchase. It is also worth mentioning manufacturers specializing in the development of such devices. You can safely choose a portable external battery from the Melkco, YooBao or Momax lines. As for prices, they are quite affordable for the average user of a modern phone. Models with a capacity of 10,000 mAh or more usually cost 1.5-2 thousand rubles. By purchasing an option for 5,000 mAh, you can completely meet 1 thousand rubles. And these prices, by the way, refer to models of branded origin.
According to the unwritten law of meanness mobile phone It always crashes at the most inopportune moment. As a rule, a smartphone loses all its charge when you urgently need to find something on the Internet, call someone or receive an important message. It’s good if you have an outlet or a laptop at hand, from which you can recharge at least a little. But what if such a nuisance caught far from stationary energy sources? Fortunately, portable electronics developers have found a way out by launching external batteries (also called Power Banks) on the market. There are several types of such batteries, each of which is designed to recharge a specific device: smartphone, tablet, e-book. However, in this review we will talk about how to choose an external battery specifically for a smartphone, because it is these gadgets that most often “betray” their owner at inopportune moments.
What is an external battery and what are its types?
According to its device, Power Bank is a portable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery with a certain capacity. Such batteries transfer the charge to the batteries of mobile devices (in our case, smartphones). Them main feature is that they are able to store a charge over a long period of time. Another unifying factor is the compactness of such devices. They can be easily carried to work, taken on long trips and camping trips. The modern market has the most different models external batteries, which may differ from each other:
- capacity;
- forms;
- interface;
- dimensions;
- color;
- material;
- the presence of additional design elements.
- Individual boxes- the most common version. Such devices always have a nice design and compact dimensions. The main advantage of boxes of any shape is that they can have a solid capacity, which is enough to completely replenish the charge of several phones at once (their exact number depends on the battery capacity of the smartphones themselves).
- Wrist bracelets- A modern and truly unique design option. Such devices are easier to carry (no need to allocate a separate place for them in a bag or pocket). Moreover, such technical innovations look quite stylish. However, they have one significant flaw: the low battery capacity. Thus, such models are designed to partially replenish the energy reserve so that the user can perform several important operations on the phone. Such products will not be able to fully “feed” the battery of modern mobile devices (unless you charge a rather old smartphone model).
- From an outlet or laptop. Models charging in this way are the most common. The principle of operation is as simple as possible. The user connects the Power Bank to the network or laptop via USB cable. For a certain period of time, the battery draws energy from a connected source. When the energy supply is fully restored, a special light comes on (although there may be other types of signal).
- From the built-in dynamo. Without exaggeration, this is a rather unusual way of charging. With such a device, the user rotates a special handle that produces electricity. The main disadvantage of such devices is noise: during rotation there will be a strong buzz that distracts others. Among the advantages, one can single out a decent battery capacity, long-term charge retention and, of course, a positive effect on the small muscles of the hands (a Power Bank of this kind will replace a carpal expander).
- From the sun. This is probably the most modern option for replenishing energy reserves. Such batteries play the role of a miniature solar station equipped with special lenses. These lenses capture the rays and convert them into electricity. Such models are very popular in hot countries, where the scorching sun is commonplace. Almost any Power Bank of this kind has a solid capacity that allows you to charge both smartphones and tablets from it. Moreover, the presence of such an external battery significantly saves home electricity. The only negative is that the catching lenses require close care, otherwise the device will stop working.
What to look for when buying a Power Bank?
There are many factors to consider when purchasing an external battery for your smartphone. We will consider 5 fundamental aspects that will help you make the right choice.
- Battery capacity- this is without exaggeration the most important indicator of the quality of such products, affecting their practicality and, accordingly, the price. To measure capacitance, a special unit is used - milliamp hours. The modern market is filled with batteries of very different capacities: from several hundred to several tens of thousands of milliamp hours. Choice specific model directly depends on the battery of your mobile device. According to experts, a Power Bank is considered suitable if its energy reserve exceeds that of the phone by at least 20%. If you want to use a battery that is enough for several charges, then you need to give preference to analogues, whose capacity exceeds the volume of a telephone battery by at least 3 times.
- Current strength- a moment that directly affects the charging speed. The unit used to measure current is the ampere. In order for the smartphone to charge relatively quickly, the Power Bank must have a force equal to at least 1 ampere. If you do not comply with this criterion, you risk getting a battery that will replenish the energy supply longer than a stationary power grid.
- Compliance with the declared capacity of the actual. Unfortunately, not all market players are honest. In order to attract buyers, they go to all sorts of tricks. One of the most common methods is the artificial increase in the performance of the product. For example, 10,000 mAh may be declared on the package, but in practice it turns out that the battery has only 7,000 charge. Of additional concern is the fact that among all external batteries, more than 70% decorate with incorrect characteristics. Of course, reduced capacity is not always the result of tricks. The battery may lose some of its capabilities if the rules of transportation and storage are violated. For this reason, it is recommended to always check whether the declared capacity corresponds to the actual one. To do this, you need to use special devices. It is clear that such a check can only be carried out in a regular store, where the goods are in front of your eyes. If the purchase is made via the Internet, you must consider whether a particular online store provides a return and exchange service. Only in this way will you save yourself from wasting money.
- Self-discharge ratio of an external battery. This is another extremely important point. As you know, any technical product wears out over time, and its operational capabilities fall. In this regard, Power Bank is no exception. With prolonged use, the battery capacity begins to decrease, as a result of which the number of charges that can be carried out suffers. Information regarding the self-discharge coefficient should always be checked with consultants before purchase. But there is one "pitfall" - not a single consultant will tell the whole truth on this issue. Here it is better to be guided by a simple pattern: the volume of high-quality batteries drops by 10-15% per year; as for cheaper analogues, in 12 months they lose from 30 to 40% of their capabilities. In addition, it should be remembered that in the absence practical application the accumulated charge is also consumed. Expensive batteries lose up to 10% of their energy in 14 days. Cheap models can lose up to 30% of energy over a similar time period.
- Number of ports to connect. If you live alone and want to use the "energy bank" personally, one USB port is enough for you (even if you have two smartphones). If you have a family where everyone needs a work phone, it is better to buy models equipped with multiple connection jacks. Also, 2 or more ports may be needed if you decide to go camping with a group of friends. Naturally, the volume of such portable chargers should be appropriate.
The most popular models of external batteries
Knowing the above information will come in handy when buying a portable battery for a smartphone, but knowing the most best models such devices will further simplify your choice. Consider the best brands of external batteries separately:
- i Power 6 This is a compact device that can be carried in your pocket. It has a cylindrical shape. The declared capacity of such a device is 2600 mAh. It has 6 sockets of different standards at once, so iPower 6 is suitable for many types of portable gadgets.
- SC-A120- one of the most compact models available on the market. The charge volume is quite small - only 1900 mAh, so this device is suitable for replenishing a small amount of energy (for example, to make a couple of important calls). The battery is equipped with several types of sockets that could connect different mobile devices. Its highlight is the presence of two conductive paths to replenish the energy reserve. The first way uses the energy of the sun, the second - electricity from the outlet.
- iPower13- An improved version of the first device. This model has a larger capacity - 8400 mAh. In addition, the case has rubberized inserts, which makes it shock resistant.
- Gigabyte Power Bank OTG G66B1- a practical option for an external battery with a capacity of 6600 mAh. Mobile devices are connected via a standard USB input, as well as via a micro-USB socket.
- Metrans Power Bank- very good model, the energy volume of which is 10400 mAh. The body of the device is made of aluminum, which makes the whole structure more durable. This Power Bank supports simultaneous charging of two smartphones at once. Concerning personal recovery energy, it takes about 6 hours.
- Xiaomi Power Bank is a battery that is rapidly gaining popularity. Already today, several variants of this model have been released, and the minimum battery capacity is 5400 mAh. This is an ideal option for smartphones of the same brand.
- Xiaomi Power Bank 16000- the best external battery of 2017 (at least for now). By the name it is clear that this product has a charge of 16000 mAh. This volume is enough for both the phone and the tablet.
Actual number of external battery charges
Many inexperienced users incorrectly calculate the number of possible charges. In particular, they believe that if they have a 9000 mAh external battery and a 3000 mAh smartphone, they will be able to use the “energy bank” three times and increase the charge of their device from 0 to 100%. Actually it is not. Let's find out what such people forget to consider.
- Battery self-discharge- the moment mentioned above. Even when the Power Bank is not in use, its energy is consumed. Of course, in high-quality models this happens slowly, but anyway, after disconnecting the external battery from the power source, it begins to lose its energy reserve.
- The difference between the output voltage of the smartphone and the battery during charging. As a rule, this indicator for phones exceeds the similar value of “energy banks”. In order to replenish the energy reserve quickly, each Power Bank is equipped with a special circuit that artificially increases it. output voltage. The result of this increase is that part of the available energy is spent on maintaining the charging process, and not on charging itself. This means that the phone does not receive about 30% of the potential charge.
The price of external batteries for smartphones
The price of external batteries for a smartphone in Russia starts from 600-700 rubles. These are the smallest models. Batteries with a solid capacity cost 1500-1600 rubles.
So we have analyzed the main aspects that will help you choose the right Power Bank. As you can see, there is nothing particularly complicated in this process. However, it is always worth checking the characteristics of the product and giving preference only to products from reliable manufacturers. This will save you from buying a low-quality technical product. methodology right purchase"energy banks" is also devoted to the following video review:
Universal external batteries, or power banks, are not such a complicated technique that you can get confused in them. We will tell you how to choose an external battery for your phone - which one will best be able to power your devices even on a long trip.
How to choose an external battery for a smartphone? Main characteristics
Capacity
The main parameter by which you should choose an external battery is, of course, its volume. It depends on it how long it can power your devices. Modern power banks have a capacity of 2,000 to 50,000 mAh. But the principle “a lot means good” does not work here: with an increase in capacity, the size and weight of the battery increase.
The most comfortable for daily wear will be a battery with a capacity of 5000 - 10,000 mAh - this is if you want to charge only one device and do not go far from home. If you need an independent power source for several devices, or you plan to be away from the outlet for a long time, it is better to pay attention to external batteries with a capacity of 20,000 - 30,000 mAh.
Charging current
The second important characteristic is what current the device is capable of producing at the output. The higher the current, the faster the battery will charge. But charging batteries too quickly is not entirely correct: they can overheat and fail faster. For an average smartphone, a device with a charge current of 1-2 A is enough, for tablets and laptops, 2-3 A is required.
The optimal charging current can be "peeped" on the charger that comes with the gadget. As a rule, the electronics of the gadget limits the maximum current for safety reasons, so weak devices are unlikely to burn out from powerful charging -.
The most successful option is a power bank with two ports that give different output current. For example, one port can deliver 1 A, the other 2 A - a couple of external batteries for a smartphone with such an opportunity, we will tell you at the end of the article.
But most often, the manufacturer indicates the total current that the device can give out - that is, when two smartphones are connected, each is given 1 A, a total of 2 A. Keep this in mind!
Ports and cables
Devices are connected to the power bank via USB ports using complete cables and adapters. Take another look at your devices and ask yourself two questions:
- Firstly, how many devices do you want to charge at the same time? The same number of ports, ideally, should be on an external battery.
- Secondly, what devices do you have? If you have an iPhone, the power bank should have a Lightning connector, if you have an old iPhone, you will need an adapter from Apple 30-pin to USB. To connect other devices to an external battery, you may need USB to microUSB adapter cables, USB Type-C or DC-DC cable (for laptop).
Cables can be supplied with the power bank, but if necessary, they can, of course, be purchased separately. In addition, there are external batteries with attached sets of adapters, including those for peculiar connectors like the same Apple 30-pin.
Charging type
Important question - how do you intend to charge the power bank itself. A good external battery has a microUSB connector for self-charging. Accordingly, you can even charge it with a smartphone charger (keep in mind that with a small charging current, this will take a long time). You can also use any other connector - for example, a computer port, a USB socket or a car cigarette lighter.
But there is also alternative options- for example, . Then you can replenish energy reserves by simply leaving it in the sun for a few hours - and then charge your gadgets from it. For long hiking trips to nature, such a device will come in handy, and it will come in handy in the country. In addition, this is a minus one gadget that will draw energy from your outlet.
Special requests
The four characteristics mentioned above are common when choosing any power bank. However, besides this, there are many interesting additional options that an external battery for a smartphone can have - how to choose the right ones, it's up to you:
- Charging laptops. Such a power bank can produce enough voltage to recharge the battery of your laptop. External batteries with this function are often equipped with DC inputs, as well as voltage switches that allow you to increase and decrease it: after all, a laptop needs a voltage of about 20 V to charge, and a smartphone “eats” only 5 V - the comparison here is clearly not in favor of the “laptop” . Of course, such devices are quite large.
- fast charging. Powerbank can support fast charging functions: Qualcomm 2.0, 3.0 or 4.0, as well as proprietary technologies - Samsung FastCharging, Meizu mCharge, Asus BoostMaster. And both for devices and for yourself - in order to replenish your reserves as quickly as possible.
- Wireless charger. Power banks with this feature have a transmitter that is supported by new smartphones. In order for the phone to start charging, it will be enough to put it on top of such a power bank - no cables are needed.
- Protection against dust and moisture. Some powerbank designs have gone through and are rated up to and including IP68. Take an interest in this characteristic if you need a really secure external battery (perhaps for your super-secure smartphone,).
- Information display. On it you can see the remaining charge in the power bank, the current voltage, current and other important information.
In addition, a power bank can have a cute design and an unusual shape, be supplied with accessories - complete cables, adapters, a cover or a storage case, and some models can even be used as a flashlight.
Powerbank Remax Floppy Disk 5000
External battery for phone: rating of the best 2018-2019
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 10000
Xiaomi's aluminum lithium polymer power bank is designed to charge one device at a maximum current of 2.4A, while supporting Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0. Two USB connectors allow you to charge the device and the power bank itself, which will take only 4 hours to replenish its reserves. The device weighs only 228 grams and easily fits in your pocket.
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank Pro 10000
Another model from Xiaomi, very similar to the first one, but with a USB Type-C connector and a USB-C adapter included. In addition, more than a new version Quick Charge 3.0, thanks to which the power bank is fully charged in 3 hours. The maximum output current of the device is 2A.
ASUS ZenPower 10050 mAh ABTU005
Asus' multi-colored rubberized power bank has a capacity of 10,050 mAh and is equipped with standard USB and microUSB connectors for charging one gadget and the power bank itself. By the way, on full charge takes about 8 hours as Quick Charge functions are not supported. But the device is very light (215 g) and resistant to shock.
Canyon CNE-CPB156
The main reason for the appearance portable usb Banks have been fueled by the increasing use of mobile technology, whose built-in battery power lasts for less time - an average of half a day or a day. Every year, new smartphones and phablets enter the market, with a larger diagonal, rich screen brightness, increased performance, support for even more sensors, while the battery remains the same capacity. Large screen with high resolution and high pixel density (PPI), touch screen with a wide diagonal are the main factors of high power consumption and fast discharge smartphone. To charge such gadgets in the absence of a wired power grid, portable external batteries power bank.
AT 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 charger power bank. 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, you can not worry about watching a movie in the evening or chatting with it. in social networks leave a voracious smartphone or phablet without energy.
The average weight of a portable external battery is 150-300 grams, and the capacity is 2500-30000 mAh, compact models are able to recharge a smartphone one or two times, and the use of capacious portable USB power bank will allow you to restore your smartphone battery up to 10-20 times. Most models of external USB powerbanks are equipped with a full-size USB port and come with a USB-MicroUSB cable, and external batteries are also available with a USB Type C connector. Top-of-the-range portable power bank batteries 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 battery, and an LED flashlight is also built in.
Working principle of portable power bank charger
The portable power bank charger will easily restore the energy of the connected gadget to the required level when the mobile device's own battery is discharged. A 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 better the components used in production, the more reliable its design and the longer the portable power bank charger will please the owner. Also, the operating mode of the universal power supply has a significant impact 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 power bank (energy recovery with high currents leads to a reduction life cycle batteries);
- do not charge and try not to use when negative or high temperatures(under such conditions, the capacity, operating time and efficiency are reduced).
Thus, when choosing a universal external usb battery, we strongly do not recommend choosing the cheapest models - 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 come in a variety of sizes, designs, design features, but are evaluated and differ in the main characteristics:
- current when charging connected devices (output current) ;
Consider these features, differences and characteristics of the power bank in more detail.
Selecting the capacity of the external battery
The capacity of an external powerbank battery is the most important characteristic showing how long a powerbank can be a source of energy for connected equipment. Simply put, it shows the number of times that a portable additional battery will recharge the connected gadget using its own energy. Capacity is measured in milliamp hours (mAh).
When choosing the capacity of a universal portable external battery, we recommend that you follow the rule: it should be selected 2 to 2.5 times the size of the battery of the device being charged. For example, when choosing a power bank for iphone X, the built-in battery capacity of which is 2716 mAh, we advise you to purchase an additional battery for iPhone with a capacity of 5000-1000 mAh - this is enough for one or two full recharges so as not to be left without communication when regular use iPhone.
It should also be taken into account that the real capacity of universal external usb batteries, specified 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 voltage conversion occurs: first, turn the bank from 3.7 V to 5 V and then 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 10000 mAh battery with a portable charging power bank with the same battery, then the energy of an external usb battery is enough to restore the phablet's battery by only 70-75%.
The best choice of an external power bank for a budget smartphone would be a compact power bank with a capacity of 5000-10000 mAh, it is small, allows you to comfortably use the device 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.
Charge current for connected devices (output current)
The current strength is measured in Amperes (A) and is considered the main indicator characterizing the efficiency of charging an external battery. The output current strength shows how quickly the connected equipment will be recharged. Portable batteries use a USB connector with a 1A output and a USB connector 1.5 - 2A 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 stand-alone devices;
- 2–3.6 A - smartphones with capacious 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 strength if it exceeds the value set by the manufacturer. For example, at Sony smartphone Xperia Z3 controller is set to 1.5 A limit: when this smartphone is connected to an external portable battery with a port of 1 A and 1.5 A, the current will not be limited, and when connected to a port with a current strength of more than 1.5 amperes, the smartphone will still consume no more than 1.5 A For each gadget, the restrictions are different, in some rare cases (often on cheap Chinese technology) there is no protection at all, so we strongly do not recommend connecting to powerful ports without first checking compatibility. The easiest way to check compatibility is to look at the specifications of the device being charged or at the charger (charger) supplied with it - if the current on the supplied charger corresponds to the output current on the external battery port (or slightly exceeds - by 0.1-0.5 A) , then you can safely charge mobile equipment with an external power bank battery. For example, iPhones are equipped with a 1 A charger, and with Apple tablets iPad comes with more powerful 2 A SZUs. Therefore, we recommend charging the iPhone with a universal external battery for iPhone with a 1 A port, and with iPad tablets it is better to use an external battery for iPad with a 2 A port.
We recommend that owners of modern gadgets with a capacious battery choose a universal external battery with fast charging and a current of at least 2 A, since the connected device will be slowly charged by a portable power bank (or not at all with constant use of the device being charged).
To find out the current strength before purchasing a universal portable battery, you should look at the marking 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 technology (quick charging). Such additional batteries are capable of charging the connected device with increased voltage but reduced current strength, 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 latest models more modern USB Type C connector. The power recovery rate of a portable portable battery depends 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;
- how much current can powerbank consume.
To charge the battery of a USB power bank, we recommend purchasing network (SZU) or car (AZU) chargers for 1-2 A. This charger is enough to fully and quickly replenish the energy of a universal powerbank charger. It should be borne in mind that external power bank batteries have different maximum input current and it is better to select a charger taking this feature into account. Some models of external batteries with fast charging support the Quick Charge function, which allows you to recharge them with increased voltage much faster.
LED flashlight. Useful option to help you navigate easily in the dark or during a power outage. When choosing a large powerful power bank for long trips, hikes and frequent trips, this feature 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 port. In capacious external power sources, 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 at the output of the second port, it is possible to quickly charge powerful devices, such as a phablet. Apple iPad;
Charging an external battery from the network. By default, power bank 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 restore the energy of an external USB battery using an SZU (connected to the network alternating current), which will allow you to quickly restore the capacity;
Charge indicator. Shows information about the remaining energy level of the external power bank. The display of the residual level is a useful feature, since having known it in advance, a fully charged power bank with a charge indicator will help you not to get into trouble in a difficult situation - left with a planted smartphone and a discharged portable power source;
Recessed into the body of the button to activate the battery. 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 lovers of trips, hiking in nature or in the mountains - in all cases when for a long time there is no way to charge even a portable power bank. Thanks to the presence of a solar panel, it is possible to recharge a portable battery using sunlight, but it is worth noting that the efficiency of solar panels is 12-25% and restoration by solar energy will be slow.
The need for this or that additional function in a portable power source depends on the use case. Of the most useful features 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 is also worth considering that the presence of each option increases the price of a portable power source.
Interesting models with original solutions:
- usb power bank with 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 from many manufacturers on the market, but among them are: Xiaomi, Remax, Rock and Energizer. Let's take a closer look at these companies.
Xiaomi Power Bank External Batteries
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, Luei Yun, is that excellent, high-quality, easy-to-use technology should not be expensive, so the price Xiaomi devices often only the costs of materials and manufacturing are included, there is no “brand” component that increases the final price for the consumer. Xiaomi strives for perfection when releasing devices, wanting to create premium quality products for maximum consumer comfort. Through regular innovation, testing, implementation of fresh ideas, faith in innovation and the support of 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 fans of the brand. Xiaomi produces high-tech gadgets at a surprisingly low price, most of them are positioned as a product, 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 aluminum case Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 10000 mAh (VXN4253CN) silver .
External batteries Remax Power Bank stand out from the competition in the first place original design, high quality materials used 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 banks combine 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 ;
- unusual power bank with flashlight Remax Power Bank Proda Power Box 10000 mAh white ;
- original powerbank 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 aims to use modern technologies for the development and production of practical accessories of the highest quality in a fashionable design.
Rock Power Bank Portable Batteries
Portable external battery for phone power bank
If you need a portable external battery for phone power bank, which is enough to charge the gadget 1-3 times, portable batteries will be suitable for Xiaomi phone capacity 5000 mAh:
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank ZMI QB805 5000 mAh
The high quality of the components used in Xiaomi portable batteries and 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 to restore the energy of a smartphone would be Xiaomi power banks with wireless fast charging function and a capacity of 10000 mAh, such an additional power source is compact, fits in a pocket or a small bag, allows you to comfortably recharge your devices wirelessly for several days. Recommended Models:
Additional external battery for a 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 case made of durable ABS plastic Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2C PLM06ZM 20000 mAh white.
In our catalog, other portable external batteries Power Bank 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 10000-20000 mAh, suitable for these purposes:
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 hiking
For long hikes, business trips, trips or travels, large powerful power banks with a capacity of 20,000-30,000 mAh are suitable, allowing you to fully recharge your smartphone up to 15-20 times, and your tablet up to 5-6 times. Such additional energy sources do not need to be charged frequently - a large capacity allows you to replenish the power of other gadgets for a long time. We advise you to choose.