The main problem of modern electronic gadgets is autonomy. Their power is so high (or the battery capacity is insufficient) that in most cases it is not enough to work without an outlet even for a day. Naturally, no one wants to stay with a dead device at the right time, and therefore power banks were invented. These are special devices capable of storing energy and sharing it with peripheral devices. Roughly speaking, portable rechargeable batteries. It is about them that will be discussed in this material - we will consider and analyze which power bank is better in 2017.

Powerbank IconBIT FTB Travel 4.0

This device is no longer just an external battery. It is designed for lovers of outdoor recreation, long trips or even hiking. What is unusual? Let's break down the details point by point:

1. Design unusual. The rectangular shape is framed by thick rubber side panels that protrude above surfaces. It serves additional protection from bumps and falls. The case is made of impact-resistant plastic and measures 142x75x14 mm. The upper face is rounded and equipped with a special eyelet for hanging, for example, on a backpack. On the front panel there is an indicator of operation and the level of filling of the internal storage. In addition, a solar battery is equipped on the same side, charging the power bank from the heavenly body. At the ends there are 1 USB port for connecting peripheral devices, and at the bottom there is microUSB for charging the battery itself.
2. Specifications good enough - the battery capacity of the bank is 5000 mAh, and the current strength at the output ports is 1A. This is enough for 2-3 charges of a smartphone with a medium-capacity battery. The power bank replenishes its own charge from a computer, household outlet or sunlight. Moreover, in the latter version, it will take about 6-7 hours to fill the battery 100%, and with classic charging - 2-2.5 hours. Simultaneous transmission of power to 2 external devices is supported.
3. Additionally It must be said about two features of the power bank: a flashlight and protection from external influences. With the first clear, just a high power LED, able to illuminate environment. But the second nuance is more interesting. In addition to strength, the case has an IP65 tightness level. This means almost 100% protection against moisture, dust and dirt.

Here is the perfect device for charging on long journeys. Large battery, compact size, solar-powered - the perfect combination for those who are away from outlets for a long time.

The price of IconBIT FTBTravel 4.0 in Russia is 1400 rubles. And this is the cheapest power bank for a smartphone in our TOP-8 best power banks of 2017.

Powerbank Rombica NEO PRO 180

This model is designed to charge any peripheral equipment in general, from a player to a laptop. For this, the universal power bank is equipped with the appropriate connectors and has a sufficiently large battery capacity. And together with a beautiful appearance is a real work of art:

1. Design is, without exaggeration, unique. The rectangular case is made of aluminum and has a special "smoky" texture, which not only looks incredibly beautiful, but also effectively hides scratches. True, such a case and the volume of the battery affected the size. The device is quite large (192x85x21 mm) and heavy (570 g). On the front side, there are indicators of internal charge and an activation button, framed by an LED ring that shimmers in various colors. On the top end there are ports-outputs for charging: 2 USB outputs and 2 universal round ports. With their help, smartphones, tablets, laptops and even Apple appliances are charged. The power bank looks stylish, and the functionality is as versatile as possible.
2. Specifications do not cause complaints at all, and even a hint of them. The battery of the power bank has a capacity of 18000 mAh and is capable of transferring charge to all known types of mobile gadgets. USB give a current strength equal to 1A for one and 2.1A for the other port. Universal outputs are designed to charge a laptop directly, as well as the external battery itself from a power outlet or computer. Although no one forbids charging external devices from both. So, one shows a current strength of 3.2A at the output, and the second is a converter, and has the ability to switch modes - 12V, 16V and 19V. Simultaneous charging of 3 devices is supported.
3. Additionally I have to say about the package. Such concern for consumers is rare - in the box with the device itself, the user will find network adapter for charging a power bank, a wire with USB and microUSB connectors, 10 adapters for charging ports of laptops of various models and brands. And for dessert, there are also 2 wires for the MacBook: MagSafe connection cords of the 1st and 2nd generation.

This is really a universal and extremely voluminous power bank, suitable for all users.

The price of Rombica NEO PRO 180 in Russia is 7300 rubles. Check out the video review below:

Powerbank TP-LINK TL-PB10400

But in this model there is nothing extraordinary, except for the appearance. Ordinary external drive energy with a good amount. This cannot be considered a minus, because low cost goes hand in hand with average characteristics. However, why this device is presented in our TOP-8 of the best power banks of 2017, let's take a closer look:

1. Design is the main feature of this drive from TP-LINK. While most settle on the classic rectangular flat shape, the engineers at this company decided to focus on the appearance. The powerbank looks like a three-dimensional prism with a square section and rounded corners. If you select the closest comparison, then it will be a wooden block. Of course, there is a huge difference between wood and the TL-PB10400, and the design of the drive can easily be called stylish and strict. On one of the side faces there is a USB port for charging the power bank itself. And all the active elements are located at the end. The case itself is made of white plastic, and the ends are covered with the same material, but in a light blue hue. Dimensions are 88x44x44 mm with a weight of 240 g.
2. Specifications could be called standard, but some features do not allow this. First, there is an LED flashlight. Secondly, there is only one control button - it serves both to activate the flashlight and to check the current charge in the battery. There are also 2 USB ports: one for smartphones with a current of 1A, and the second is designed for charging tablets at 2A. The total capacity of this mobile battery is 10400 mAh. Supports simultaneous charging of 2 devices.
3. Additionally I must say about the work with the device. Unlike analogues that require activation, here the charging of the connected gadget starts automatically after 30 seconds. This is another feature of the power bank.

This device combines simplicity and convenience. No additional steps are required to use, and appearance extremely pleasant.

The price of TP-LINK TL-PB10400 in Russia is 1600 rubles. The video review is presented below:

Powerbank Sony CP-V10

Unfortunately, for this device, the only advantage was the Sony inscription on the case. What the manufacturer made mistakes, we will analyze in the review:

1. Design no complaints, which is quite expected, given which company released this power bank. The case is made of plastic with a dotted texture and looks very nice. It practically does not collect scratches and abrasions, there are no fingerprints left. Dimensions are 127x72x17 mm and weighs 245 g. In fact, the battery is large enough for its capabilities, but there is no particular inconvenience from this. The standard shape is a rectangle. Black color.
2. Specifications pleasing at first sight. The total capacity is 10,000 mAh, while charging the device itself takes about 5 hours, which is too long. At the end there is only one USB port with an output current of 1.5A - it's still not enough for tablets, but smartphones charge perfectly. The internal charge indicator is also available and shows every 25%.
3. Additionally it must be said that the declared capacity is such only under certain conditions. So, 10000 mAh is achieved only at 3.7V, but if you use gadgets with an operating voltage of 5V, then the capacity decreases by almost 2 times, and is 6300 mAh. This, of course, is written in the specification for the power bank in very small print, which does not improve the situation at all.

In general, this is an average quality device for charging phones. With such indicators, the cost is clearly overpriced, and, most likely, it is better to choose a cheaper and more functional analogue.

The price of Sony CP-V10 in Russia is 2300 rubles. More about the model in the following video review:

Powerbank HIPER MP15000

A device whose functionality I want to say “even too much”. Some options are unclear why they are needed, although, in general, the battery shows itself perfectly when used for its intended purpose.

1. Design as simple as possible. Before us is a rectangle of white aluminum alloy with a glossy surface. Durability is not a concern, and the battery survives any drops normally. But the coating itself is not happy - it quickly becomes covered with scratches and collects all the prints that it can. On the end are located USB ports and micro-USB for charging the power bank itself. Also available is a flashlight and an SD architecture card reader. The dimensions are impressive 134x70x20 mm, the weight is also not small - 365 g.
2. Specifications pleasantly surprise. The total battery capacity is 15000 mAh. There are 2 USB outputs with a current strength of 1A and 2.1A for smartphones and tablets, respectively. Simultaneous charging of 2 devices is supported. The internal reserve indicator has a 25% step and an LED structure.
3. Additionally I have to say a couple of things. First, the card reader. It is this module that is frankly superfluous, because it is extremely inconvenient to use a power bank, which is also of such an impressive size, as a physical medium. Hardly given function will ever come in handy. Secondly, consider the delivery package that will please any user. In the box, along with the battery itself, 5 additional adapters are supplied: 1 each for microUSB and miniUSB, 1 for portable devices from Nokia and 2 for devices from Apple - 30 pin and 8 pin (Lightning). The set, frankly, is rich.

Despite the presence of a useless card reader, the power bank has quite decent characteristics and a beautiful appearance. It charges fairly quickly and works great.

The price of HIPER MP15000 in Russia is 1900 rubles. Learn more about the device in the video below:

Power bank ASUS ZenPower (10050 mAh) ABTU0054.5

If you are wondering which is the best power bank to choose for travel, then this is undoubtedly the model from Asus. Before you is an external energy storage device, rather, for tablets, although it will charge smartphones without any problems. Its main feature was the case - you can safely take one on trips of any nature.

1. Design classic - a flat rectangle without decorative elements and decorations. Actually, the device itself is one solid decoration. The case is made of aluminum with a glossy finish and is available in 6 colors: blue, yellow, pink, silver, dark blue and black. Such a set is extremely unusual for portable batteries, although it allows you to better express the individuality of the user. Any shade looks beautiful, stylish and bright. At the end there is a connector for connecting rechargeable peripherals. The dimensions are small - 90x59x22 mm. Weighing in at 215g, this product from ASUS is one of the smallest and lightest power banks in the world.
2. Specifications not striking, but quite acceptable for a device of this class. Battery capacity 10050 mAh. USB output only 1 with a constant current of 2.4A. In fact, the port is universal and suitable for smartphones, tablets, players and Apple technology. The only negative is that it will not work to charge the laptop - there is not enough current. Intelligent overload and short circuit protection systems are also available. On the case, next to the charging port, there is a battery full indicator.
3. Additionally you need to pay attention to the operating conditions. This is one of the few technical devices that tolerates cold weather normally. The manufacturer guarantees performance within the temperature range from -40 to 70 degrees Celsius.

Travel this device is going through perfectly. Africa? Antarctica? No problem - ZenPower will easily replace the outlet.

The price of ASUS ZenPower (10050 mAh) ABTU0054.5 in Russia is 1700 rubles. More about the device in the following video:

Powerbank Meizu M10

Smartphones and tablets have already proven their worth, but what about power banks? How good and versatile an external battery from Meizu is, we will find out in this review:

1. Design not quite common. The rectangular shape is familiar, but the combination of colors is rare. The main shade is white, and the end with ports is made in dark gray. The case is plastic, with a glossy sheen. Thanks to the work of designers, the impression of an extremely expensive gadget is created. Next to the connectors is a battery charge indicator. It is not entirely clear why the dimensions turned out to be so large - 143x75x18 mm. And this is with a weight of only 235 g.
2. Specifications do not differ from analogues. The capacity of the power bank is 10000 mAh. There is only one USB output for connecting a device that requires charging with a current of 2A. There is also a microUSB for a charging power bank. In addition to the popular short circuit protection and network overload protection, there is a built-in safety system that prevents and alerts you to overheating.
3. Additionally you need to indicate that the charging output only supports a voltage of 9V, although you can charge the device from both 5V and 12V. Such selectivity somewhat narrows the list of smartphones and tablets that can be connected to the battery.

It is difficult to call this model universal, however, it fully copes with its tasks and does not cause any complaints.

The price of Meizu M10 in Russia is 2700 rubles. And here is a video review of the device:

Xiaomi Mi Power Bank Pro

Xiaomi, as usual, is on top. The created device looks stylish and has a modern “stuffing”.

1. Design can easily be attributed to the classics due to the rectangular shape and rounded corners. The case is metal with a wide variety of colors: black, gray, blue, yellow, orange, silver and gray. The dimensions are 128x75x12 mm, and the weight is 223 g. The coating is smooth and matte, and this is a rarity. On one of the ends there are USB ports, a charge level indicator and a button for activating the energy transfer process.
2. Specifications keep pace with the times. The capacity is not the maximum, but quite sufficient for domestic needs - 10,000 mAh. But with the exits, the situation is more interesting: in stock normal USB and more modern USB Type-C. Thanks to the latter, Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 fast charging technology is supported. Both ports support 2.1A output current. Also available automatic system from overheating, short circuit and network overload.
3. Additionally Pleases with the presence of adapters for microUSB and USB Type-C.

Great device for charging smartphones and tablets. Simple, concise and most effective.

The price of Xiaomi Mi Power Bank Pro in Russia is 2000 rubles. More about the device in the following video review:

As you can see from the variety of TOP 8 best power banks of 2017, choose suitable model won't be difficult. The current year will definitely become happy for owners of smartphones and tablets - now there is no need to rush to the outlet, because an inexpensive, efficient, good power bank is always at hand.

After 2-3 years of operation, almost any smartphone loses its battery capacity. In this case, during the day it may be necessary to recharge at least once. On the road, on a business trip, this problem becomes especially acute. This is also true in field conditions, where communication is especially necessary, because the phone may be needed in an unforeseen situation. To solve this problem, a separate class of chargers appeared - power banks.

Why do you need a power bank?

A power bank is an external battery that is charged from the mains and stores electric charge for another device. The battery is very convenient to use and requires only a USB cable with a microUSB connector (or any other plug for a specific device).

The main advantage of a power bank is Compatible with almost all devices and gadgets. The simplicity and compactness of the power bank have made it almost a must for those people whose work involves travel. In addition to the phone, the power bank will help charge: wireless camera, wireless headphones(at least, at least), smart watch, autonomous lamp, WiFi amplifier (repeater), electronic cigarette and other gadgets. By the way, it is convenient to charge numerous "" from a compact "can" than to be tied to a power outlet.

How does a power bank work?

The battery converts the voltage using a 3.6-> 5V converter. Thus, the output voltage is 5V, with a current strength of up to 0.8A. The power bank can be charged via a network adapter, or from a computer via a USB port (voltage 5V).

Varieties

As a basis for a power bank, modern manufacturers offer:

1) Lithium-ion batteries (Li-Ion)

Pros:

• large capacity (up to 3000 mAh);
• output voltage 3.6-3.7V;
• up to 1000 charge cycles;
• low weight and compactness;
• low self-discharge rate;
• no memory effect.

Minuses: does not like overheating, so it must be equipped with overheating protection.

2) Lithium polymer batteries (Li-Pol)

Pros:

• flat or rectangular shape;
• light weight;
• high energy density per unit volume;
• no memory effect.

Minuses:

• higher cost;
• protection against overheating and fire is required (additional circuit);
• there is a possibility of battery failure if the battery is very deeply discharged.

1. The type and dimensions of the charger depend on the battery capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh). Choose the capacity of the power bank depending on the battery capacity of the gadget for which you are buying an additional battery. So, for example, for a smartphone - from 2500 mAh, for a tablet - from 5000 mAh.
2. Not a single power bank can give up its capacity by 100%! Take this into account when calculating how many times you can charge your device using this device without additional charging of the bank.
3. Current strength is an important point when choosing a power bank, as batteries with a higher current strength (2A) will charge faster. For some users, time is of the essence. Current range of power bank models on the market: 0.5-2A.
4. If you have to recharge several devices from the power bank at once, pay attention to the number of USB ports that the external battery is equipped with.

In power banks with two ports (1A and 2A), port 1A is provided for phones and small devices (for example, Bluetooth headphones), port 2A is for professional cameras and tablets. However, modern devices have long been equipped with controllers that regulate the supply of charging energy and you can (almost) not worry when charging a device with a 2-amp charger that has a standard charger of 1A.

1. For the convenience of users, many models of power banks have information light indicators in the form of LED or LCD screens. The first option is less informative, with a high data error; often takes the form of circular indicators. LCD screen: high-precision, provides the user with more information about the charge of the power bank, the charging process of each connected device, and the air temperature.
2. The weight of the device and its capacity (the number of internal batteries) must be correlated. On the market there are fake models of power banks with artificially high weight. At the same time, such manufacturers indicate the maximum capacity of the battery. In order not to be deceived, you need to know: a powerful power bank weighs about 300 grams. Each 5000 mAh weighs about 100 grams.
3. It is recommended to buy only certified power banks, as careless manufacturers save on protecting the device, which can lead to a quick failure of the device and harm the user's health.
4. When choosing a power bank, carefully inspect its case (aluminum or plastic) for damage.
5. Some models have a built-in LED flashlight, which may come in handy.
6. Hiking enthusiasts should know that there are power banks with built-in solar panels to power solar energy.

Review of the best power banks

In the review below, we did not consider batteries below 10000 mAh, so that you always have a supply of energy. However, they deliberately did not take larger devices (and why more expensive, heavy and capable of significantly pulling off a bag on the shoulder or a pocket of clothing). In general - the golden mean of characteristics, prices, design and owner reviews.

A fairly new model of a power bank, which immediately became popular among domestic users. This external battery has two types of charging: fast (using Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 technology) and standard. Fast charging is set by default. Using a separate button, the user can adjust the charging modes. Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 10000 equipped with all types of protection, has an attractive appearance and honest capacity.

Characteristics:

• Capacity: 10000 mAh;
• Input: micro USB;
• Input voltage: 5-12V;
• Input current: 2 A;
• Output: USB;
• Battery: Li-Polymer;
• Voltage: 3.85V;
• Case: metal;
• Dimensions: 71×130×14.1mm;
• Weight: 228g;
• Color: grey, black.

Additionally: support for fast charging, adapter to micro USB, short circuit protection, overload protection, overheating protection, charge indicator.

Advantages:

• low cost with high quality;
• fast charging;
• honest volume;
• compact and nice design.

Flaws:

• fast charging at the output is possible only with an adapter;
• one entrance;
• no cover (aluminum rubs).

Price: from 1100 rubles.

Can charge two devices at the same time. The manufacturer claims that the battery can withstand 500 charge cycles. This 10400mAh battery has various power protection functions. Buyers will also appreciate the built-in flashlight and a convenient case to protect the body from scratches and dirt.

The TP-LINK TL-PB10400 power bank received international quality awards in Poland, Denmark and Portugal in 2015.

Characteristics:

• Capacity: 10400 mAh;
• Input: micro USB;
• Input voltage: 5 V;
• Input current: 2 A;
• Output: USB*2;
• Maximum output current: USB-1 - 1 A, USB-2 - 2 A;
• Battery: Li-Ion;
• Housing: plastic;
• Dimensions: 88.8×44.3×44.3mm;
• Weight: 241g;
• Complete set: USB cable - micro USB, case;
• White color.

Additionally: adapter to micro USB, short circuit protection, overload protection, overheating protection, led indicator charge level, a button to display the charge level, a flashlight.

Advantages:

• optimal cost;
• brand;
• battery capacity;
• in practice, it holds a charge for a long time;
• informative capacity indicator and charge indicator button;
• high degree of protection;
• Ease of use;
• additional bonuses - a protective case and a built-in flashlight;
• light weight.

Flaws:

• not very practical cylindrical shape;
• soiled.

Price: from 1499 rubles.

it a budget option power bank, made in 6 colors (from discreet black to yellow-gold). According to the technical specifications, the battery successfully operates at temperatures from -40 ° C to +70 ° C, does not freeze or overheat. An informative charge indicator informs the user about the remaining battery capacity.

Characteristics:

• Capacity: 10050 mAh;
• Input: micro USB;
• Input voltage: 5 V;
• Input current: 2 A;
• Output: USB;
• Maximum output current: 2.4 A;
• Battery: Li-Ion;
• Voltage: 3.6V;
• Case: metal;
• Dimensions: 59×90.5×22 mm;
• Weight: 215g;
• Complete set: USB cable - micro USB;
• Color: 6 colors.

Additionally: adapter to micro USB, short circuit protection, overload protection, charge indicator.

Advantages:

• price, charging speed;
• resistance to overheating;
• the presence of protection and a charge indicator;
• design

Flaws:

• loses capacity over time;
• there are fakes on the market in which the capacity does not match the declared one;
• only 1 port;
• short warranty - 6 months;
• short wire;
• not very compact;
• There are scratches on the case.

Price: from 1350 rubles.

The capacity of 13000 mAh is an indisputable advantage of this power bank model. The device supports simultaneous charging of two devices, and, despite its solid weight, will become a reliable travel companion. The operating temperature of the device: -20 °C - +50 °C and a high degree of protection make it convenient in any environment. The LCD screen of the charge indicator is very informative. The Huawei AP007 power bank automatically turns on at the start and turns off when the device is charged.

Characteristics:

• Capacity: 13000 mAh;
• Input: micro USB;
• Input voltage: 5 V;
• Input current: 2 A;
• Output: USB*2 outputs;
• Maximum output current: 1 and 2 A;
• Battery: Li-Pol, Li-Ion;
• Voltage: 5V;
• Case: metal;
• Dimensions: 117x78x22.6mm;
• Weight: 325g;
• Complete set: USB cable - micro USB;
• Color: grey.

Additionally: simultaneous charging of two devices; adapter to micro USB, short circuit protection, overload protection, overheating protection, charge indicator.

high capacity;

simultaneous charging of two devices;

auto power off;

ease of use;

detailed instructions;

design.

Flaws:

• low input current and long charging time of the power bank - 12.5 hours;
• big weight;
• uninformative and very bright indicator;
• no mains charger with adapter;
• cord - for power only;
• plastic case;
• having to press a button to start charging.

Price: from 1040 rubles.

Summing up

Of the five models of power banks considered, the best ratio prices and qualities are: budget, but capacious HIPERSP12500 and solid, impressive Huawei AP007.

Charging speed varies by model Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 10000.

Two devices are capable of charging almost all of the aforementioned models at the same time, and this fact does not significantly affect the cost.

Reliability and impeccable equipment characterize the power bank TP-LINK TL-PB10400.

A particularly informative charging indicator (LCD) is distinguished by a power bank Huawei AP007, but small and compact ASUS ZenPower ABTU005 will delight young people with bright colors and low cost.

In general, it’s not difficult to fork out for a good power bank, and it’s worth it. Its necessity and convenience are obvious today.

Be careful when buying: get protected models with real capacity that will last a long time and will not harm your devices.

Today, in stores, you can easily find mobile devices with a fairly large capacity of your own battery, but still, many people think about the need to buy a Power Bank for a smartphone. Modern gadgets, in terms of battery life, have stepped far ahead of their first touch counterparts. Almost all of them can work in an active mode of operation during daylight hours or a working day, but this is clearly not enough for many users.

Long journeys in vehicles or outdoor recreation can lead to a complete discharge of the battery without the possibility of replenishing its charge. How to deal with such a situation?

Of course, you can try to go into austerity mode using various settings. Refusal of bright backlighting, limiting the operation of the processor and the Internet will extend the autonomous life of the smartphone for several hours, but this greatly limits the user. For the same purpose, you can try to buy an additional regular battery. But it will be extremely inconvenient to charge it, as you will have to remove the cover and disconnect the active battery, which will reset many settings. For owners of "non-separable" smartphones, this option will not be able to help at all.

Fortunately, the need for a significant increase in the battery life of phones could not go unnoticed by electronics manufacturers. Today, they have filled the market with devices such as an external battery or Power Bank. Users immediately liked this solution, because. power supplies are compact, versatile, affordable and decent capacity. In this article, we will look at all the nuances that you need to get acquainted with in order to understand which power bank to choose for a smartphone.

Video review:

The concept and design of Power Bank

A modern Power Bank is a universal external battery, consisting of a block of batteries combined in one housing.

Devices can additionally be equipped with specific interfaces, charge / discharge indicators and other features. The number of batteries, their quality and capacity determine the main differences between power banks, presented in a very wide variety. We must not forget that the power bank for a smartphone is available in a very different external design, with regard to the materials of the case and its design.

Which container is right for me

To answer this question, you must first familiarize yourself with its technical side. Inside the case, the Power Bank usually hides several lithium-polymer (Li-Pol) or lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, the capacity of which is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). The production technology of such batteries provides a low level of self-discharge, a long service life and excellent indicators of specific energy consumption. It must be understood that with an increase in the total capacity of an external battery, its dimensions and weight will inevitably increase.

To decide on specific model power bank, you need to focus on the capacity of the "native" battery of the smartphone. You can get such information from the instructions for the device, the official website of the manufacturer, or directly from the markings on the battery. For example, if a 2500 mAh marking is found on a smartphone battery, then the Power Bank must have a capacity of at least 3000 mAh.

How many charges to expect

When choosing a power bank for a smartphone, you should not divide the capacity of an external battery by the same indicator as a regular one. Many people, by mistake, do just that to determine the capabilities of a power bank, but physics has prepared bad news for such buyers.

We will not go into scientific details, you just need to accept the fact that a 9000 mAh Power Bank will not be able to fully charge a smartphone battery 2 times if its capacity is 4500 mAh. With this ratio, good result it will be possible to autonomously obtain 150-170% of the charge of a standard battery.

Why is this happening? In any battery there is a gradual process of self-discharge. Over time, the actual battery capacity also decreases. All standard elements power banks in power banks give out a voltage of 3.7V, and the USB interface operates with a voltage of 5V.

To increase the voltage in the design of power banks, a special board is used, but its efficiency, although close, is not equal to 100%. In the smartphone itself, there are also technical issues responsible for the leakage of charge. The combination of these factors explains that even the highest quality Power Bank has losses of 20-30% of the nominal value indicated on its label.

In search of the ideal

It may seem to some people that the more capacity a power bank has, the better it is. In practice, this is not the case. But how to choose an external battery for a smartphone?

As in any other matter, when choosing a Power Bank, you need to focus on your own needs. Of course, the impressive capacity will help to charge the device of the owner and his friends several times. But the owners of such an external battery will have to come to terms with the fact that they will need to carry a device with them that will not fit in a regular pocket.

On the other hand, full charge a smartphone is not always required, because. it may simply not be enough time. In such a situation, the best assistant will be a small and lightweight power bank, made, for example, in the form of a keychain. Such a compact battery is quite capable of supporting the battery of the phone until the moment when it can be charged from a stationary source.
The weight and dimensions of the little assistant are almost invisible, unlike power banks with a capacity of more than 10,000 mAh.

An interesting solution may be an external battery for smartphones Power Bank, made in the form of a phone case. It cannot be said that this is a universal option, because. the case must match the dimensions of the case of a particular device. But on the other hand, the decision to buy an external battery for a smartphone of this type allows you to simultaneously acquire device protection and an additional supply of energy. In addition, you definitely won’t forget such a power bank at home or at work, but you will have to put up with the increased dimensions of the case.

What else should not be forgotten

Important factors influencing the choice of an external battery for a mobile device can be grouped as follows:

• charging current;
• connection interfaces;
• features of charging a power bank;
• charge indication.

Charging current is one of the most important technical characteristics of a power bank. Most devices on the market are capable of delivering current in the range of 0.5-2 A. To make right choice, you need to focus on the current consumed by the smartphone. This information can be found in the phone's instructions or on the label of the "native" charger for it. If this figure is 1 A, then you need to buy a Power Bank that delivers a similar or greater current strength. Buying a battery with a lower output current is not critical mistake, but in this case, the smartphone will charge much longer.

If you decide to buy a high-capacity power bank, then you should give preference to models that have two or more output connectors. The charge current for these interfaces may be different, for example, the first connector will be marked "1A", and the second "2A". This does not mean that in total an external battery can provide an output current of 3A. Thus, the manufacturer offers the owner to use the most suitable connector for a particular device.

If you simultaneously connect several devices to such a power bank, then at each output the device will receive half the maximum output current. In any case, a high-capacity Power Bank with two charging outlets is better than a similar one with a single connector.

The vast majority of modern mobile devices for charging use the microUSB interface. The appropriate cable is not always supplied with the battery, and if it is, it is often very short, which must be taken into account when purchasing. If there is a need to charge old devices, for example, a Nokia phone, then you should look for power banks, which include a set of adapters for once popular electronics with proprietary charging connectors.

It is also important how the external battery for the smartphone itself will replenish the charge. It is better to abandon batteries that use their own types of connectors, and prefer products with a common microUSB. This will allow you to charge offline source power supply from almost any memory of a smartphone or computer.

To buy an external battery for a smartphone and not regret it, you need to pay attention to the battery charging current. The rule here is: the more, the better. The charging current of the power bank itself can be a critical characteristic for its normal use. For example, a capacious 20,000 mAh Power Bank with a charging current of 500 mAh will replenish its charge within 40 hours, which the future owner will definitely not like.

External batteries with built-in solar panels are actively promoted on the market. This additional element should be taken more as a marketing ploy. In practice, a solar cell on a clear day can only compensate for the natural self-discharge of the battery. Therefore, it is not worth overpaying for a solar panel, but it is better to pay more attention to the method of indicating the charge.

Advanced devices may show the remaining charge on a special display, but an LED indication will be enough. The latter option, although not as accurate, is more reliable and energy efficient.

Conclusion: ready to buy

Perhaps this guide will also help you make your choice:

In most cases, people who are going to buy a power bank are faced with the same questions: Which power bank to choose? What to pay attention to?

I will try to give some tips on how to choose a power bank based on your needs and what to look for.

First of all, you should think do you really need a power bank? First imagine situations when you might really need an extra charge of your smartphone or other gadgets capable of charging from USB, and how often you find yourself in such situations in your daily life. And only if you really need it, start choosing the model that suits you.

So, What to look for when choosing a power bank:

1. Compatibility.
2. Manufacturer
3. Capacity
4. Functionality
5. Weight and size
6. Design

Compatibility.

Be sure to pay attention that the input voltage required to charge your devices matches the output voltage of the selected power bank model. You can view it either on the mains charger that came with your device, or in the instructions that came with it. For most modern gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, action cameras, GPS navigators, etc. the most common voltage would be 5V direct current(5V DC) conforming to USB specifications.
Current requirements are usually not so stringent. So, if you connect a device with a current requirement less than what the power bank can provide, nothing bad will happen, the charge controller simply will not allow the charging current to be exceeded. If, on the contrary, you connect a device that requires more current to a power bank or charger, in the output parameters of which the maximum current is declared lower than required, for example, a tablet that consumes a current of 2A while charging to an output of 1A, then either the charging process will simply take longer , or the device will not charge at all due to lack of power. However, this usually only happens with very specific devices like the iPad.

Manufacturer

When choosing a manufacturer, first of all, you need to keep in mind that Power Bank is a high-tech device, which consists not only of lithium-ion batteries, but also has certain protective systems in order not to destroy your gadget, burn yourself and delight you with long-term and trouble-free operation.
That is why the Power Bank is often referred to not just as a battery, but as an “autonomous charger”.

Often buyers make the same mistake - they buy charging device from unknown manufacturers who do not even mark their products with logos, seduced by the low price.
Unfortunately, in such cases, the actual capacity will most often be several times less than the declared one.

So, first of all, you need to choose well-known manufacturers. But there is a downside: the more popular this or that model, the more likely it will be faked.

Capacity

Next, you need to determine the required capacity of the power bank. Think about how many charge cycles of your device should the power bank provide? And multiply this figure by the battery capacity of your device and by a factor of 1.5. Do not believe those tables where they simply divide the capacity of the power bank by the capacity of the battery of a particular smartphone.

A 10000mAh power bank will never be able to charge a smartphone with a 3100mAh battery three times. At best, it will be two and a half times, and in most cases it will be two or a little more than two times.

After all, the voltage of the batteries of the power bank, in most cases, is 3.7V (or close to it), and depending on the current charge level of the batteries, it may differ up or down. And so it must first be raised to 5V, to match USB standard, a special scheme. Then it will flow through the cable to your smartphone, after which the charge controller in the smartphone will again reduce it to the level required for direct battery charging. And at each of these stages there will be greater or lesser losses.

Functionality.

Powerbanks may also differ in functionality. Here is a small list of convenient, but in my opinion, not mandatory features:
- Second USB port. It is convenient if you need to charge two devices at the same time.
- led flashlight, which may be useful to you, for example, in order to make it easier to find the charging socket of your smartphone or tablet in the dark.
- digital charge level indicator, because it can be used to more accurately estimate the exact percentage of the charge level of the power bank than by blinking LEDs.

Weight and size

The size and weight of the power bank are proportional to its capacity. The larger the capacity of the batteries installed in the bank, the greater its weight and size. Also, the weight and size of the power bank is affected by the type of batteries installed in it, a lithium-ion battery (li-ion) will be slightly larger and slightly heavier than a lithium-polymer battery (li-po) battery of the same capacity.

The weight will also be affected by the material from which the body of the power bank is made: the aluminum case of the power bank will be heavier than that of plastic.

You should also take into account the compliance with the declared capacity and weight of the power bank. This often makes it easy to identify the majority of power banks with clearly overpriced "Chinese optimism»capacity, because a power bank with a capacity of about 10000mAh will weigh 200-260g. And twice the capacity (20000mAh), respectively, is about twice as heavy. So if the capacity is clearly not corresponding to the weight, you should not buy such a power bank.

However, the weight does not guarantee that there are no batteries inside with a capacity less than indicated in the specifications, but at least it makes it easy to identify a clear discrepancy in the characteristics.

Design

The design of a power bank can also play an important role when choosing, because characteristics are important for someone, but for someone " he is red!» © Therefore, powerbanks are produced not only in various colors and shades, but also in various shapes, up to anime movie characters, for example, a powerbank in the form of an anime movie character « My neighbor Totoro» ( My Neighbor Totoro). Different people have different needs, including in power banks: someone needs a small power bank that they carry with them " just in case", for example as mocreo lavo 2500mAh, thin, light, easy to fit in a purse, and which will easily help out in a situation " I won’t get home soon, the phone sits down, and I’m waiting for an important call"and which will easily replenish the charge of your smartphone to a level sufficient for in order not to miss an important call. Well, for someone, you need to repeatedly charge your gadgets away from the outlet, for example, charge a GPS navigator, walkie-talkies, etc. while hiking, and here you will need more capacious models, such as Teclast T200E at 20000mAh, or even several.

Relevance: August 2019

For all mobile devices, autonomy is the weak link. A small supply of energy does not allow the user to fully enjoy the opportunities during the day. If we talk about flagship models, then the active work time can be several hours. For a long time society had to carry a charger in a bag and depend on an outlet, but modern power banks have completely eradicated this problem. Different body styles and materials, total useful capacity and charging technologies allow you to choose an external battery for a specific smartphone or group of devices.

Among the large assortment, Xiaomi products stand out. The popularity of the brand is rapidly increasing, and in the production of power banks it can already be called a leader. This result, the company provided itself with an optimal combination of cost and characteristics.

Singaporean Rombica and American Goal Zero were awarded to get into the premium segment. Both companies make professional external batteries for charging any device. Main Feature is a combination of the familiar with the high-tech - solar panels, inverters.

HARPER has successfully established itself in the middle segment with a focus on tourism. Devices have increased durability and functionality for survival in extreme conditions.

The budget segment has always been the most popular, so a large number of Chinese craftsmen work here - Asus, TP-Link and Yoobao. They were joined by the European brand Hiper and the American Canyon. Their main task is to provide users with autonomy, so the devices have a large capacity.

For phones (smartphones) For iPhones (iPhone) 10000mAh and above 20000mAh With fast charging FROM wireless charging For tablets Charging laptops Up to 10000 mAh

* Prices are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

External batteries: For phones (smartphones)

*from user reviews

Minimum price:

Main advantages

• Dual output charge sharing technology USB connectors guarantees safe recharging of devices without the risk of receiving excess current
• Automatic detection of charging possibilities for the connected device ensures process optimization and time minimization
• Implemented a 6-level protection system against all sorts of problems that occur during the recharging process
• branded electronic circuit power supply guarantees an energy efficiency of 90%. This allows external devices get more charge and slow down power bank capacity loss
• There is a visual indication of the remaining battery level and an LED flashlight for emergency situations.

*from user reviews

Minimum price:

Main advantages

• The use of high-strength materials guarantees the safety of the case in case of accidental drops and other mechanical influences
• PowerSafe technology controls the charging process of the external battery. Implemented protection mechanisms against short circuits, critical temperatures and overvoltage, which significantly extends the life of lithium-ion cells
• Due to the high output parameters (5.1V 2.4A), it is possible to quickly charge the battery of mobile devices that support this technology
• Optimum capacity allows you to charge a connected device with a 2000-3000 mAh battery about three times

Show all products in the category "For phones (smartphones)"

External batteries: 10000 mAh and above

*from user reviews

Minimum price:

Main advantages

• The kit includes 10 interchangeable adapters for charging laptops from all popular manufacturers, as well as additional cables for compatibility with the MacBook.
• Implemented several power schemes for 12, 16 and 19V for laptops and 5V 1A / 2.1A for efficient charging of all mobile gadgets
• The battery capacity exceeds almost all known analogues, providing a large number of device charging cycles. Modern lithium-polymer batteries are used, which have a high charge density and immunity to self-discharge
• Possibility of combined recharging of three devices at the same time
• The protection system eliminates the failure of connected gadgets as a result of improper power supply

10000 mAh and above / Charging laptops/ For tablets / With fast charging / For iPhones (iPhone) / For phones (smartphones)

Main advantages

• The built-in 66.6 Wh battery provides enough resources to charge not only smartphones, but also laptops. For this, a standard cylindrical connector with a maximum voltage of 24V is provided on the case.
• The power bank can be used to start a car starter, as it provides up to 12V output at a current of 2A
• The process of replenishing the capacity from zero to maximum takes about two hours
• A separate USB output of the QC2.0 standard is equipped with several power modes (5V, 9V, 12V) with support for Quick Charge v.2.0 technology. There is an information display on the body
• Protection against overcharging/discharging, exceeding temperature conditions and distortions of the supply voltage in the network is provided. Such a set will protect the device from premature failure.

With fast charging / For iPhones (iPhone)/ For tablets / For phones (smartphones)/ 10000 mAh and above / Charging laptops