Power banks have become a part of our everyday accessories. Easy to take anywhere, it allows you to recharge your smartphone, tablet, e-reader, headphones, and even your PC at any time. There are many models available at all price points.
In this article, we’ll share tips on how to choose the right one for you.
Budget: Avoid low-cost models
Various factors influence the price of a power bank, including capacity, power output, and features. Manufacturing quality also plays a role, both on the exterior (choice of materials) and on the interior (electronic circuit, assembly of lithium cells).
Avoid budget models offered by obscure sellers; instead, choose a device from a well-known brand, whether it's a smartphone manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc) or an accessory manufacturer (Oraimo, Sporty, etc).
Capacity: From 2,000 to 50,000 mAh
Expressed in milliamp-hours (mAh), the capacity of a power bank indicates the amount of current stored in the battery when charged. Depending on the model, this capacity varies from 2,000 to 50,000 mAh. This reserve allows you to charge a device multiple times, or several devices at the same time, depending on the size of their own internal battery.
In any case, a power bank will not deliver all of the current it stores. Firstly, because it uses a fraction of it (itself) to operate, and secondly, because charging causes energy loss. The quality of the components also affects this energy efficiency.
For instance, a 2,000 mAh battery will not be able to fully charge a smartphone with a battery of the same capacity. To give you an idea, the capacity of a smartphone battery ranges from 1,300 mAh to 5,000 mAh. For a touchscreen tablet, the range goes from 3,000 mAh to 10,000 mAh.
Which capacity fits your needs?
Your phone’s battery capacity and how often you use it should guide your choice. The higher the mAh of a power bank, the more times it can recharge your smartphone before it needs to be plugged in again. For instance, a power bank:
- Between 3000 and 5000 mAh can recharge a smartphone approximately 1 to 1.5 times. The perfect solution for fast charging.
- Between 5,000 and 10,000 mAh offers 2 to 3 full charges. An excellent compromise for regular journeys, busy days, or short stays.
- Between 10,000 and 20,000 mAh provides 4 to 5 charges, or even more, depending on the model. Perfect for those who use their phone intensively or have several devices to recharge.
- More than 20,000 mAh can last several days without recharging. This is ideal for long trips or outdoor activities.
Tip: Always choose a power bank with a capacity at least 20-30% higher than that of your smartphone. This compensates for natural energy losses during charging.
Suitable and powerful connectivity
Power banks have an input port ("in") that charges the battery itself and several output ports ("out") to charge your devices. Each of these ports is characterized by its format (micro-USB, USB, USB-C) and its power.
For the input port, the micro-USB format is gradually giving way to the USB-C format. The latter has several advantages. First, it is more powerful and can support fast charging. Second, it serves double duty since it can be used as both an input and an output.
For output ports, besides USB-C, you'll most often encounter the classic USB-A format. It's compatible with all cables, but for optimal charging, its specifications must match those of your device. For example, a 5V/1A (5W) output can charge smartphones and most other devices. But for a tablet, a power output of 5V/2A (10W) is required. The power of the connectors also allows for fast charging.
LED indicator, on-off button
Most power banks are equipped with LED indicators that inform you of the battery charge level and available power. The LEDs often show power levels in rough steps, often in 25% rather than exact numbers. The steps don't offer surgical precision, but they do give a good indication of how much charge remains (e.g, 3 LED indicators show you have around 75% charge).
Moreover, some power banks have a digital screen that shows the exact battery percentage (like “76%”) instead of just LED dots. There’s usually an on-off button that allows you to stop charging while remaining connected.
Consider fast charging
Today's power banks take advantage of the latest technologies, including fast charging and wireless charging. If your devices are compatible, these features are very convenient. Fast charging has appeared on many smartphones in recent years. Power banks have also followed suit. If both are compatible, you'll save precious time. There are several fast charging protocols, the most common today being Quick Charge (QC) and USB Power Delivery (USB PD).
However, on older smartphones, you may still encounter Turbo Power, Adaptive Fast Charging, or SuperCharge. These are commercial names compatible with either QC or USB PD. The fast charging standard of the power bank is mentioned next to the ports or on the packaging. A battery may be compatible with both standards (and therefore with their variations).
Do more with your power bank
Some power banks are designed for adventure, with a built-in flashlight, a waterproof and shockproof case, or even a solar panel. A flashlight can be a helpful safety feature you might want to watch out for when making a new purchase. For instance, during a mountain hike or an outdoor camping trip, losing your light or navigation can be dangerous. Having a power bank allows you to keep your lamps and phones charged, thus preserving your autonomy and safety.
But safety isn't just for the outdoors. Whether you're outdoors at a large gathering or even traveling on the road, having a power bank allows you to stay reachable and use your torch in the event of a power outage or nighttime return.
Disclaimer: M-KOPA do not sell power banks, but our phones are compatible with them. Make sure you check the capacity of your phone before choosing a power bank that best fits your specifications.
.svg)
