The constant pursuit of the performance and functionality of smartphones comes at the expense of their operating time on a single battery charge, and there are not many significant advances regarding the batteries themselves. The use of polymer components instead of liquid electrolyte, although it has improved their characteristics, is not enough to compensate for the needs of ever-starving gadgets. Moreover, manufacturers of mobile devices monitor the “figure” of their brainchildren, limiting their thickness for the sake of design. As a result of such marketing pursuits, the need arose for the widespread use of portable batteries - power banks. The device consists of one or more batteries assembled in one housing with a controller circuit. Pre-charged, such a bank does not take up much space in your bag and can help out at a crucial moment.
What is meant by an external battery?
A portable charger (power bank) is a stand-alone gadget designed for charging mobile devices: smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, e-readers, etc.
The reason for the popularity of these gadgets is the continuous growth in the development of mobile devices and the technologies built into them. Despite the constant emergence of new device capabilities, batteries rarely increase proportionally. Because of this, the products work on average for a day or even half a day, which is where power banks come into play.
An external battery has become an indispensable attribute for long trips and travel. With it, the user does not have to worry that the “gluttonous” mobile phone will run out of charge at the wrong moment, and there will be no socket nearby.
Most power banks are equipped with USB or microUSB connectors. More advanced gadgets get USB Type-C outputs, and sometimes they even come with adapters for charging laptops! Sometimes, for comfortable operation, charge level indicators are placed on the front of the external battery so that it is clear how much its reserves last.
Types of portable batteries
View external batteries
External batteries can be distinguished by two characteristics - power and energy intensity. How to choose a high-quality external battery for a smartphone and not make a mistake? Powerful does not mean premium at all. There are reliable and affordable Powerbanks in the budget niche. Let's continue to understand the technical aspects of the models.
Device settings
Important technical characteristics of portable batteries:
- Capacity. The most important key parameter when choosing: from 3000; optimally -10000 mAh.
- Charging current. For small and low-power gadgets 1-2 A, for smartphones and laptops - 3A.
- Ports and cables. USB-A, USB-Type C, Micro USB.
- Connection type. Wired/wireless.
- Frame. Metal / anodic coated aluminum / plastic / polycarbonate.
- Options. Quick Charging 3.0-4.0/display % charge/flashlight/additional ports/cable.
The main requirements for power banks that users make are durability, brand-guaranteed quality, and high performance modern attributes.
How does a power bank work?
An external battery restores the energy of the device connected to it when the device’s battery is discharged. The power bank is equipped with batteries that connect to the controller board; outputs are connected to it for recharging the external charger itself and the equipment being charged.
The life of the power bank is affected by the quality of the batteries and the reliability of the design. It is logical to assume that the more expensive and efficient the components installed in a product, the longer it can serve the user.
For productive operation of the external battery, it is recommended not to use the device in high or low temperature conditions, as this may reduce the capacity, operating time and efficiency of the device. Experts also advise charging the power bank with currents similar to those indicated on the battery.
Top 5 best power bank manufacturers
There are many manufacturers of external power banks. Among them there are several companies.
Hiper
Hiper is one of the most famous manufacturers of external power banks. The range includes devices with low and high power, with ports for Lightning and Apple 30-pin.
In addition to external power banks, Hiper produces headphones, phones and other gadgets
InterStep
The Russian brand supplies the market with speakers, accessories for smartphones, headphones and external power banks. Pays attention to the lightness and compactness of the models.
InterStep power banks support fast charging
Baseus
The Chinese company has been on the market for more than 15 years and produces digital devices and accessories - tablets, car chargers, power banks, power supplies. Batteries from the brand are distinguished by their stylish design and high capacity.
Baseus external power banks provide a large number of ports
Deppa
Deppa is a fairly young but reliable manufacturer of external power banks for electronics. It produces batteries from 5000 to 20000 mAh, the devices are lightweight and compact.
Deppa power cans come with cables included
Dell
Dell is a well-known American electronics manufacturer that develops power banks, computers, smartphones, tablets and video cameras. It supplies the market with high-capacity batteries suitable for extending the life of gadgets and laptops.
Dell chargers don't get hot when running
What is the capacity of a power bank?
The capacity level of the external battery is a key characteristic of the device, demonstrating how long it can act as a power source for the product connected to it.
The capacity of power banks is measured in milliampere hours (mAh). A simple and clear advice when purchasing an external battery is the rule - select a capacity that is two or even two and a half times larger than the size of the battery of the device you plan to charge. For example, if the battery capacity of your smartphone is 2000 mAh, then you can buy a 5000 mAh power bank. This indicator will be enough for 2 full charging cycles of a mobile phone.
External batteries with a capacity of 5000-10000 mAh are compact in size, which allows you to constantly carry it with you in a bag or jacket. This is an excellent option for budget and mid-budget mobile phone models. For larger smartphones, you should give preference to power banks with 10,000 - 20,000 mAh, and if you plan to stay away from outlets for a very long time, you can buy a 30,000 mAh battery.
What should you pay attention to when choosing?
Capacity
Capacity is perhaps one of the most important characteristics that you need to pay attention to when buying a power bank.
Capacity is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh) and determines the maximum charge level to which the PowerBank can be charged.
If a Power Bank is chosen for a smartphone, it is important to remember that for more efficient operation, its capacity should be 2 or 3 times the capacity of the smartphone's battery. For example, if the device battery capacity is 2000 mAh, the PowerBank capacity must be at least 4000 mAh. In this case, the charge will be enough for at least one full charge of the phone's battery. Why only one, you ask, if the external battery has 4000 mAh? And this is because it cannot give away absolutely all the energy that is placed in it, since a certain amount of energy is spent on the process of transmitting it to the mobile device.
However, with the smartphone battery capacity indicated above, it is recommended to use a 6000 mAh PowerBank, since in this case it can be guaranteed to be used for a couple of days, which can be especially useful on long trips.
But active tablet users should pay attention to a capacity of 12000 mAh and higher.
Electric current when charging
The current strength plays an important role, since it determines what class of batteries can be recharged from the Power Bank. For example, 1A connectors are great for charging smartphones with small to medium capacity batteries, while 2A connectors work well for charging tablets. In other words, the current determines how quickly the connected device charges.
Make sure that the current strength of the external battery matches the current strength of your smartphone charger. If you have a 1A charger, then you need to charge the device from a connector with the same power.
Weight and size
As a rule, the larger the capacity of the external battery and the more ports there are on its board, the larger it is. When choosing, focus on how often you will use it. It’s one thing when you need a Power Bank to recharge your smartphone in case of emergency, and quite another when you plan a long hike in the forest, where there won’t be an outlet at hand for several days. Of course, in the second case, you need to look towards more capacious and larger batteries - from 12000 mAh and above.
Important! If there is a small battery on display and it just has some kind of prohibitive capacity, most likely buying it will not bring you anything good. Recently, sales of cheap and “very capacious” portable power supplies from Chinese manufacturers have become more frequent. As a rule, the declared characteristics of these Chinese crafts differ significantly from the real ones. Be careful!
What does the output current affect?
Output current – current strength during active recharging of gadgets connected to the power bank. It is measured in amperes (A). This is considered a key parameter showing the efficiency of an external battery. The output current level indicates how quickly the connected device will charge.
Mobile batteries use USB outputs with outputs of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.4 A. It is worth clarifying for which devices this or that output current strength is suitable:
- Up to 1 A – smart watches, fitness trackers;
- 1-1.5 A – smartphones, video recorders and other mobile gadgets;
- 2-2.4 A – phablets, tablets and similar devices with capacious batteries.
The charging speed also depends on the charge controller of the device connected to the power bank. It can limit the supplied current if it can exceed a certain amount when the product was created by the manufacturer itself. For example, some iPhones are equipped with 1 A chargers, therefore, power banks with an output current of 2 A will still supply a current of 1 A. For iPad and the latest iPhones, a current of 2 A or higher is typical, so external batteries need to be selected appropriate.
Compatibility can be determined from the specifications of the device connected to the external battery or simply from the characteristics of the charger that comes with it. If the output current in the power bank is less than that of the connected device, then charging will occur very slowly and inefficiently.
Xiaomi Mi Wireless Power Bank Essential 10000 mAh
Before us is a medium-capacity model with its own feature - wireless charging according to the Qi standard (up to 10 W). An external battery will keep your phone in good condition for several days. Moreover, you can charge two devices at the same time: one via the USB output, and the other wirelessly, placing it on a pad with a lightning bolt. The body is made of plastic, there are white and black options. Xiaomi does not change traditions; four white LEDs are responsible for indicating the charge. Another blue indicator is activated during Qi charging. The USB Type-C port is used exclusively for charging the power bank; with a suitable adapter, it takes about 4 hours.
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Feature of input current
The power bank is charged via microUSB/USB Type-C connectors. Replenishment of the product's energy reserve depends on the voltage and current when connected to the network. In turn, the current strength is affected by the current supplied by the charger and the current consumed by the power bank.
To charge the device, it is recommended to buy mains chargers with a current of 1-2 amperes. This is enough to fully restore the power bank’s energy. The charger is worth purchasing, given that batteries have different maximum current strengths.
Nowadays, external batteries with an input current of 2 A or higher, as well as with the Quick Charge function, can become a relevant purchase.
How to choose the right Power bank for your phone
It is better to select an external battery strictly for reasons of necessity, since if you carry an inconvenient and heavy device with you, then sooner or later you will get tired of it and the device will gather dust without use. Ideally, it is better to have several banks with different capacities:
- everyday (2500–3000 mAh)—in the form of a keychain with a flashlight. It won’t take up much space, but will help out in difficult times;
- urban medium capacity (8000–10000 mAh) - if you have to travel a lot on buses and subways, and at work you also don’t always have access to a power source;
- for travel (20000–40000 mAh) - the average smartphone can live on battery power with such a power bank for several days.
This division is due to the fact that everyday external batteries are left to charge overnight, and devices with a capacity above 10,000 mAh simply do not have time to fully charge during this time.
Special attention should be paid not only to selecting a compatible fast charging protocol, but also the appropriate cable.
Even externally similar USB-C cables may have different internal designs and different bandwidths. Therefore, use only original cables for the device you are charging, otherwise you risk damaging them.
If all your gadgets come with power supplies with a micro USB plug, then it is better to choose a power bank with the same power connector in order to have interchangeable chargers.
Among the useful functions, we recommend the possibility of fast and through charging, as well as overheating protection.
Device dimensions
Often, the capacity level of the device determines the dimensions of the portable battery. The higher this indicator, the larger and heavier the power bank will be. You need to be careful with this factor so as not to make a mistake with the purchase, since you can stumble upon a miniature battery with a large capacity and a low price - all this will indicate the low quality of this device.
The choice of power bank size directly depends on who will use it and under what conditions. For example, for girls, a small portable charger with a capacity of 5000 mAh, which is convenient to carry in your purse, is suitable, and for lovers of country holidays, a power bank with a capacity of 10,000 - 20,000 mAh, which is distinguished by its solid weight and the ability to charge a smartphone or PC several times in a row, is better suited. .
Anker PowerCore II 6700
The power bank combines compact dimensions and a capacity sufficient to fully charge a smartphone (with some exceptions). The battery dimensions are 96.5x43.2x22.9 mm, you can carry it with you everywhere without noticing the weight of 130 grams. There is 6700 mAh for everything; a ring with six LEDs is provided to display the current charge. The only pity is that Anker PowerCore II does not suspect the existence of fast charging technologies. There is only a PowerIQ port with standard output parameters of 5V/2A, as well as a Micro USB input connector. For some, this will be a serious argument against purchasing. But if you just need a small battery to recharge your smartphone in emergency situations, why not.
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Types of external batteries
There are 2 main types of power banks based on the type of batteries used:
- Lithium-ion (Li-Ion);
- Lithium polymer (Li-Pol).
The pros and cons of both types of batteries are reflected in the table below:
*Frequent cycles of incomplete charging create so-called “micromemory effects” that add up subsequently. This disrupts the battery's proper functioning, reducing its efficiency.
**Lithium polymer batteries are equipped with a special electronic circuit that prevents negative consequences from super-intensive replenishment of energy reserves. This reduces the risk of fires and overheating of the device.
Rating of the best budget power banks 2021
Budget power banks are represented by low and medium power devices. At an affordable price, they have good functionality.
Hiper SX20000
A capacious power bank with wired and wireless charging is designed for several devices. There are three ports, including Lightning.
You can buy Hiper SX20000 from 1500 rubles
pros
- designed for 20000 mAh;
- low price;
- works with laptops using the PD protocol.
Minuses
- takes a long time to charge;
- weighs more than 400 g.
Hiper XPX6500
The power bank with a display on the body has a stylish design. Suitable for phones and tablet devices, due to its small dimensions it fits in your pocket.
You can buy XPX6500 from 860 rubles
pros
- weighs little;
- works with two devices.
Minuses
- power is low;
- takes a long time to charge.
InterStep PB30001U
A budget external power bank with only 3000 mAh capacity is designed to quickly recharge a phone or player. Produces 1 A current at the output, not suitable for long-term use, but helps out in an emergency.
The price of InterStep power bank starts from 400 rubles
pros
- works in the cold;
- weight 65 g.
Minuses
- low energy reserve;
- not suitable for tablets.
What is the device body made of?
When creating power banks, two types of materials are used: plastic and metal. Metal cases are distinguished by a high level of durability and stylish design, while they are more expensive than their plastic counterparts. Models with a plastic body are lightweight, but less durable.
The choice of type of device body materials depends on its purpose. If you need a product for every day, then feel free to opt for lighter plastic options. If the durability of the device is your priority, then metal is your choice.
At this point it is worth adding the factor of the presence of covers. For example, Xiaomi produces silicone cases that protect the power bank from damage and highlight the user’s individuality.
Rating of the best 50000 mAh power bank models of 2021
If you need a power bank for use on long trips, it is better to choose a device with maximum capacity. The best gadgets are those with a capacity of 50,000 mAh.
Maxoak K2
This powerful external gadget is designed for fast charging of laptops and comes with several adapters. The case has four USB-A connectors and 20 and 12 V outputs.
You can buy a Maxoak power bank from 15,000 rubles
pros
- high capacity;
- rich equipment.
Minuses
- no Type-C connector;
- no fast charging.
Asometech 18 W 50000 mAh
One of the newest models has a very low price, since the brand is still little known on the market. The maximum output power is 18 W.
The price of the Asometech power bank starts from 3,500 rubles
pros
- high capacity;
- low price;
- Suitable for use on airplanes.
Minuses
- weight more than 1 kg;
- impressive dimensions.
Ross&Moor MP-50000
A device with a small display suitable for laptops and tablets. There are ten adapters included and car terminals.
You can buy a powerful Ross&Moor power bank from 8,000 rubles
pros
- good capacity;
- metal case.
Minuses
- weight is 1.3 kg;
- large dimensions.
Additional features
In terms of their functionality, external batteries are classified as simple equipment, while some power banks have additional features that expand their functionality.
Some models of power banks have an LED flashlight on board, which helps you navigate in low light conditions or in the event of a sudden blackout.
An additional charging port makes the power bank a universal device for immediately replenishing the energy reserves of two devices at once.
Possibility of charging from the network. Power banks are charged from a computer via a USB connector, but some models are equipped with the ability to recharge via a charger.
Charge level indicator. A special sensor on the front of the device shows how much energy is left in the battery. A very important and useful function for planning a vacation or trip.
Charging through a solar panel allows some models to replenish their energy reserves through the sun's rays. True, the efficiency of such panels does not exceed 25%, so the recharging process is not very fast and efficient.
Availability of a built-in 4G modem. The market offers 2-in-1 devices - power bank + modem, which allows the user not only to recharge the gadget, but also to access the Internet.
The presence of additional features significantly affects the cost of the device, so you need to select them depending on the need and the available budget.
The actual capacity must correspond to the declared one
The most obvious test that should be done on a brand new Power Bank. To do this you will need a special USB tester. There are plenty of similar models on AliExpress or in any store with small electronics.
It’s better to stock up on such a gadget and check all the “cans” you buy for yourself and your friends. Here are popular tester models from AliExpress: ▸ universal tester 10 in 1 – 307 rub. ▸ the simplest USB tester – 162 rubles. ▸ more powerful tester model – 271 rub.
One of these or any other tester that can calculate the transmitted battery capacity will do.
How to check: charge the Power Bank to 100% and start discharging it with any available devices. In this case, we connect the charging cable through the tester.
You can charge all smartphones in the house, tablets and other smart electronics. Testing high-capacity batteries may take several days.
In any case, when the battery is completely discharged, the tester will display the amount of energy delivered. It needs to be compared with the declared characteristics.
An error of 5-10% is acceptable, but a larger discrepancy will be a reason to think about the quality of the external battery.
What brands produce power banks?
Many companies are engaged in the production of portable batteries, but the brands Xiaomi, Remax and Momax stand out especially.
Xiaomi is a company that occupies a leading position both in the production of smartphones and in the field of creating portable chargers. Xiaomi always strives to bring high-quality gadgets to users at affordable prices. The most notable models of Xiaomi power banks:
- Xiaomi Mi Power Bank ZMI QB810 with a capacity of 10,000 mAh, stylish plastic body and Quick Charge;
- Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 20,000 mAh in an aluminum case;
- Xiaomi ZMI MF885 4G with a capacity of 10,000 mAh and a built-in 4G modem.
The Remax brand has gained popularity due to its wide selection of extraordinary accessories for mobile gadgets.
Remax batteries attract attention with their unusual design and high level of practicality. The most interesting options in the Remax range:
- Device in the form of lipstick Remax Power Bank LipMAX RPL-12 2400 mAh;
- External battery-night light Remax Power Bank Proda Ice Cream PPL-18 10,000 mAh;
- The device is in the form of a Remax Power Bank Shell RPL-18 cartridge with a capacity of 2500 mAh.
Momax power banks are no worse than Xiaomi and Remax products in terms of the quality of the final product and its functionality, while some models even amaze with their extraordinary design. Entertaining power banks from Momax:
- Momax Power Bank iPower Go mini IP35D – external battery in the form of a suitcase with a capacity of 7800 mAh;
- Momax Power Bank iPower Go mini IP36D is another bright option, but with 8400 mAh.
ZMI 10 QB820
As boring as the ZMI 10 is on the outside, it is just as interesting on the inside. Let's start with the USB Type-C port, which provides charging power of up to 40 W. The power bank can act as a power supply for laptops that support Power Delivery. Moreover, by double pressing the power button, the QB820 turns into a USB hub and allows you to connect external devices (flash drives, mice, keyboards) to the computer. Under the metal body are six 18650 cells with a total capacity of 20,000 mAh.
ZMI 10 was also equipped with two USB ports with support for Quick Charge 3.0. However, when charging two or three devices simultaneously, the QC3.0 (or Power Delivery) mode will only be available on the USB-C output. For the other two, the voltage is set to 5V. The manufacturer did not forget about a separate mode for low-current gadgets.
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How to make the right choice
In order not to make a mistake when buying an external battery, you need to decide how and where it will be used, what gadgets it will charge.
If you need a lightweight device that can recharge your smartphone a couple of times, opt for a power bank with a plastic case and a capacity of 5,000 - 10,000 mAh. If you are concerned about the safety of the gadget and its large capacity, then it is better to give preference to a metal case and a capacity exceeding 10,000 mAh. And do not forget about the strength of the input and output current in order to operate the device as efficiently as possible.
For the rest, you should rely on your taste, because the variety of brands and designs allows each user to choose a gadget for themselves.
Samsung 10000 mAh 25W
Smartphone manufacturers often develop their own fast charging technologies, and this should be taken into account when choosing a portable battery. Samsung decided to make the task easier for users and released a proprietary accessory in the form of a metal bar with support for Power Delivery 3 and Super Fast Charge. When charging via USB Type-C, the power bank produces up to 25 W of power - what is needed for the manufacturer’s flagships. The maximum values are achieved provided that only this port is occupied. The second USB output, in turn, allows you to charge devices using the Quick Charge 2.0 standard (up to 18 W). The battery capacity is 10,000 mAh, the current charge level is displayed using a simple LED indicator.
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Model HARPER PB-0011
The compact dimensions of the HARPER PB-0011 model will allow you to carry an external power source in a backpack or clothing pocket. The product is designed to recharge tablets, Bluetooth headsets, smartphones, and digital cameras. The portable charger supports the simultaneous connection of two devices and is designed for 300 full charge-discharge cycles.
Characteristics of HARPER PB-0011
- battery type – Li-Polymer;
- device capacity – 10000 mAh;
- input port type – micro-USB;
- rated input current – 2000 mA;
- output connector – two USB 2.0 connectors;
- device output voltage – 5 V;
- output current – 2400 mA;
- the required time to fully charge the battery is 6 hours;
- size – 14.82x7.42x1.58 cm;
- weight – 0.225 kg;
- body color – gray;
- case material – plastic;
- manufacturer's warranty – 1 year;
- manufacturer - China.
Advantages
- reduced thickness;
- small size;
- three cables included (microUSB, Type-C, Apple 8 pin);
- convenient arrangement of cables at the ends of the case;
- non-slip body coating;
- charge level indication via four LEDs;
- short circuit protection;
- energy saving function;
- high efficiency;
- versatility;
- affordable price.
The downside is the lack of a network adapter in the package.
Model Pineng PN-969
The PN-969 model joined Pineng's line of powerbank devices in 2021. A characteristic feature of the new product is a thinner body, which was obtained thanks to the introduction of lithium-polymer technology. The external battery is designed for 500 full cycles of operation and is intended for charging modern tablets, smartphones, portable acoustic equipment, digital cameras, and GPS devices.
Characteristics of Pineng PN-969
- battery type – Li-Polymer;
- capacity – 20000 mAh;
- input connector type – micro-USB;
- current strength at the entrance portal – 2000 mA;
- output connector type – two USB connectors;
- output voltage – 5 V;
- rated output current – 2100 mA;
- Full battery replenishment after 10 hours;
- size – 16.3x7.6x2.1 cm;
- weight – 0.42 kg;
- product color – white, black and red;
- case material – plastic;
- warranty period – 1 year;
- manufacturer – Malaysia.
Advantages
- built-in multi-level protection system;
- built-in microprocessor;
- shockproof ergonomic body;
- monochrome LCD display to indicate charge percentage;
- energy saving function;
- capacious battery;
- stylish design.
Minuses
- considerable price;
- weight;
- short USB cable.
