Introduction
Power Banks are mobile additional batteries for supplying energy to mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets or even laptops. There are 3 types of power banks: external battery blocks, outdoor power banks and power cases/battery covers. It must be stressed that in order to ensure that a power bank can be used for a long time, application errors must be avoided.
We shall proceed with out discussion of Power Banks as follows :
(i) Facts worth knowing about power banks (‘Trivia’)
(ii) types of power banks available and which one is right for you?
(iii) FAQs about buying a power bank for the first time
(iv) Purchase criteria: Which of these factors you can use to compare and evaluate power banks BEFORE you decide to buy.
(v) Reviews / Recommendations of particular Power Bank devices.
(i) Trivia
What mistakes should be avoided when using a power bank?
MP4 Video !
(ii) Types of Power Banks & Preference:
If you want to buy a power bank, as mentioned earlier, there are 3 alternatives you can choose from:
- External battery block
- Outdoor power banks
- Power case/battery case
Each option is described concisely below including its advantage/s and disadvantage/s in the following short video.
MP4 Video !
(iiia) Questions to consider BEFORE purchasing a power bank:
MP4 Video !
(iiib) How to charge a power bank the proper way :
(iv) Factors to Compare & Evaluate Power Banks:
In order to find the right power bank for yourself, the following criteria should be considered :
- The actual device in question to load
- Capacity
- Tension
- Amperage (Strength of electric current supply)
- Charge indicator feature
These different criteria are discussed in more detail from our MP4 Video below :
MP4 Video !
(v) Power Banks – Reviews and Recommendations.
For this sub-section, we shall consider the following Power Bank options as listed below :
- The best power bank with LED light ( The Pilot X7 20000 mAh power bank with external battery X7 )
- The best power bank with an external battery ( Anker Power Bank, PowerCore 20100mAh External Battery, High Capacity 2-Port 4.8A Output Charger with PowerIQ Technology for iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy and Many More (in Black/Matte):
- The best outdoor power bank ( A ADDTOP Solar Power Bank 25000mAh Portable Solar Charger with 4 Solar Panels, Outdoor Waterproof External Battery with 2 USB Ports for Smartphones, Tablets Et al.
- The best power case ( Upgraded HETP 6000mAh Rechargeable Charging Case for iPhone 6 External Battery Pack for iPhone 6,6S Charger Cover Apple Portable Power Bank [4.7 inch]- Black
- The best power bank in tube form. ( Anker PowerCore 5000mAh External Battery Power Bank Compact Mobile Phone Charger with Power IQ ……. ).
| NAME of MODEL | The Pilot X7 20000 mAh power bank with external battery X7. | Anker Power Bank, PowerCore 20100mAh External Battery, High Capacity 2-Port 4.8A Output Charger. | A ADDTOP Solar Powerbank 25000mAh Portable Solar Charger with 4 Solar Panels, Outdoor Waterproof External Battery. | HETP Battery Case for iPhone 6s/6/8/7/SE(2020/2022),Upgraded 6000mAh Ultra Slim Rechargeable Charging Case External Battery Pack Charger Case for iPhone 8/7/6s/6/SE(3rd and 2nd Gen)[4.7 inch]- Black | Anker PowerCore 5000mAh External Battery Powerbank Compact Mobile Phone Charger with Power IQ ....... |
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| INTRODUCTION | The best power bank with LED light : The Pilot X7 20000 mAh power bank with external battery X7 from Poweradd has an automatic detection technology that measures the current and enables the device to charge as quickly as possible. Also, the device has two ports plus an integrated LED flashlight & power indicator. The high capacity of the battery pleased many customers. Buyers also valued the product's performance and quality, and its convenient on-the-go format. | The Power bank with an external battery: This Anker Powerbank impresses with its power = 20100 mAh battery that allows you to charge most devices multiple times. According to the manufacturer, it charges your iPhone 8 seven times, the Galaxy S8 five times or the iPad Mini 4 even twice. It offers two ports, which allows you to connect two devices for charging at the same time. | The best outdoor power bank : The ADDTOP solar power bank is portable and consists of 4 solar panels. The power bank is waterproof and has two USB ports and an impact-resistant housing. With its 25000 mAh, it's suitable for iPhone, Samsung, Android and cameras, among others. The energy-efficient functioning of the power bank inspires enthusiasm among customers, who are also very impressed by the good charging capacity. The self-explanatory operation and the beautiful look of the power bank are also praised. | The best power case : The ultra-thin HETP battery case has 6000 mAh and is rechargeable. The power case ensures fast charging and 360 degree scratch protection, which also prevents overheating and overcharging. The HETP battery case has a power indicator and is suitable for the iPhone 6/6s/7/8. The punctual delivery and fast charging from the battery to the mobile phone pleased many buyers. | The best power bank in tube form : This is a classic mobile charger - the Anker PowerCore. It has a capacity of 5000 mAh, making it suitable for everyday use. It is characterized above all by its shape - tubular !. It's super easy to slip into your pocket. The power bank is popular with buyers because of its shape, quality and simplicity. |
| ADDITIONAL PRINCIPAL SPECIFICATIONS. | Dimensions :18cm × 10.5cm × 2.5cm Weight : 432g ; USB inputs : 1x micro USB (5 V / max. 2 A) | Dimensions : 15cm x7cm x 2cm (approx.) Weight : 7.1 lbs. (3220g) ; Includes a micro USB slot to allow you to recharge your Anker PowerCore 20100. | Dimensions : 15.5cm x 8.5cm x 3.5cm Weight : 583g ; 4 solar panels ; Lithium polymer battery ; 2 nos. USB ports. | With 360 Scratch-Guard, Dual Layer Protection To Protect Your iPhone 6/6S From Scratches And Other Daily Wear And Tear. Internal Safe Chips Prevents The Wireless Charging Power Case Short-Circuiting, Overheating And Over-Charging. | - Dimensions : 10.7cm × 3.1cm × 3.1cm - Weight : 133g - USB inputs : 1x micro USB (5 V / max. 2 A) |
| PROS | - Electrical protection mechanism - Fast Charging - Charging multiple devices possible - Simultaneous charging and discharging. - Charge level indicator: LED display - Warranty : 24 months | - The Anker PowerCore 20100’s core feature is its ability to charge VERY fast. - Highly Durable, little or no degradation of performance after minor drops on floor ! - The Anker PowerCore 20100 claims to be universally compatible. - TRUE ! | - Simultaneous charging of multiple devices i.e. 2 - Presence of 4 solar panels. | - The iPhone 6/6S Protective Extended Battery Cover Uses A Lightning Input Port To Enable Recharging And Data Transfer. - 4 Led Battery Level Indicator that lets you know exactly how much power you have. - Fast charging ; Easy to hold. | - Light & handy - Fast charge. |
| CONS | No USB type C port. | - Included cable was a bit short. Ideally 2 cables should be included. - Travel pouch serves little use. - The Anker PowerCore 201000 does not support Qualcomm’s Quick Charge capability. | - Weight - Slow battery charging time, 12-25 hours. | - " Most of the 3.5 MM Earphones/ headphones I tried , won't fit. Hence you need to use a Bluetooth for audio/calls ". | - Only 1 no. USB-A port. |
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Before closing, there is one other power bank device that is worthy of mention not least because of its value-for-money essential features & portability. This is the BIOLITE Charger. There are 3 options for Biolites, namely 20PD, 40PD and an 80PD Charger.
Naturally, the larger the size, the longer the device can charge your electronic gear. When considering purchasing a portable charger, as recommended earlier, I would recommend knowing your anticipated usage so that you can purchase the size that fits your needs. Below is our review of the Charge 20 PD device :
- 6,000 mAh rechargeable battery
- Approximately 1.5 smartphone charges
- Charge multiple devices at once
- 1x USB-C PD port, up to 18W
- 2x USB-A Quick Charge Out ports
- Quick Charge 3.0 Protocol
- Portable & durable design
- FAA Carry-On Compliant.
FEEDBACK COMMENTS :
The number of advertised times (1.5) it can charge a cellphone with a fully charged Biolite is accurate.
> It is easily transportable, like in a sweatshirt pocket attached to a cellphone. Without being attached, the charger can easily fit in a jeans pocket.
> Its ruggedness is great for the outdoors ; > Its stainless steel body and silicone gasket are also waterproof and fully submersible, making it a strong option for using on long hikes ;
> The power supply can charge two phones, lights and other gear ;
> Remember to check the input required for your phone and other items ;
> The Biolite charges with a micro USB cable so you might have to bring an extra cable if you want to charge your phone or other gadgets.
It also comes in handy on long-distance flights and is compliant with Federal Aviation Administration carry-on rules.
The next device we shall discuss is also related to charging but in this case your RECHARGEABLE batteries :
Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) & Lithium-ion BATTERY CHARGERS
In order to charge your rechargeable batteries outdoors, you will need a reliable battery charger. The Xtar VC2 with LCD display is currently our preferred option because it gives you reliability at a reasonable price. One of the best features is its ability to revive damaged batteries with its XTAR OV activation feature. This feature will of course help you to save money.
XTAR are one of the largest names within the battery industry, founded in 2006 and based out of China, XTAR manufacture and supply Li-on batteries, smart battery chargers and LED flashlights around the world. Thanks to their high standards of quality control, XTAR have achieved all major global certifications, such as CE and RoHS. They pride themselves on offering safe, high quality products.
The XTAR VC2 charger is a 2-bay battery charger with a whole host of features packed into it. Inside the XTAR VC2 retail box you will get 5 items :
- The XTAR VC2 charger itself
- 1 x micro-USB cable
- 1 x microfibre carrying pouch
- the user manual and
- 1 x warranty card.
- Net Weight: 109 g
- Dimensions: 131 mm (length)x 66 mm (width)x 33 mm (height)
- Compatible with IMR lithium battery
- Each channel is independent
- Compatible with small capacity battery
- Over heat protection
- LCD displays each battery real time statues.
t is simple to use, you simply insert a compatible battery into either of the dedicated battery bays, the contact will adjust to fit the battery snugly, and the XTAR VC2 will automatically begin charging, it will also choose the most suitable charging current for your batteries, meaning that they do charge quickly, but above all they charge safely as well.
- If you have inserted a bad battery, the XTAR VC2 will let you know about it. Reverse polarity protection means that you won’t damage your batteries or the charger if you insert your battery the wrong way round, and a short circuit protection circuit is built into the XTAR VC2.
- A highlight of the XTAR VC2 is it’s large and clear LCD screen, which is easy to read and offers you detailed real time information. You can see the progress of how your batteries are charging, as well as the charging current, and you can also see the current mAh capacity of your battery. You can even check the true mAh capacity of the battery by fully draining it, and recharging it through the XTAR VC2.
It is always important to own a safe and reliable battery charger. Purchasing this device represents a worthwhile,long term investment as welll as value for money.
Another smart feature of the XSTAR VC2 is the countdown timer for EACH slot. so you’ll always know how much time you have until your batteries are ready. Furthermore, the Xtar VC2 will stop charging after charging is complete and it has a restart feature that keeps the batteries inside the charger if left overnight.
Now we move onto discussing Portable Power Stations aka Solar Generators.
CLICK HERE to read more details.
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