The unit offers the Two-way Quick Charge. This feature ensures faster charging for both the power bank itself and connected devices. The full charge with 18W charger will take approximately 6.7 hours.
It's rather bulky and hefty.
If you need an extra-capacious and extra-durable power bank, the Mi 2i can be a solid fit for you. With 20000mAh Li-Polymer battery and 9 layers of protection, it's currently one of the strongest performers on the market.
20000 mAh
Output: 2 x 5V/2A, 9V/ 2A or 12V/1.5A
Input: Micro USB
4 LED indicators show power status
PC + ABS material with sandstone finish
72 x 151 x 26 mm
430 g
Power bank, USB cable
2 iOS/Android devices
6 months
Thanks to the 20000 mAh battery capacity, this model will allow you to fully charge your smartphone at least up to 5 times. The LED charge indicators are there to display whether the devices are fully charged yet.
The white casing gets soiled easily.
The Intex IT-PBA 20K is the best power bank for techies and other high-tech gadget enthusiasts that like to travel with an array of different devices and would like to keep all of them fully charged for as long as possible.
20000 mAh
Output: 5V/1A and 5V/2.1A
Input: 5V/2A
4 LED indicators show power status
Plastic
75x 160 x 22 mm
395 g
Power bank, USB cable
2 iOS/Android devices
1 year
This power bank is 20-30% lighter and a bit more compact to similar models with the same capacity, which makes it incredibly practical and portable. And its shape without sharp edges is great for carrying in a pocket.
The full charge takes reasonable time.
The SYSKA Power MAX 100 is a great portable unit to charge your mobile devices on-the-go. Being extremely compact and lightweight, it's one of the best options to always carry with you. Plus, it's very moderately-priced.
10000 mAh
Output: 2 x DC 5V-2.4A
Input: Micro USB
4 LED indicators show power status
Plastic
64 x 94 x 23 mm
181 g
Power bank, USB cable
2 iOS/Android devices
6 months
This Samsung battery pack has a sleek casing that is only 14 mm thick. Therefore, it looks like expensive flask. The unit is also available in a pink casing to suit your outfit or personal preferences.
The included cable could be longer.
The Samsung EB-P1100BSNGIN is a decent battery pack from a reliable manufacturer. It's not the most capacious and sophisticated unit out there, but you know you get a high-quality product that will serve you faithfully for years to come.
10000 mAh
Output: 2 x DC 5V-2.1A
Input: Micro USB
4 LED indicators show power status
Plastic with metallic finish
71 x 142 x 14 mm
220 g
Power bank, USB cable
2 iOS/Android devices
1 year
The power bank is fitted with both micro-USB and type C ports. This allows you to charge it with either micro-USB or USB-C cable. So, now users of both Android-based devices and iOS-based gadgets won't need to carry two separate cables.
Even when it's not in use, the battery slowly drains.
We can highly recommend Ambrane PP-11 for those who need a sleek and stylish battery pack with medium capacity. And with its USB type-C jack, it will be especially useful for iPhone owners. No mess with different cables.
10000 mAh
Output: 2 x 5V/2.1A
Input: Micro USB
4 LED indicators show power status
Plastic with premium rubberized scratch-less finish
69 x 136 x 15.5 mm
250 g
Power bank, USB cable
2 iOS/Android devices
6 months
Extra Capacious
Xiaomi is a reliable cell phone manufacturer that produces an increasing number of accessories for them. And what we have here is the Mi Power Bank 20000mAh 2i, the most powerful portable charger by the brand.
As the name suggests, it houses a whopping 20000mAh in the small body. And with this great capacity, it's able to charge your mobile devices quickly and for multiple times. To clarify how powerful it is, just consider the fact that Mi is capable of charging Redmi K20 for 3 times, iPhone 8 for incredible 7.2 times, and Redmi Note 7 Pro for 3 times.
As you've probably guessed, the power bank boasts universal compatibility and can charge not just cell phones but also tablets, Bluetooth speakers, headsets, earphones, fitness bands, and similar gadgets. However, take note that it doesn't come with a USB-C type cable and can't juice up Mac Books and other laptops.
Perhaps, the most noteworthy feature of this product is that it offers the Two-way Quick Charge. This very feature ensures fast charging of both the power bank itself and the devices connected to it. The full charge with 18W charger will take approximately 6.7 hours. As for outputs, it supports 5V/2A, 9V/ 2A as well as 12V/1.5A USB outputs. Thanks to smart charging function, it intelligently adjusts the power up to 18W to ensure efficient charging for any device.
High-quality Design
The build quality is the area where Mi 2i power bank really impresses. It feels very stoutly built and is made with high-quality components. For example, it's fitted with high-density batteries from either Panasonic or LG. And all charging chips are made by the trustworthy Texas Instruments company.
Yet the most prominent feature about this charging station is what Xiaomi calls "nine layers of protection" that provides protection against short-circuit, over-voltage, over-current, over-charge and discharge of the chipset.
The 20000mAh Mi Power Bank is proudly manufactured in India from PC and ABS material that provides a comfortable hand feel and makes the surface far less slippery compared to aluminium. Moreover, the casing is covered with the new sandstone finish which adds a stylish look to the device and makes it scratch-resistant
At 72 x 151 x 26 mm, it's not the best option for carrying in your pocket. Yet, it's the tradeoff for that extra capacity. So, if you need an extra-powerful charger for your mobile devices and don't mind a bit bulky size, the Mi 20000mAH Li-Polymer Power Bank 2i is one of the best options out there.
Power Bank With a Capital P
The Intex IT-PBA 20K will easily prove to be a great choice for tech enthusiasts, for those individuals that follow all the recent trends in the world of information technologies. In a word, while it will certainly be able to fit less experienced or somewhat more disinterested customers, it is a product designed for aficionados of high-tech gadgets first and foremost.
Having said that, there aren't a whole lot of things that make this particular mobile power bank different from the rest of them, but those couple of features make all the difference. Of course, the first and the most important one is the power capacity. With 20000 mAh, this model will allow you to fully charge your smartphone at least up to 5 times.
Of course, using all of that power capacity on a single device would be somewhat of a waste. It should come as no surprise that this one will allow you to charge 2 different devices at the same time. And while there are plenty of power banks out there that include this very feature, very few offer the sort of power capacity that will be enough to charge a couple of devices simultaneously more than once. Just plug your smartphone and your mp3 player, or your tablet in combination with the Bluetooth headset and enjoy the freedom of a portable and truly impressive power bank.
Safety First
Since we did mention earlier that this is a device for techies, it should probably go without saying that the model incorporates all of the latest advancements in safety technologies, including but not limited to protection against overcharge, over discharge, over current, and all kinds of short-circuits. With the short of high-quality internal circuits that this power bank comes equipped with, you simply wouldn't have to worry about anything as far as the safety of your devices is concerned. And in case you still feel somewhat uneasy, the manufacturer also provides a 1-year warranty that covers just about every basis.
What else is there? Well, we could certainly point out the fact that the model features the sort of simple yet elegant design that would be able to satisfy the majority of customers regardless of their preferences.
Well, that's about all there is to it. To paraphrase our earlier point, the Intex IT-PBA 20K is the best power bank for techies and other high-tech gadget enthusiasts that like to travel with an array of different devices and would like to keep all of them fully charged for as long as possible.
Additional Info
Made in India
Syska is the part of the SSK Group that has been on the Indian market since 1989. Over the last two decades, the company has grown into a respectable name across the customers. Syska specialises in many areas and has a fantastic range of tailor-made products for mobile phone users. And this SYSKA Power Bank is one of them. A lot of research and innovation stand behind this product and let's check that.
To begin with, this Syska power bank is quality-tested, durable, and reliable. It's made with 10000mAh Li-Polymer battery; however, this doesn't mean it transfers all that capacity to your mobile device. Just like with other similar models, the chipset of this power bank has some losses when it converts the voltage. And luckily, this model boasts high charging conversion rates.
More precisely, this unit has approximately 75% efficiency and can deliver 7500mAh to your phone or phones. The Syska Power Max 100 has 2 USB ports that allow you to charge two mobile devices simultaneously at the incredible 2.4A power output. That's a tad bit faster compared to other products in its price range.
Like a Small Accessory
With the high efficiency rates, the Power Max 100 provides minimum three full charges from scratch to most smartphones. And once the battery pack runs low on charge, you can connect the extra-long 20-cm micro data cable into a micro-USB jack to juice it up. The full charge will take about 8 hours and bright light indicators will show you the battery status.
Thanks to the intelligent power control and IC protection, your connected device won't get damaged. The unit will prevent over-charging, over-discharging and short circuit that might potentially shorten the life of your mobile device or even worse, cause irreparable damage to it.
Lastly, we would like to say a few words about design. For sure, it's one of the most compact and lightweight models you can find on the market. With the handy size of 64 x 94 x 23 mm and light weight of 181 grammes, it's a super-portable option to carry with you. And since it has an aesthetically-appealing design, you'll be proud to display it. By the way, it comes in classic Black, Grey, Blue, and White colours to suit your taste.
Overall, the SYSKA Power MAX 100 is a great portable unit to charge your mobile devices on-the-go. Being extremely compact and lightweight, it's one of the best options to carry around in your pocket.
Additional Info
Made By a Leader
Samsung needs no presentation. It's a real beast in the electronic industry. We dare say that this South Korean company is currently the world's largest producer of electronic devices, which inspires the world with innovation and makes our life easier. The company never cuts corners and release only high-quality products that have undergone vigorous testing. And the Samsung EB-P1100BSNGIN power pack is a bright example. So, let's take the plunge deeper into details.
With 10000 mAh capacity, the pack is enough to fully recharge your phone two times from 0 to 100%. It's worth emphasizing that this battery naturally works best for Samsung Galaxy devices but can recharge any phone by any brand.
Equipped with two USB-A ports, the Samsung power bank can juice up a couple of devices at a time for added convenience. And thanks to the overcurrent and overvoltage protection, you can rest assured knowing that the excessive current levels won't damage your device. By the way, the unit doesn't get hot even when two mobile devices are powered up simultaneously for an extended period of time.
Attention to Design
At first glance, the Samsung EB-P1100BSNGIN power bank looks like a long flask with its metallic slim design. The unit has a sleek casing, small dimensions, and relatively light weight. Therefore, it can be easily carried with you during outings or long hiking trips where a battery pack is not a luxury but a necessity.
What we particularly liked is that the unit is available in a pink casing to suit your outfit or personal preferences. That said, the pink casing is usually offered in the top-series products only, which really emphasizes that this power bank is high-quality.
On the bottom, there are 4 LED indicators that display remaining charge of the batteries when the status button next to the light indicators is pressed. Under the LED lights, the unit has a tiny micro-USB slot for juicing up (micro-USB cable is included with the purchase).
All things taken into account, we can conclude that the Samsung EB-P1100BSNGIN is a decent power pack from a reliable manufacturer. It's not the most capacious and sophisticated model out there, but you know you get a high-quality product that will serve you faithfully for years to come.
Additional Info
The Benefits of USB-C
Ambrane is a reputable brand in the accessory industry. It focuses on power bank production and offers a wide variety of models for different tastes and situations. Recently, the company has announced the PP-11 10000mAh power bank that has quickly gained the admiration of customers. So, let's see what so special about it and how much juice it has to power up your mobile devices.
Surely, the thing that makes it stand out from the competition is its dual input options. To specify, the power bank is fitted with both micro-USB and type C ports. This allows you to charge the unit with either the micro-USB or USB-C cable. So, now users of both Android-based devices and iOs-based gadgets won't need to carry two separate cables for charging this power bank. Importantly, type C jack on this power bank is actually for input and not output.
We particularly like the newest USB Type-C jack and connector because they boast a very handy feature - flippability. More exactly, the USB-C connector has no up or down orientation, meaning you won't need to flip the connector over so as to plug it in. You'll always line up the connector properly, which is an obvious advantage for individuals that are always in a rush and don't want to hassle with proper aligning.
What's More?
Since the USB-C port has stolen precious space at the bottom, the power button is now placed on one side of the device, and the charging LED indicators are situated next to it. Another design perk is that the product is ergonomically-shaped to either fit into a pocket or to be easily carried in hands. And a premium scratchless rubberised body provides a firm grip.
The Ambrane power bank features two USB power outputs and can serve as a backup battery for two mobile devices at a time. Both jacks have the maximum current output of 2.1A. With high-speed charging, it rapidly juices up smartphones, tablets and other USB-enabled devices.
The durable battery has 10000mAh capacity and can provide two full charges to modern cell phones. What is notable, the Ambrane houses polymer batteries rather than Lithium-Ion ones. This type of batteries is considered to be much more durable, reliable, and safer.
All in all, we can highly recommend Ambrane PP-11 for those who need a sleek and stylish battery pack with medium capacity. And with its type-C jack, it will be especially useful for iPhone owners. No mess with separate cables.
Additional Info
Infographics
What Is a Power Bank?
People use more and more gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, mp3 players, smartwatches and many more on a daily basis. In order to make these gadgets compact and portable, manufacturers typically fit them with smaller and lighter batteries. The downside though is that the reduction in size has also resulted in a shorter battery life. This is where a power bank comes in handy. This small electronic device has been designed for charging your gadgets on the go no matter where you are. With a power bank, you are not bound to the sockets and can quickly bring back to life the dead battery of your phone or tablet. A power bank comprises a few batteries concealed inside the enclosure and features several USB-enabled built-in ports. In this review, you'll find some useful tips and guides on how to choose the right power bank that will match your needs and applications.
We would also like you to read our comparison review of the best smartphones designed in keeping with the newest technologies.
What Features to Compare
Capacity and Output Current
The first thing you need to consider when selecting a power bank is its capacity. Measured in mAh, this spec shows the number of times your mobile device can be charged. What you should know, though, is that the bigger the power bank capacity is, the heavier the device will be. The current, measured in A (ampere), typically determines the charging speed. Usually, you will need 1A of output current to charge a smartphone and 2A to charge a tablet. As for the capacity, opt for 3000 mAh capacity power bank to be able to charge a smartphone and for 6000 mAh or higher to charge a tablet. If you use a lot of gadgets every day and you want to charge them with a single power bank, it's better to choose the model with greater capacity and several USB-enabled ports.
Compatibility and Functionality
Next, you want to pay attention to compatibility and functionality of the device. In case you need to charge more than one mobile device, you should consider models with several USB ports. Some extra bells and whistles like a flashlight and LED indicators will add to the versatility of use of the device. Also, some power banks may have additional adapters with the help of which it will be possible to charge even a laptop. All these extras may come very helpful when on a trip, for example.
Design
The design of the power bank should not be overlooked. You will use it a lot, so, it should be well designed and produced from high-quality materials. Power banks enclosed in aluminum casings look great and are very pleasant to touch. Needless to say, they are also very durable. Even if you accidentally drop one, it won't break. Plastic models are more lightweight and usually come at a cheaper price. As we've mentioned above, high-capacity power banks are typically very bulky and therefore, may not suit your everyday needs. So, if you plan to carry one with you, the capacity of 15000 mAh will be the biggest one you'd want to have.
FAQ:
Q: How long do I need to charge a power bank?
A: It generally depends on the actual capacity of a power bank and its remaining power. The larger the actual capacity is, the longer charging time a power bank will require. Meanwhile, using different chargers may result in different charging time. Charging the device with an original charger is usually faster than charging it via a USB port on PC.
Q: What is mAh?
A: A milliampere-hour (mAh) is 1000th of an ampere-hour (Ah). This measure is usually used to describe the energy charge that a battery has, and how long a device can work before discharging. A capacity is commonly measured in mAh to inform you about how much power a power bank holds and how many times it can charge your device.
Q: How do I know the current level of the charger?
A: Most of the models come equipped with a LED indicator that visually informs you of the battery life status.
Q: How long does it usually take to charge a phone or tablet?
A: This time depends on several factors, among which the output of a portable charge comes as the foremost one. The typical output amperage for power banks makes 1 or 2.1 Amps, with the latter being much more efficient (and quicker) for charging tablets and smartphones. The second factor is the cable resistance. Note that some of the cables have only a 1A capacity capability.
Q: What devices can be charged with a power bank?
A: Usually, power banks are used for charging mobile phones, handheld game players, tablet PCs, GPSs, e-Books, digital cameras, MP3 players, smart watches, etc.
Q: How many times can I charge with a portable charger?
A: It generally depends on the capacity of your gadget and the power of a portable charger. Basically, the higher the mAh rating is, the more power it can deliver to your devices. It'd be a good idea to check the mAh rating of your device in advance and only then, purchase a charger with the same (or higher) mAh rating. You may also want to find out the efficiency of the power bank you chose and the current condition of your phone's battery (or any other device you plan to use it for).
Q: What type of batteries are used in power banks?
A: Power banks are commonly fitted with either Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) or Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery. Lithium-Ion batteries have a higher energy density, however, they can have issues with time. Lithium-Polymer ones don't suffer from ageing to the same extent, however, due to their higher manufacturing costs, they cost more.
Sources:
1. PowerBanks "How it Works", Instructables.
2. Savio D'Souza Buyers' Guide: Power Bank for Your Smartphone, The Times of India. December 27, 2014.
3. Seven Things You Should Know Before Buying A Power Bank, Nairaland Forum. May 23, 2015.
4. How to Choose the Best Portable Charger, Tripcase. April 2, 2016.
5. Power Bank Buying Guide, eBay. August 15, 2013.
6. Nandini Sharma How To Choose The Right Power Bank For Your Smartphone, Lifehacker. May 14, 2014.
7. Ng Chong Seng 5 Tips When Buying a Portable Battery Pack for Your Mobile Device, Singapore Hardware Zone. February 13, 2014.
8. How to Choose a Suitable Power Bank for Your Mobile Phone, SlideShare. November 26, 2014.
9. Jamie Lendino 11 Tips to Boost Your Android Phone's Battery Life, PCMag. May 1, 2014.