We rely on our devices more and more, but battery life can be a problem. Having an additional source of power that lets you charge your phone, tablet, camera, or another device while on the go can make life much more straightforward.
Capacity
Check the capacity of your device’s battery, measured in milliamp hours (mAh). Conveniently power banks use the same measurement. A simple calculation will show you how many charges you’ll get from the powerbank. For example, a 5.8-inch screen iPhone XS has a 2658mAh battery, and a Samsung Galaxy S8 has a 3000mAh battery. To comfortably charge both devices, you’ll need a powerbank with a capacity of at least 6000mAh. Be aware that there may be some power loss through the cable, and not all cables are created equal. There will also be some inevitable loss of storage capacity over time due to the chemistry of the battery of the powerbank.
Connections
Some powerbanks have multiple cable ports. This capability allows you to charge more than one device at the same time. There are also wireless charging powerbanks for devices that have this capability.
Charging speed
Fast charge, sometimes called quick charge, technology is available with some powerbanks. This self-explanatory feature means your device will be fully powered faster than using a conventional powerbank if your device is compatible with the technology.
Accessories
Some powerbanks come with a flashlight, speakers, a panic alarm, and other accessories. These will add size and weight with no additional charging capability and will also be a drain on the capacity of the powerbank.
Size and weight
The bigger the capacity of the powerbank, the bigger and heavier it will be. There are additions to this equation. The design of the powerbank and its casing, port numbers, accessories, and other factors will all combine to make up the final size and weight of the powerbank. If you need one charge for your phone for a night out a wedding, the smallest powerbank may be a better choice than the one you’ll need for a 4-day hike.
The perfect powerbank frees you up from having to be attached to a wall socket. Road trips, long haul flights, a day at the beach, or other times when a power supply is not easily available will not mean that you can’t stay online if you use these simple pointers for selecting your next powerbank.
