How to choose a Power Bank: the nuances of choosing a portable battery

Portable phone battery: what is it

The question of what is Power Bank is quite simple to answer. Think of your car (or your friends' car). What actions are taken if the gadget is discharged on the road? That's right, the car charger is plugging in. In fact, an external battery is the same miniature car in your pocket. Of course, this is all exaggerated, but the essence is conveyed. It turns out that the Power Bank is a device that is able to give the accumulated charge in it to the battery of a phone, tablet or laptop.

What is an external battery for: device application areas

An external portable battery, depending on its capacity, can charge a phone, smartphone, tablet or even a laptop. Such a device is used not only on train trips, where it is not possible to periodically recharge the gadget (one or two sockets for the entire carriage).

Power Bank is often used by lovers of outdoor activities on rafting, various festivals or just hiking. In this case, an external battery can even save lives. After all, everyone has a navigator in their smartphones, by which they can find their way even in the forest, where there is no cellular connection. Now imagine that you are lost, and your smartphone has "safely" sat down. The path in the forest can be found unmistakably only by a few who know the area.

Power Bank: the principle of operation and the device of an external energy storage

In appearance, it is sometimes even impossible to understand what it is. Power Bank can have different shapes, but the internal structure of all such accessories is practically the same. One or more rechargeable batteries of a certain capacity are located inside a plastic or metal case. On the case there is a charging socket (usually micro USB), and an output socket (s) - USB outputs. A charged device is connected to them.

Besides the number of ports, external batteries differ capacitive characteristics, current strength. The batteries themselves are also different, as well as on cell phones, but we will dwell on this in more detail a little later.

External battery Power Bank: its positive and negative qualities

Of course, Power Bank has more advantages than disadvantages. Let's try to consider them in more detail. Let's start with the pros of using an external portable battery, including:

• the ability to always stay in touch, even if there is no outlet nearby;
• small dimensions, allowing you to put it in a bag or pocket, where it does not take up much space;
• fast charging, the ability to talk without disconnecting it from the phone;
• space in operation and the process of charging the Power Bank itself;
• with a large capacity, you can charge a tablet and even a laptop more than once;
• today you can buy a Power Bank with good characteristics at a fairly low cost.

Now let's figure out what disadvantages an external battery may have. There are few of them:

• if used improperly, the Power Bank quickly fails;
• portable high-capacity batteries have increased dimensions.

As you can see, the shortcomings are quite minor, and if nothing can be done with the second, then the first can be easily eliminated. You just need to read the instructions and follow the operating rules recommended by the manufacturer.

What are the criteria for choosing an external battery for a smartphone or tablet

There are several main criteria for choosing such a device. Among them:

• compatibility with the gadget and the number of charging ports;
• battery type Power Bank;
• capacity;
• output current;
• additional functions that the external battery is equipped with;
• size and weight;
• design.

Let's try to disassemble each item in detail so that the selection algorithm is clearer for the reader.

How to choose a Power Bank by compatibility and number of ports

The main thing that you should pay attention to when choosing is the compatibility of the external battery and the gadget in terms of voltage - they must match. Otherwise, problems with the phone or tablet are inevitable, up to and including failure and even ignition of the battery.

Number of ports. Here you need to proceed from the requirements for Power Bank. If you have one device and plan to use it alone, then you should pay attention to external batteries with one port - their cost is lower. There are Power Banks with several ports, allowing you to charge two or more devices at the same time.

How to choose a Power Bank for your phone or tablet by battery type

Power Banks are equipped with two types of batteries: lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium-polymer (Li-Pol). Let's figure out what is the difference between them.

Lithium-ion - shaped like finger-type batteries. They have a lower cost, but this affects the durability. Such batteries can withstand about 1000 charge / discharge cycles. Their self-discharge is higher than that of lithium-polymer analogs.

Lithium Polymer is a plastic battery that can be molded into any shape by the manufacturer. In all respects, Li-Pol is better than Li-ion. Self-discharge is practically absent here, and as for durability, these batteries can withstand 1000 to 5000 charge / discharge cycles. Naturally, Power Banks on such batteries have a higher cost.

Power Bank capacity: what does it affect

Before choosing Power Bank for a smartphone or tablet in terms of capacity, you should make some simple calculations. For example, you often travel on a business trip. During the trip, you need to charge the smartphone 2-3 times. We look at the gadget's battery capacity (let's take 2500 mAh as an example). Then the capacity of the purchased external battery must be at least 9000 mAh. Let's see how this figure came about. 2500 mAh (smartphone battery capacity) × 3 (number of charges) +2500. The last indicator is added due to the fact that each Power Bank has an automatic system that does not allow a complete discharge of its batteries. 2500 mAh - this is the "pillow" that will allow you to fully charge the gadget for the third time.

The larger the capacity, the more devices you can charge

Which external battery for the phone is better in terms of output current

Before choosing Power Bank for this parameter, pay attention to the "native" charger of the gadget - it indicates the permissible current strength. In simple terms, the higher the output current, the faster the charging will take place. However, an overabundance of this indicator will quickly disable the battery of the gadget.

How to choose a portable battery for a phone or a tablet, taking into account additional functions

Additional functions may include:

• a set of additional adapters for switching various models of gadgets (such an external battery is called universal);
• support for fast charging technology;
• solar panels that allow an external battery to draw energy from light.

Of course, the availability of additional features increases the cost. If this does not scare you, you can consider similar options.

Which Power Bank to choose, given the dimensions and weight

These parameters will depend on the selected capacity of the external battery. A large-capacity external battery will have large dimensions; weight is physics, you can't get away from it.

Which is the best to buy Power Bank by design

Everything here is left to the imagination and tastes of the buyer. There is no dispute about tastes, so the editors of Tehno.guru do not undertake to advise which design will suit this or that person. The choice is yours.

Popular Power Bank manufacturers in the Russian market

There are a lot of brands producing such products on the Russian market. However, not everyone is very popular. Let's list the most famous brands:

• Xiaomi Mi;
• ASUS;
• HIPER;
• Canyon;
• Pisen;
• HOCO;
• Romoss.

That's probably all. However, do not think that the products of lesser known brands are of inferior quality. Sometimes a good external battery for your phone can be produced by a completely unknown company.

Review of the best Power Bank models of 2019: features, prices, user reviews

Of course, "the best Power Bank" is a subjective concept. Some need a large capacity, others care how much Power Bank costs. However, the editors of Tehnj.guru will try to draw conclusions based on the overall impression. Let's start with the most famous brand - Xiaomi Mi.

"Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2c 20000" - a powerful, inexpensive device

Quite a good combination of quality, power and low cost. Judging by the reviews, almost no customer has any complaints. Pleased with the support of Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology. Dimensions of the device 69.6 × 149.5 × 23.9 mm, weight 328 g. When buying, you can check the goods for authenticity - there is a special sticker with an erasable margin. An external portable battery allows you to charge 2 devices at the same time with an output current of 2 / 1.5 A.

Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2c 20000

"ASUS ZenPower 10050 mAh ABTU005" - compact, convenient device

The first thing I want to note is the metal body. The dimensions can be compared to a regular credit card. Weight 215 gr. According to user reviews, one charge of an external battery is enough for 4 full charges of a smartphone with a battery with a capacity of 2000 mAh. The cost is not high in comparison with many analogues, and the quality is clearly beyond competition. A really necessary thing on the road, but only if you charge your smartphone or phone. For a tablet, its capacity is a little small, there is no need to talk about a laptop.

ASUS ZenPower 10050 mAh ABTU005

"HIPER XP17000" - one of the best according to customer reviews

Excellent device with high output amperage. Dimensions 141 × 86 × 17 mm, weight 338 g. The product is made of plastic, but we must pay tribute to the manufacturer - he took care of the consumer: the set includes a cover. This Power Bank allows you to simultaneously charge 2 devices with an output current of 2/1 A (provided that the consumer batteries have different capacities). If the capacity of the charged gadgets is the same, the automation will divide 1.5 A.

Power Bank HIPER

"Canyon CNE-CPB156" is a very ergonomic little thing

The build quality is excellent. However, there is a drawback: the device is quite heavy - 440 grams. Dimensions 111 × 225 × 36 mm. Stylish portable battery "Canyon CNE-CPB156" has a built-in flashlight. In the opinion of Tehno.guru, the add-on is completely useless. It is unlikely that someone will take out a half-kilogram device to highlight something. But some are attracted by this "feature". There are 2 USB outputs, support for simultaneous charging of two devices.

Canyon CNE-CPB156

"Pisen 10000" - compact, capacious, thin

Quite compact, lightweight device with good storage capacity (for this size). Dimensions 63.6 × 139 × 22.4 mm, weight 270 g. It is not good that the bundle does not include a power supply unit, but now this is a "sore spot" for almost all such products. Regarding the work, we can say that if you have a smartphone with 2000 mAh, then such a kid will be just "on topic". For a tablet with a 4000 mAh battery, it will not be enough - you will not wait for a second full charge.

Power bank pisen

"Romoss Sense 6" - one of the most bought models on the famous Chinese resource

Another weighty "brick" - 445 gr. Dimensions 80 × 160 × 22.6 mm. Users note the build quality and confirm the stated capacity. Some people do not like the need to turn on charging using a button (for many models it turns on automatically), but this cannot be called a critical drawback. It is noticeable that more and more high-quality devices have begun to come from China recently than 10 years ago. "Romoss Sense 6" is equipped not with an ordinary charge indicator, but with a small display with luminous numbers, which is very convenient - the charge remaining in an external portable battery is known to one.

Romoss sense 6

Which Power Bank is better for the phone: opinion of the editors of Tehno.guru

There are many opinions here, but the editors of Tehno.guru would venture to give advice on this matter. To begin with, you can only decide which device is better after you decide on the purpose of purchasing it. It is also worth paying attention to which gadget will be charged from it.

You should not buy an external portable battery with transcendental characteristics if it will only be used to recharge a phone or a simple smartphone. This will be called "down the drain". After all, the Power Bank battery "gets tired" not only from the number of charge / discharge cycles, but also from the time. As a result, the device may become unusable without having worked out even half of the required resource.

If you are often on the road, pay attention to external batteries with Li-Pol batteries.

If you are often on long trips by transport, where charging the gadget is problematic, you should think about Power A bank with Li-Pol batteries of increased power (when planning to charge a laptop, it should be at least 35000-40000 mA / h). But if the device is needed for periodic "on-site" recharging, cheaper Li-ion batteries will suffice. Don't overpay for unnecessary features like a flashlight.

How to charge a Power Bank: some rules

There are no difficulties in charging Power Bank, but some of the nuances in its production should be taken into account. Now let's figure out how to charge Power Bank correctly.

The most basic rule is the need to cycle immediately after purchase. This is the name of the process of repeated full cycle "discharge / charge". This action, with the right approach, allows you to "overclock" the battery. Usually, after 4-5 cycles, it is felt that the Power Bank holds the charge longer, its capacity slightly increases (in comparison with the initial one).

After performing these actions, the phones are charged from the device in normal mode. However, it is worth noting that you do not need to charge the device itself if the charge in it is used up by half. Such actions are allowed only on condition of real necessity (before the road). Otherwise, the device will not last long.

Power Bank can also be charged from a computer

Remember that any battery has a certain cycle life. The more often you put the portable battery on charge, the faster the batteries will "get tired" and the Power Bank will become useless.

How to use Power Bank to make it last longer

To prolong the life of your portable battery, try to charge and discharge it completely - this has already been discussed. Do not leave the device in direct sunlight or allow it to overheat (the maximum permissible temperature is indicated in the user manual). Also, you cannot use Power Bank in the cold.

The storage conditions of the device should be noted separately. After all, the owner does not use it every day. If the Power Bank is not needed for more than a week, try to keep the charge level above 30% before storing it on the shelf. Otherwise, you run the risk of completely discharging the batteries "to zero", which is destructive for them.

Proper use of the Power Bank will extend its life

All these simple rules are spelled out in the operating instructions. Do not be lazy to read it before using the device. Only in this case you will know exactly how to extend its service life.

Finally

Power Bank is an indispensable thing for those who travel a lot or like outdoor activities. From the range of portable batteries offered by manufacturers, everyone can choose the model that suits him, in any price category. The main thing is to approach the choice responsibly, and operate the device correctly. Only then will it last a long time and will surely help you out, and more than once.

We hope that the information presented in today's article was useful to our Dear Reader. Despite the fact that we tried to state everything in sufficient detail, perhaps you have any questions or something turned out to be incomprehensible. If so, we ask you to summarize in the discussion below. Tehno.guru editors will be happy to explain everything as soon as possible. Do you use a similar device yourself? Then we ask you to leave your opinion about it in the discussions, indicating the model (photos are welcome). This information may be useful to other readers who are thinking about a similar external battery for their gadget. Write, communicate, ask. Finally, we suggest watching a short but very informative video on today's topic.