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Power banks, also called external chargers, are very handy helpers when traveling, hiking, or anytime you don’t have access to an electrical outlet. Some modern smartphones have low battery capacity, so they may need to be charged multiple times a day. For this reason, you should carry a power bank with you. Even if you don’t use it, your friends or acquaintances around you will surely appreciate such help.
With external chargers, you can charge not only phones but also tablets, cameras with built-in batteries, or MP3 players. When choosing a power bank, you can consider several of its parameters.
Capacity
Capacity is the most important parameter you will notice first when choosing an external charger for your phone. The capacity determines how many times you can charge your mobile device. However, it is important to note that the usable capacity of a power bank is only about 70–80% of the value stated by the manufacturer. This depends on the quality and brand of the power bank. For example, if the power bank has a capacity of 10,000 mAh and your smartphone battery is 4,000 mAh, you will be able to charge it approximately twice with that external charger.
The most common capacities of mobile power banks are:
Up to 5,000 mAh – A power bank with such a low capacity serves only for emergency phone charging. Considering the 20–30% energy loss, it might not fully charge your phone.
From 5,000 to 10,000 mAh – This category usually includes power banks with capacities of 5,000, 5,600, or 6,000 mAh. Depending on your phone’s battery capacity, they can charge it once, at most twice.
Over 10,000 mAh – If you want to buy an external charger for your phone, we recommend a capacity of 10,000 mAh or higher. These power banks have a longer runtime and do not need to be charged frequently. Some power banks have capacities exceeding 20,000 mAh and can charge two devices simultaneously.
Charging Speed of the Power Bank
In addition to the capacity of the external charger, the speed at which your phone or other device charges is also important. The output current is measured in amperes (A). Cheaper power banks with lower capacity may charge at only 1 A, which is roughly half the speed of most wall chargers. Most commonly, charging speed is 2 A, comparable to a standard charger.
If your mobile device supports fast charging, we recommend using a power bank with this feature. Fast-charging external chargers provide a maximum output current of 2.4 A to 3 A. Your device can be fully charged in approximately one to one and a half hours.
Connector Types
When choosing a power bank, you should not overlook the type of connector used to charge the external battery. Some older, lower-capacity models usually support only MicroUSB charging. Most power banks today offer a choice between MicroUSB and USB-C connectors. For the output, a standard USB-A connector is used, to which you can connect your cable depending on your phone model.
Dimensions and Weight of the Power Bank
The weight and size of a mobile power bank mainly depend on its capacity. The higher the capacity of the power bank, the heavier it may be. Manufacturers today aim to produce more compact power banks that can fit anywhere and won’t be cumbersome to carry. The typical weight of a higher-capacity power bank ranges from 200 to 250 grams.
Material and Design
Power banks are most commonly made of plastic. Some power banks may also be made of metal or more durable materials, or may have a rubberized coating. However, these materials can increase the overall weight of the external charger. Power banks are available in a variety of designs and colors – it’s up to you to choose your preferred one.
Whatever type of external charger you decide on, in our FOON online store you will find a wide selection. If you need help choosing a power bank, feel free to contact us.