Power bank is compact. What is it and what is it eaten with?

With the development of the smartphone market, Power bank has become an integral attribute of our lives. No matter how technology develops in phones, the battery will have to be charged. It’s good if there is an outlet nearby, but what to do on the road or outside the city? Manufacturers of power banks come to the rescue. There are many brands out there, so we decided to put together a list of the best power banks.

The rating is formed on the basis of technical characteristics, expert opinion, quality of material, price, and also depending on a dozen other small nuances. After compiling and analyzing the data, we have compiled the top 7 really good pocket batteries.

HIPER XP17000 – you can pay for quality

Advantages:

• simultaneous charging for 2 devices;
• capacity reserve of 17000 mAh;
• stylish design;
• reliability.

Flaws:

• price (from 2500 rubles).

As can be seen from the information above, the device has a single, albeit justified, drawback. A good thing is always expensive, so you have to pay a considerable amount for such pleasure. The model has touch control, and the battery power is enough for a week of intensive use. In addition, you can charge two smartphones or tablets at once.

This accessory is perfect for journalists, businessmen, travelers, and other people who lead an active and busy lifestyle. Having relatively small sizes(141mmx86mm) this power bank model will fit in a bag or even a pocket. And, of course, the charging speed will please any user.

HIPER XPX6500 – the most technologically advanced

Pros:

• presence of a display;
• compactness;
• flashlight;
• reliability;
• price (from 1200 rubles).

Minuses:

• low capacity (6500 mA ⋅ h).

Among competitors in terms of capacity and cost, the model has the main difference - the presence of an information screen. In addition, the body is made of materials that are pleasant to the touch, and the dimensions of 13.1x6.5 cm make the device compact and convenient. With the help of such a power bank you can recharge your phone 2-3 times, but the power will not be enough for a tablet.

Perfect for owners of smartphones with weak batteries. From two to five days you can not think about the outlet. The package comes with a flashlight, which is an additional plus.

Rombica NEO PRO180 - even a laptop can do it

Pros:

• capacity (18000 mAh);
• the ability to charge a laptop with a current consumption of up to 3.2 A;
• metal case;
• good protection system (multi-level).

Minuses:

• price (from 7,000 rubles);
• dimensions (192.4×85.4).

Perhaps this is the best model for those who are not afraid of the high cost, large size and weight (570 grams) of this device. Great for travelers with laptops. You don't have to worry about watching movies, working, or playing games on the go. The battery is definitely enough.

You can’t complain about the quality of materials either - the assembly is made of metal, nothing creaks, and the design, although simple, is attractive. Rombica NEO PRO180 has two USB connectors for 1 and 2.1 A, as well as a port for connecting almost any laptop.

Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 10000 – the most popular

Pros:

• compactness;
• capacity 10,000 mAh;
• multi-level protection;
• metal body.

Disadvantages:

• the body is very scratched;
• many fakes. It is necessary to buy only from official suppliers.

Power bank from Xiaomi is one of the most popular models on the CIS market, which is why this device most often faked. The weight is 228g, and the price starts from 1000 rubles. Charge powerful smartphone you can do it a maximum of 2-3 times, which is why this device is nicknamed “urban” - it’s not suitable for long journeys. Supports Quick Charge function. Well, the main advantage is its small size (71×130). The device will fit into any pocket.

Unfortunately, after a few weeks the case will have minor scratches, so you will have to spend a little money on a case. In terms of price-quality ratio, this is the best power bank of 2018 for everyday life.

TP-LINK TL-PB10400 – workhorse

Pros:

• capacity 10400 mAh;
• reliability;
• 2 connectors;
• weight 241 g;
• dimensions(88.8×44.3×44.3 mm).

Disadvantages:

• peculiar form.

The main advantage is the build quality. The model has been on the market for 3 years, but there are practically no breakdowns. The device can be safely called a “workhorse”, because the design leaves much to be desired. But, at the same time, this shape can become the main advantage, because all power banks on the market are flat.

Two ports, light weight and small size make the TP-LINK TL-PB10400 one of the best external batteries of 2018. Suitable for students or girls who carry bags, because you can’t put such a “brick” in your pocket. The price starts from 1,500 rubles, but given the reliability and power of the battery, this is not a minus.

IconBIT FTBTravel – the sun also charges

Pros:

• shockproof housing;
• charging from the sun;
• 2 USB port.

Minuses:

• small capacity.

This model is the most controversial on the list. Before including it in the rating, I had to talk with many device owners, and their opinions differed. Some praised the ability to charge from the sun, others said that it unnecessary function. The recharging speed from solar rays is low, it is much easier to plug into an outlet.

IconBIT FTBTravel is suitable for travelers who spend a long time outdoors. It’s not worth buying such a power bank to save electricity.

Canyon CNS-TPBP5 - the cheapest

Advantages:

• price;
• easy;
• qualitative.

Flaws:

• capacity.

The best power bank in 2018 in terms of price/quality ratio for one-time recharging. Build quality for your money top level, and the dimensions 220x140 and weight 190 g are simply amazing. It’s true that it’s enough to charge a smartphone 1-1.5 times. The reason is the battery capacity of 5000 mAh. The cost starts from 600 rubles.

So, to choose the best external battery, you need to decide on the purpose. We have selected 7 models whose main advantage has been identified. All that remains is to choose the most suitable one.

We are waiting for your feedback)

Best Power Bank– this is a necessity of the modern world. We live in a time filled with information and technology that is constantly evolving. Almost everyone has gadgets, without which people can no longer imagine their lives. When you go on a trip, vacation, or work, you always want to be in touch and share your impressions. Many people face the problem of charging the battery, since the most modern phone under heavy load, it doesn’t even last until the evening on one charge, and it runs out of charge at the moment when it’s needed.

What to do in a situation where there is no outlet nearby and you simply cannot charge your gadget? You need to prepare in advance and approach the issue seriously so that it does not take you by surprise. Everything here is quite simple: you just need to buy a Power Bank. It's about data removable batteries will be discussed in the article, and you can decide which one is better.

Xiaomi Power Bank 2

The best Power Bank from Xiaomi has a capacity of 20,000 mAh; it can charge not only smartphones, but also laptops. This power bank is capable of recharging Apple devices that require high voltage.

The portable battery is sold in a plastic case. Modern technology manufacturing ensures high structural strength while maintaining minimal dimensions. The device consists of polymer capacitive batteries with lithium, due to which a voltage of 5V and a current of 2.4A are achieved.

A characteristic advantage of the battery is the function fast charging. Case dimensions - 135.5x67.6x23.9 mm. The weight of the extra-capacious battery is 330.5 g. For an ordinary smartphone, it is enough for 4-6 cycles of use. The approximate price in the world is $39.

Read also: Blue screen error - what is it and how to fix it? Answer

Mi Power Bank Pro

The portable Power Bank charger has a capacity of 10,000 mAh. The battery has built-in Quick Charge 3.0 technology, which charges the device in 3-4 hours. The battery is recharged using USB Type-C cord. The design includes 4 LEDs to display charge. The estimated cost in the world is $30.

People S5

We need to start our review of Power Bank with the musical design features. The device has a built-in speaker through which you can listen to music not only from microSD cards, but also from a smartphone with using Bluetooth 4.0.

Additional useful components are: a minijack connector, an input for charging devices, an AUX output and function keys for controlling the player. The price is above average due to the built-in speakers - $39.

Power Bank with wireless charging method

Before choosing a Power Bank with largest volume, it’s worth taking a closer look at an interesting model that supports wireless charging. The device is made using QI technology. It is used for charging gadgets of all sizes; it is quite suitable for a laptop, thanks to the 10,000 mAh battery. Energy transfer occurs via standard cables.

The device produces a voltage of 5V and a current of 1A. Small dimensions of 135x75x19 mm allow you to take the device on the road without a significant increase in weight. The cost of the device is slightly increased due to the wireless charging function and is $39.

Read also: How to fix the DRIVER IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error? Details

Pisen

Don't know which Power Bank to choose with optimal characteristics and cost? This model has a large capacity: the nominal capacity is 20 thousand mAh, the real one is 18.6 thousand mAh. Has a special display that shows all necessary information about the amount of charge remaining.

The body is based on plastic, and the display is black and white. To recharge devices, 2 special ports are used. Electricity indicators are 5V/1-2A (the difference is in the ports). It has a moderate weight of 475 g. The weighted average price is $32-35.

HIPER EP6600

Power Bank charger The HIPER EP6600 device is very different from other power banks in its originality; it is more reminiscent of a phone or a case for it. The power bank is suitable for those who love beautifully designed things; at a fleeting glance, it catches the eye.

The device is sent in regular packaging with written detailed characteristics. Included: visual instructions, device, USB cord. The battery is enough for 2 full charges of the smartphone, capacity - 6600mAh.

The portable power bank charger has functional elements- power button, USB connector, located on the top edge of the device, MicroUSB.

Read also: How to install Yandex Zen on a computer? Details

IconBIT FTB Travel 4.0

The device has 2 connectors and a panel that charges from the sun; it is resistant to moisture and dust. Capacity 5000 mAh, charges from a socket in 3 hours. You can charge it from the sun, but this is a long process. If you urgently need to make a call or send a message, this is a good option.

This power bank has a flashlight and prevents the battery from overheating, which will prolong the work. There is no fast charging.

Choose suitable model based on preferences or goals. The article contains optimal options for music lovers, fashionistas and people who value autonomy.

If you still have questions on the topic “Review of the best Power Banks for 2017”, you can ask them in the comments

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What unites all smartphones and tablets, no matter how modern and advanced they are? This weakness– always not enough time battery life and the ability to discharge at the most inopportune moment. This “Achilles heel” cannot be overcome even by the foresight of some users and the obsession with always leaving the house with a 100 percent battery charge. An unforeseen situation, a delay at work or on the way - and you remain cut off from the whole world, but an external person could save the situation portable accumulator. There are thousands of them on the modern market: from outright junk to very serious and reliable devices. Let's try to figure out how to choose an external battery that meets the stated characteristics and fully meets your needs. Bonus – the best power banks of 2017 presented on the domestic market.

What is a power bank: a small educational program

Power bank, aka external battery, aka portable or extra battery , is a small portable battery that can be used to charge a number of gadgets: smartphones, tablets, cameras, e-books and others that can receive energy via a USB cable. The battery itself must be periodically charged from a power outlet or computer; it retains the accumulated energy for long period, so you can easily take a power bank with you to work or school, on a trip, or even to the ends of the world - it will save you when there is no access to an outlet or electricity for some reason.

Inside the power bank is several batteries, connected to the controller board. The board also has a connector or connectors for connecting gadgets. Compatibility with a number of mobile devices is achieved through the use of a universal USB 2.0 connector.

An external battery can be of any color, shape and size - here manufacturers delight us and offer a variety of the most different options so that it is both functional and pleasing to the eye. The body can be made of plastic, polycarbonate or metal: in terms of practicality, all options are almost the same, but the metal case will make the battery somewhat heavier.

The higher the battery capacity, the greater the weight will be– do not buy models whose specifications state 20,000 mAh and weigh about 100 g. If you plan to use your smartphone while charging it from the battery, then it is better to choose the most ergonomic and convenient battery. If an external battery is needed only to reach normal charging, then you can choose a compact model with low weight. Some of them are even being implemented in keychain format.

It is appropriate here to mention the existence battery cases. In fact, this is the same external battery, and it has the same functions, but its significant disadvantage is that it is tailored for a specific smartphone model, and there is little practicality in this solution, so you will not be able to charge other gadgets.

Battery type in external battery: Li-pol and Li-ion

Often, buyers who are wondering how to choose an external battery completely discount the type of battery used, being distracted by other characteristics. The durability of the device and its functionality depend on the parameters of the batteries used.

Modern power banks use two in principle different types batteries:

Battery capacity is the most important indicator

The first thing that all those who are planning to buy an external battery look at is its capacity. This is the most main characteristic battery, which tells you how many times and what equipment can be recharged with it. You shouldn’t chase record highs – first you need to decide on the usage scenarios:

There is no point in taking a battery with a capacity of less than 4000-5000 mAh - in terms of price there will not be much savings.

Manufacturers sometimes like slightly exaggerate the actual battery capacity. This is often the sin Chinese companies without a big name. There are glaring cases when a battery with a declared capacity of 58,000 mAh is supplied in a lightweight case (and this happens, see photo below). If you buy an external battery in a store, you can take it with you USB-battery capacity tester to check the stated figures. Such a tester costs 2-3 dollars in Chinese online stores.

Important! Remember that the manufacturer reports the battery capacity taking into account the voltage of the built-in batteries 3.7 V. When connecting the gadget, energy is transferred with a voltage of 5 V, and then again converted to supply it to the smartphone with a voltage of 3.7-4.2 V. Due to double conversion, some energy is lost, and sometimes losses can reach 20-30%. Therefore, do not be upset if a 10,000 mAh battery can only charge a tablet of the same capacity by 70-80% - for now this is the norm and the cost of the technology.

Current strength is the second important indicator

Without going into details and technical aspects, then the higher the current, the faster the gadget will charge from a portable battery. When choosing an external battery, be sure to check with what current strength your smartphone or tablet can be charged, so as not to harm the gadget. The information must be indicated on the supplied charger.

There are models smartphones with charge controller, which limits the current. For example, a controller Sony Xperia The Z3 has a limit of 1.5 A, and if you connect it to a battery with a 3 A port, the current will be limited, and the smartphone will still receive its 1.5 A - these are safety measures provided by the manufacturer.

Portable batteries that support the function can also be found on sale. fast charging. When using it, the voltage increases and the current decreases, due to which it is possible to replenish, on average, about 50-60% of the smartphone’s battery in 30-40 minutes (the exact data depends on the parameters of the power bank and the gadget itself).

Incorrect conditions of transportation and storage of the battery can negatively affect its actual capacity.

Number of ports

An external battery with several outputs and a small capacity will be of absolutely no use for obvious reasons, so there is no point in paying attention to such models. If the power bank has several ports, then you can use them normally if the capacity is at least 10,000 mAh.

One more nuance. Different ports, in theory, are designed to simultaneously charge a smartphone and a tablet, so the manufacturer often supplies them with different output currents, for example, 1 and 2 A. However, the 2A value is reached when only one device is charging, so when connecting two gadgets, most likely, both ports will supply 1A.

How to charge a power bank?

Not only does an external battery lose energy while charging your gadgets, but it is also subject to the process self-discharge. When you don't use the battery, it loses an average of 5% charge every two weeks. Moreover, the battery capacity tends to decrease over time, especially if the device is actively used: a high-quality product loses 15% of its capacity per year, and cheap models lose 35%. For charge level control all batteries are equipped with LED indicators (3-4 lights). An advanced option is a small display that displays the exact battery charge status as a percentage.

By charging method External batteries can be divided into the following groups:

• those that are powered only from the computer’s USB port;
• those that can receive energy from both the computer and the network by connecting to a regular outlet.

What do you think is a more convenient option? Naturally, the second one. Actually, this is why the first type of battery has almost completely disappeared from sale. Remember that charging the device from a computer takes much longer, and the presence of a USB Type-C port will speed up the process somewhat. Some power banks can be charged in record time thanks to the fast charging feature.

An interesting option is charging using solar power cells. It’s too early to say that solar energy will be a full-fledged source of power for the external battery, but a device located at the end of the device will compensate for self-discharge a solar panel will be able.

Pay attention to external batteries with flashlights. They will be useful in case of power outages and outdoor trips.

One more thing. Majority mobile gadgets today is equipped with a microUSB connector, and manufacturers often equip their devices with a universal cord, and owners of gadgets from Apple and relatively old technology It’s better to pay attention to models with set of universal adapters. Most users don’t have to worry, as they can use the charging cord that comes with the smartphone.

The best power banks 2017: a dozen of the most powerful

When choosing an external battery, it is better to trust products from famous brands: this way there is a greater chance that the actual characteristics will correspond to the declared ones, and the battery will definitely last for the next few years. The external battery market today is oversaturated; there are so many manufacturers and models on it that it’s impossible to describe. Among the reputable manufacturers we can highlight Xiaomi (absolute leader in the field), ASUS, Momax, Samsung, TP-LINK, HIPER, Canyon and Remax. Choosing the best power banks is not easy, taking into account the different needs of users, so we will try to please everyone and find interesting models in different “weight categories”.

Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 10000

External batteries from Xiaomi are a guarantee of quality. The manufacturer strives to make functional, durable and practical equipment according to affordable price. Xiaomi smartphones have been called for a long time Chinese Apple, and in the world of portable batteries the company confidently takes first place and offers users several models at once. This option the most balanced in terms of price, quality and battery capacity. Among the main advantages metal body, fast charging, streamlined shape, availability included USB cable – micro USB. In addition, it makes me happy rich color range and the presence of protection against overheating, overload, short circuit. Charge indicator – LED. Guarantee that your Xiaomi original, — special code, which is applied under the scratch strip, can be checked on the manufacturer’s website.

Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 5000

Analogue previous model, but more compact, and therefore more mobile. Easily hides in a pocket or purse and at the same time can recharge 1-1.5 times average smartphone. There is no fast charging function, but the richness of possible colors and protection against overheating and overloads are preserved. By charging your smartphone with such a battery, you can continue to use it normally.

Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 20000

Xiaomi has created external batteries for all needs, and for those who need a large supply of energy with them, it offers a real beast with 20,000 mAh. He can simultaneously charge two devices, and plastic for the design of the case was chosen only because the battery would be too heavy in metal. Thanks to Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 technology, you can quickly charge the power bank, there is protection against overheating and overload, and an LED indicator, which you will have to put up with.

The company recently released a model with very similar characteristics - Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 20000. It received Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technology, a maximum output current of 2.4 A and a Li-Polymer battery, everything else is the same.

ASUS ZenPower 10050 mAh ABTU005

Xiaomi has released a good competitor to banks ASUS company. Clad in metal, the small portable battery has an average and quite sufficient capacity in most cases, as well as protection against overload and short circuit. LED indicator, huge choice of colors. To prevent the metal case from being scratched, it is better to stock up on a cover for it.

HIPER XP17000

If you want to buy an external battery with premium appearance and wide functionality, then this model is for you. Coating done under the skin, there is an edge around the device chrome strip– the view is impressive. The performance characteristics are also good, especially the capacity and current. Users note that there is no self-discharge. In all respects, one of the best power banks today.

Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 16000

An elongated metal bar with a capacity of 16,000 mAh was replenished the lineup legendary external batteries. Of the main advantages twoUSB-exit with the ability to simultaneously charge two devices and several degrees of protection. There is no fast charging function for the “can” – it will take about 9 hours to fully replenish the energy. The device is well-built and holds a charge excellently, as evidenced by user reviews. You can easily check a genuine Xiaomi device on the manufacturer’s website. Beware of fakes.

HIPER EP6600

One of the significant advantages of the gadget is "big-eyed" design, the device looks really cool (this is how the charge indicators are implemented). The device is compact, fully meets the characteristics declared by the manufacturer, and its self-discharge is low. It is easy to use, fits easily into a bag, and is approximately the size of a 5.2-inch smartphone.

The model has a decent capacity and considerable weight, even despite its plastic body, and this, in turn, suggests that the manufacturer does not inflate the characteristics. The device can be easily charged two devices at once, LED indication. When purchasing, think three times whether it will be convenient to carry such a brick with you.

HIPER SP7500

A small, light, compact and inexpensive power bank also captivates with its appearance, because he is dressed in leather. The build quality can only be praised, but the need for two ports with such a battery capacity remains in doubt. Great appearance lasts a long time, because leather, unlike plastic and metal, is not so susceptible to scratches. The manufacturer has equipped the device with protection against deep discharge. The result is a stylish and functional device.

TP-LINK TL-PB10400

Due to its shape, this cute power bank will fit perfectly in your bag. Among other advantages: compact dimensions and optimal capacity, as well as the ability to simultaneously charge a smartphone and tablet. Moreover, the device is equipped flashlight, and in included case.

HIPER XPX6500

This device will become status accessory, because it has small dimensions and is dressed in leather. If you are looking external battery with display, which will reflect the degree of charge as a percentage, then this model should also interest you. For the sake of compactness, it was necessary to sacrifice capacity, but rather the manufacturer pursued the goal of creating a small power bank that can be used to recharge a smartphone 1.5-2 times if necessary.

HIPER MP10000

Our review of the best external batteries is completed by another model from HIPER, which is interesting not only for its two USB ports, metal case and flashlight, but also the presence several adapters included, incl. to old and modern gadgets Apple and also Nokia. There is even a card reader function, but it is unlikely to be useful to anyone.

Finally, we note that for the long life of your power bank, do not allow it to be deeply discharged. Charge it only with the amperage specified in the specifications. At critically high and low temperatures, try not to charge or use the device unless absolutely necessary.

Hello friends! Summer is coming! What does this mean? That the time has come to plan a vacation and for many, a vacation is a trip to loved ones or to new places. For some, preparing for such events may feel like moving to another place of residence.

This is when you want to take everything, everything, everything with you, just to have it. So there you go! In addition to everything that you could prudently provide for yourself, for any lengthy trip, one gizmo can be very useful. It is called “Power bank” or, in our words, “External battery”.

What is PowerBank for?

The name itself suggests that this is some kind of bank, battery, but what? No, no, we’re not talking about your money, we’re talking about an energy bank, something that will charge your phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, navigator, camera, etc. It will charge where there is no electrical outlet. I think it’s clear why this device is needed, because you don’t really want to queue at the power socket on the train to recharge your gadget.

And what a shame it is not to capture amazing shots while traveling, just because the battery in a smartphone simultaneously performs the functions of a camera, video camera, cinema, navigator, music center, And…. and even the phone - it suddenly ran out of charge at the most inopportune moment.

But you never know when this “Power bank” thing can come in handy. The principle of its operation is as follows: at home before a trip, you charge an external battery from the network, it accumulates energy in a volume several times greater than in your smartphone or other device (And this value must be taken into account when choosing a battery) and then, as needed, an external battery gives the accumulated energy to the “Patient”. As soon as the opportunity arises, we replenish the “Donor”.

What are the options?

However, there are also options that are more independent of the outlet - for example, an external battery with a solar panel. This is simply an excellent solution, especially since now, compared to the times around the beginning of the 2000s, solar panels have become very efficient.

A modern solar panel can recharge even at low lighting levels, in room light, of course not as well as in bright sun, but still. This “Solar” Power Bank will charge itself from bright light. Agree, this is very convenient, you can immediately imagine such a picture. ⇓ ⇓ ⇓

(Addition) After writing this article, I bought myself exactly the same external battery as on the backpack and compared what the sites on which they sell them promise with what the real battery produces.

On websites, output parameters are often indicated as two outputs of two amperes. (For this model can)

In fact, one output is capable of delivering more than one amp, while the other is only capable of delivering half an amp. But this is quite enough, and otherwise everything is absolutely exactly as described - a great thing!

I made conclusions about some discrepancy by measuring the parameters on my copy and posted a video about it.

In addition to the Power Bank with a solar battery, of course, there are more exotic options, but they are not as effective. Remember there used to be such flashlights, they were called “Bug” buzzed…. got electricity, so you can charge your phone with a buzz too. But what a horror it is!!! How much do you need to buzz? Therefore, in this review I will bypass the buzzing.

So, if you have not yet burdened yourself with buying an external battery, but have already realized how necessary it can be when away from an outlet and have decided to definitely purchase it for future travels, then the following description may be useful for you.

Power bank. External battery for smartphone, tablet, laptop. How to choose the right one

A small difficulty is that you should not approach the purchase of this device according to the principle “Oh, how cute and small it is! Wow, there’s so much in it.” If you really expect results and effective work, then when purchasing this device, follow the simple recommendations described below and do not buy into small size devices, slightly larger than lipstick, and at the same time with a specified capacity of 6000 mAh.

By the way, in Chinese online stores, such external batteries are sold for very inexpensively, but pay attention, they are often only a case with electronic filling.
But the battery itself needs to be purchased and installed independently, usually these are batteries from the 18650 series, and often the capacity indicated on the battery is far from true. It will do for a phone, but for more serious things..... So be careful!

What you need to know to optimally choose the right external battery

You need to find out several parameters of your devices for which you are purchasing a Power Bank. Because it's important:

• So that the capacity of the External is several times greater than the capacity Internal battery installed in the device that we will charge.
• The external battery must be capable of delivering charging current required for the device being charged.
• It is necessary to provide the necessary connecting wires or adapters.

Well, now in more detail on these points.

Questions regarding capacity - on average, the battery capacity in smartphones is approximately 2500 mAh. THOSE. For phones and smartphones, the normal backup battery capacity is 5000 mAh. If it’s just for a phone, then maybe less. But for a tablet, it is better to take an external battery with a larger capacity, since their batteries average 4000 mAh and above. This means that you need 8000 mAh and higher in reserve. (If you want to know exactly the battery capacity of your device, take a look at the instructions, section specifications.)

Of course, this does not mean that if you purchased an external battery with a large reserve of capacity, then it will not be suitable for a simple mobile phone, it will be very suitable; the greater the reserve of capacity, the more autonomous charge cycles. It’s just that if you don’t plan to charge powerful devices, then do you need to overpay for a larger capacity and carry a less compact and less lightweight device with you? However, the choice here is yours.

Another important parameter is the charging current. What can an external battery produce? And what charging current is needed for the device being charged? You also need to pay attention to this. Current is measured in A (amps) but can also be written in mA (milliamps) 1 A = 1000 mA. (Your captain is obvious) Typically, a smartphone consumes a current of 1 A, but a tablet can already request 2 A.

Therefore, pay attention to the characteristics of the “External Battery” you purchase, whether it is capable of having at its output the current required for your devices.

Most often, the output current is indicated next to the connection connector or where the technical specifications are described. And most often the device will have not one output, but several, for example one for 1 A, and the other for 2 A

Moreover, the rule also applies to current - Charge high current you can even have “small” ones. Each device will take as much as it needs, but charge “big” ones with a low current…. It’s also possible, but it will be a long and ineffective process and most likely fully charged can't achieve it. Yes, and the “donor” will work with overload, which is a minus.

Well, finally, you need to take care of the connector, fortunately in latest models The MicroUsb standard is accepted as a rule, well, if you don’t take into account “Apple” products, they have their own song. Often, an external battery may come with a set of adapters for different devices. But you can also use the standard cord from your gadget, if it and the power adapter are not integral, but are made separately. A la "USB"<—>“Your device”, thanks to the manufacturers, they are doing just that now.

In general, no matter what you use a Power Bank for, pay attention to the charging current, battery capacity, and connectivity. For devices that are not a telephone, smartphone, tablet, also look at the voltage, not all of them are powered by 5 volts, there are exceptions.

External battery for laptop

If we are talking about an external battery for a laptop, then here except increased capacity(at least 20,000 mA, and preferably more) you need it to produce a voltage suitable for your laptop, since some of them are powered by a voltage of 19 V, others 16V, and others whatever.

Well, again, so that you have the necessary connector suitable for your laptop for connection. I saw offers online that stated that the external battery they sold also charges laptops, but when checked, it turned out that its output voltage was only 5 Volts. So don’t fall for this trick, unless your laptop is powered by exactly this voltage, but I personally don’t know any, usually from 15 to 20 Volts.

When choosing an external battery for a laptop, make sure that it fully matches your laptop model in terms of voltage, current and the presence of the required connector. These characteristics of your laptop can be found either on the bottom of the case or on the standard power supply.
If the selected charger is capable of delivering more current than required, then this is even good, it will not damage the device being charged, but it will not work at the power limit either. And this is a plus.

And of course I will be glad to see your comments and additions on this topic! Write in the comments and share with friends if you think this note is necessary.

According to the unwritten law of meanness mobile phone always discharges at the most inopportune moment. As a rule, a smartphone loses all its charge when you urgently need to find something on the Internet, call or receive someone important message. It’s good if you have a power outlet or laptop at hand, from which you can recharge at least a little. But what if such a nuisance occurs far from stationary energy sources? Fortunately, developers of portable electronics have found a way out of the situation by releasing external batteries (also called Power Banks) onto the market. There are several types of such batteries, each of which is designed to recharge a specific device: smartphone, tablet, e-book. However, in this review we will talk about how to choose an external battery specifically for a smartphone, because it is these gadgets that most often “betray” their owner at inopportune moments.

What is an external battery and what types are there?

By design, the Power Bank is a portable lithium-ion or lithium polymer battery, having a certain capacity. Such batteries transfer charge to the batteries of mobile devices (in our case, smartphones). Their main feature is that they are able to store a charge over a long period of time. Another unifying factor is the compactness of such devices. You can easily carry them with you to work, take them to long trips and hiking. The modern market has the most different models external batteries, which may differ from each other:

• capacity;
• forms;
• interface;
• dimensions;
• color;
• material;
• the presence of additional design elements.

As for the material, everything is simple here. As a rule, the devices in question are made of metal, plastic or polycarbonate. Sometimes there are also combined models. If we talk about external design, we can distinguish two large groups of portable batteries:

1. Individual boxes- the most common design option. Such devices always have a nice design and compact dimensions. The main advantage of boxes of any shape is that they can have a solid capacity, which is enough to completely replenish the charge of several phones at once (their exact number depends on the battery capacity of the smartphones themselves).
2. Wrist bracelets- a modern and truly unique design option. Such devices are easier to carry (no need to allocate a separate place for them in your bag or pocket). Moreover, similar technical innovations they look quite stylish. However, they have one significant flaw: low battery capacity. Thus, such models are designed to partially replenish energy reserves so that the user can perform several important operations on the phone. Such products will not be able to completely “feed” the battery of modern mobile devices (unless you are charging a rather old smartphone model).

The principle of operation of any Power Bank is clear: it connects to the device, and it begins to replenish its charge. But how to charge the external batteries themselves? There can be three ways here.

1. From a power outlet or laptop. Models charging using this method are the most common. The operating principle is as simple as possible. The user connects the Power Bank to the network or laptop computer via USB cable. Over a certain period of time, the battery draws energy from the connected source. When the energy reserve is completely restored, a special light comes on (although there may be other types of signal).
2. From a built-in dynamo. Without exaggeration, this is a rather unusual way of charging. With this device, the user rotates a special handle, which produces electricity. The main disadvantage of such devices is noise: during rotation there will be a strong buzzing noise, distracting others. Among the advantages are decent battery capacity, long charge retention and, of course, positive influence on the small muscles of the arms (a Power Bank of this kind will replace a wrist expander).
3. From the sun. This is probably the most modern option for replenishing energy reserves. Such batteries play the role of a miniature solar station equipped with special lenses. These lenses capture the rays and convert them into electricity. Such models are very popular in hot countries where the scorching sun is commonplace. Almost any Power Bank of this kind has a solid capacity that allows you to charge both smartphones and tablets from it. Moreover, the presence of such an external battery significantly saves household electricity. The only negative is that the catching lenses require close care, otherwise the device will stop working.

What to look for when buying a Power Bank?

There are many factors to consider when purchasing an external battery for your smartphone. We will look at 5 fundamental aspects that will help you make the right choice.

1. Battery capacity- this is, without exaggeration, the most important indicator of the quality of such products, affecting their practicality and, accordingly, price. To measure capacity, a special unit is used - milliamp hours. The modern market is filled with batteries of various capacities: from several hundred to several tens of thousands of milliamp hours. Choice specific model directly depends on the battery of your mobile device. According to experts, a Power Bank is considered suitable if its energy reserve exceeds the phone's reserve by at least 20%. If you want to use a battery that is enough for several charges, then you should give preference to analogues whose capacity exceeds the volume of a telephone battery by at least 3 times.
2. Current strength- a moment that directly affects the charging speed. To measure current, a unit such as ampere is used. In order for a smartphone to charge relatively quickly, the Power Bank must have a power equal to at least 1 ampere. If you do not meet this criterion, you risk getting a battery that will replenish its energy supply longer than a stationary power supply.
3. Compliance of the declared capacity with the actual one. Unfortunately, not all market players are honest. In order to attract buyers, they use all sorts of tricks. One of the most common techniques is to artificially increase the performance characteristics of a product. For example, the packaging may state 10,000 mAh, but in practice it turns out that the battery has only a 7,000 charge. An additional concern is the fact that among all external batteries More than 70% are decorated with incorrect characteristics. Of course, reduced capacity is not always the result of tricks. The battery may lose some of its capabilities if the rules of transportation and storage are violated. For this reason, it is recommended to always check whether the declared capacity corresponds to the actual capacity. For this you need to use special devices. It is clear that such a check can only be carried out in a regular store, where the product is in front of your eyes. If a purchase is made via the Internet, you need to consider whether a particular online store provides a service for returning and exchanging goods. This is the only way to save yourself from wasting money.
4. External battery self-discharge rate. This is another extremely important point. As you know, any technical product wears out over time and its performance capabilities decrease. In this regard, Power Bank is no exception. With prolonged use, the battery capacity begins to decrease, as a result of which the number of charges that can be carried out suffers. Information regarding the self-discharge coefficient should always be clarified with consultants before purchasing. But there is one pitfall - not a single consultant will tell the whole truth on this issue. Here it is better to be guided by a simple pattern: over the course of a year, the volume of high-quality batteries drops by 10–15%; As for cheaper analogues, in 12 months they lose from 30 to 40% of their capabilities. In addition, it is worth remembering that in the absence of practical use, the accumulated charge is also consumed. Expensive batteries lose up to 10% of their energy reserves in 14 days. Cheap models can lose up to 30% of energy over a similar period of time.
5. Number of ports for connection. If you live alone and want to use the “energy bank” personally, one USB port will be enough for you (even if you have two smartphones). If you have a family where everyone needs a working phone, it is better to buy models equipped with multiple sockets for connection. Also, 2 or more ports may be needed if you decide to go camping with a group of friends. Naturally, the volume of such portable chargers must be appropriate.

The most popular models of external batteries

Knowing the above information will come in handy when purchasing a portable battery for your smartphone, but knowing the best models of such devices will make your choice even easier. Let's look at the best brands of external batteries separately:

1. iPower 6- This is a fairly compact device that can be carried in your pocket. It has a cylindrical shape. The declared capacity of this device is 2600 mAh. It has 6 sockets of different standards, so iPower 6 is suitable for many types of portable gadgets.
2. SC-A120- one of the most compact models available on the market. The charge capacity is quite small - only 1900 mAh, so this device is suitable for replenishing a small amount of energy (for example, to make a couple of important calls). The battery is equipped with several types of sockets so that you can connect different mobile devices. Its highlight is the presence of two conducting paths to replenish energy reserves. The first way uses solar energy, the second - electricity from an outlet.
3. iPower13- an improved version of the first device. This model has a larger capacity - 8400 mAh. In addition, the case has rubberized inserts, which makes it shock-resistant.
4. Gigabyte Power Bank OTG G66B1- a practical option for an external battery with a capacity of 6600 mAh. Mobile devices are connected via a standard USB input, as well as via a micro-USB socket.
5. Metrans Power Bank- Very good model, the energy volume of which is 10400 mAh. The body of the device is made of aluminum, making the entire structure more durable. This Power Bank supports simultaneous charging of two smartphones at once. As for personal energy restoration, it takes about 6 hours.
6. Xiaomi PowerBank is a battery that is rapidly gaining popularity. Several versions of this model have already been released, with a minimum battery capacity of 5400 mAh. This is an ideal option for smartphones of the same brand.
7. Xiaomi PowerBank 16000- the best external battery of 2017 (at least for now). From the name it is clear that this product has a charge of 16000 mAh. This volume is enough for both a phone and a tablet.

We should also highlight the Power Bank in the form of a bracelet. This device has a small capacity of 1500 mAh. It is enough to partially charge your smartphone. Of course, the small capacity does not allow bracelets to compete with other types of external batteries, but ease of use and the ability to become a kind of “lifesaver” make them popular technical products.

Actual number of external battery charges

Many inexperienced users incorrectly calculate the quantity possible charges. In particular, they believe that if they have a 9000 mAh external battery and a 3000 mAh smartphone, they will be able to use the “energy bank” three times and raise the charge of their device from 0 to 100%. Actually this is not true. Let's find out what such people forget to take into account.

1. Battery self-discharge- the point mentioned above. Even when the Power Bank is not in use, its energy is consumed. Of course, in high-quality models this happens slowly, but still, after disconnecting the external battery from the power source, it begins to lose its energy reserve.
2. The difference between the output voltage of the smartphone and the battery during charging. As a rule, this indicator for phones exceeds the same value for “energy banks”. To replenish energy reserves quickly, each Power Bank is equipped with a special circuit that artificially increases it output voltage. The result of this increase is that part of the available energy is spent on maintaining the charging process, rather than on the charging itself. This means that the phone is missing about 30% of its potential charge.

We can conclude that to calculate the number of charges, it is necessary to subtract 20–30% from the declared energy capacity of the battery and only then divide the resulting value by the volume of the smartphone’s battery. In addition, it is imperative to take into account how long the Power Bank has been lying idle, because a long absence of practical use also depletes the energy reserve.

Price of external batteries for smartphones

The price of external batteries for a smartphone in Russia starts from 600–700 rubles. These are the least spacious models. Batteries with a significant capacity cost 1500–1600 rubles.

So we have looked at the main aspects that will help you choose the right Power Bank. As you can see, there is nothing particularly complicated in this process. However, it is always worth checking the product characteristics and giving preference only to products from reliable manufacturers. This will save you from purchasing a low-quality technical product. The following video review is also devoted to the method of correctly purchasing “energy banks”: