External batteries Xiaomi. Comparison of the best Xiaomi external batteries
In October, Xiaomi released its new external battery Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 (PLM02ZM), which replaced the legendary Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 10000 mAh (NDY-02-AN). Externally and in terms of characteristics, it is very similar to Mi Power Bank Pro, but significantly cheaper. In the review, I will talk in detail about the new external battery and compare the real characteristics with the Pro version.
If you want, you can first read my two previous reviews of Xiaomi Mi Power Bank Pro and ZMI QB810, because they directly relate to Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2. But this is not at all necessary, but just for information.
Yes, the review was made according to the rules of clause 18, i.e. provided by store for review. So I will be happy to read the caustic comments from some on the topic of “corruption of authors”, “millions earned from resale” and other amazing stories. Chick-chick-chick...
Brew yourself some tea or coffee and let's get started!
Equipment
The external battery comes in standard Xiaomi packaging.
The packaging contains technical specifications and a secret code under a washable protective layer to verify the authenticity of the product. You can check it by. My package was slightly dented upon delivery, but everything inside was intact.
Inside: external battery, USB A cable<>micro-USB, quick user manual in Chinese. Micro-USB cable approximately 30 cm long.
Appearance
There are two colors for the external battery: light (silver) and dark (black). I have a light version in my review.The design of the device is very similar to Xiaomi Mi Power Bank Pro, they are even easy to confuse. From left to right: Xiaomi Mi Power Bank Pro, Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2, ZMI QB810.
Measured size 130 x 71 x 14.3 mm. Weight 226 g. For comparison, here are the dimensions and weight of the Pro version: 128.8 x 75 x 12.9 mm, 217 g.
The main part of the body is made of anodized aluminum. The end caps are plastic. Technical specifications are traditionally indicated at the bottom end.
The Mi logo is embossed, which has not been seen in other Xiaomi external batteries.
At the top end there is: a function button, a battery charge indicator, a micro-USB port, a USB A port.
Function button purpose. When pressed briefly:
- Display of charge level by indicators.
- Forced activation of the device, supplying voltage (if the device is in standby mode).
- Restarting the external battery controller (if the device is working).
- Resetting some protection modes (for example, the device went into overcurrent protection).
- Enable/Disable Xiaomi gadgets such as flashlight or fan.
- Enabling the charging mode for devices with low current consumption (the battery does not go into standby mode for exactly 2 hours).
Testing Tools
For testing I will use my standard set:- Tronsmart charger with QC 2.0 support
- Tester and load ZKE EBD-USB (supports QC 2.0/3.0) with computer control
- JUWEI J7-t USB tester with high voltage support and QC mode switch
- iPad mini (to test smart charging)
- Pyrometer and other little things
Protection
Declared protection functions: input overvoltage, input polarity change, output overcurrent, output overvoltage, output short circuit, battery overcharge and overdischarge, battery overtemperature. When it comes to security, Xiaomi external batteries are always at the highest level.
When the protection is triggered, Mi Power Bank 2 turns off. It returns to working condition in one of three ways (the method depends on the type of protection activated). The first is that the battery will return to working condition on its own. For example, if the over-temperature protection is triggered. Second, press the button on the external battery. For example, if the permissible current is exceeded. Third - connect the external battery to the charger. For example, if there is a short circuit at the output.
I tested three types of protection. Overload protection - the device has turned off (you will read more in the “Load” section). Short circuit at the output - the device has turned off. Input voltage exceeded - applied 20 V to the input, the device turned off.
Charging an external battery
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 technology at the input and can be charged at 5 V, 9 V and 12 V.All Xiaomi power banks support pass-through charging. You can simultaneously charge devices from an external battery and the external battery itself. Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 also supports pass-through charging, but here it is implemented more simply than in Mi Power Bank Pro. It all depends on the device being charged. I'll tell you with an example. Mi Power Bank 2 is connected to a charger that supports QC 2.0. If you connect a device without QC 2.0 support to it, the input voltage switches to 5 V: 5 V > 5 V. If you connect a device with QC 2.0 support, the input voltage will correspond to the voltage requested by the device being charged: 9 V > 9 V, 12 V > 12 V. That is switching without converter. Mi Power Bank Pro uses a converter for pass-through charging. For example, the input is 12 V, and the output may be 5 V.
The charge graph looks like this (red - current, blue - voltage): 
For the first second, Mi Power Bank 2 “communicates” with the charger, the charger switches to 9 V. Then the external battery begins to consume 18 W with a further increase to 18.5 W. It goes on like this 2 hours 8 minutes, during this time the external battery is charged somewhere up to 83% . Next, the charge controller switches to CV mode, the current gradually decreases, and a full charge (the remaining 17%) is achieved in another 1 hour 20 minutes. Total charge time 3 hours 28 minutes. Mi Power Bank Pro takes approximately the same amount of time to charge - 3 hours 24 minutes.
During charging, the highest temperature recorded near the micro-USB port is 39 ºC: 
If you read my review of the ZMI QB810, which is the twin brother of the Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2, then you know about one feature - this external battery does not really like to charge at 5 V (it loves QC modes), limiting the maximum current to 1.5 A In Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2, the charge controller is programmed differently, and the external battery happily consumes a current of 2 A at 5 V.
The total charging time with a voltage of 5 V is 5 hours 28 minutes.
In 5 V mode without load, the voltage is 5.23 V. As the load increases, the voltage gradually drops. Peak current 2.6 A at voltage 4.99 V. Output power 13 W. When the load increases further, the protection is triggered.
In 9 V mode without load, the voltage is 8.93 V. As the load increases, the voltage smoothly drops to 8.77 V at a current of 2.1 A. When the current increases to 2.2 A, the voltage drops sharply to 6.1 V. When the load increases further, the protection is triggered. Output power 18.4 W.
In 12 V mode without load, the voltage is 11.88 V. As the load increases, the voltage smoothly drops to 11.76 V, the current is 1.7 A, and the power is 20 W. When the load increases further, the protection is triggered.
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 copes well with the load, demonstrating characteristics that are higher than stated. For comparison, the output power of Mi Power Bank Pro at 5V, 9V and 12V: 12W, 21W, 23W.
Smart charging
Apple's memory emulation mode works with a D+ 2.7 V, D- 2.0 V key. the maximum current for Apple devices is 2 A. Connecting the iPad mini did not cause any problems; it consumed a current of 2 A. No complaints.
Measurement of stored energy (capacity)
The nominal capacity of the internal battery, according to the manufacturer, is 10,000 mAh at 3.85 V or a more understandable 38.5 Wh. Of course, given the conversion losses, the stored energy will be lower.We will carry out measurements in three modes: 5 V / 1 A, 5 V / 2 A, 9 V / 1.6 A or 12 V / 1.2 A. To evaluate, the two most common modes at 5 V and one maximum according to the specifications are sufficient QC 2.0. To maximize losses, I will use 12 V in the latter mode.
Discharge current 1 A with voltage 5 V
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 was discharged in 7 hours and 1 minute. The maximum temperature of the external battery case was less than 28 °C. At an average voltage of 5.14 V, the stored energy was 36.03 Wh - 94%
from the declared internal battery. An excellent result for a modern external battery. It falls a little short of the Mi Power Bank Pro, which has 37.99 Wh in a similar situation.
Discharge current 2 A with voltage 5 V
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 was discharged in 3 hours 22 minutes. The maximum temperature of the external battery case was 32 °C. At an average voltage of 5.03 V, the stored energy was 33.82 Wh - 88%
from the declared internal battery. The gap with Mi Power Bank Pro is increasing, which in a similar situation has 37.47 Wh.
Discharge current 1.2 A with voltage 12 V
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 was discharged in 2 hours 26 minutes. The maximum temperature of the external battery case was 38 °C. At an average voltage of 11.35 V, the stored energy was 33.21 Wh - 86%
from the declared internal battery. Mi Power Bank Pro has 35.18 Wh with higher current (1.5 A).
Pay attention to the discharge graph. Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2, like ZMI QB810, was unable to maintain voltage throughout the entire discharge process; at the end of discharge, the output power dropped to 10 W. The Pro is easily capable of delivering 18W throughout the discharge phase without limitation.
Mi Power Bank 2 demonstrates excellent capacity performance, but is slightly behind the performance of Mi Power Bank Pro.
Parsing the device
The device is disassembled in the same way as the Xiaomi Mi Power Bank Pro. Peel off the two plastic covers from the ends, unscrew the two screws from the bottom and take out the insides.The popular Chinese site Chongdiantou already has this external battery on the first day of sales. I'll use their shots of the insides.
There is a dual Lishen battery installed inside. Xiaomi Mi Power Bank Pro also uses Lishen, but a different model. The maximum battery voltage is 4.4 V. A temperature sensor is connected to the batteries.
The charge controller and boost converter are in one chip - ZMI P02Q6RB. The same chip is responsible for “smart” charging (coding) at the output. Everything is controlled by a ZMF 1206USBN controller (most likely it is an ABOV 1206USBN; similar controllers are used in other Xiaomi external batteries).
For comparison, the Xiaomi Mi Power Bank Pro uses the popular Texas Instruments BQ25895 (charge controller) and Texas Instruments TPS61088 (boost converter) combination instead of the ZMI P02Q6RB.
Conclusion
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2, given its cost, will certainly be a success, like its legendary predecessor Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 10000 mAh. This is a perfectly balanced external battery with a capacity of 10,000 mAh. Mi Power Bank Pro is just a little short in terms of stored energy and maximum output power, but at the same time it has a significantly lower price.I will list the strengths and weaknesses of Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2:
- Quality of materials and workmanship
- Good energy reserves
- QC 2.0 support on output and input
- Price (compared to competitors)
- Dependence of output power in QC 2.0 modes on battery charge
And to make it easier to navigate, I’ll write down the main differences from the Xiaomi Mi Power Bank Pro:
- Slightly less stored energy
- Slightly less maximum power output
- There is a dependence of the output power in QC 2.0 modes on the battery charge
- Micro-USB port instead of USB Type-C
The product was provided for writing a review by the store. The review was published in accordance with clause 18 of the Site Rules.
I'm planning to buy +30 Add to favorites I liked the review +37 +78External battery Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 5000mAh - lithium-ion battery in a thin, elegant aluminum case, resistant to moisture, rust and corrosion.
Portable charger from a famous Chinese brand
Real branded portable chargers of this brand are made in China and come in packaging with the company logo and a special security security code, which can be checked at any time on the official Xiaomi verification website.
The advantages of this model include:
- Compact size with a fairly large battery (5000 mAh).
- Protection of the chipset and electrical circuit from overheating, overvoltage and current surges.
- The device is compatible with most Android and Windows smartphone models.
The charger port automatically detects the required voltage and adapts to the phone. This ensures fast and high-quality charging of the smartphone in any situation. The full charge of the device itself takes 4-5 hours. It is not recommended to disassemble the charger yourself or try to open its case.
Unfortunately, the product is not currently available for purchase. You will be able to buy an “external battery Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 5000 mAh Silver” in Moscow upon admission. Sign up for an alert and we'll let you know the price when it's back in stock.
- Dual USB output
- Supports bi-directional fast charging
- Lithium polymer batteries
- Aluminium case
The optimal companion for long journeys
Large capacity can satisfy the energy needs of almost all your mobile equipment.
You can charge two devices at the same time
Two USB ports and a precisely tuned circuit ensure efficient transfer of energy to two electronic gadgets simultaneously. 10,000 mAh is more than enough to keep them working for several days.
Supports different fast charging protocols
The battery itself determines the type of equipment connected to it and selects the optimal modes. Each port is capable of delivering up to 14.4 W of power. When two 15 W devices are simultaneously connected, a total of 5V/2.4A is supplied to both outputs.
Conversion rate is 90%
Of the 10,000 mAh, you can count on 6,500 mAh - the rest of the energy will be required for the built-in electronics.
Improved Design
The body is made of anodized aluminum! Rounded edges provide a comfortable fit in the hand. The coating has non-slip qualities. It does not fade or peel over time.
Equipped with lithium polymer batteries
New generation batteries are used that best meet the requirements of most models of modern electronics. They last a long time, and their capacity is not lost over time.
Supports charging low-power equipment
To do this, you just need to turn on the desired operating mode. Double click and the power supply goes into low-power mode.
9 degrees of protection are provided
A power bank is a device that can take care not only of itself, but also of the safety of the equipment connected to it.
Xiaomi Power is an external battery that not only has outstanding features, but also an attractive design. The batteries of the Chinese manufacturer are made of high-quality aluminum in a stylish and elegant case. Xiaomi Power Bank is based on components developed by engineers from LG and Samsung. Thanks to the manufacturer’s responsible approach to the development and assembly of its products, the battery is able to serve its owner for a long time, while providing the smartphone, tablet, and smart watch with a long charge, carried out in the shortest possible time.
Features of Xiaomi Mi Power
All models of the battery line are made in the same style. The original devices differ only in color variations and dimensions. Each instance is equipped with LEDs, through which the user can control the charge of the device. In case of malfunctions, there is a button to reboot the power bank.
The advantage of Xiaomi Mi Power Bank batteries is the presence of multiple USB outputs. The body of the gadget is protected from falls, and the battery is also protected from overheating, complete discharge and overcharging, which significantly extends the life of the battery. Xiaomi powerbank is capable of charging any mobile device as quickly as possible; the average charge time is about three hours.
Xiaomi battery performance
Xiaomi batteries are attractive, small and light, so you can carry them in your bag or trouser pocket. The devices show excellent results in operation. In this case, the user can forget about overheating of the smartphone or tablet. The scope of delivery of batteries from the Chinese company is very modest; in the box the user will find only a short USB cable.
Advantages of Xiaomi Power bank:
- The device is resistant to external factors. The temperature and humidity control system implemented in the battery allows you to operate the gadget under any conditions;
- Xiaomi Power Bank, which you can buy in an online store at an affordable price, has effective surge protection. The device is reliably protected from voltage surges;
- The device is short-circuit protected. The system will automatically turn off the motherboard;
- The gadget is protected from incorrect installation of the charger. In case of unexpected situations, it will automatically stop charging.
The Xiaomi external battery will become an indispensable assistant during long trips when there is no way to charge your smartphone or tablet from the mains. Also, the gadget will appeal to people leading an active lifestyle. You cannot do without an external battery if, for example, your smartphone is not able to work throughout the entire working day due to the low battery capacity. Built-in protection system, LED indicators, attractive design, fast charging - the best ratio of affordable cost and impeccable quality!
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 is an updated model of a compact and capacious external battery. The device has a capacity of 10,000 mAh and two USB outputs for charging devices.
Design
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2, like its predecessor, has a body made of brushed aluminum, which provides not only a stylish appearance, but also reliable protection of internal elements. The device body has 2 USB outputs for charging, as well as LED charge level indicators. To replenish its own capacity, the Micro USB interface is used.
Capacity and convenience
The updated Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 model features not only two charging outputs, but also improved internal elements. An external battery will provide a high degree of protection against overvoltage, overheating, and other phenomena that may occur during charging. Two connectors allow you to effortlessly charge a couple of portable devices at the same time, and USB interfaces make the model a universal charging device.