The most capacious external battery. The best external batteries for smartphones

We have all encountered situations when the phone not only died, but died at the most inopportune moment. To get out of such situations we came up with portable devices charging. They are in demand, and therefore there are many low-quality or counterfeit products on the market. In this article we will tell you how to choose a Power Bank and, sorry, not get screwed.

Most of the problems and dissatisfaction among Power Bank users are caused by them low quality. Main reason The problem is that such devices are often bought for little money, without paying attention to the manufacturer and the capacity of the device.

How much should a normal Power Bank cost?

High-quality Power Bank with a capacity of 10.000 mAh costs from $17 and higher. Per device on 20.000 mAh I'll have to pay approximately twice as much. And this is about the most simple devices- no additional connectors, fancy design or digital charge level indicator. Now we are only talking about buying a portable charger on Aliexpress. If you decide to buy a Power Bank in a store in your city, then feel free to add a 15-20% markup to the recommended cost.

But don’t look only at the cost of the device. There are often expensive power banks on sale and, judging by the description, they have excellent characteristics, but with one small difference - an unknown manufacturer. Such instances should be treated with double caution, since often huckster “businessmen” buy the cheapest no-name devices, and then mark up 3 prices on them and tell them that it is a very high-quality product.

Which companies should you buy Power Bank from?

Power banks from Samsung, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Asus, Sony and other well-known brands will be many times more reliable, since large companies world-famous companies value their reputation. Do not forget that such a technique is complex. electronic device, which can burn both the phone and itself. But even here there are certain points that you should pay attention to. Well-known brands are often counterfeited, and the authenticity of the device cannot be verified in advance by ordering a Power Bank from a Chinese online store. Here you should pay attention to the seller’s rating, reviews of the store and the number of sales. Even better is to order devices from official stores of companies, some of which are present on Aliexpress.

It is also worth paying attention to the fact that many manufacturers place special codes on the boxes of devices that can be used to verify the authenticity of the product.

What size power bank should you buy?

As you may have noticed, Power Banks of different sizes and with different sets of functions are available on the market. It is clear that a device with more mAh will weigh more and cost more. Let’s not ignore the impressive size of such devices.

Large batteries are perfect for those who often have to travel and do not always have the opportunity to charge not only their phone, but also other mobile gadgets. Most “capacious” Power Banks provide the ability to simultaneously charge several devices (phone and tablet).

But what to do if you are not traveling, and the Power Bank is needed only for emergencies, so that the phone does not “die” in the near future until you get to the outlet. In such cases, carrying around a huge brick, which is larger and heavier than the smartphone itself, is not entirely advisable. For such cases, the optimal solution would be small Power Banks with a capacity of 3,000 - 5,000 mAh. Devices with a small charge capacity are much smaller in size, which allows some of the models to be worn in a keychain as a keychain. And on some models, on the other hand, there is a built-in flashlight, so the device turns out to be multifunctional.

Pay attention to the strength of the output current, which affects the charging speed. For smartphones, 1A (ampere) will be sufficient, but for tablets it is preferable to use devices with a current strength of 2A and higher, otherwise for fully charged it will take several times longer.

Conclusion

There are a huge number of Power Banks on the market from different manufacturers. The devices differ in volume and the presence of bonuses (charge level sensor, several charging ports, original design). To choose the optimal device and not make a mistake, we advise you not to save money and pay attention to the rating and reviews of the seller, as well as the manufacturer. A large charger capacity should be chosen by those who like to travel, and for everyday use, small batteries that can be hung on keys instead of a key fob are sufficient.

Modern people prefer to use smartphones instead of tablets and laptops because they are just as productive and at the same time more compact. But due to their small dimensions, their time is reduced. battery life: It is impossible to install a high-capacity battery in a small case.

To solve the problems that arise due to this, you can purchase an external battery for your phone. You will learn in the article how to choose, what characteristics to pay attention to and which models are the most popular today.

Top external batteries

Why is it needed?

An external battery (another name for Power Bank) is designed to charge a smartphone or other mobile device if there is no access to power supply networks. To do this, the device is connected to a mobile gadget using a special adapter cable.

Using a second battery to replace the main one is not always convenient. In addition, many modern flagship smartphones have a molded case in which the battery is non-removable. In this case, using a Power Bank is the best option.

Operating principle

An external battery is a set of batteries interconnected and enclosed in a case that has a universal output (usually a USB port) for connecting an adapter. The case is made from plastic (cheap models) or aluminum.

After connecting to Power Bank smartphone will begin standard process charging. These steps can be repeated until the external battery is completely discharged. Due to the fact that it has a large capacity, you can simultaneously or alternately charge two or more gadgets, or one mobile device several times in a row.

Characteristics

When choosing an external battery for your smartphone, pay attention to the main characteristics that will help you choose a high-quality and durable device.

Capacity

This main characteristic, which determines the performance of the external battery. It shows how long the device will provide mobile gadget energy.

This parameter is measured in ampere hours (Ah) or milliamp hours (mAh). For a Power Bank to work effectively and not cause any problems, its volume must be at least 2 times the battery capacity of the device it charges. But the larger this parameter, the better.

The larger the capacity of the external battery, the longer its operating period. But this increases the recharging time.

In addition, it is worth considering that the larger the capacity of the selected device, the more expensive it will cost. Golden mean– 6000 mAh models. A Power Bank with a capacity of 15,000 mAh or more is suitable for charging a smartphone or even a tablet.

Current strength

The strength of the outgoing current affects the charging time of the device. The higher it is, the faster the smartphone will charge. For mobile phone the standard indicator is 800-1200 mA, for tablets 1500-2000 mA.

Good to know! It is advisable that this parameter coincide with the recommendations of the smartphone or tablet manufacturer.

Dimensions

Please note that the greater the capacity of the external battery, the larger it is, because it contains more batteries. But in this case, everyone chooses a model for themselves depending on the requirements that they place on it.

For fans of hiking, a Power Bank is suitable large capacity and dimensions. And for users who recharge their smartphone in order to “sit” in social networks A compact and less capacious option is suitable.

Avoid buying models that offer large capacity in a compact package. These are tricks that are used to increase sales.

Peculiarities

Different Power Bank models may have their own characteristics.

1. Number of slots. Some models have multiple slots for simultaneous connection two or more gadgets. In most cases, they have different output current strengths: 1000 and 2000 mA for charging smartphones and tablets, respectively.
2. Cable with adapter set. Such devices are suitable for new as well as old smartphones that do not use Micro-USB or USB Type-C, and other connectors.
3. External battery charging method. When buying an external battery, choose a model that charges via Micro-USB socket. This will allow you to use a regular charger from a smartphone.
   There are Power Bank models with body-mounted solar panels. Basically, they compensate for the effect of self-charging of batteries, but they are not suitable for fully charging the external battery itself.
4. Battery level indication. The indicator will tell you how much energy is left in the external battery and when it needs to be connected to the network for charging. This is a convenient option, but it affects the cost of the model.

Best choice

Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 16000

The main advantage of the model is excellent quality, high reliability and affordable cost. Thanks to the metal case and large battery capacity, you can easily charge the same gadget several times in a row (5 times or more).

The presence of two USB ports allows you to simultaneously charge several devices, but their close location will not allow you to connect two massive plugs at the same time. In general, this is where the disadvantages of the model end, so it is best choice for purchase.

Advantages

• frame;
• battery;
• battery level indicator;
• 2 USB ports;
• price;
• output current 2000 mA.

Flaws

• location of USB ports.

TP-LINK TL-PB10400

Unfortunately, due to the large volume of batteries, the battery case had to be made square, which is not always convenient to use. In addition, it is made of plastic, although reliable. This made it possible to reduce both the weight and reliability of the Power Bank.

The current strength at the two outputs differs: 2000 and 1000 mA, so you can choose which device to connect where.

The presence of two USB ports, a flashlight and a battery charging indicator allows you to operate the device comfortably and easily. Although the flashlight is of average quality.

Advantages

• battery;
• charge level indicator;
• 2 USB ports;
• flashlight;

Flaws

• frame;
• flashlight.

Yoobao YB665

Glossy plastic made the device stylish, but easily soiled, so it will need to be wiped constantly. Although the cost of Yoobao YB665 is quite high, its range of functions and reliability will allow it to be used for a long time. In addition, the Power Bank comes with a charger and adapters for iPhone.

The presence of a flashlight and two USB ports with different outgoing currents expands the functionality of the model.

Advantages

• frame;
• reliability;
• flashlight;
• 2 USB ports;
• adapters for iPhone;
• battery level indicator.

Flaws

• there are fakes;
• frame.

Rombica NEO X100

The top cover of the model is made to look like leather, so the Rombica NEO X100 looks stylish and modern. At the same time, the battery is compact, thin and has a large capacity, so it is suitable even for a fragile girl.

The lack of a flashlight reduces the functionality of the Rombica NEO X100. But USB ports located at a considerable distance with different meaning The output current ensures comfortable charging of several devices at the same time.

Every year new smartphones appear, more and more powerful and voracious. Innovations in the field of batteries are not yet expected, which means that a power bank (power bank, external battery, portable battery) remains the only solution for those who often live far from outlets.

What are the differences between external batteries?

Portable power supplies, unlike smartphones and other types of advanced technology, cannot boast of much variety. And this is quite logical. Batteries - they are batteries, but you still need to know something about them.

Capacity and related dimensions

The most important parameter of an external battery is its capacity, which the manufacturer usually indicates in milliamp-hours (mAh). Roughly speaking, this is the amount of energy that a battery can store (but not transmit).

Please note: due to the fundamental laws of physics, no external battery can transfer 100% of the stored energy and no smartphone can fully absorb the energy received. Part of the resource is always lost during voltage conversion, and a certain amount goes into heat.

On average, total losses range from 30 to 40%, although some (and usually more expensive) models of external batteries and smartphones can boast efficiency of about 90%.

Thus, determine the number of possible charges of a smartphone with a known capacity of the built-in battery from a power bank with a known capacity using simple division incorrect. The loss factor must be taken into account. Moreover, for reinsurance, it is better to take it at the upper limit, that is, at least 35%.

To put it simply, a power bank with a declared capacity of 10,000 mAh will in practice transfer approximately 7,500 real mAh, which means it will fully charge a smartphone with a battery with a capacity of 2,500 mAh not four times, but only three.

Please note that the above calculation is a very average and quite optimistic. You can only check the real losses when charging a specific smartphone from a specific external battery in practice.

In addition, physics requires a direct relationship between the capacity and mass of the power bank. To store more energy, the battery must be heavier and larger.

Connectors

The vast majority of external batteries, and especially those, are sold without cables. It is assumed that you will use the cord that came with your smartphone. Accordingly, the connectors on the battery and cable must match.

It may seem that you don't need to pay attention to the connectors, because all smartphones have the same wire with a standard full-length USB on one end and microUSB on the other, but this is not so.

For example, the included Nexus 5X cable has USB-C on both sides. And in order not to buy additional wires, you will have to look for an external battery with just such a connector, both output and input, or purchase an adapter.

Kanex GoPower Slim Aluminum USB-C

Some manufacturers, such as Motorola, include a plug with a permanent cord in the package of certain smartphone models. In this case, purchase additional cable inevitable.

There are power banks with a built-in cable. In this case, it is important to make sure that the connector fits your smartphone.

External battery current output and fast charging

The external battery charges the smartphone, which is great. Even better if he does it quickly, right? The charging speed depends on many parameters, but the determining factor is the output current of the power bank. It must be no less than that provided by the smartphone manufacturer.

It’s easy to find out the optimal current for your smartphone. Take the plug that came with the device and look at the OUTPUT value.

It will say something like 5 V - 2 A. You need the number next to A because current is measured in amperes.

You can find out the output current of the power bank in the description or instructions. If an external battery has more than one output connector, the current strength is sometimes indicated directly on the case next to each connector.

If you have two or more connectors, remember that the total current output of the power bank is limited. For example, a battery may have two outputs of 2.5 A each, but produce no more than 4 A in total. Accordingly, when two devices are connected at once, each of them can receive no more than 2 A.

If the output current of the external battery is less than that for which the smartphone is designed (for example, 1 A for a power bank and 1.5 A for a smartphone), then charging will still occur, but noticeably slower.

There is no need to be afraid if the output current of the external battery is higher than that for which the mobile device is designed (for example, 2 A for a power bank and 1 A for a smartphone). Mobile devices have built-in protections that limit the amount of incoming current to an acceptable value. Simply put, your smartphone will not explode or melt.

For the same reason, your mobile device will not charge faster if you use a plug or power bank with an output current higher than that provided by the manufacturer.

Let's say you find an external battery with a suitable output current, but the supplied plug still charges the smartphone faster. What's the matter? Most likely, your smartphone supports some technology accelerated charging like Quick Charge 3.0, Quick Charge 4.0 or a variant with its own name from a specific manufacturer (for example, mCharge from Meizu). Look for a power bank that is compatible with exactly that technology fast charging, what is used in your smartphone.

Nowadays power banks with smart technologies fast charging like PowerIQ. In theory, they recognize the device connected to them and supply the optimal current for it, but in practice this does not always work and not with all smartphone models.

External battery input current

No matter how capacious an external battery you buy, its own energy reserve will sooner or later be exhausted. It’s nice when a power bank quickly charges a smartphone, but it’s even nicer if it charges quickly itself.

The charging speed of a power bank is determined by its input current, voltage and the presence of one or another technology that ensures more rapid replenishment of its own charge. There are now external batteries that can be fully charged in less than 30 minutes.

Please note: the power bank's own charging speed does not affect the speed at which it charges the smartphone.

But lack of understanding of technology and gaps in English knowledge can mislead the user. For example, you see a power bank that says something like 5 minutes charge. You might think that this miracle device charges your smartphone in 5 minutes, but in reality everything is different.

Let's say the capacity of a particular battery is 10,000 mAh and it is fully charged in 20 minutes. In this case, in 5 minutes it will replenish approximately 2,500 mAh. And this charge is really enough to charge a typical smartphone.

The problem is that the charging time of a smartphone is limited by its own maximum input current and the availability of support for one or another fast charging technology.

Simply put, the pretentious phrase 5 minutes charge actually means: “This power bank only needs 5 minutes to get the charge necessary to further fully charge the smartphone.” Don't get caught up in marketing hoaxes and improve your technical literacy.

The best external batteries

Lifehacker invites you to compile a reader's top powerbanks. Write in the comments the names and characteristics of the models you use and your opinion about them. If there is already a comment with your model, please add it and add your experience of use.

The models with the most positive ratings will be included in the “Best External Batteries of 2017” selection, which we will publish.

Other guides to choosing equipment from Lifehacker.