Charging on the go: what are power banks?

May 11, 2016

"Keys, wallet, cell phone and power bank." Charge your mobile phone with a power bank that you will always have with you.

Power banks have become very popular since the battery life of smartphones, tablets and mobile devices is running out very quickly due to heavy use during the day. With a power bank, you have a spare battery with you and you can "save" your device from the inevitable shutdown, without the need for a power outlet or charger.

What is a power bank and how does it charge?

A power bank is a special portable battery that works just like a bank. It allows you to store electricity (deposit in the bank) and then use it to charge a device (withdraw from the bank). There are different types of power banks depending on the battery they use, older or newer technology. Lithium, Li -Polymer & Li-Ion batteries are, in general, more efficient.

Does a power bank charge both an iPhone and an Android?

The power bank has no software, so you don't have to worry about whether it's compatible with your smartphone. The majority of power banks are compatible with almost any device that accepts a USB cable: cameras, portable speakers, GPS systems, Mp3 players, smartphones, tablets.

What to look for before you buy a power bank

There are several factors to consider when choosing a power bank. One is portability. Some power banks are small and light enough to slip into a pocket. Some others are larger in size and will need a bag for carrying. Pay close attention to weight and avoid bulky power banks if you plan to carry them with you every day and not just on certain occasions.

Another factor is capacity. Unless the manufacturer explicitly states otherwise, expect how the 70% of efficiency will be achieved. For example, a 10000 mAh power bank can deliver 7000 mAh. Some of the best power banks on the market deliver 90% of capacity. For a full charge of a mobile phone you will need a 1500 mAh capacity power bank, for two full charges, a 5200 mAh capacity power bank and for 4 full charges, a 10,000 mAh capacity power bank.

In general, keep in mind that the more mAh, the more charges but also the heavier and bulkier the power bank and the longer the charging time. Conversely, the fewer mAh, the fewer charges, but the lighter and easier to carry and the easier the charging time.

How many charge cycles can a power bank do?

You can charge your smartphone from a power bank every day for 1.5 years until it loses its ability to charge. That's about 500 charging cycles on average. More expensive power banks may last longer and cheaper and smaller ones may last less. If you don't do daily use, the power bank will work without any problems for over 18 months. The life of a power bank can also be shortened if it is exposed to high temperatures (e.g. in the car).

How long does it take to charge an iPhone with a power bank?

It depends on the capacity of the power bank and the battery capacity of the device.

Are there power banks that charge a mobile phone in 5 minutes?

Lately there have been various news about some power banks that charge in 5 minutes. The headlines are correct but at the same time misleading. The truth is that the power banks themselves refill their own battery in five minutes so that they are able to charge the smartphone battery.

Are there extra features on some models?

Some power banks have 2 USB outputs so you can charge two devices at the same time. There are also models with a power cut-off circuit in case of a short circuit, an overcharge circuit that stops charging when the 100% is reached, a flashlight, and a car battery starter system.

From mirelen.