An external battery is a socket in your pocket, which will always be at hand and will be useful in order to charge any mobile device, from a smartphone to a laptop. A number of modern gadgets turned out to be really so powerful that it is not possible to save the built-in battery for a long time. For this reason, manufacturers decided to create a Powerbank. The device will really help to deal with the problem.
As a result, all electronic devices will be charged when needed. You just need to know how to choose a powerbank, so that in the future it does not disappoint you with its functional abilities. Indeed, the correct choice depends on how long it will take for the charging process, how long its battery will last. We will talk about this within the framework of our article.
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Which is the best powerbank to choose: a list of manufacturers
A large collection of digital technology is presented on the market, which confirms that the more famous the manufacturer, the more reliable and perfect the product will be. This is almost the only area where a big name gives a 100 percent guarantee on product quality. This is due to the fact that the market is really tough. Beginners are capable of building a reputation, but it can take more than a decade. Leading leaders go to great lengths to keep up. It must be admitted that they cope with this task perfectly.
Today on the market such companies as Asus, Samsung, Remax, Xiaomi, HiperTechnology are deservedly called the best. You can familiarize yourself with the most popular device models.
If you are serious about the process of how to choose a powerbank for a smartphone, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the main parameters for choosing an external battery in more detail.
Basic principles of operation and structure of an external powerbank
Thinking about which powerbank to choose, it is worth noting that the device has a fairly simple design. This is a portable charger with a special structure. From the outside, it looks like a simple box with a USB output for powering devices. At the same time, it is equipped with a charging port, which charges the device independently.
The body consists of the most important parts inside. These should include: an electronic board that gives a charging stroke, as well as a number of protection against short-circuit, overcharging. We will also designate lithium-ion batteries, which differ in the type of 18650.
Everything else will depend on the imagination of the brand. Modern devices can be presented with a solar panel, flash memory, flashlight. In general, the variety of such little things, which in the end are not directly related to the main work, is presented in a large assortment.
Basic parameters for choosing an external device battery
Real and declared properties of battery capacity
This is one of the main criteria to rely on when purchasing.Due to it, you can determine how long the mobile will last offline until you find yourself near the outlet.
In order for the external battery to perform the tasks assigned to it, you need to select a device whose capacity indicators are 2 times higher than the properties of a phone or tablet battery.
The battery capacity of an excellent smartphone is on average 3000 mAh. This suggests that a 6000 mAh external rechargeable battery is needed for charging. It is these properties that are inherent in power banks, which have been able to earn a positive reputation in the market. Devices in terms of price and quality ratio can be considered ideal.
If you need to charge a device with more powerful properties or a couple of devices together, choose it with a capacity of 10,000-12,000 mAh.
You can also find a model that is designed to charge your laptop. But in terms of volume, it should not be less than 20,000 mAh, the output voltage is standard at 12-19V. It is possible that there will be a switching option.
But whatever one may say, experience shows that the passport data of external batteries are rarely able to coincide with real capabilities. Approximately 80 percent of modern manufacturers offer devices that do not meet the declared capacity. The difference is very significant. Some models may be 25 percent, when the manufacturer notes that there will be 10,000 mAh, but in fact it turns out to be 7500-8000.
For the sake of fairness, it is worth noting that conscientious manufacturers have a discrepancy, this is due to objective reasons. Yes, the actual capacity of the batteries fully corresponds to what is indicated in the passport, but the device is not capable of giving everything to the end.
First of all, the batteries that are installed in it have their own self-discharge rate. It may be small. Also, inside the PB-box there is a controller that increases the output voltage and the operation of the device. Those. part of the energy is spent on its work.
Knowing how to choose an external battery, take into account the fact that there is an indicator of a certain number of charges. It is necessary to increase it by 20 percent, so that the required reserve of battery capacity is present.
But if you need an ambulance that will make it possible for an overly voracious smartphone to hold out until the end of the day, then buy an option for 1000-2000 mAh.
Current indicators
This indicator can indirectly affect the charging speed of smartphones or tablets. The powerbanks themselves give a current strength of about 0.5-2A.
For many modern smartphones, 2 Amperes is enough. In the case of tablets, the current increases to 1.5-2A. of course, they can be connected to a 1A battery, but in this case the device will be on charge for a long time.
If you have different devices in stock that need periodic charging, then it makes sense to buy an excellent powerbank with an indicator of amperage from 10,000 mAh with 2 ports: 1 and 2 Amperes. Each of the cases will lead to the fact that the output current of the external battery will be equal to or exceed the parameter that is already on the smartphone.
Feature of the charging process
The number of connectors at the battery outlet will determine the number of smartphones that can be charged in parallel. The most rudimentary portable devices are represented by 1 USB port, but advanced models include 2. In this case, the frequency of the output current will be different. But when connected at the same time, each of the jacks lends itself to minimal amperage, which makes the usefulness of a number of devices overestimated and quite strong.
If the electronic board is built into the powerbank, then it may also have certain options, which will not only make the use of the device easier, but also allow it to last longer, organizing the charging process.
Let's designate here automatic disconnection from the power system. The option is useful for those who do not monitor the charging progress, and are simply able to leave the smartphone with the powerbank for a couple of hours. If this is a socket, then such tricks will not work.In the case of a device, it will release energy until it loses it itself. This is due to the fact that it has its own limitations in the service, which are no more than 300-500 discharge and charge cycles.
Load shedding is represented by the same option that works at the other end of the powerbank. Automation controls the charging progress of the powerbank, and also stops it when the battery is fully restored.
When choosing an external type battery, ask the seller what type of charging is provided. This is due to the fact that there are devices that work from a simple outlet, as well as those that are connected to a PC port or telephone charger using micro-USB. There are also models with solar panels and cans that are charged from the car's cigarette lighter. There are a lot of options.
Types of indicators in powerbank
Today there are 2 types of indicators. These are LED and digital.
Speaking about the first option, it is necessary to indicate that they are represented by 3-4 luminous lights in the body area. They will show how much the battery level is represented. But you shouldn't blindly trust them. This analog representation of information is not accurate. After 1 year of using the device, the LED sensor will begin to lie at all.
As for the second option - a digital type of indicator, the information about the charge will be displayed on a small display, which is located in the area of the external battery case. The display in numbers will be as accurate as possible, but the presence of a miniature screen increases the cost of charging by 30 percent, and therefore get ready to overpay.
Powerbank case material
External battery case is made on the basis of different materials, but most often metal and plastic are preferred. This will not particularly affect the operation of devices. Still, metal boxes can better protect batteries from physical damage. If the powerbank is made of plastic, it will crack or shatter if dropped. Then even a low-grade metal alloy in the worst case will only be susceptible to bending.
The method of replenishing the energy of the device itself is equally important. This could be a USB port, which is the most common option. Or a dynamo. Such models give out a charge when the built-in handle is turned. They are able to help out in urgent moments. There is also a solar panel method or standard from the network.
Complete set and a number of additional functions
As a rule, powerbank provides a complete set of different-colored plugs, due to which you can charge any device. But it is important to check if the required adapters are present among them. If you are the owner of Apple devices with their non-standard connectors, then we strongly recommend this item.
As for the optional but pleasant powerbank options, their availability is determined personally. Manufacturers, for their part, are ready to please with the presence of such proposals as
- alarm clock;
- card reader;
- LED flashlight;
- flash memory;
- Wi-Fi router;
- electric generator (dynamo).
Indicators of weight and size
The more powerful the powerbank is, the more ports it will have. In fact, both the dimensions and the weight parameter depend on this. The main characteristics depend on the number of batteries installed inside. So you don't need to expect unrealistic capacity indicators from the device.
Based on the fact that 18650 batteries give no more than 2500-3000 mAh, we can say that a powerbank for 6000 mAh will weigh at least 150 grams. and dimensions 100x60x15 mm. Choosing a battery based on your lifestyle is the right decision. Where you keep it is also important. If you prefer to carry it in your pocket, then it is better to limit yourself to a standard device for 1-2 batteries. All other cases provide that the weight of the device does not really matter.
Charging method
Price question: how much does a powerbank cost?
The price for the assortment will vary depending on the performance of the device. If the capacity is presented up to 10,000 mAh, then prices will vary within 400-3 thousand rubles. But pocket models from 4 thousand mAh from 200 rubles.
For an external battery device that gives 10-20,000 mAh, you can get 700-4600 rubles. The price for more powerful power banks will vary around 7-8,000 rubles.
The cost with 2 USB ports is not very different from the solo chargers. For the 5000 mAh option, you need to pay around 500 rubles and above.
The gadget, represented by solar panels in the area of the case, will cost around 1400-2900 rubles.
Choosing an external battery: advice from a specialist
If you are on the road quite often, then it is quite difficult to cope without a power bank. The device will charge the phone, support the tablet. A device with a capacity of 1000 mAh and a current of 1-2 A. If we consider the issue of the number of ports, then one will be enough, since the probability of setting the devices to zero is too negligible.
Those who, in general, often travel in conditions outside the benefits of civilizations, are recommended to buy a device with the above technical properties, but so that there is an alternative possibility of recharging. It can be a solar battery, a dynamo handle or a cigarette lighter cord. In situations where a tablet or a smartphone at work is not able to hold out until the evening, it is better to pay attention to the compact size of the powerbank, whose capacity indicators will be 1.5-2 times higher than the characteristics of a mobile battery. As a rule, this is 4-6000 mAh. If we talk about additional options, then this is your personal decision.
Similar models can also have a wide range of adapters for different devices, which is very useful.
A similar capacity is appropriate for charging tablets. It is only important to check that the output current is at least 2A. If you need and often enough to recharge a laptop with a non-removable battery, then aim to buy a 20,000 mAh power bank and a 2-amp port. The output voltage must be selected in view of the properties of the laptop.
