Buying a Power Bank? Here's a Guide

We cannot deny the importance of smartphones, tablets and other gadgets in our daily lives. Their services to us in performing our daily tasks, hobbies and entertainment needs are commendable. We started to use our gadgets to the fullest, explore its features and utilize them in exchange for the not-so-cheap price we paid for them. But with all those advancements, our phones will just be as good as a paperweight when the battery becomes empty.

 Thanks to the constantly evolving technology, power banks are now here to rescue our hunger to be connected with the world. No need to reduce our display to the dimmest and disconnecting our mobile data, just plug it in with the portable battery pack and we can use our phones and tablets again.



But wait, you've decided on buying a powerbank but saw a vast array of choices in the mall. So, what will you buy, the cheapest? No, not really, consider some factors listed below and inform yourself about the basics before buying one for yourself.

Common Specifications Seen In A Powerbank
Seen above: Mi Powerbank 10400mAh

1. Capacity (mAh)

The main spec of a powerbank is its capacity. The capacity is commonly measured in mAh or milli-Ampere-hour. It is the amount of charge the powerbank can hold and transfer to your gadgets in due time. So before buying a powerbank, look for your phone's battery capacity. For example you have an iPhone 5s, it's battery capacity is 1560 mAh, and with that we know that the smallest powerbank in the market with 2000 mAh rating can fully charge your iPhone once. But if you have a Samsung S5 with 2800 mAh battery, you should buy a powerbank with at least 3000 mAh capacity to fully charge your device. Note that it does not necessarily translate that a 4000 mAh powerbank will charge a 2000 mAh battery twice due to losses.

2. Output Current

This one is commonly imprinted on a powerbank. Current means flow of electricity which is measured in Ampere. Common output of battery packs you can find are 500mA or 0.5A, 1000mA or 1A, and 2100mAh or 2.1A, with output voltage at 5V or 5.1V. Don't be afraid with the numbers. To make it simple, powerbanks with higher output rating will charge your device faster provided that your device accepts those current.

Have you charged your device using your laptops USB port? It has a 0.5A or 500mA output which charges slowly, but when you use your wall charger normally at 5V/1000mA, the charging is obviously faster right? So that's how Output Current works. For tablets, 1.5mA or higher is required, 2.1mA for iPads.

3. Input Current

Together with the Output Current, Input Current is also printed on the battery bank itself as well as the Capacity (mAh) and model name. This is the current the powerbank can absorb when it is being charged, defining how fast can it attain full charge. I do not consider this in my previous buys because I commonly charge my powerbanks at night or when I'm busy doing other stuffs. But if you're too busy to sit and plug your empty powerbank in the wall, consider buying powerbanks with higher input current (e.g. 2.0mA), but be sure to use chargers with higher output also to see the advantage.

4. Number of Ports

Depending on the gadgets you own, this may help you in buying your next battery pack. Of course, multiple USB ports can charge two or more gadgets at the same time. Great if you and your friend need extra juices at once. Be sure to carry your USB cables or special USB connectors in the case of non-micro USB or iOS devices.

5. Portability and Design

High capacity powerbanks can give you multiple charges, but they are more heavy and expensive. They are also bulkier which makes them a pain for travelers. So, don't be easily tempted with those battery packs offering 20,000mAh or more if you're not ready to carry extra weight everyday. But for contingency purposes like preparing for a storm, that comes in very conducive.

5. Brand, Quality and Price

Romoss Solo6 16000mAh Dual Output PowerBank
*via Lazada

Many battery packs are out there in the malls. If you have matched the factors stated above and found the specs fitting, the next thing to see is the quality of the product. Branded ones are normally more expensive but gives added features and protection. Stay away from cheap ones, they may be fake or of low quality and are prone to ruining your gadgets and explode. There are quality products out there and reviews are on the net. If further queries arise, feel free to leave a comment below.