According to the unwritten law of meanness, a mobile phone is always discharged at the most inopportune moment. As a rule, a smartphone loses all its charge when you urgently need to find something on the Internet, call someone or receive an important message. It's good if you have an outlet or a laptop at hand, from which you can recharge at least a little. But what if such a nuisance is found far from stationary energy sources? Fortunately, the developers of portable electronics found a way out of the situation by launching external batteries (also called Power Bank) on the market. There are several types of such batteries, each of which is designed to recharge a specific device: smartphone, tablet, e-book. However, in this review, we will talk about how to choose external battery specifically for a smartphone, because these gadgets most often "betray" their owner at inopportune moments.

What is an external battery and what types are there?

By its design, the Power Bank is a portable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery with a certain capacity. Such batteries transfer charge to the batteries of mobile devices (in our case, smartphones). Their main feature is that they are able to store a charge over a long period of time. Another unifying factor is the compactness of such devices. They can be easily carried with you to work, taken on long trips and camping trips. The modern market has a wide variety of models of external batteries that may differ from each other:

• capacity;
• forms;
• interface;
• dimensions;
• color;
• material;
• the presence of additional design elements.

As for the material, everything is simple here. As a rule, the devices in question are made of metal, plastic or polycarbonate. Sometimes there are also combined models. If we talk about external performance, then we can distinguish two large groups of portable batteries:

1. Separate boxes - the most common version. Such devices always have a nice design and compact dimensions. The main advantage of boxes of any shape is that they can have a solid capacity, which is enough for one hundred percent replenishment of the charge of several phones at once (their exact number depends on the battery capacity of the smartphones themselves).
2. Wrist bracelets - a modern and truly unique design option. These devices are easier to carry (there is no need to allocate a separate space for them in your bag or pocket). Moreover, such technical innovations look quite stylish. However, they have one significant drawback: the low battery capacity. Thus, such models are designed to partially replenish the energy reserve so that the user can perform several important operations on the phone. Such products will not be able to completely "feed" the battery of modern mobile devices (unless you charge a rather old model of a smartphone).

The principle of operation of any Power Bank is clear: it connects to the device, and it starts to replenish its charge. But how do you charge the external batteries themselves? There can be three ways here.

1. From an outlet or laptop. Models charging this way are the most common. The principle of operation is as simple as possible. The user connects the Power Bank to a network or laptop via a USB cable. For a certain period of time, the battery draws energy from the connected source. When the energy reserve is fully restored, a special light comes on (although there may be other types of signal).
2. From the built-in dynamo. Without exaggeration, this is a rather unusual way of charging. With such a device, the user rotates a special handle, which produces electricity. The main disadvantage of such devices is noise: during rotation there will be a strong buzzing, distracting others. Among the advantages, one can single out a decent battery capacity, long-term retention of a charge and, of course, a positive effect on the small muscles of the arms (a Power Bank of this kind will replace the wrist expander).
3. From the sun. This is probably the most modern option for replenishing energy reserves. Such batteries play the role of a miniature solar station equipped with special lenses. These lenses capture the rays and convert them into electricity. Such models are very popular in hot countries, where the scorching sun is common. Almost any Power Bank of this kind has a solid capacity that allows you to charge both smartphones and tablets from it. Moreover, the presence of such an external battery significantly saves household electricity. The only drawback is that the capturing lenses require careful maintenance, otherwise the device will stop working.

What to look for when buying a Power Bank?

There are many factors to consider when purchasing an external smartphone battery. We will cover 5 fundamental aspects that will help you make the right choice.

1. Battery capacity - this is, without exaggeration, the most important indicator of the quality of such products, affecting their practicality and, accordingly, the price. To measure capacity, a special unit is used - milliampere hours. The modern market is filled with batteries of various capacities: from several hundred to several tens of thousands of milliampere hours. The choice of a specific model directly depends on the battery of your mobile device. According to experts, a Power Bank is considered suitable if its energy reserve exceeds the phone's stock by at least 20%. If you want to use a battery that will be enough for several charges, then you should give preference to analogs, whose capacity exceeds the volume of a telephone battery at least 3 times.
2. Current strength - a moment that directly affects the charging speed. A unit such as ampere is used to measure current strength. For the smartphone to charge relatively quickly, the Power Bank must have a power of at least 1 ampere. If you do not comply with this criterion, you risk getting a battery that will replenish the energy supply longer than a stationary power grid.
3. Compliance with the declared capacity of the actual. Unfortunately, not all market players are honest. In order to attract buyers, they go to all kinds of tricks. One of the most common techniques is to artificially increase the performance of a product. For example, the packaging may say 10,000 mAh, but in practice it turns out that the battery has only a 7,000 charge. An additional concern is the fact that among all external batteries, more than 70% adorn with incorrect characteristics. Of course, reduced capacity isn't always the result of trickery. The battery may lose some of its capabilities if the rules of transportation and storage are violated. For this reason, it is recommended to always check whether the declared capacity corresponds to the actual one. For this, you must use special devices. It is clear that such a check can be carried out only in a regular store, where the goods are in front of your eyes. If a purchase is made via the Internet, one must consider whether a particular online store provides a return and exchange service. This is the only way to save yourself from wasting money.
4. Self-discharge rate of the external battery. This is another extremely important point. As you know, any technical product wears out over time, and its operational capabilities decrease. In this regard, Power Bank is no exception. With prolonged use, the capacity of the battery begins to decrease, as a result of which the number of charges that can be carried out suffers. Information regarding the self-discharge coefficient should always be checked with consultants before purchasing. But there is one "pitfall" - not a single consultant will tell the whole truth on this issue. Here it is better to be guided by a simple rule: the volume of high-quality batteries drops by 10-15% over a year; as for cheaper analogs, in 12 months they lose from 30 to 40% of their capabilities. In addition, it is worth remembering that in the absence of practical use, the accumulated charge is also consumed. Expensive batteries lose up to 10% of their energy storage in 14 days. Cheap models can lose up to 30% of energy in a similar time period.
5. Number of ports for connection. If you live alone and want to use the "energy bank" personally, one USB port is enough for you (even if you have two smartphones). If you have a family where everyone needs a work phone, it is better to buy models equipped with multiple jacks for connection. Also, 2 or more ports may be needed if you decide to go camping with a group of friends. Naturally, the volume of such portable chargers should be appropriate.

The most popular external battery models

Possession of the above information will be very useful when buying a portable battery for a smartphone, but knowing the most best models such devices will further simplify your choice. Let's consider the best brands of external batteries separately:

1. iPower 6 is a fairly compact device that you can carry in your pocket. It has a cylindrical shape. The declared capacity of such a device is 2600 mAh. It has 6 sockets of different standards at once, so the iPower 6 is suitable for many types of portable gadgets.
2. SC-A120 is one of the most compact models on the market. The charge volume is quite small - only 1900 mAh, so this device is suitable for replenishing a small amount of energy (for example, to make a couple of important calls). The battery was equipped with several types of sockets that could connect different mobile devices. Its highlight is the presence of two conductive pathways for replenishing energy reserves. The first way uses the energy of the sun, the second - electricity from the outlet.
3. iPower13 - an improved version of the first device. Such a model has a larger capacity - 8400 mAh. In addition, the body has rubberized inserts, which makes it shock-resistant.
4. Gigabyte Power Bank OTG G66B1 - a practical version of an external battery with a volume of 6600 mAh. Mobile devices are connected via a standard USB input, as well as via a micro-USB socket.
5. Metrans Power Bank - a very good model with a power capacity of 10400 mAh. The body of the device is made of aluminum, which makes the whole structure more durable. This Power Bank supports charging two smartphones at once. Concerning personal recovery energy, it takes about 6 hours.
6. Xiaomi PowerBank is a battery that is rapidly gaining popularity. Several variants of such a model have already been released, and the minimum battery capacity is 5400 mAh. It is ideal for smartphones of the same name brand.
7. Xiaomi PowerBank 16000 - the best external battery of 2017 (at least not yet). As the name suggests, this product has a 16,000 mAh charge. This volume is enough for both a phone and a tablet.

We should also highlight the Power Bank in the form of a bracelet. Such a device has a small volume of 1500 mAh. It is enough to partially charge the smartphone. Of course, the small capacity does not allow bracelets to compete with other types of external batteries, but the ease of use and the ability to become a kind of "magic wand" makes them popular technical products.

Actual number of external battery charges

Many inexperienced users miscalculate the number of possible charges. In particular, they believe that if they have a 9000 mAh external battery and a 3000 mAh smartphone, they will be able to use the "energy bank" three times and raise the charge of their device from 0 to 100%. In fact, this is not the case. Let's find out what these people forget to consider.

1. Battery self-discharge - the moment mentioned above. Even when the Power Bank is not in use, its energy is consumed. Of course, in high-quality models this happens slowly, but still, after disconnecting the external battery from the power source, it begins to lose its energy reserve.
2. The difference between the output voltage of the smartphone and the battery while charging. As a rule, this indicator for telephones exceeds the corresponding value for "energy banks". To replenish the energy reserve quickly, each Power Bank is equipped with a special circuit that artificially increases its output voltage. The result of this increase is that some of the available energy is spent on maintaining the charging process, and not on the charging itself. This means that the phone is losing about 30% of its potential charge.

We can conclude that to calculate the number of charges, it is necessary to subtract 20-30% from the declared energy capacity of the battery and only then divide the resulting value by the volume of the smartphone battery. In addition, it is imperative to take into account how long the Power Bank has been idle, because a long absence of practical use also depletes energy reserves.

The price of external batteries for smartphones

The price of external batteries for a smartphone in Russia starts from 600-700 rubles. These are the least roomy models. Batteries with a solid capacity cost 1500–1600 rubles.

So we have analyzed the main aspects that will help you choose the right Power Bank. As you can see, there is nothing particularly complicated in this process. However, it is always worth checking the characteristics of the product and giving preference only to products from reliable manufacturers. This will save you from buying a low-quality technical product. The following video review is also devoted to the method of buying "energy banks" correctly:

How many times have you had to suffer from the discharge of your smartphone at the most inopportune moment? And if you need to call urgently or wait for an important message? It's good if there is an outlet or a computer nearby, from which you can quickly charge the device. But what if they are not there? The way out is to use an external battery (power bank). The Internet project "Be Mobile" has collected tips to help you choose the best option for you.

To begin with, let's define what an external battery is and what are its advantages. An external battery or Power Bank is a portable high-capacity lithium-ion battery that can be used to charge a variety of mobile devices: phones, smartphones, tablets or e-books. This battery is able to store energy inside itself for a long time. You can take it with you to work, study, on a business trip or when traveling.

The portable charger can be made in various form factors with a plastic, polycarbonate or metal case. On sale you can find models in the form of boxes, bars, discs, cones and tubes of various colors.

The Power Bank is charged from an electrical outlet or from any device with a USB output (for example, a computer or laptop).

All external batteries are equipped with one or more USB ports. Modern phones, smartphones or tablets can be charged using the USB cable, which in most cases is included with the device.

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The main parameter when choosing an external battery is energy capacity. Everything is simple and clear here. The larger the capacity, the more energy the device stores, and the more expensive it is. Capacity is measured in mAh - milliampere hours.

On sale now you can find portable chargers with a capacity from several hundred milliampere hours to several tens of thousands. You can estimate the level of charge that you need, based on the battery capacity of your smartphone or tablet.

For example, in an average smartphone the battery has a capacity of 2,000 mAh, in productive and expensive models - from 2,500 to 3,000 mAh. This means that a fully charged 5000 mAh external battery is enough for 2-2.5 charging cycles. A fully charged 10,000 mAh external battery lasts 4-5 cycles. If portable charging is necessary for a tablet, then it is worth choosing from models with a larger capacity, for example, 20 or 30 thousand mAh.

Portable power supplies currently available use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. Depending on the type and design option, the battery output voltage may vary (3.7, 4.2 or 7.4 V), while the standard USB bus voltage is DC 5 V. Obviously, in this case, a 2000 mAh battery with a nominal voltage of 3.7 V, even under ideal conditions, will not work for an hour and a half when powered by an external load connected via USB and consuming 1 A. In addition, the amount of electricity that can be stored batteries that have the same capacity but different voltages will differ.

Tip 2: look at the amperage, it affects the charging speed

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Another factor that affects the charging speed is the amperage. The more amperes, the faster the charging speed. For phones and smartphones, this figure must be at least 1 amp. Otherwise, the process itself will be extremely slow. It takes 3 or 4 times longer to fully charge than from the mains.

For tablets, devices with amperage from 3 A will be preferable. Ideal option is 4 A.

Advice 3: trust, but verify, because the declared capacity does not always coincide with the real one

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Another important point is the real capacity of the Power Bank. The fact is that many manufacturers embellish the performance of their products. Of the 50 models of portable chargers that came to us for testing over the past year, 46 had a capacity significantly lower than stated. On average, the difference was 25%.

For example, the manufacturer indicated that the external battery has a capacity of 10,000 mAh, but in reality - 7,800 mAh. The difference is related both to the dishonesty of the developers and to improper storage of the batteries during the transportation and subsequent sale.

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The real capacity is also affected by such an indicator as self-discharge.

On average, external batteries with a full charge are discharged by 5% within two weeks. This should be taken into account if you do not use the Power Bank for a long time. To activate electrolytic reactions, you should put the device on recharge before use.

Keep in mind that the battery capacity will decrease over time. Our measurements show that with active use, a high-quality battery loses its capacity by 15% per year, the cheapest models - 35%.

Almost all Power Banks use LED indicators to monitor the charge level. And some external batteries are equipped with LED displays that show the exact state of charge as a percentage.

Tip 5: choose a power bank with multiple USB ports to charge your friends' smartphones at the same time

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Some models of portable chargers have multiple USB ports to connect two, three or even more mobile devices at once. This option is suitable for simultaneous recharging, for example, when you go on a trip with friends. It's comfortable. All of you can charge your phones, smartphones and even tablets together.

Often you ask us where you can guaranteed to buy a cheap high-quality external battery. We cannot give a definite answer. Of course, the reliability of a purchase in a large Russian online store or in a retail network is higher, but prices are also higher there. It is worth remembering that little-known Chinese sellers have a peculiarity: they can cheat. Their external batteries are much cheaper than branded counterparts, they often indicate the volume 2 or 3 times higher than the real one. Too low a price can be a trap. Although branded Power Banks in such stores can be fakes.

Compact

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If you need compactness, you can pay attention to ergonomic models, for example, Anker Astro E1. This battery does not take up much space in your bag or pocket.

Universal

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The ideal option would be batteries with a capacity of about 10,000 mAh. This is about three times more than the battery of a modern smartphone, which means that even taking into account the loss of energy during recharging, it will be enough to fully restore the gadget's charge several times. A qualitative example of such a power bank is the Anker PowerCore 10400 mAh model.

Another option for a high-quality external battery with universal functionality is the Aukey PB-N42 10000 mAh.

Supports fast and wireless charging

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If universal options are not your option, then you should pay attention to models with additional functions. For example, a power bank with support for fast charging will be able to charge compatible gadgets much faster than usual. If the battery is capable of delivering a consistently high current (about 2A), then even without fast charging support, your gadgets will charge stably and relatively quickly.

Among the recommended by us is an external battery Baseus Wireless Charge Power Bank for 8000 mAh. Its main feature is the presence of Qi wireless charging. That is, to charge a smartphone, you do not need to connect a wire to it, just put it on an external battery and that's it. Charging started. In addition to wireless charging with a current of 1A, the device supports a wired USB connection of two compatible devices, while the output current to the USB connectors is 2A.

A good option for the iPhone is the 6000 mAh Zikko PowerBag. The main difference from the popular external batteries Xiaomi is MFI certification, that is, the battery is compatible with all Apple devices. The device supports fast charging - the output current to the USB connectors is 2.4 A. In order to track the battery capacity, there are special LED indicators on the end. A nice bonus - the smartphone is connected to the battery via the included Lightning cable.

Record-breaking capacity

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If you are looking for a strategic reserve of energy, check out the HyperJuice AC Battery Pack 26,000 mAh. This giant can quickly charge absolutely any device, including a tablet, other portable equipment and even a laptop. There are 2 USB downstream connectors here. One provides a maximum charge power of 3A at a voltage of 5W, and the other provides a current of 2.4 A. A pleasant bonus is the ability to provide 220W power to any electrical appliances with a power consumption of up to 100 W. You can connect a laptop, flashlight and even a blender to such a battery.

HyperJuice AC Battery Pack is made of aluminum alloy, which perfectly protects the device from external mechanical influences.

We hope that our tips will help you buy a truly high-quality external battery and charge your phone, smartphone, laptop or e-book without any problems.

It's no secret that modern mobile consumer electronics has one unpleasant feature, namely, the need for constant recharging of the battery hidden in the case, due to which, in fact, the gadget can work. The same applies to phones of the new generation, which, due to their technology and advanced functionality, have become excessively voracious in terms of electricity consumption. Regardless of how long your smartphone runs on a single battery charge, it is still not enough, and provided that you use the ohm quite often, the question of extending the battery life becomes even more pressing. In this article, we will talk about portable batteries for mobile phones - about their characteristics, design features. We will also consider a number of interesting models that are relevant at the moment.

Why do you need a portable battery?

As mentioned above, the battery (that is, the battery) in modern smartphones requires constant recharging. Gadgets are becoming faster, more powerful, bigger, and in terms of autonomy, almost nothing changes. The average battery life today rarely reaches 8 hours or more, under severe load this value drops to 5 hours. And even if you stretch the existing capacity with all your might, it is almost impossible to achieve autonomy for at least two days. It sounds sad, but it's true, whatever the gadget manufacturers say. Naturally, the problem did not remain without a solution, and since it is not possible to significantly improve the autonomy in the gadgets themselves, then you can use an additional battery. In the case of old-style phones, which can be disassembled, having gained full access to the battery, you can replace the main battery. But such phones are becoming less and less, they were replaced by monolithic cases in the manner of the iPhone. An additional battery in this case is an external portable battery for the phone.

How does a portable battery work?

As obvious as it sounds, an external portable battery works the same as a regular (internal) one. The changes concern a slightly modified design in accordance with the scope of such a battery. Basically, it is a series of power cells that are soldered to a power controller (similar to those in smartphones). Then ports for recharging the battery itself and one or more ports for charging smartphones, tablets, laptops and others like them are built into this design. Despite the simplified design option in comparison with a smartphone, the rechargeable battery works according to the same principles as in the phone, therefore the battery remains the most dangerous object in any gadget. Like any other device, an external battery has a number of characteristics to rely on when choosing a portable battery for your phone. How to choose the right model based on its technical equipment and what is really worth paying attention to?

Portable battery capacity

The main parameter that you need to pay attention to when choosing a device. It is this indicator that determines how much additional "life" time your smartphone will receive, which means that in fact this figure indicates the efficiency of the battery as a whole. This value is directly related to the battery capacity of your smartphone. Just like the volume of other compact batteries (smartphone, tablet or smart watch), the capacity of the external battery is measured in ampere-hours, namely in milliampere-hours. When choosing the optimal capacity value, first of all, you need to find out the volume of the battery of your smartphone (smartphones or tablet), and then find an external battery with a value of at least one and a half to two times more, so that you have the opportunity to recharge your phone (another gadget) at least once. Let's say your phone has a 2,500 milliampere-hour battery. If you want at least one additional recharge cycle, then you should look for an external battery with a capacity of 4000-5000 milliampere-hours. It would seem that this is overkill, in fact, the real battery capacity always differs from that declared by the manufacturer (especially important for solutions from China). The device also loses power even when idle. The best purchase option would be a 6,000 milliampere-hour battery for smartphones and 12,000 milliampere-hours for tablets.

Discharge current

Everything is simple here: in order to share electricity with a phone or tablet, a portable battery needs a certain current strength. Usually, one amp (1A) is enough for a smartphone to fully charge. With tablets and their giant batteries, a lot of power is needed, at least two amperes (2A). Some portable batteries are equipped with multiple ports from one to three amperes. This option is suitable for those who plan to charge several devices of different types at once. You can find out the exact information about what current strength is needed for your gadget by looking at the marking on the charger.

How to charge a portable phone battery?

Another serious point that negligent buyers often overlook is the way to recharge the portable battery itself. The fact is that some models have a specific socket connection and in general are powered only from a computer or laptop, which has a detrimental effect on the speed and efficiency of charging. Such devices are outdated and are now almost not produced, but you can still get caught. It's better to make sure that the purchased gadget is equipped with a standard micro-USB port and is capable of charging from the mains.

Design, size and weight

When choosing a device design, you should pay attention to two important details:

• The on / off button must be recessed into the body so that the gadget does not accidentally turn on in a bag or pocket and does not start supplying energy to anywhere;
• The specified battery capacity must match its size, no one can shove a 12,000 milliampere-hour battery into a watch-sized case.

Portable phone battery - how to choose?

Even knowing certain specifications and features of external batteries, the question of choice remains open, since a variety of companies are engaged in the creation of such devices. Some make batteries exclusively for specific smartphones, others make universal options. In some solutions, the emphasis is on the external performance, in some on the technical aspect and reliability.

If you imagine an average solution that will suit everyone exactly, then it should have the following characteristics:

• Capacity from 6,000 to 12,000.
• 1A port or several different ones at once.
• Weight no more than 500 grams.
• The price is about 1,000 rubles (everything that is much cheaper is also much inferior in quality).

This knowledge is already quite enough to start an independent search for a suitable battery, but it is still worth adding specifics. Next, let's take a look at various portable phone batteries. The rating of the most interesting solutions on the market, distinguished by a colorful exterior, unusual design or extremely low price, is presented below.

Xiaomi Mi Power Bank

Cost: 990 rubles.

Capacity: 10,400 milliampere-hours.

A popular gadget from the Chinese company Xiaomi, which is famous for its dumping prices for fairly high-quality and thoughtful devices. Xiaomi Mi Power Bank is no exception. This is a very compact and stylish gadget with a capacious battery inside. The finish is made of anodized aluminum, similar to the MacBook. Inside are high quality, proven power cells from LG and Samsung. As for the capacity, in fact its value is 6250 milliampere hours. Xiaomi is honest with the buyer and explains this by the fact that half of the capacity goes into the category. This is a good portable battery for the Samsung Galaxy S6 phone as it was tested on it and is capable of being charged twice from the battery. At the same time, the hardware of the Mi Power Bank is fully optimized to work with other modern smartphones. In general, we have an excellent portable battery for the phone, user reviews confirm this fact. Owners of the device praise its premium design, low cost and good ergonomics. There are also critical reviews, but they mainly concern defective samples and fakes.

OZAKI O! Tool D26

Cost: 2,490 rubles.

Capacity: 2600 milliampere-hours.

An extravagant and sophisticated battery robot that attracts with its unusual style and compact size. There is nothing remarkable in its design and capabilities. It can hardly fully charge a modern smartphone, and its body is made of cheap plastic. If you are ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of a stylish toy that will look cool in your hands and can easily fit even in a shirt pocket (the gadget is only 6 centimeters high), then you should pay attention to the brainchild of OZAKI, but at the same time prepare 2,490 rubles (by the way, for this money can buy two Xiaomi Mi Power Bank).

Apple Smart Battery Case

Cost: 9 790 rubles.

Capacity: 2365 milliampere-hours.

This gadget is made in the form factor of a case and has a very narrow focus - it fits only three phone models: iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone 7. This battery has a row interesting features... Firstly, it is made of expensive silicone, wearable and resistant to damage. Secondly, it has a rather unusual design, namely a bulge in the central part of the cover (where the battery is located). Thirdly, with this case, you can simultaneously charge your smartphone and use the same cable. There are also disadvantages, which include the impressive cost and the ability to charge the iPhone just once. It turns out that we have an insanely expensive gadget with a low capacity and a very contradictory design, but at the same time the only one that is tightly coupled to the iPhone (even at the software level) and gives the very emotions of integrity and thoughtfulness that the apple corporation is famous for.

DEXP SOLAR 10

Cost: 1,890 rubles.

Capacity: 10,000 milliampere-hours.

This is perhaps the most inexpensive portable phone battery for solar battery... Yes, that's right, the device can be charged using solar energy; for this, a special panel is installed on its body that converts the sun's rays into electricity. The gadget boasts two USB ports that supply current with different strengths (you can charge your phone or tablet). On a sunny day, SOLAR 10 will become an indispensable assistant, and if it rains, you can charge it from a regular power outlet or a computer. The type of power supply is selected by the user in manual mode, using a special key on the case.

Lepow virtue

Cost: RUB 3,989.

Another one that attracts attention with its striking appearance, but does not impress with the rest of the characteristics. The body is made of tough, matte plastic and small glass inserts. The lower part of the case is painted in a pleasant orange tint, in the upper part there are two displays: one of them displays the charge indicator, the other - it, but in the form of a pulsating neon heart. The gadget came out weighty, little functional, but surprisingly pretty. Moreover, recently this handsome man has fallen in price. Prior to this, the high cost discouraged many users from purchasing this miracle.

Powermonkey extreme

Price: 14 900 rubles.

Capacity: 9000 milliampere-hours.

The most advanced portable battery on the list. A real Swiss knife in the field of electronics. By purchasing Powermonkey Extreme, you get not only a classic battery, but also two solar ones. The kit includes a full set of adapters for different smartphones and tablets, there are also modifications for connecting cameras and DVD players. There is a hard case for transportation and a compact strap (hook on the belt, for example). The battery itself is made of sturdy materials, as the device is designed for use in extreme conditions. Overall, this is a good portable phone battery that works in extreme conditions. Owners of the device, travelers and fishermen appreciated the gadget, singing praises to it in various forums. Users complained only about the high cost.

The main reason for the emergence of portable USB power banks was the increasing use of mobile technology, the energy level of the built-in batteries is sufficient for less time - on average, half a day or a day. Every year, new smartphones and phablets enter the market, with an increased diagonal, saturated screen brightness, increased performance, support for even more sensors, while the battery remains the same capacity. A large screen with a high resolution and high pixel density (PPI), a touch screen with a wide diagonal are the main factors of high power consumption and fast discharge of a smartphone. To charge such gadgets in the absence of a wired power grid, portable external power banks were developed.

In the modern world, a trip on a business trip or trip, going on vacation - to nature, fishing or hunting is not complete without a portable power bank charger. In the absence of an electrical outlet, as well as other sources of energy, a portable power bank becomes indispensable for uninterrupted communication for a long time, with it you can not worry that watching a movie in the evening or chatting on social networks will leave a voracious smartphone or phablet without energy.

The average weight of a portable external battery is 150-300 grams, and its capacity is 2500-30000 mA / h, compact models are capable of recharging a smartphone one or two times, and the use of capacious portable USB power bank will allow you to restore a smartphone battery up to 10-20 times. Most external USB powerbank models are equipped with a full-size USB port and come with a USB-MicroUSB cable, and external batteries with a USB Type C connector are also available. Top-capacity portable power banks can also be equipped with adapters for charging laptops. Often, for convenience, a power level indicator is additionally placed on the front panel of a portable powerbank, as well as an integrated LED flashlight.

Working principle of the portable charger power bank

The portable charger power bank will easily restore the energy of the connected gadget to the required level when the own battery of the mobile device is discharged. The universal charger power bank is equipped with one or more batteries connected to the controller board, which also has connectors for charging the portable power bank itself and connected mobile equipment.

The service life of a portable power bank charger directly depends on the quality of the batteries and materials used in its composition: the higher-quality components were used in production, the more reliable its design and the longer the portable power bank charger will delight its owner. Also, the operating mode of the universal power source has a significant effect on the life span.

• do not allow deep discharge of the battery (this can lead to its complete failure);
• charge only with currents not higher than those indicated on the usb in the bank (energy recovery with high currents leads to a reduction in the battery life cycle);
• do not charge and try not to use at low or high temperatures (in such conditions, capacity, operating time and efficiency are reduced).

Thus, when choosing a universal external usb battery, we strongly do not recommend stopping at the cheapest model - there is a risk of purchasing a low-quality device. Cheap USB power banks may contain inaccurately assembled elements, low-quality parts, due to which the gadget may fail prematurely.

Features, differences and characteristics of power bank

Portable power banks are available in various sizes, designs, design features, but are rated and differ in their main characteristics:

• current when charging connected devices (output current);

Let's consider the specified features, differences and characteristics of the power bank in more detail.

Selecting the capacity of the external battery

The capacity of the external battery powerbank is the most important characteristic showing how long the powerbank is able to be a source of energy for connected equipment. Simply put, it shows the number of times that a portable additional battery will allow to recharge a connected gadget using its own energy. Capacity is measured in milliampere hours (mAh).

When choosing the capacity of a universal portable external battery, we recommend that you follow the rule: it should be selected 2 - 2.5 times the size of the battery of the device being charged. For example, when choosing a power bank for iphone X, the capacity of the built-in battery of which is 2716 mA / h, we recommend purchasing an additional battery for the iPhone with a capacity of 5000-1000 mA / h - this is enough for one or two full recharges so as not to be left without connection with regular use iPhone.

It should also be borne in mind that the real capacity of universal external usb batteries, indicated by the manufacturer, is given taking into account the voltage of the built-in batteries of 3.7 volts. And when you connect a mobile gadget to a portable power source, the current is transmitted with a voltage of 5 volts. In mobile technology, batteries with a voltage of 3.7 V are used.Thus, during charging, a double conversion of voltage occurs: first, by turning the bank from 3.7 V to 5 V and then by the connected device from 5 V to 3.7-4.2 V, the losses during this conversion are 20- thirty%. For example, if you charge a tablet with a battery with a capacity of 10,000 mA / h with a portable charging power bank with the same battery, then the energy of the external battery will be enough to restore the battery of the phablet only by 70-75%.

The best choice of external battery power bank for budget smartphone there will be a compact power bank with a capacity of 5000-10000 mAh, it is small, it will allow you to use the device comfortably for several days, it can be carried in a pocket or a small bag. Users of productive smartphones and tablets usually purchase a power bank for a smartphone with a capacity of 10,000 - 20,000 mAh. For long business trips, hikes, trips or travels, powerful power banks with a capacity of 20,000 - 30,000 mAh are better suited.

Amperage when charging connected devices (output current)

The current strength is measured in Amperes (A) and is considered the main indicator characterizing the efficiency of charging an external battery. The output current shows how quickly the connected equipment will be recharged. Portable batteries use a 1 A USB connector and a 1.5 - 2 A USB connector for more demanding tablets.

• up to 1 A - cell Phones (not smartphones), wireless headphones, bracelets, and other accessories;
• 1–1.5 A - most smartphones, GPS navigators, portable recorders and other stand-alone devices;
• 2-3.6 A - smartphones with large batteries and tablet PCs.

The rate of energy replenishment is also affected by the charge controller of the connected device, which will limit the amperage if it exceeds the manufacturer's specified value. For example, on a smartphone Sony Xperia Z3 in the controller is set to a limit of 1.5 A: when this smartphone is connected to an external portable battery with a port of 1 A and 1.5 A, the current will not be limited, and when connected to a port with a current strength of more than 1.5 amperes, the smartphone will still consume no more than 1.5 A. For each gadget, the restrictions are different, in some rare cases (often on cheap Chinese equipment) there is no protection at all, so it is highly discouraged to connect to powerful ports without first checking compatibility. The easiest way to check compatibility is by looking at the specifications of the device being charged or at the charger (charger) supplied with it, if the current in the complete charger matches the output current at the external battery port (or slightly exceeds - by 0.1-0.5 A) , then you can safely charge your mobile equipment with an external power bank. For example, iPhones are equipped with a 1 A charger, and with Apple iPads there are more powerful 2 A RAMs. Therefore, we recommend charging the iPhone with a universal external battery for iPhone with a 1 A port, and with iPad tablets, it is better to use an external battery for iPad with a 2 A port. ...

For owners of modern gadgets with a capacious battery, we recommend choosing a universal external battery with fast charging and a current strength of at least 2 A, since the connected device will charge slowly with a portable powerbank with a lower amperage (or it will not be at all with constant use of the charged device).

To find out the current strength before purchasing a universal portable battery, you should look at the markings next to the USB port - 90% of external power banks have information there. Some universal powerbanks for mobile devices are equipped with Quick Charge (fast charging) technology. Such additional batteries are capable of charging the connected device with increased voltage, but with reduced amperage, so it is possible to charge the smartphone battery up to 50-60% in just 30-40 minutes (if the smartphone supports QC technology).

Power bank charging current (input current)

The universal power bank is charged using the microUSB connector located on its case or in the latest models of the more modern USB Type C connector. The speed at which a portable portable battery recovers is dependent on the voltage and current when it is connected to a power source. The current strength is influenced by two factors:

• what current can the charger give;
• what current can the powerbank consume.

To charge the YUSB power bank battery, we recommend purchasing network (SZU) or car (AZU) chargers for 1-2 A. This charger is enough to completely and quickly replenish the energy of the universal powerbank charger. It should be borne in mind that external power banks have different maximum input amperage, and it is better to select the charger taking this feature into account. Some models of external batteries with fast charging support the Quick Charge function, which allows them to be recharged with increased voltage much faster.

LED flashlight. A useful option that helps you easily navigate in the dark or during a power outage. When choosing a large powerful power bank for long journeys, hikes and frequent trips, this function is highly desirable. A power bank model with a flashlight is preferable than without it - an LED flashlight is able to help out at an unexpected moment;

Second USB connector. In capacious external power supplies, the presence of a second USB port is also highly desirable and will allow you to charge two devices at the same time. In addition, in batteries with two usb outputs and increased current strength at the output of the second port, it is possible to quickly charge powerful devices, for example, the Apple iPad phablet;

Charging the external battery from the network. By default, power bank rechargeable batteries are charged from a computer or laptop via a USB port, but if you charge them in this way, it will take a long time, so it is preferable to be able to recover the energy of an external USB battery using the SDR (connected to the AC power), which will allow you to quickly restore capacity;

Charge indicator. Shows information about the residual energy level of the external power bank. The display of the residual level is a useful function, since having recognized it in advance, a fully charged power bank with a charge indicator will help you not to get into a mess in a difficult situation - staying with a planted smartphone and a discharged portable power source;

Recessed into the body of the battery activation button. A useful feature to help avoid accidentally turning on or off the external backup battery;

The presence of a solar panel. The option will be useful for those who like traveling, hiking in nature or in the mountains - in all cases when even a portable power bank cannot be charged for a long time. Thanks to the solar panel, it is possible to recharge the portable battery using sunlight, but it is worth noting that solar panels are 12-25% efficient and will be slow to recover with solar energy.

The need for this or that additional function in a portable power source depends on the use case. Of the most useful functions, we recommend looking at the presence of a charge level indicator (helps to avoid unpleasant situations), flashlight (will help out at any time) and second USB port for capacious powerful power banks when using multiple devices. It should also be borne in mind that the presence of each option increases the price of a portable power supply.

Interesting models with original solutions:

• yusb power bank with a digital indicator Energizer Power Bank UE10018 digit screen 10000;
• universal charger power bank with a flashlight-night light Remax Power Bank Proda Power Box 30000 mAh black;

Choosing an external battery manufacturer

There are external batteries of many manufacturers on the market, but among them are: Xiaomi, Remax, Rock and Energizer. Let's consider these companies in more detail.

External batteries Xiaomi Power Bank

Among the manufacturers of external batteries, the leading place is occupied by the Chinese company Xiaomi.

The position of Xiaomi and the founder of the company Liuei Yun is that excellent, high-quality, easy-to-use technology should not be expensive, so the price of Xiaomi devices often includes only the costs of materials and manufacturing, there is no “brand” component that increases the final price for the consumer. Xiaomi strives for excellence in the release of devices, wanting to create premium quality products for maximum consumer comfort. Through regular innovations, testing, the implementation of fresh ideas, faith in innovation and fan support, it becomes possible to release fresh, interesting, unique gadgets. Therefore, it is not surprising that the release of each new product causes a stir among the brand's fans. Xiaomi produces technological gadgets at a surprisingly low price, most of them are positioned as goods, the price of which includes only the cost of materials.

The most popular Xiaomi models:

• power bank with fast charging in a durable plastic case;
• protected power bank in an aluminum case Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 10000 mAh (VXN4253CN) silver.

Remax Power Bank external batteries stand out from the competition primarily by their original design, high quality materials and practicality. When developing gadgets, designers were inspired by the ideas of fashion, youth and passion, which made the brand popular among young people. High-quality Remax power bank combines convenience, creativity, and increased reliability.

The most unusual external batteries Remax Power Bank:

• external battery lipstick Remax Power Bank LipMAX RPL-12 2400 mAh purple;
• an unusual power bank with a flashlight Remax Power Bank Proda Power Box 10000 mAh white;
• original power bank in the form of a cartridge Remax Power Bank Shell RPL-18 2500 mAh white.

Currently, Remax is actively expanding its presence in European markets, including Russia. Remax is committed to using modern technology to design and manufacture practical accessories of the highest quality in fashionable design.

Rock Power Bank Portable Batteries

Portable external battery for phone power bank

If you need a portable external battery for your phone power bank, which is enough to charge the gadget 1-3 times, portable batteries for your Xiaomi phone with a capacity of 5000 mAh will be suitable:

Powerbank for phone with fast charging function Xiaomi Mi Power Bank ZMI QB805 5000 mAh

The increased quality of the components used in the portable batteries for the Xiaomi phone, as well as the attractive price, makes them the best choice... Other portable external batteries for the phone are available for purchase in the catalog.

Additional external battery for smartphone

The best choice of an additional external battery for restoring the energy of a smartphone will be Xiaomi power banks with wireless fast charging and a capacity of 10,000 mAh, such an additional power supply is compact, fits in a pocket or a small bag, and allows you to comfortably recharge devices for several days without wires. Recommended models:

Additional external battery for smartphone with support for fast charging Xiaomi Mi Wireless Power Bank Youth 10000mAh

;

• Portable external battery for iPhone in a plastic case with support for fast charging Xiaomi Mi Power Bank ZMI QB805 5000 mAh silver;
• One of the most affordable and best external batteries for iPhone Xiaomi Redmi Powerbank 10000mAh white;
• Portable external battery for iPhone with QC function Xiaomi Redmi Powerbank Fast Charge 20000mAh white;
• Additional battery power bank for iPhone in a durable ABS plastic case Xiaomi Mi Power Bank ZMI QB810 10000 mAh white;
• External power bank for iPhone with Quick Charge 2.0 support in a durable ABS plastic case Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2C PLM06ZM 20000 mAh white.

In our catalog are presented to purchase other portable external Power Bank batteries for iPhone.

Universal external battery for tablet and powerful smartphone

When using powerful smartphones and tablets, it is recommended to purchase additional power bank batteries with a capacity of 10,000-20,000 mAh, for these purposes the following is suitable:

Universal external battery for tablet and powerful smartphone ZMI Power Bank QB822 20000mAh 2-way fast charging digital display 27W

Large powerful power bank for travel and camping

For long hikes, business trips, trips or travels, large powerful power banks with a capacity of 20,000-30000 mAh are suitable, allowing you to fully recharge your smartphone up to 15-20 times, and the tablet up to 5-6 times. Such additional energy sources do not need to be charged often - the large capacity allows you to replenish the power of other gadgets for a long time. We advise you to choose.

The power bank for your phone allows you to charge your phone and other devices without even having a power outlet at hand.

The compact Power Bank is an innovative gadget that can recharge all user's phones on the go.

Batteries differ in three main criteria:

1. By its capacity;
2. By the type of outgoing current;
3. By the type of the battery itself.

Basically, all external chargers are made of plastic. More expensive options are made from metal and a waterproof surface.

However, these batteries are more for outdoor use than for everyday use. A plastic Power Bank will be enough for an ordinary user.

There are also external chargers for selected smartphone models. They are attached to the phone case.

The disadvantage of such batteries is that they are not universal, and their cost is several times higher than the cost of a good Power Bank, which can recharge several user's phones at once.

In most cases, batteries must be selected based on such a parameter as capacity. A good external battery for a smartphone should have a capacity of at least 2500 mAh.

For a tablet, the external battery must have a capacity of 5000 mAh. These minimum capacity requirements will allow the gadget to be fully charged at least once.

The amount of current supplied by the smartphone also affects the choice of battery. Basically, all smartphones transmit a current of 1 or 2 amperes.

On the charger that comes with the smartphone, you can read the required voltage that the charging should have.

How do I charge my smartphone? To do this, simply connect your phone to an external charger using the USB cable.

The charging process will start automatically. The Power Bank itself needs to be recharged periodically. It is charged from an outlet.

Let's take a closer look at individual models of external batteries for smartphones.

By the way, you may be interested in more articles:

• How to charge and maintain a lithium-ion battery: 6 simple rules

# 1. Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 16000

Xiaomi is one of the most popular companies that produces external chargers and other types of electronics.

The package contains two micro USB adapters. Other types of cords must be purchased separately.

Battery appearance Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 16000

The capacity of this external charger is 16,000mAh.

This is enough for several flagship charges and 4-5 full charges of standard smartphones with average technical characteristics.

The external battery has two connectors. One supplies 1A of current, the other - 2A. There are also other battery options from this manufacturer: 2500 mAh, 5000 mAh and 20,000 mAh.

Average cost:2500 rubles.

# 2. ASUS ZenPower ABTU005

The capacity of this external charger is 10,050mAh. The charger was created by Asus as an accessory for Zen Phone smart devices.

Despite this, it can be used in compatibility with other smartphones, tablets and players.

Battery ASUS ZenPower ABTU005

The case has only one port for charging devices. There is also a port for charging the battery itself from the network. The port types are USB and micro USB, respectively.

Dimensions allow you to fit it into your pocket - its width and height do not exceed the size of a bank card.

The thickness is also small (1.8 cm) when compared to external chargers with the same capacity. The charging port supplies 1A of current.

Estimated cost:2,000 rubles.

Number 3. Canyon CNE-CPB100

This battery is available in two colors - black and white. Its capacity is 10,000 mAh. There are three spotlights on the case, which indicate the remaining battery charge.

Also, two USB ports are built into the case for charging user devices. The first one supplies a current of 1A, the other - 2A.

This allows you to set up efficient charging for smartphones and tablets that require different amounts of current.

average price - 1250 rubles.

No. 4. TP-LINK TL-PB10400

This external battery will cost the consumer 2,900 rubles.

Main characteristics:

1. Capacity - 10400 mAh;
2. Color - white with blue;
3. The presence of two ports for recharging (1A and 2A);
4. Weight - 241 grams.

The main feature of the device is an LED flashlight mounted in the body. When the external battery is fully charged, the flashlight will last for 6-7 hours.

No. 5. Samsung EB-PN915B

Samsung has also released a universal accessory in the form of an external charger.

Main technical characteristics:

1. One port (1A);
2. The color scheme consists of white, silver and blue;
3. One micro USB cable included;
4. Weight - 265 grams;
5. Capacity - 11 300 mAh

Estimated cost of the device - 2,500 rubles.

No. 6. Canyon CNE-CSPB26

The approximate cost of such a battery in stores is 650 rubles. It is quite simple and has rather modest characteristics.

This explains such a low cost of the device:

• The battery capacity is 2600mAh;
• Available colors: white, black and red;
• Weight - 75 grams;
• One port for charging devices (at 1A).

No. 7. Remax Proda 30000 mAh

This external battery is the best of its kind and has a very large capacity - 30,000 mAh.

Today it is one of the most powerful battery models on the world electronics market.

2 USB ports (1A, 2A) are built into the case. Also on the case there is a small display-indicator that shows the remaining battery charge.

The built-in flashlight can shine without interruption for 15 hours (review from the manufacturer).

Device cost: 3 400 rubles.

Also on the site there are articles on the topics:

No. 8. APC by Schneider Electric M10BK / WH-EC

The approximate cost of the device is 3,500 rubles. The capacity of this battery is 10,000 mAh. There is a display on the case that displays the remaining charge level.

There is the possibility of simultaneous charging of two phones (two ports for 1A and 2A). The body is made of plastic. An on / off button is mounted on the side panel of the device.

Remember! Better to periodically turn off your Power Bank. This will help keep it charged for longer.

No. 9. GP GL301

This charger can be purchased for 2,500 rubles. With it, you can simultaneously charge, for example, your smartphone and tablet.

The portable battery has a fairly good capacity (10 400 mAh), which is enough for several full charges of a tablet, player or smartphone.

main feature this device - it is equipped with a unique protection system that constantly monitors the battery temperature and prevents overheating and further damage to the device.

The weight is small and is only 260 grams, you can easily carry the battery in your pocket. The color scheme includes only two universal colors - white and black.

No. 10. Lenovo PB500

The capacity of this portable battery for mobile devices is 10,000 mAh. The input current on the first port is 1000mA and on the second port is 2100mA.

The package includes two cords for recharging devices. Weight - 255 grams.

The body design of the device is made in black. There are also charge indicators on the case.

How to choose an external battery

How to choose a Power Bank. What is Power Bank. External Battery Power Bank

A device such as Power Bank will allow you to ensure the smooth functioning of your mobile phone, smartphone or tablet. What is Power Bank used for? How to choose it?