To avoid running out of battery on your device. You need a power bank. The power bank is a portable charger that helps to power up devices quickly anywhere. Well, choosing the best power bank for your need, is a daunting task.
There are many brands in the market that offer different types of power banks and different specifications. Also, the power bank comes at different sizes, capacities, features, and prices. Also, smartphones, tablets, and small devices have different battery specifications.
Thus, the power bank should have the capability to charge your device with the required output power. For example, if your smartphone requires a 9v-2A power supply. Then the power bank must have the ability to charge the device with 9v-2A output power. Otherwise, it does not charge your device effectively.
Is good to choose the right power for your smartphones or devices.
So, let’s dive in deeper.
Guide to picking the right power bank for your device.
1. Match the charge capacities with a device.
First of all, think about which device you are going to charge, are you going to buy a power bank for a smartphone or tablet? Because tablets require more charging and capacity than smartphones. You need to buy power banks that match the specification of your device.
There are lots of power banks available in the market with different capacities and sizes- 5,000mAh, 10,000 mAh, and 20,000 mAh. Consider that the power bank should have the same size battery or more as your device. So that the device receives a full charge at least once.
The power bank output plays a vital role for devices. The regular power bank offers a 1 amp supply output to your device. If you have a smartphone or device that supports more than 1 amp input charge. Then buy the power bank that has a greater than 1amp output rate.
For instance, if your devices support 5V/2.1 amp charging then buy the power banks that offer the 5/2.1amp output.
Wireless charger: nowadays most smartphones come with wireless chargers. If you are using a smartphone that supports wireless charging then consider buying the power bank that has wireless charging.
2. The capacity of the power bank
In the market, the power bank is available in different capacities such as 5000mAh, 10000mAh and 20000. You know that all devices come with different battery capacities. If you use a power bank to charge a tablet, you need a large capacity battery. Smartphones, on the other hand, require less battery power than tablets. If you are using a 3500mAh device, you should choose a power bank with a capacity of 10000mAh or more. thus, you will get twice the power for your device.
Suppose the company is selling a power bank that has a 10,000mAh battery. Do not think that the power bank offers an output of 10,000mAh, instead of an output of 10,000mAh, the power bank offers you a power juice of 7400 mAh (3.7x 10000/5)
3. Power bank output efficiency
As above mentioned, the power bank comes with different capacities such as 5000mAh, 7000mAh, 10000mAh and 20000mAh. Most of the users believe that the power bank offers the same charging as mentioned in the specs. But actually, they don’t get the full power juice from the power bank, So, consider you will only get ⅔ output from the power bank.
For example, it is believed that a power bank with a capacity of 10000 mAh will charge a 3500 mAh smartphone 2.8 times. But they ignore the important thing. That is the loss of power. Actually, the 10000 mAh power bank will offer you only 7,400 mAh output. means ⅔ of the actual output.
For a 10,000mAh power bank – 3.7 X 10,000 / 5 = 7,400 mAh
So the 3.7V 10,000 mAh power bank actually only delivers 7,400 mAh output on a 5V USB connection. Therefore, before buying a power bank, consider that the power bank must have the ability to charge your phone at least twice.
4. Power bank Input charging support:
Power banks come with a larger battery and also require recharging. Charging the power bank itself takes a few hours or more. Having support for fast charging to the power bank takes less time.
Most power banks are equipped with 2.1 amp charging stands. But nowadays, power banks have a fast-charging function. So consider buying a fast charging power bank. It is good for the user to have a type C port in the power bank which then helps the power bank to charge quickly.
5. Safety and layers
When it comes to safety, you need to think about the protection layers and circuit design in the power bank. Modern power banks are equipped with protection levels such as short circuits, short circuit control, temperature control, and input and output overvoltage protection.
Safety & power is the most important thing. Because some users are not aware of the technical specifications of the power bank & even they do not know how to charge the power bank. Make sure the power bank has good levels of protection or safety protection. such as short circuit, short circuit control, temperature control, and input-output over-voltage protection.
The layers of protection help the power bank reduce the risk of exploration.
Here are the three reasons that can lead the power bank to explode
A. Poor Battery Quality: The power bank function depends on the quality of the battery. Therefore, the power bank must have a quality battery. This is the most important factor that can cause a battery to explode.
The batteries with good quality cost more to the manufacturers. Hence some of the companies use the cheaper Lithium-ion batteries to cut the production cost of the power bank. This creates a potential risk to their safety. Most companies used Lithium-ion batteries & Lithium-Polymer batteries for power banks that are good for power banks.
B. In-capable Circuit Design: The internal circuit design of the power bank is another reason for the explosion. the performance of the power bank can be affected by the internal circuit design. A good circuit design ensures that the power bank is equipped with circuit protection, which is important for the security of the power bank.
This protection includes short circuit, Short circuit control, temperature control, input, and output overvoltage protection. If the circuit design does not comply with battery safety standards, there is an increased risk of power bank explosion.
C. Improper Usage: Improper use of the power bank is one of the factors which cause the power bank to explode.
Why the power bank explodes.
Improper handling of the battery can expose the battery to high temperatures and other hazardous environments. Spilling water on the battery or accidentally placing it in a heated place can lead to unfortunate accidents.
The battery will be overcharged, especially if the power bank does not have a power protection feature with a battery.
6. Build Quality & Material Used For The Power Bank
The ABS or metal body is the best choice for the power bank. So consider the power bank built with this material. The body material is matters because the material makes them lightweight and looks good
7. Lithium-ion vs Lithium Polymer
There are two types of batteries available in the market- Lithium-ion, and Lithium-polymer. The question comes to mind: Which is the best? Lithium-ion or Lithium-polymer.
A lithium-ion battery cell is a type of rechargeable battery made of lithium-ion. On the other hand, Lithium polymer battery cells are packaged in a soft pouch that weighs less than lithium-ion cells.
Lithium-ion power banks | Lithium-polymer power banks | |
Energy density | High | Lower |
Explosion risk | Expected to explode on overcharge | Safer from explosion |
Aging | Loss of capacity over time, even when not in use | Short life |
Size and weight | Little heavy and thick | Lightweight and compact size |
Price | Lowest price | Expensive |
Conversion Rate | 85% to 95% | 75% to 95% |
As per the table above, the advantages of Lithium-polymer batteries are more and it comes with safe protection and compact size which makes the power bank better.
Lithium polymer is expensive but it is a better choice the Lithium-ion batteries.
8. The Number of Ports, Size & Weight
When you buy the power bank consider having two output USB ports and must have Type-C ports. Type-C is the latest technology that supports fast charging. Two USB ports help you charge two devices at the same time, so consider buying a power bank that has at least two USB ports.
The power bank should be light and compact in size. It makes it easy to carry anywhere, you can also keep it in your pocket or bag. Lithium-polymer batteries make the power bank lighter and smaller, therefore consider buying a lithium-polymer power bank.
I hope this article will help choose the best power bank for your device.
Also Read: Best power banks under Rs.1,000.
Thank You and have a good day.
