Power banks or portable chargers are one best thing that ever happened in the smartphone technology. Whether you’re a traveler or somebody who always spends the day outdoors, portable chargers are the best phone accessory that you can invest in.
From emailing, picture taking, and navigating, your phone’s battery plummets into single-digit territory with no outlet in sight. Luckily, you can now power your phone from your pocket. And to help you pick out the perfect portable charger that’s right for you, here are some things that you need to consider before you head to the nearest mobile phone accessory shop.
- Size. Portable chargers come in all shapes, dimensions, and weight. If you’re used to carrying around your keys, wallet, and phone in your pockets, you probably don’t want to add a bulky power bank to the mix. However, if you could literally fit it in your wallet, you just might be on board.
- Battery Capacity. You’ll want to determine how much power you need and how often you’ll want to charge your power bank. If you’re just looking for a power bank to keep your bag in case of emergencies, a power bank under 5,000 mAh will suffice. If you want to be able to use your power bank multiple times before having to recharge it, aim for one with more than 10,00 mAh. If you’re to a camping or fishing with all your electronic devices in tow, you’re going to need a beast of a power bank. You’re also going to want the external battery to support charging multiple devices at once and be compatible with other gadgets like iPads or laptops.
- USB Ports. The more ports the power bank has, the more devices you can charge. Many chargers come with 2 ports: one 1A port and one 2.1A port.
- Charging Output. Most portable chargers will come with either a 1A or 2.1A output port or both. These numbers denote the maximum rate of charging in amps. So the higher the amperage, the faster the device will charge assuming it’s compatible. A 1A output port is suitable for most smartphones whereas older phones require a 0.5A port. Tablets, iPads require a 2.1A output for optimal charging. Power banks capable of charging laptops will likely come with a 3A port.
- Casing and Material. If you plan on using your external battery pack outdoors, you’ll want to choose one made of durable materials like aluminum or silicone.
- Additional Functionality. Depending on your travel habits, some portable chargers also have multiple features or functions like Bluetooth, Built-in Cases, and Solar Powered power banks.