Power Banks: What You Must Know

Just because you realise you need back-up doesn’t mean just any power bank is your solution. People often do not know what they are purchasing or should purchase, so they develop unrealistic expectations and complain when such expectations are not met.  

Here are some essential things to consider before buying that power bank:

Capacity power and output power

The two main qualities to consider are the ‘Capacity Power’, which is indicated in milli-Ampere per hour (mAh), and the ‘Output Power’ measured in ampere (Amp). The former helps to determine how much back-up power you can get in terms of recharge frequencies, while the latter tells you how fast your device can be charged.  

The capacity power of most power banks available in the market currently ranges from 1500mAh to 12,000mAh. So, if you use a mobile device with battery power of 2500mAh, you will need a power bank two to three times as powerful to get good value for your money.

Beware of counterfeits! Some lesser-known brands are offering 20,000mAh to 50,000mAh but there is no way to verify their claim.

Also Read: There’s no better time to get an iPhone

They are as efficient as their capacities

If you desire multiple and sustainable recharge possibilities, then go for the ones with high capacities. For example, if your device has a 4000mAh battery, purchasing a 2000mAh power bank will short-change and frustrate you because it will only recharge your device up to 50%. But if you purchase a 10,000mAh power bank, you can charge your device two and a half times on one full charge. That is great value for money.

Its capacity is reflected in its weight

Generally, the higher the capacity, the weightier it is. Power banks with 1500mAh will ideally weigh less than some with 4000mAh or more battery capacity.

Here are some other important things to know about power banks:

• The rate of recharge becomes slower in proportion to the number of devices you are recharging at once. So, buy power banks with at most two USB ports for the best result.

Also Read: Things to consider when buying an Android phone

• Be wary of power banks with too many extra features. They are becoming more sophisticated with features like flash-lights and multiple USB ports, etc. The question is: how important are these extra features to the efficiency of the it and its user?

• It is not advisable to purchase products that simply have ‘power bank’ inscribed on them with no brand name. We may not get the guarantee we desire with branded power banks. But buying unbranded ones is like dealing with the bigger devil in this case.

• Its capacity should ideally match its price tag. Be extra careful when the price tag is too good to be true. For example, if you buy 20,000mAh for less than ₦4,000, be almost certain you just bought a counterfeit product!

• Power banks that provide only the basic back-up and recharge functions are more reliable than those offering too many added features. There is nothing wrong in a product with multiple functions, but it is safer to deal with those who focus on the core function of power back-up.

• Products with manageable and realistic capacities are better. The ideal range of effective and efficient ones are usually between 1500mAh to about 12,000mAh. Be suspicious of power banks with capacities beyond that. Do extra research before buying them.

• If taking risk is not in your nature, stick with known brands such as Samsung, Infinix, Tecno etc. These brands have already earned the market’s trust, though some would disagree and rather stick to brands primarily known for power banks as against brands who have diversified into other areas.

Share your #UserXperience to help identify more features power banks have and what new ways to identify counterfeits these days.