Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Perfect Power Bank: A Clear Explanation

In today’s world, many of us suffer from “battery anxiety” with our smartphones. Whenever we step out, carrying a power bank becomes a necessity to avoid that uneasy feeling of running out of battery. And trust me, a dead power bank can be a nightmare.

Some power banks seem to drain incredibly fast after a few uses, leaving you stranded when you need them the most.

Choosing the right power bank involves considering various factors. Initially, I was clueless about these factors and made random choices. It took a few disappointments for me to learn and accumulate some valuable experience. Below, I’ve listed the key indicators and steps to consider when selecting a power bank:

1. Capacity The capacity of power banks typically ranges from 800mAh to 27,000mAh. For most people, these numbers might not mean much. You might feel like a power bank won’t charge your device many times. However, this depends on the energy conversion efficiency of the power bank.

The energy conversion rate of power banks is generally around 65%. Considering that smartphone battery capacities typically range from 3000mAh to 5000mAh, the larger the capacity, the more charges you can get. For instance, a 10,000mAh power bank should be able to fully charge your phone at least once.

To determine if a power bank’s capacity rating is accurate, keep an eye on the battery levels. A 10,000mAh power bank should almost provide a 1:1 charge ratio—each drop in the power bank’s battery level should correspond to a rise in the phone’s battery level. Be cautious of power banks that only display battery levels in increments of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, as this might be a tactic to conceal discrepancies in capacity.

Currently, most power banks available are either 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh. Train travel usually restricts carrying power banks below 10,000mAh, while for flights, the limit is 20,000mAh. For convenience, I opt for the 10,000mAh variant since I travel by train more frequently than by plane.

2. Battery Cells Many safety incidents and power bank malfunctions are related to the quality of battery cells, so this is an aspect you can’t overlook.

Common battery cell types include the 18650 lithium-ion cell and polymer lithium-ion cell.

The 18650 lithium-ion cell, also known as cylindrical batteries, is widely used and cost-effective. However, standard lithium-ion batteries use steel packaging, which poses some safety risks, particularly from overcharging or over-discharging.

On the other hand, polymer lithium-ion cells are lighter, charge faster, and use flexible packaging, enhancing safety. However, they are more expensive and less commonly used.

3. Fast Charging Protocols Before, I had no idea about fast charging protocols and their significance. So, what exactly are they for?

In simple terms, fast charging protocols are technologies that determine whether your charging adapter or cable can deliver power to your phone. Some charging cables may charge different phones, while others may not.

As of now, there’s still no universal fast charging protocol, and some protocols remain undisclosed. This is why some phones can only be charged with original accessories, while others cannot.

For example, Apple uses the PD (Power Delivery) protocol, which is open-source, allowing Apple chargers to be compatible with various devices. PD is also widely adopted by other manufacturers.

Huawei and Honor smartphones use the FCP/SCP protocol, which is compatible with both brands.

VIVO employs Flash Charge, a proprietary protocol, so it’s advisable to use original accessories.

OPPO utilizes the VOOC protocol, another proprietary fast charging protocol, emphasizing the use of original accessories.

4. Brand Opting for reputable brands ensures you have post-purchase support. At least you know the brand isn’t a fly-by-night operation and won’t vanish after your first purchase.

Conclusion: