Power bank for the phone (power bank): what is it and how to use it

Hello dear readers! Has this ever happened to you: you need to make an urgent call, but your smartphone fails at the wrong moment and the infection is discharged? I think many people have encountered this problem. Everyone should know what it is and how to use it, because this is the ideal solution if you want to constantly be in touch and keep in touch with friends and colleagues. Below I will share the secret of how to choose the right power bank, after consulting with an expert husband)).

I use the powerbank not only outside the house, but I also take it with me to lie on the couch when it’s far from charging and I want to read, for example. Taking an ordinary book is not an option.

Capacity indicator

This indicator directly reflects the power of the power bank. The higher the battery capacity, the more times the portable battery can charge your smartphone, but the price will be more expensive.

How do you know which device is right for you? It depends on the goals. Most often, a powerbank (“bank”) is used for the following:

For charging one smartphone

To avoid boring mathematical calculations, I recommend purchasing a device that will charge your phone at least 3 times. The battery capacity should be approximately 10,000 mAh.

Principle of operation

A power bank consists of a battery installed inside a waterproof casing made of metal or plastic. The device is equipped with a controller that controls the processes of charging and discharging batteries.

The batteries are connected into a common bank using a parallel circuit, which increases the capacity. On the end cover there are connectors for switching external consumers and control LEDs are mounted that display the charge level of the built-in batteries.

The operating principle of the external charger is based on the transfer of accumulated electricity. When the connection cable is connected, charging is activated automatically; some devices are equipped with a power button.

The design of the unit includes a protective module that is triggered in the event of a short circuit or overload. Since lithium polymer cells are sensitive to overheating, a temperature sensor is used. When the temperature rises above the permissible limit, the power bank automatically turns off.

Pay attention to details

Ports

When purchasing a device, make sure that the number of USB ports is two. It is very comfortable. Just imagine that you will be able to charge two smartphones at once through a power bank - yours and a friend’s phone.

Current

The current at each port must be at least 2A, otherwise they sell chargers with two ports, but one is 2A, and the second is 1A - you can’t charge a smartphone in the second.

Brand

Do not buy power banks from unknown companies. Most often, such companies produce low-quality products with terrible USB connectors. Do you want to purchase a high-quality and durable device? Then buy them only from reputable brands.

Popular companies never skimp on their parts. Therefore, in order not to get into trouble, be careful and careful.

Indicator

More and more popular models are being produced with a built-in indicator. Agree that this is very convenient - on a small screen you can see the percentage of charge of your device.

Of course, the presence of indicators is an optional condition for purchase. If you have chosen the most ordinary model, without additional functions, then purchase such a power bank. The main thing is that you like everything.

Frame

The body does not play an important role, it simply serves an aesthetic function. Typically the materials are as follows:

• Plastic. Feels good in the hand. Slightly lighter in weight and will not scratch other things in the bag;
• Metal. Such a case is much stronger than a plastic one, however, we are interested in the “filling”, not the appearance;
• SoftTouch coating. In stores you can find a lot of devices with just such a coating. It has a slightly rough feel to the touch, which provides a stronger grip. Is this case durable? Enough. But this does not mean that it can be thrown onto the asphalt.

Remember that with any equipment you need to be careful and careful, like with a small child.

What is power bank

First of all, let's find out what kind of device it is, what it is needed for and how to use it. If our phone's battery is low, we plug the gadget into a power outlet and charge it. But the outlet is not the only source of energy. In a car, for example, this function is performed by the battery and the car's generator. Having the appropriate adapter, the same mobile phone or tablet can be charged from them.

Power bank (literally - energy storage, English) is essentially an ordinary battery. But not a car one, but specifically designed for charging mobile devices. That is, I connected the gadget to it and charged it. A sort of “ambulance” that can revive a mobile device if there is no outlet nearby.

If there is no outlet nearby, then the mobile device can be charged from a power bank using a regular USB cable

Are additional features needed?

Today, most manufacturers offer a huge range of their products. Many of them are equipped with additional functions, for example:

• Wi-Fi modules;
• Flashlight;
• Card readers;
• Memory cards and so on.

But how much are they really needed? It depends on personal preference. Everyone decides for themselves.

Charging from the sun

Do you want something unusual and original for your phone other than a power bank? Then pay attention to portable batteries that are charged from the sun's rays. This purchase will be useful for those who love pleasant summer hikes, where they can relax with a tent and have fun with friends. Just remember that weather conditions can be very different - rain or hail.

Disadvantages of such power banks:

• Relatively heavy weight;
• If you leave a lithium battery in the open sun for a long time, it may even explode, but if the solar battery is remote, there is nothing to be afraid of;
• They have low power;
• It takes much longer to charge a smartphone.

Power banks that charge in the sun can be purchased at various prices: from 1000 to 6000 rubles. You can also find capacious portable power stations with a solar panel. True, the cost of such a unit will be much higher - from 20,000 to 40,000 rubles.

Criterias of choice

You should choose a Powerbank based on the purpose of your purchase. When selecting a model, the following parameters are taken into account:

Battery Type

Mobile power supplies with several types of batteries are available on sale:

• Lithium-ion. They are distinguished by low self-discharge, high capacity, affordable price, and balanced consumer characteristics. LiIon batteries cannot withstand deep overdischarge, charging at high voltage, or mechanical contacts. During long-term storage, the capacity of such batteries is significantly reduced.
• Lithium polymer batteries are a new type of battery with increased capacity in a more compact size. The power bank can be operated at low and high air temperatures. The disadvantage is the possibility of fire during prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Capacity

Capacity is a parameter that allows you to evaluate the main capabilities of the model. Before purchasing, decide for what purpose you need a Powerbank:

A device for checking the capacity of a power bank.

• For smartphones, speakers, and other portable devices with similar power consumption, a capacity of 10,000 mAh is sufficient. The advantage is size and weight. This Power Bank will fit into your purse or pocket and will not cause any inconvenience during the working day.
• To provide power to laptops, tablets, and other energy-intensive devices, a model with a capacity of 20,000+ mAh is selected. The weight of the power bank (400-500 grams) does not allow you to carry it in your pocket. The devices are suitable for carrying in backpacks. Sometimes the manufacturer offers a special bag for transportation.

It is recommended to choose a power bank using the formula – electronics battery capacity*3.

Current strength

Power banks are divided into 3 categories:

• 1 Amp. The current is sufficient to charge low-power devices with small-capacity batteries. Such models are rarely found on sale.
• 1.5-2 Amperes. The current strength that can quickly charge a smartphone corresponds to a standard power supply. As a rule, such models have several ports - one for charging a smartphone, the other for low-power devices.
• 2-4 Amps. Increased power allows you to charge tablets, laptops, and other mobile equipment with increased energy consumption. Power banks are equipped with an electronic current limiter. Sometimes there is a mechanical switch that allows you to adjust the charging parameters.

Charging method

Four methods are used to replenish the energy of the power bank:

• Communication cable. Using the USB port, you can connect the battery to a computer or laptop.
• Power adapter. Connecting to a 220 V AC power network allows you to quickly charge the device. For a device with a capacity of 5,000 mAh, a 1 amp power supply is sufficient. Larger batteries require adapters designed for a current of 2-2.5 amperes.
• Solar battery. There are power banks on sale with a built-in solar battery. Using renewable energy sources, you can significantly increase the battery life of connected devices, which is important during long hikes and expeditions.
• Car cigarette lighter. The standard electrical network of the vehicle is used for switching. The connection is made through the cigarette lighter using an adapter.

Solar powered power bank.
The charging process is often displayed on control indicators located on the body of the Power Bank.

Ports

Basic models of autonomous power supplies are equipped with one USB type connector, USB Type-C, designed to charge one device. The mid-level powerbank has 2-3 communication connectors designed for simultaneous charging of several devices.

Types of power bank ports.

When purchasing a power bank, it is important to take into account the technical features of the devices that you plan to charge. The manufacturer of the external battery is also important. Top brands strictly adhere to the declared capacity, install high-quality batteries that can operate for 2-3 years without a drop in capacity. On the contrary, cheap Chinese models quickly break down, do not have the declared power, and can sometimes damage the electronics being charged.

Where can I buy?

You can purchase power banks at various electronics stores. In this case, you will be issued a guarantee. If the device becomes unusable, repairing it will not be difficult. This option will be ideal for those who plan to buy an external battery from well-known companies, for example, ASUS or Samsung.

Here are a few sites where you can order online :

• Online store Ozone. Promo code OZONJ23216 will give you 300 points for your first order.
• Yandex Market.

Can I buy a power bank on Chinese sites?

You can easily purchase it in Chinese online stores, in particular on Aliexpress. The cost will be much lower, but there are a couple of disadvantages :

• In the event of a breakdown, you will not have any warranty receipt. Just think - you will have to send a broken product to the seller at your own expense. Does anyone need such troubles? It is much easier to purchase a new battery than to waste energy and nerves on restoring the old one;
• The goods may be shipped within a month. If you need a power bank very urgently, then you are unlikely to be pleased with your purchase on Aliexpress.

But don't think that everything is so bad. There are also some positive aspects .

• When purchasing a product through the Epn cashback service, the online store will provide you with a discount of up to 8% on each purchase. Agree – it’s a small thing, but it’s nice.
• In addition, Chinese stores usually do not oblige the client to pay for delivery - another good news.

I was glad to share useful information with you. I am sure that now you know absolutely everything about power banks! It is especially convenient to use portable charging on airplanes (but it is worth considering that they are not allowed on board with power banks with a capacity higher than 20,000 mAh , and the power bank must be marked), on a train, or far from civilization and the benefits of humanity.

If the power bank device does not charge, try taking it to a repair shop or to someone familiar with a soldering station. Maybe he can still be saved.

Now you don’t have to worry about your phone running out of charge, because you’ll have a reliable life partner at hand. To make it easier for you to work with an external battery, carefully read the instructions and look at a review of the model on the Internet. Subscribe to the blog and share information with friends on social networks. See you very soon, happily ever after!

Power banks with wireless charging

Wireless charging in a power bank is a great solution

The only thing better than a power bank is a power bank with wireless charging . I have criticized this method more than once, but sometimes it is really convenient. For example, when there is only one wire, but there are several devices. And if you are still using a smartphone without Qi, then be sure to read our article on how to add wireless charging to any smartphone. In any case, buying such a device is an excellent solution for all occasions.

Cheap but cool: it became known what the new Pixel 6a will be like

Look for a power bank for all occasions

Often manufacturers try to stand out by using some special features, here are some of them.

A solar battery is a useless option: you can’t charge the “bank” with it, at most you can protect against self-discharge in non-operating mode (and even then it’s very, very unlikely).

Protection from water and dust is not a stupid thing, but it is also of little use. It is clear that if you intend to charge smartphones on the beach or by the pool, then protection may come in handy. But we don’t recommend taking “off-road” batteries for every day: they are most often larger and heavier than regular ones.

Flashlight... But a flashlight is different from a flashlight. There are flashlights of the “flash from a smartphone” level, and they are of little use. With the same success, you can illuminate it with the smartphone itself. And there are batteries with powerful built-in flashlights, and they shine so brightly that you can safely read a book in a dark room by the light of the “bank”. If the electricity in your home is regularly cut off, this option can be very useful.

How to take care of powerbank

Proper use of a power bank will not only extend its life but also reduce the risk of accidents. It is enough that you remember a few simple rules.

The most important principles regarding the use of powerbank:

1. Use the original cable supplied.
2. Try to do complete charge-discharge cycles.
3. Do not leave the device in a completely discharged state for a long period of time.
4. Store in a dry place and at room temperature.
5. Do not leave connected to the power supply all night.
6. Use powerbank at least once a month.
7. Do not expose the device to high or low temperatures.
8. Keep the device and its accessories out of the reach of children and animals.

Conducted on aluminum

Different people have different attitudes towards damaging the appearance of their gadgets. Some people, for example, don’t care about scratches and abrasions at all (we envy such comrades, yeah). And yet: batteries in aluminum cases quickly lose their original appearance, becoming covered with scratches, dents, and so on. Here, for example, is a chip on the body of an aluminum “can”:

We usually treat batteries with less tenderness than smartphones, and we throw them into bags and backpacks with a bunch of hard objects. That's it, as they say. Yes, you can put a case on the “bank” (for example, Xiaomi offers this for additional money - see photo below), but... It’s somehow inelegant and strange, don’t you think?

In short, aluminum and metal batteries look very decent, but they lose their presentation at the speed of sound. If you don't care, take this model. You will not regret. If you suffer from every scratch, then good old plastic will probably be better. It’s harder to “punch” it in your bag.

Go for a cheap external battery on AliExpress

It is clear that the temptation to order a battery with a capacity of 10,000 mAh and a price of just 500 rubles from China from the first seller you come across will be very strong. But it’s better to get over yourself and go to the store. And not in an underground passage, where exactly the same goods are sold from AliExpress (but with a markup), but in some more or less large one. And pay a couple of thousand there for a battery of similar capacity.

Why shouldn't you buy cheap power banks on AliExpress? There are several reasons. First: from China, for that kind of money, in 99% of cases they will send you a product of extremely low quality and low reliability. This in itself is unpleasant, but the battery is also a fire hazard. A battery assembled with your feet may one day catch fire, after which the day will immediately cease to be wonderful.

And you shouldn’t point at smartphones: they say, batteries in Chinese smartphones don’t explode! Indeed, such cases are rare. However, you need to understand that creating a smartphone is somewhat more difficult than creating an external battery. And Chinese factories producing smartphones (even very cheap and low-grade ones) still monitor quality a little better and have more engineering skills than factories churning out external batteries.

The photo below shows the result of an explosion of a Chinese “bank” in the user’s pocket:

The second reason: instead of the promised 10,000 mAh, such an ultra-cheap Chinese battery will most likely actually have 7,000 mAh. Or 5000. And in especially advanced cases, even 2000. (And this is the nominal capacity, but in reality it is still somewhat more complicated, which we will discuss below.)

Well, third: the above-mentioned “overpayment” (a couple of thousand rubles in a store instead of five hundred on AliExpress) is not an overpayment, but simply a normal payment for a high-quality external battery of 10,000 mAh with a guarantee from the supplier and a service life of several years. Everything that is cheaper is from the evil one.

Forget to look for the indicator

Some overly economical battery manufacturers do not equip them with charge indicators at all. Which is very bad - just go figure out whether the battery is charged or is almost empty. Therefore, when purchasing, we recommend that you look to see if there is at least some kind of indicator on the case. He could be like this...

...like this...

or even like this:

The fact is that it should be. Otherwise - torment and inconvenience.