What features should I look for in a portable power bank for my smartphone? Also, please suggest a few models.
— Anjalee, K Biswas, Merwyn Fernandes, Purab Sharma
Before you step out to buy an external rechargeable battery pack, consider...
Lithium-polymer or Lithium-ion?
Of the two, li-polymer cells are more energy-efficient and lightweight. On the other hand, li-ion cells are easily available, and are cheaper of the two technologies. Always opt for the former if your budget allows for it.
Capacity?
Battery capacity is measured in mAh (milliAmp/hrs). So if you're looking for a charger for your tablet and smartphone, we'd recommend capacities in excess of 5,000mAh. Also, rechargeable batteries offer around 80% efficiency, so it's always better to pick a higher capacity than what you require. Buy 7,000mAh if you need 5,000mAh (check phone battery for capacity details).
1A OR 2.1A?
One ampere is enough to charge most smartphones. However, some devices and tablets require 2.1A. So check your device's charging needs before buying (see charger for details).
Sony CP-F 2LSA (Rs 4,400): 7,000mAh li-polymer battery, two charging ports (2.1A)
Verbatim MB8000VZ1 (Rs 3,400): 8,000mAh li-polymer battery, two charging ports (2.2A)
Cooler Master PowerFort (Rs 2,300): 6,000mAh li-ion battery, one charging port (1A), LED torch
Eveready UM 52 Power Bank (Rs 2,000): 5,200mAh li-ion battery, two charging ports (2.2A)
Portronics Charge One (Rs 1,600): 5,200mAh li-polymer battery, one charging port (1A)
— Anjalee, K Biswas, Merwyn Fernandes, Purab Sharma
Before you step out to buy an external rechargeable battery pack, consider...
Lithium-polymer or Lithium-ion?
Of the two, li-polymer cells are more energy-efficient and lightweight. On the other hand, li-ion cells are easily available, and are cheaper of the two technologies. Always opt for the former if your budget allows for it.
Capacity?
Battery capacity is measured in mAh (milliAmp/hrs). So if you're looking for a charger for your tablet and smartphone, we'd recommend capacities in excess of 5,000mAh. Also, rechargeable batteries offer around 80% efficiency, so it's always better to pick a higher capacity than what you require. Buy 7,000mAh if you need 5,000mAh (check phone battery for capacity details).
1A OR 2.1A?
One ampere is enough to charge most smartphones. However, some devices and tablets require 2.1A. So check your device's charging needs before buying (see charger for details).
Sony CP-F 2LSA (Rs 4,400): 7,000mAh li-polymer battery, two charging ports (2.1A)
Verbatim MB8000VZ1 (Rs 3,400): 8,000mAh li-polymer battery, two charging ports (2.2A)
Cooler Master PowerFort (Rs 2,300): 6,000mAh li-ion battery, one charging port (1A), LED torch
Eveready UM 52 Power Bank (Rs 2,000): 5,200mAh li-ion battery, two charging ports (2.2A)
Portronics Charge One (Rs 1,600): 5,200mAh li-polymer battery, one charging port (1A)
