Comparison Voltronic XM02 vs Choetech BS002

Line shape on a graph of the voltage output from a charging station. The quality of power provided by the device depends on this parameter.

— Sine wave (PSW — Pure Sine Wave). The signal is in the form of a smooth wave without sharp steps, maximally corresponding to the parameters of conventional AC networks. Charging stations with this output signal form can be used for almost any type of load, incl. for powering sensitive electronics that place high demands on the quality of the input voltage.

— Modified sine wave. In a signal similar to a sine wave, the waves on the graph are formed not by smooth lines, but by characteristic “steps” (i.e., jerks). An approximated sine wave is not suitable for powering sensitive electronics, but in general there are not so many such devices in the total number, and circuits with a modified sine wave do not require the creation of expensive and complex technical solutions. As a result, they are cheaper.

Full-size USB ports for powering and charging compatible portable devices: smartphones, tablets, flashlights, action cameras, power banks, and other devices. USB-A remains relevant thanks to the large number of cables and accessories that use this connector, so it can be useful, for example, for simultaneously charging a phone and a flashlight during a power outage.

The number of ports (1, 2, 3, and more) determines how many devices can be connected without a splitter, while the maximum power indicates the capabilities of the highest-output USB-A port: the other connectors may provide less. When several devices are connected simultaneously, the available power may also be distributed among the ports, so the actual charging speed depends on the station's output configuration and the supported standards.

USB type C ports are smaller compared to classic USB ports and have a convenient reversible design that allows connecting the plug either way. USB type C was initially created to implement various advanced features: increased power, fast charging technologies, etc.

Since the port is relatively new and quite powerful (you can find USB type C with 60W, even 100W and 140W), the total number of such connectors is often limited to one port, or sometimes two).

— Current. The maximum current delivered through the USB type C port to the device being charged. Note that different ports of a charging station may deliver different currents (for example, 1.5A and 2.1A). In such cases, the highest current is usually specified.

— Power. The maximum power in watts (W) that the charging station can deliver to one charging gadget. The high output power of the USB type C port allows for faster charging. However, the device being charged must support the corresponding power; otherwise, the speed of the process will be limited by the gadget's specifications.

Built-in cigarette lighter socket with 12 V output voltage in the design of the charging station. Such an interface is in fact a standard "car socket" used to connect various devices to the car's on-board network. The presence of a cigarette lighter socket (car outlet) allows you to use the charging station as a power source for such devices. The number of sockets in different models can be different - most often there is one cigarette lighter, but occasionally there are options for a couple of connectors.

The presence of a DC connector (or several such outputs) in the device to power external gadgets with direct current. The standard DC jack is round and has a pin in the center. However, its dimensions may differ in depth and diameter. The voltage output to the DC output may be different. The most popular options are 18 - 20 V for powering laptops, 12 V for various specialized devices and automotive electrical accessories.

The ability to charge the device from solar panels ensures the energy independence of a portable power plant. Models with this function can work completely autonomously and do not depend on outlets. Charging from the panels is implemented in the corresponding devices with portable solar panels and charging stations, which are structurally provided with specialized connectors for receiving power from stationary solar panels, and there is also a built-in MPPT charge controller (Maximum Power Point Tracking).

The ability to replenish energy reserves in the battery cells of the charging station via the USB type C connector. This port itself is small in size and has a convenient double-sided design, thanks to which the plug can be inserted in either direction. However, in charging stations it does not always work as an input interface.

Nominal battery capacity, in fact - the amount of energy that is supposed to be stored. The larger it is, the longer the battery life of the charging station will be, all other things being equal. On the other hand, this parameter also affects the dimensions, weight and price of the battery, despite the fact that an energy-intensive battery is not always required. By the indicator of capacity in watt-hours, you can compare batteries with each other.

The number of charge-discharge cycles that the battery can withstand without significant loss of performance.

In the process of operation, the batteries wear out, which causes their performance to suffer (in the first place, the capacity decreases). Battery life is usually measured in charge-discharge cycles. However, models with the same declared resource are not always equally durable in practice. Different manufacturers may interpret “significant loss of performance” in different ways: for example, one brand indicates the resource up to a 20% decrease in capacity (DOD > 80%), another - up to a 60% decrease (DOD > 40%) Behind the abbreviation DOD worth decoding Depth of Discharge, i.e. discharge depth. Therefore, when choosing, it makes sense to focus not only on pure numbers, but also on other sources - test results, reviews, etc. Also note that battery life can be noticeably reduced if the operating conditions are violated (for example, in case of overheating or hypothermia).