Real capacity
The real capacity of the power bank.
Real capacity is the amount of energy that a power bank is able to transfer to rechargeable gadgets. This amount is inevitably lower than the nominal capacity (see above) — most often by about 1.6 times (due to the fact that part of the energy goes to additional features and transmission losses). However, it is by real capacity that it is easiest to evaluate the actual capabilities of an external battery: for example, if this figure is 6500 mAh, this model is guaranteed to be enough for two full charges of a smartphone with a 3000 mAh battery and smartwatches for 250 mAh.
The capacity in this case is indicated for 5 V — the standard USB charging voltage. At the same time, the features of milliamp-hours as a unit of capacity are such that the actual amount of energy in the battery depends not only on the number of mAh, but also on the operating voltage. In fact, this means that when using fast charging technologies (see below) that involve increased voltage, the actual value of the actual capacity will differ from the claimed one (it will be lower). There are formulas and methods for calculating this value, they can be found in special sources.
USB-A
The total number of
USB-A ports for charging connected gadgets. This type is gradually being replaced by USB type C, however, most models still use USB-A as the main output. This is also indicated by the number of corresponding ports. Classic are
2 USB-A outputs. However, there are also compact
models for 1 output, and more impressive ones with
3 and
4 USB-A(even more).
Power output (all ports)
The total charge power provided by the power bank on all connectors overnight - when devices are connected simultaneously to all charging ports.
This parameter is given due to the fact that the total charge power does not always correspond to the sum of the maximum powers of all available ports. The built-in battery of a power bank often has its own limitation on the output power. Therefore, for example, in a model with two 18 W USB ports, each total charge power can be the same 18 W. Note that the distribution of power among the connectors may be different: in some models it is divided equally, in others it is divided in proportion to the maximum current strength (if it differs on different ports). These nuances should be clarified using the detailed characteristics of the charging connectors.
If you plan to regularly use all power bank connectors at once, you should pay attention to this indicator.
USB type С
USB type C is a popular type of USB connector characterized by its small size, reversible design, and fairly advanced (in theory) capabilities. If there are several connectors of this type, the first one is considered to be capable of delivering more power.
It is characterized by the rated power supplied by the power bank when a load is connected to the first or only
USB type C output and the current strength. The speed of the charging process directly depends on the power. It is traditionally calculated by multiplying the current by the voltage; However, the standard voltage for USB power is 5 V, so current is considered to be the main indicator of power.
The magnitude of the charging current directly determines the power supplied to the device being charged - and, accordingly, the maximum speed of the process (in practice, it may be lower if the device being charged has strict restrictions on the charge current). Power is also determined by the supply voltage (the number of watts is calculated by multiplying amperes by volts); While the standard USB output voltage is 5V, many fast charging technologies (see below) use higher voltages. Therefore, in the notes to this paragraph, the maximum power on the USB type C connector is also indicated.
As for specific values, the most popular option for USB type C outputs in modern power banks is
3 A. There are also other values - both sma
...ller ( 2.4 A, 2.1 A and 2 A) and larger ones - but noticeably less frequently.USB A
A standard
USB A port is characterized by the rated power supplied by the power bank when a load is connected to the first or only USB A output and the current strength. If there are several connectors of this type, the first one is considered to be capable of delivering more power.
The speed of the charging process directly depends on this indicator. Power is traditionally calculated by multiplying current by voltage; However, the standard voltage for USB power is 5 V, so current is considered to be the main indicator of power.
The charging power and, accordingly, the speed of the process depend on the current strength. Nowadays, on USB ports, a current of
2 A or
2.1 A is considered basic and quite modest,
2.4 A and
2.5 A are average,
3 A and
more are noticeably above average, and certain fast charging technologies allow you to achieve values of
4 A. 4.5 A and
5 A. However, it is worth considering that to operate at high current, such an opportunity must be provided not only in the power bank, but also in the gadget being charged. So when purchasing a model, it doesn’t hurt to check whether the devices being charged suppo
...rt high charge currents.
It is also worth noting two nuances associated with the presence of multiple USB charging ports. Firstly, they may differ in the current they produce. This allows you to select the optimal connector for each device: for example, to quickly charge a tablet with a capacious battery, it is desirable to have a higher current, and a device with a low charging current can be connected to a “weaker” port, so as not to create unnecessary load on the battery and controller. The second caveat is that if all USB connectors are used simultaneously, the current supplied by each of these connectors may be lower than the maximum; in other words, not all power banks allow you to simultaneously use USB ports at the maximum possible power. You can understand whether such a possibility exists by looking at the charge power (see below); if the charge power is not indicated, you should refer to detailed documentation from the manufacturer.Power bank charge current via USB
Nominal charge current supported by the power bank when charging its own battery via microUSB, USB type C, or Lightning (see "Battery charging inputs").
This is the maximum and, in fact, the recommended power bank charge current. If the amperes supplied by the power source exceed this value, the charge current will still be limited by the built-in controller to avoid overloading. And using a charger with a lower output current, in turn, will lead to an increase in charging time.
Data on the charge current via USB (Lightning) is especially important due to the fact that modern power banks are usually not equipped with their own chargers for these inputs, and energy sources must be separate. On the other hand, if a high charging speed is not critical for you, you can ignore this parameter: any USB connector is suitable as a power source for the corresponding power bank inputs.
Features
Additional functions and features provided in the design of the power bank. Such features may include, but are not limited to,
an info display, a
USB hub mode, a photocell for
solar charging, a lighting source (
flashlight or
lamp), and a
shock -resistant body. Here's a more detailed description of each of these options:
— Info display. Own display installed on the power bank body. As a rule, it has a simple LCD matrix capable of displaying 2 - 3 characters and, in some cases, individual special icons. However, even such a screen provides a lot of additional information, makes it easier to manage the power bank and monitor its status.
— USB hub. Possibility of working as a USB hub (splitter). In this mode, the external battery’s own USB connectors act as USB inputs of a PC or laptop to which the power bank is connected. The connection itself, as a rule, is also carried out using the USB standard, and the battery can be charged. This function is convenient primarily because it allows you to use one USB port simultaneously to charge the power bank and connect a peripheral device (or even several). However, it does not hurt to make sure that the power supply of this port is sufficient to provide all these functions; and the charging speed may be quite slo
...w. If the power bank is fully charged, it can also be useful as a classic USB hub: to increase the number of ports available for connecting peripherals, and also as a kind of remote USB extension cable (for example, if there is a free USB port only on the rear panel of the system unit, which is difficult to get to).
- Flashlight. In this case, a flashlight means a built-in light source of relatively low power, usually directional (as opposed to the lamp described below). Such a source performs an auxiliary function; it can be useful, for example, for illuminating the road at night, for short-term illumination in a dark room (basement, cellar), etc.
- Lamp. Built-in light source, usually in the form of an oblong panel of several LEDs; such a panel can be made folding. Unlike flashlights (see above), lamps provide not directional, but diffused light, which has a shorter range, but covers a larger space. Such lighting can be useful, for example, for reading, for illuminating a room during a power outage, and even for creating a certain atmosphere.
- Shock protection. Enhanced protection against impacts and shocks. The specific degree of such protection may vary; it should be clarified according to the official characteristics; however, most models in this category are capable of at least transferring a fall from a height of about 1 - 1.2 m onto a flat hard surface without consequences. Well, in any case, such devices will be more resistant to mechanical stress than conventional ones. It is also worth noting that shock protection in modern power banks is most often combined with protection from dust and moisture (see above), although there are exceptions to this rule.
— Charging from the sun. Possibility of charging the power bank from the sun or other bright light source. To do this, a corresponding device is installed in the body - a solar battery (photocell). This function can be especially useful during a long stay away from civilization - for example, on a hike. And although the efficiency of solar panels in general is not very high, when exposed to bright light for a long time, you can accumulate quite a lot of energy.
