1. Charger Structure
The structure of a mobile power bank mainly includes the casing, circuitry, and battery cells. The casing material can be divided into plastic and alloy. Plastic casings are relatively cheaper and have flame-retardant properties, while alloy casings have advantages in durability and safety, making them suitable for users who frequently carry them. The internal circuitry serves as the central management unit of the power bank, responsible for monitoring the charging and discharging processes. High-quality power banks have protection functions such as overheating, overvoltage, and overcurrent protection to ensure safe usage. The battery cells, usually lithium polymer batteries, are the core of the power bank, offering advantages such as large capacity, lightweight, and high safety.
2. Capacity and Portability
The larger the capacity of a power bank, the bigger and heavier it tends to be. Power banks with small capacities (below 3000mAh) can charge a phone once and are suitable for short trips. Medium-capacity power banks (5000mAh to 10000mAh) can charge a phone multiple times and are suitable for daily use. Large-capacity power banks (above 10000mAh) are suitable for long trips or charging multiple devices. If you frequently travel, portability is an important factor to consider. Smaller and lighter power banks are easier to carry, but they may compromise on capacity.
3. Charging Speed
Charging speed is another factor to consider. Power banks with higher output currents (such as 2.1A or above) can significantly shorten charging time, but it is important to ensure that your phone supports fast charging. Similarly, the charging speed of the power bank itself is also important. When purchasing, pay attention to the input specifications. Higher input currents (such as 1.5A or above) can shorten the power bank's own charging time.
4. Interface Types
Mobile power banks usually come with microUSB, Type-C, and Lightning interfaces. Choosing a power bank with a multi-function data cable allows compatibility with various devices, making it more convenient to use. Some power banks have multiple output interfaces, allowing simultaneous charging of multiple devices. However, it is important to note that when using multiple outputs simultaneously, the output power may be distributed, affecting charging efficiency.
5. Quality Certification
When purchasing a power bank, it is important to prioritize products with international quality certifications. These certifications include EU RoHS, CE, US FCC, and Apple MFi certification. They indicate that the product meets safety and environmental standards and can provide a more reliable user experience.
6. Safety Protection Features
A high-quality power bank should have multiple protection features to ensure safety during usage. These protection features include overcharging protection (preventing battery overcharging), overvoltage protection (preventing excessive charging voltage), over-discharge protection (preventing excessive battery discharge), overload protection (preventing excessive current), short circuit protection (preventing circuit short-circuiting), and overheat protection (preventing excessive temperature). These protection mechanisms can provide safety in case of abnormal situations.
7. Additional Features
Some power banks offer additional features that enhance convenience and user experience. For example, dual USB outputs allow simultaneous charging of two devices, and intelligent LED battery level display clearly shows the remaining power, allowing you to monitor usage status at any time. Additionally, some power banks have built-in charging cables, eliminating the need to carry extra charging cables, making it more convenient.
8. Airline Carry-on Regulations
If you plan to carry a power bank on an airplane, it is important to be aware of airline carry-on regulations. Power banks are generally not allowed in checked baggage, and their capacity must be below 160Wh (approximately 20000mAh). When purchasing, please check the specifications of the power bank to avoid confiscation during security checks.