All You Need to Know About Power Banks

The world around us is changing. Technology is the biggest factor in bringing about this drastic change in our lives. In recent years, there has been a need to be more connected to each other through the use of smart devices, either through a phone, tablet, TV, or smartwatch. Whether you’re typing emails on a smartphone or binge-watching your favorite K-drama on a tablet, there is a constant need to keep the lights on -- and we don’t mean the house lights. 

This is where power banks come in. They are portable batteries that can charge our devices without using the standard charging adaptor included with most devices. Similar to a bank, it can store the power that is deposited and can be withdrawn at a later time to charge your devices. It has become a necessity as our lives have become very dependent on the use of technology.

Choosing the Right Power Bank mAh

Each power bank has its own level of power supply, which determines how long it can supply energy to a device. This supply is measured in milliamps per hour (mAh). It is a measure of how long (per hour) the power bank can supply the amount of current (mAh). To put it into perspective, a normal smartphone has around 1,000 mAh when charged for an hour. If it is plugged in with a 20,000 mAh power bank, it can therefore be charged twenty (20) times before the power bank has to be recharged again.

Now that the necessity of having a power bank has been established, the next step is to determine which power bank is the best fit for you. Since smartphone batteries have become larger over the past few years, so have power banks. Gone are the days when brands were only selling power banks in 5,000-10,000 mAh sizes. These sizes can still be easily found in the market. Moreover, users can now enjoy the 20,000-26,800mAh range. In the end, choosing the right power bank all depends on what device you need to power and how much you are willing to spend on it. 

It is highly recommended to invest in a good power bank, especially since it will be powering up your prized piece of technology daily. If you are spending your hard-earned money on the latest devices, why shouldn’t you invest in reputable brands for power banks as well? 

Anker power banks are one of the best power bank brands you can find in the Philippines as they offer a wide range of products to cater to every person’s needs. 

If you are a smartphone-reliant user who likes to watch videos, use messaging apps, and browse social media, then a powerbank in the 5,000mAh-10,000mAh range should be right for you -- similar to Anker’s PowerCore Fusion 5000mAh and PowerCore Metro Slim 10,000mAh power bank. 

Meanwhile, Anker also offers the PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition if you are more of a handheld console gamer. For freelance writers or designers, Anker provides the PowerCore+ 26800 PD 45W with 60W Power Delivery Charger which allows you to charge your tablet or laptop at higher speeds.

Special Power Bank Features

Power banks offer a wide range of features to keep up with the everyday habits of users. All power banks usually have dedicated LED lights to determine how much battery it has left to power up your device. While some offer more USB ports to charge multiple devices at the same time, they also have a charging port for the device itself. Here are some of the other special features you may find in power banks:

• Built-In Charging Cables for smartphones
• Fast Charging USB ports
• Compact build for smaller power banks

How to Use Power Banks?

Now that you have chosen the right power bank for you, here are some tips to get the most out of your powerbank.

1. Charge your power bank to a wall socket before using it. Like all batteries, power banks have a finite supply of power and need to be constantly recharged after use.
2. Unplug your power bank once fully charged.
3. Find the right cable that fits both your power bank and device. As each device carries a different type of USB port, it is important to verify which cables are the best fit. Most power banks come with a cable in the box, but it may not be the exact fit for your device.
4. Do not leave your power bank in high-temperature areas. Since it is a battery, it should be kept in relatively cool areas to prevent any damage to the device.