4 Of The Best Power Banks For Android And iPhone
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For better or worse, staying connected through smartphones is becoming more and more of a necessity. With the aid of Apple and Android devices, people have the world at their fingertips in a way like never before. However, as the technology powering these devices continues to become more and more advanced, the need for portable batteries and power banks also continues to grow. Thanks to technology like charging pads and fast charging, charging your phone has never been as seamless as it is now, but when it comes to your phone's battery, you can never be too prepared.
Portable charging banks are nothing new. In fact, the power bank's origins date back almost 15 years, though they have never been as sophisticated as they are now. These days, an effective power bank could have a litany of features that not only lend to charging phones faster but make for a satisfactory user experience.
Heavy smartphone users will want to consider factors like power capacity, size, wattage, the ability to charge multiple devices, and other features before investing in a quality power bank. However, those in the market for a power bank are in luck, as there is no shortage of quality options available at the moment. Determining the right power bank for you will ultimately come down to your needs as a consumer.
Here are some of the best power banks for Android and iPhone devices.
Anker 737
Anker specializes in charging technology and stands out as a global leader for the speeds at which its products charge, not only iPhones and Android products but also tablets and laptops. One of the company's most popular products is the Anker 737, and for good reason. The power bank comes with a 24,000mAh battery capacity that can provide up to 4.9 charges for the iPhone 13 and 4.5 charges for the Samsung Galaxy S22.
The Anker 737 comes packed with just about every feature the consumer could ask for, except for the ability to charge wirelessly. The power bank contains two USB-C ports and an additional port to charge devices connected via USB-A. The battery also contains a power button capable of toggling on and off a smart digital display on the front of the power bank. The display contains all pertinent battery information, such as wattage in and out and the percentage remaining on the battery. The display is also bright, colorful, and easy to read.
If there is one downside to this battery, it might be its density, as it weighs in at a healthy 22.22 ounces. The Anker 737 is currently retailing for $109.99 on the company's official website.
Anker 733
The Anker name is reliable in the power bank community, and as such, consumers might want to consider other products from the company if the Anker 737 is not right for them. The Anker 733 does many similar things to the 737 but also has a few other distinct features that may give it an edge in the eyes of some. Like the 737, the Anker 733 comes with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port.
But while the 737 is simply a battery-powered power bank and nothing more, the 733 is a 2-in-1, doubling as a wall charger at 65W. The battery's capacity, however, stands at 10,000mAh, less than half of the 737's capacity. That means it offers 2.1 charges for the iPhone 13 and 2 charges for the Samsung Galaxy S22.
As it offers half the capacity, the 733 weighs half as much as the 737 does, coming in at 11.29 ounces. As a result, it may be the preferable battery to take on the go, given its lightweight and simple form factor. The Anker 733 power bank can currently be purchased for $89.99 on Anker's official website. It may not be as ideal as the 737 for long trips, but those in a pinch can use the 733, knowing they have the flexibility to plug it into a wall if necessary.
Goal Zero Venture 75
The Venture 75 from Goal Zero takes powerful power banks another step forward, adding a rugged outer shell to give it a unique look and feel while providing ample protection from the elements. As a result, the Venture 75 is perhaps the ideal power bank for those who spend more time outdoors than the average person. It is also great for camping trips where power may be hard to come by. The power bank has dual USB ports, one for USB-C and one for USB-A, and has the power and capacity (19,200mAh) for most smartphones up to five times.
From an aesthetics standpoint, this power bank boasts a unique design, featuring a rubber sleeve and waterproof plug to give the ports ample protection as needed. The Venture 75 can also double as an emergency flashlight in a pinch, with 50 integrated lumens that can light up dark hallways and trails. The unique features of this power bank do not stop there, however. The Venture 75 can also utilize solar power to accrue a full charge in roughly six hours with the proper accessories, though charging via USB-C is still possible.
Weighing just over 20 ounces, the Venture 75 is not light by any means but makes good on its promise to the customer as a legitimate option for people who love the outdoors. The Goal Zero Venture 75 can currently be purchased on the Goal Zero website for $119.95, with financing options available.
Mophie Powerstation XXL
As far as portable power banks go, the Mophie Powerstation XXL is big but does the job well for its price point while providing the consumer plenty of longevity for their money. It is, after all, in the name, so those looking for a power bank should look elsewhere if they are looking for something small and compact. This power bank boasts a 20,000mAh, which will allow up to 4.6 full charges of most smartphones.
It also has an 18W delivery output, making it an optimal power bank for fast charging. The device itself can be recharged through the USB-C port, though while most devices feature multiple USB-C ports, this power bank actually features multiple USB-A ports with a USB-C port resting in between them. However, it is still possible to charge up to three devices at once.
The Mophie Powerstation XXL may not have a smart display screen or a built-in flashlight, but it does have an integrated power meter that lights up with the corresponding number of lights to update its current battery life status. Lastly, this power bank's finish is only partly metallic. Most of its surface area is coated in fabric, a great material for preventing marks and scratches.
The Mophie Powerstation XXL can be purchased on Amazon at full price for $29.95. Given the price, Mophie's Powerstation XXL could be an ideal first power bank for many consumers, particularly if they own several devices powered by chargers that connect to USB-A.