Powerbank, an essential accessory to avoid running out of charge

Despite the increase in battery capacity, an accessory is increasingly indispensable for the smartphone. Let's talk about power banks , an increasingly important accessory useful and indispensable in our daily life.

Modern smartphones have more and more features. Larger screens, myriads of sensors and connected systems, many advantages, but also a large consumption in terms of battery. A consumption so high that it no longer guarantees the entire day of use of the smartphone. A lack that in the absence of an electrical socket can only be compensated for with a power bank .

The perfect tool to always carry with you, the powerbank is the ideal companion for every person.

From students to managers who spend their day away from home, from athletes to those who go trekking, the ever-present surplus of energy offered by the powerbank is something unique.

What are Powerbanks?

The powerbank is a light and portable device whose main function is to recharge a portable electronic device. A powerbank can in fact recharge not only smartphones but also tablets, laptops, Bluetooth headphones, Bluetooth speakers and much more.

The main component of the powerbank is the battery pack. This component, composed of one or more rechargeable batteries, usually lithium, is what gives this instrument its name and its main functionality.

However, the powerbank is not just an additional battery, but also much more, thanks to special qualities, which, combined with design and aesthetics, make each powerbank model something unique.

Main components of a powerbank

As already written, a powerbank in its fundamental components is nothing more than a pack of batteries, enclosed in a container and connected to a USB port.

The above is the basic configuration. In fact, modern power banks have different types of USB ports, from the classic 1.0 to the more modern 2.0 and 3.0. This additional battery can then be equipped with multiple USB ports and in more modern models also with a wireless charging system.

In addition to the essential features, the powerbank can also have many additional or accessory features:

The evolution of the Powerbank

The proliferation of electronic devices has led to an increase in demand for Powerbanks , for a rapidly growing market that seems to have not yet reached its peak. The need to have a charged device is not only given by the possibility of staying connected but becomes a fundamental need, given by the now indispensable functions contained in our electronic devices.

The smartphone in its various evolutions has in fact added new features and sensors, increasingly larger and brighter screens and support for advanced connectivity systems. Useful solutions that however have a heavy impact on the smartphone's battery. On the other hand, the batteries have less and less capacity and this leads to the impossibility of having a duration that covers the whole day.

The Powerbank is therefore transformed, no longer just a commodity but a component that takes on high centrality in the field of digital connectivity and entertainment.

There are therefore many types of Powerbanks on the market and they differ in capacity, type of use and size. Let's find out.

Powerbank capacity

If our need is to have to recharge the smartphone several times, without resorting to a wall power socket, as could happen on a long trip or on a trek, we will have to choose a large capacity power bank .

So we will have to choose a capacity ranging from 10000 mAh up to 25000/30000 mAh, perhaps also opting for a system that offers fast charging functions in both directions, both towards the device to be charged and during the charging phase of the same.

The miniaturization of electronics will then help us, allowing us, in a space roughly the size of a smartphone, to be able to recharge our devices 4-5 times.

Portability

If our need is instead that of maximum portability, perhaps combined with a single charge for our device, what we will have to choose is a pocket-sized power bank. These small, very light and pocket-sized devices can guarantee 5000/10000 mAh for one/two recharges of our smartphones at a minimum price which makes the investment worthwhile even just to have an emergency solution.

Apple specific

Having said that all power banks with the right cable are good for any device, in some cases, especially for fans of the Apple brand, it might be more useful to choose devices designed for Apple.

These power banks are in fact equipped with Lightning ports which guarantee perfect compatibility with the accessories and cables of the Cupertino brand.

Not just USB

The evolution of power banks follows that of smartphones. Therefore the USB ports with which they are equipped have evolved both in formats and versions. Today, power banks also add wireless charging features, for an even more complete set-up.

The charging device therefore becomes compatible with the Qi standard, allowing the smartphone to be recharged simply by positioning the smartphone on the device itself.

Rugged version

The powerbank is a complete device suitable for any use. To be ready for even the most extreme ones, the powerbank is created in an "extreme" version. In this configuration the powerbank therefore becomes ideal for resisting shocks, falls, dust, snow and even splashes of water. These highly specialized versions are then enriched with some interesting accessories, such as a torch, a compass, an electronic steel and even a mini solar panel for charging. The result is a real multi-tool that can very easily become a permanent companion on our excursions.

The mathematics of the Powerbank

There is only one mistake that we must not make when we are about to buy a powerbank . It is to mathematically consider its capacity. In many cases, for example, a power bank is purchased so that it can make one or two complete recharges of our device's battery. To make this calculation we therefore consider the capacity of the battery and consider this value "alone" or "doubled".

This is an error because we should still consider a minimum of dispersion given by the cables, the degradation of the battery and many other factors. Therefore it is good practice to always consider at least 25% of extra capacity to be on the safe side.

From a gadget at trade fairs to a fundamental component, this is the story of the power bank , an indispensable accessory for our electronic devices.