What can I charge with a mobile power supply?

These battery packs can power almost any device, from your smartphone and tablet to laptops and portable gaming consoles. However, they are primarily intended for portable media and communication devices. Examples include: smartphones, tablets, portable speakers, wireless headphones and small cameras.

Size, shape, weight and capacity are the main factors to consider when buying a mobile power supply. A clear indication of available power is also useful, with some models showing a digital display rather than a bar (e.g. "80% remaining").

Size and weight

Size and weight typically increase as the mAh capacity increases. While the 20,000mAh model seems like a convenient choice, it may be too big for your pocket or bag.

If you want to charge your phone for a day-long music festival, picnic or night out, consider a pocket model with at least 6,000-10,000 mAh. Other situations, such as hiking trips that leave you disconnected for several days, may require larger models, but these are usually too large for most pockets.

Shape and style

If you plan to carry your mobile power around in your bag, this isn't a big deal. However, odd shapes and bulky designs can make your pockets uncomfortable. Try to find a phone that is similar in size and shape to your smartphone.

What capacity do I need?

Capacity, expressed in milliamp hours (mAh), is a rough indication of charging capacity. The higher the number, the more power it can provide to your device before the mobile power source runs out of juice. Try to find a mobile power that can fully charge your smartphone at least twice before you need to recharge it, as this will give you a day or two of coverage at a time.

Mobile power can range from a single charge (3,000mAh) to well over (20,000mAh), with most of the latest smartphones having a battery capacity of about 3,000mAh. a 10,000mAh mobile power should be able to charge your smartphone 3 times, while a 20,000mAh mobile power should be able to charge your smartphone more than 6 times.

How long does it take for a mobile power to charge my device?

Most models can charge a standard 3,000mAh device like a smartphone in about 90 minutes; no longer a red flag. The charging time of a mobile power is not a big deal as you can plug it in overnight, but usually the faster the better.

In order for the mobile power to charge your device, some matching needs to be done. The output of the mobile power needs to meet the requirements of the device you want to charge. Smartphones can be charged with very little current, tablets need more, and laptops and handheld game consoles need more.

If the output matches or exceeds the needs of the device, it will charge while in use. If the output meets or just falls short of the device's requirements, it will slowly extend battery life, but will not charge while in use. In this case, the mobile power "powers" the device, not charges it. However, if the device is turned off, it will charge.