Power banks are among the most popular mobile accessories today. Essentially a portable battery, this device allows you to charge electronic devices like phones, tablets, wireless headphones, or smartwatches without having to search for an outlet. Pre-charged and ready, the power bank provides a reliable source of energy whenever and wherever needed.
Today, there are many models available with different designs, capacities, and technologies. Some of the most frequently asked questions for users are, "What exactly is a power bank?", "What do mAh or wattage values indicate?", and "How many times can a phone be charged with a given capacity?" In this article, we'll delve into all the details about power bank models and take a step-by-step look at what to consider when choosing a capacity.
Read on to learn how portable chargers make our lives easier, what the values mean, and what you need to know when choosing the right power bank.
What is a Power Bank?
The word "Powerbank" is a term that has come into our language from English and is actually a combination of two separate words: Power : Power, energy Bank : Storage, storage area
Together, they can be interpreted as an "energy storage" or "power bank." In everyday life, a power bank is a portable charging device that stores electrical energy and is used to charge mobile devices like phones, tablets, and headphones. This pre-charged power source eliminates the hassle of searching for an outlet, allowing devices to be easily charged anytime, anywhere.
What Do the Technical Values on a Power Bank Mean?
When purchasing a power bank, the specifications printed on the device are crucial for understanding its performance and intended use. Here are explanations of frequently encountered terms:
- mAh (milliampere-hour): This refers to the power bank's storage capacity. The higher the capacity, the more times you can charge devices like phones or tablets.
- Volt (V): This is the voltage value. It is usually specified as 5V, 9V, or 12V, and it is important to select the appropriate voltage for the device's charging system.
- Ampere (A): Indicates charging speed. 1A output provides a slower charging speed, while 2A and above outputs can charge devices faster.
- Watt (W): Defines the total power capacity of the power bank. Wattage is calculated by multiplying the voltage by the amperage (W = V x A).
How Many Hours Does It Take to Charge a Powerbank?
The charging time of portable chargers varies depending on factors such as battery capacity (mAh), input current (A), and the power of the adapter used (W). So, a high-capacity power bank may take longer to charge, while a model with fast charging support can charge much faster.
Average Charging Times
Below you can find the approximate charging times for power banks with different capacities, depending on the adapter used:
- 5,000 mAh: 5–6 hours with 5V/1A adapter, 3–4 hours with 5V/2A, 1.5–2 hours with fast charging adapter.
- 10,000 mAh: 10–12 hours (5V/1A), 5–6 hours (5V/2A), 2.5–3 hours (fast charge).
- 20,000 mAh: 20–24 hours (5V/1A), 10–12 hours (5V/2A), 4–6 hours (fast charge).
- 30,000 mAh: 30–36 hours (5V/1A), 15–18 hours (5V/2A), 6–8 hours (fast charge).
- 50,000 mAh: 48+ hours (5V/1A), 24–30 hours (5V/2A), 10–12 hours (fast charging).
Things to Consider
- Power banks that are compatible with fast charging and support Type-C Power Delivery (PD) significantly shorten the charging time.
- Lower amperage adapters increase charging time.
- If another device is connected while the power bank is charging, the charging time may be increased even further.
The time it takes for a power bank to charge depends entirely on its capacity and the power of the adapter used. Choosing the right adapter can minimize charging time.
How Many Times Can a Powerbank Be Charged According to Its Capacity?
The most important factor determining how many times a power bank can charge a phone or tablet is the device's mAh capacity and the phone's battery size. However, it's important to remember that power banks can't deliver 100% of their theoretical capacity due to energy losses during charging. Here are the average charge counts for different capacities:
🔋 5,000 mAh Power Bank
A 5,000 mAh power bank, one of the smaller models, can fully charge a smartphone with a 3,000–4,000 mAh battery approximately once, while devices with smaller batteries can be charged slightly more than once.
🔋 10,000 mAh Power Bank
This is the most popular capacity in the mid-range segment. It can charge phones with 3,000 mAh batteries approximately 2–2.5 times, and phones with 4,000 mAh batteries approximately twice. Slightly lower performance than the calculated theoretical value may occur due to energy losses.
🔋 20,000 mAh Power Bank
Ideal for long trips, the 20,000 mAh models can charge phones with 3,000 mAh batteries 4–5 times, and phones with 4,000 mAh batteries approximately 4 times. They're also suitable for devices with larger batteries, such as tablets.
🔋 30,000 mAh Power Bank
One of the higher-capacity options, the 30,000 mAh power bank, can charge phones with 3,000 mAh batteries 6–7 times and phones with 4,000 mAh batteries 5.5–6 times. It can also support multiple devices simultaneously.
🔋 50,000 mAh Power Bank
The 50,000 mAh capacity models, preferred for professional use, can charge phones with 3,000 mAh batteries 10–12 times and phones with 4,000 mAh batteries 8–10 times. These models can also be used in power-hungry devices like laptops and tablets.
What Does Powerbank mAh Value Mean?
- mAh (milliampere-hour) is a unit of measurement that indicates how much energy a battery can store.
- The higher the capacity, the longer the power bank can provide energy.
- For example, a 10,000 mAh model offers more charging capacity than a 5,000 mAh model.
- However, no power bank operates at 100% efficiency; actual performance is always lower due to internal losses.
Why Does a Power Bank Swell?
Power banks are typically made with lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries. These batteries can swell over time due to wear and tear or misuse. Here are the most common causes:
Overcharging: Leaving the power bank plugged in for a long time can cause the battery to overheat and swell.
Low quality battery: Poor quality or fake cells run the risk of deterioration and swelling in a short time.
High temperature: A power bank left under the sun or in a hot vehicle may damage the structure of the battery.
Physical damage: Deformation may occur in battery cells after falling or impact.
Using the wrong adapter: High current chargers that are not supported by the device may damage the battery.
Is a Swollen Power Bank Dangerous?
Yes, a swollen power bank poses a serious risk. The battery can overheat, leak, or even explode. Therefore:
- Never use it.
- Do not attempt to charge.
- Do not puncture or open. The chemicals contained are flammable and poisonous.
- Keep away from flammable surfaces.
If you encounter such a situation, you should safely dispose of the device as soon as possible.
How to Dispose of a Swollen Power Bank?
Swollen or non-functional power banks should not be thrown away. Because:
- Lithium batteries pose a risk of explosion or fire if punctured.
- The chemicals it contains cause serious damage to the environment.
- Correct disposal methods:
- Drop it off in e-waste collection bins.
- Deliver to municipal waste management centers.
- Take it to tech stores that offer electronics recycling programs.
How Many Times Can a Powerbank Charge?
Smartphone battery capacities are increasing every year. Therefore, the capacity of the power bank you carry with you directly affects how many times you can charge your phone. The larger the phone battery, the less power bank capacity it will provide with the same capacity. Here are some recommendations for popular models:
iPhone Series
- iPhone 17 Pro Max / 16 Pro Max / 15 Pro Max (approx. 4,300–4,400 mAh): Average 2.5–2.7 charges with a 15,000 mAh power bank.
- iPhone 17 Pro / 16 Pro / 15 Pro (approx. 3,500–3,600 mAh): 2.3–2.5 charges with a 10,000 mAh power bank.
- iPhone 17 Air / 17 / 16 / 14 (approx. 3,200–3,300 mAh): 2.2–2.4 times charging with 10,000 mAh power bank.
Samsung Galaxy Series
- Galaxy S24 Ultra / S23 Ultra (5,000mAh): 2.1–2.3 times charging with 15,000mAh power bank.
- Galaxy S24+ / S23+ (4,950 mAh): 2.2–2.4 times charging with 15,000 mAh power bank.
- Galaxy S24 / S23 (4,000 mAh): Approximately 1.8–2 times charging with a 10,000 mAh power bank.
Xiaomi and Redmi
- Xiaomi 13 Pro / 12T (4,900 mAh): 2.2–2.4 times charging with 15,000 mAh power bank.
- Redmi Note 13 Pro / Note 12 (5,000+ mAh): 2.2–2.3 times charging with 15,000 mAh power bank.
Oppo and Vivo
- Oppo Find X7 Ultra / Reno 10 (4,800 mAh): 2.3–2.5 times charging with 15,000 mAh power bank.
- Vivo X100 Pro / V29 (5,000 mAh): 2.1–2.2 times charging with 15,000 mAh power bank.
The Newest and Most Technological Powerbank Models are at Bikordon
Smartphones, tablets, and headphones can quickly run out of battery when used intensively throughout the day. That's where Bikordon Powerbanks come in. With their high-capacity options, fast-charging support, and stylish designs, you can keep your power going even on the go.
