As the number of devices in our lives increases, so does the need for power sources to charge them. No wonder a power bank has become as essential to many of us as the devices it charges. But with so many devices not only does the need for more power outlets, but also the need for more charging cables. While carrying a power bank is easy, carrying around the different cables to charge these different devices can be quite cumbersome (pun intended).
It gets more complicated if the devices you own have different power outlets—for example, the iPhone has a Lightning port, most Android phones have USB Type-C ports, and many cameras and headphones have micro USB connectors. As a result, you can often have a tangle of charging cables in your bag (most charging cables are a few meters long, making them an added complication). Yes, there are power banks that support wireless charging, but they are very expensive and can only be used to charge one device at a time and are not fast.
That’s why we love the Amazon Basics 10,000mAh Li-Poly Power Bank. At the time of writing, it was Rs. 1099, but we’ve seen it go down to the thousands multiple times. Just above or below a thousand rupees. We think this is a great deal for anyone who wants to take the hassle out of carrying around a power bank that can charge multiple devices for around 1,000 or more devices. charging cables.
Power bank with integrated cables
On paper, this power bank looks like a bit of a run-of-the-mill. Its capacity is minimal and it can charge up to four devices, with a maximum charging speed of around 10W per connection. You can get an 18W portable power bank for the same price. Therefore, one might wonder what sets it apart.
The answer is that the Amazon Basics power bank has the ability to charge four devices simultaneously, but it actually comes with three charging cables: a Lightning cable, a USB Type-C cable, and a Micro USB cable. These cables don’t dangle from it, but actually plug into the slots on the back of the power bank. There’s also a USB Type-A port for charging your devices, a USB Type-C port, and a micro USB port for charging the power bank itself. There’s also a built-in phone holder that can be extended to support your device if needed, and a USB to micro USB cable is included in the box. So you can actually carry this power bank and forget about carrying cables.
It has a stand that can be used to watch videos while charging. (Photo: Nimish Dubey/Indian Express)
Basic look!
Amazon’s 10,000mAh Li-Poly Power Bank is tough without being elegantly built. It’s made of plastic with a dull, matte finish and is rectangular front and back with a slight slope towards the sides. The front has an Amazon Basics label and four light indicators to let you know the charging status. The top left side has a button to turn the charger on and off, while the top right side has a micro USB port and a USB Type-C port. Bang on top is a regular USB port (A). Also shown above is the starting point for the three flat charging cables attached to the back of the power bank. The back looks like a button but is actually an attraction point for the phone holder stand.
The power bank measures 144mm in length, which is slightly shorter than most smartphones, but is 21mm thick. 234 grams, approximately the weight of the iPhone 14 Pro Max. It can slip into a pocket, but it is recommended to carry it in a bag due to its thickness and weight. It may have a matte finish, but it does attract stains and dust. Still, he feels reassuringly confident.
Amazon Basics Powerbank features a simple yet powerful build. (Image credit: Nimish Dubey/Indian Express)
Consistent performance
After all, it works really well if freedom from pulling strings is what you’re looking for. Three attached cables let you charge any mobile device: one Lightning port (iPhones, AirPods, and older iPads) and one USB Type-C port (most android newer phones, cameras and headsets) and a micro USB port (some budget Android devices, many cameras and headsets). Also, if you’re on USB and using a C/Lightning/Micro USB cable, you can also charge a fourth device from the regular USB port above the power bank. The cables that come with the power bank are different lengths, so if you charge your devices with each one, they usually won’t conflict with each other. The included cables are also short and flat so they don’t get tangled and fit neatly into the back of the power bank.
The cell phone holder doesn’t slide or slot in very smoothly, but it’s great for propping up the device to keep using it while charging. Then, you can catch up on your video call or watch a World Cup match on your phone (you can’t bring anything bigger than a phone).
Don’t expect super-fast charging anytime soon — all four outputs max out at 10W, which is adequate, but not quite in the “zero-to-peaks charge in under an hour” territory. For example, it takes more than three hours to charge the iPhone 13 with this power bank. It takes a long time to charge the power bank – 5-6 hours. But we think it’s a small price to pay for an equally small offer. Amazon says it’s safe to use and comes with “over-current, over-voltage, and short-circuit protection, with a built-in shutdown feature if it overheats.” When we used the power bank, we didn’t experience any heating issues, even when we had three devices plugged into it – it did get warm while charging, but it wasn’t bothersome.
Amazon Basics Powerbank comes with three cables that fit neatly in the box. (Photo: Nimish Dubey/Indian Express)
Not perfect, but great value for multi-device users
The Amazon Basics 10,000mAh Li-Polymer Power Bank has its drawbacks: Charging isn’t as fast as we’ve indicated, and while there’s no problem with the included cables, they’re prone to damage. It is connected to a power bank. Also, if you don’t have a micro USB device, a cable will go to waste. The portable stand is easy to use but doesn’t slide very smoothly. And for those who need a power bank, it’s more about function than form.
However, for around Rs 1,000, Amazon’s 10,000mAh Li-Polymer Battery Power Bank brings a lot to the charging table. Its greatest asset is the freedom to go around different threads, as well as decent efficiency. For its price, we think it’s the perfect power bank for those who want a single bank to charge all their devices without the hassle of carrying around every cable and getting stuck with fast charging. Definitely worth buying for anyone saddled with multiple devices with multiple charging ports!
You can get a 10,000mAh Li-Poly battery power bank from Amazon Basics https://amzn.eu/d/g3KHCr0.
