Introduction to Power Banks
Power banks have become an essential accessory for devices, particularly in countries like Nigeria where electricity supply can be completely unreliable and users need to be constantly powered to be able to connect with peers and business associates. With so many options available in the market, consumers often focus solely on the battery capacity (measured in milliamp hours, or mAh) when purchasing a power bank. They do miss a certain finer point when making their choice selection, and this reliance of mAh of their Power Banks can confuse them thoroughly, especially when their expectations fail to align with the actual performance of the product.
In this article, we’ll break down a common misconception about power banks—specifically, why capacity isn’t the only factor that determines what a power bank can charge. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions the next time you’re shopping for a power bank.
The Common Misconception of Power Banks: Capacity Equals Performance
Recently, while exploring the new Oraimo app on my phone, I came across a user review criticizing a 60,000mAh power bank for not being able to charge a laptop. This sparked a realization that many people may not fully understand how power banks function, especially when it comes to charging larger devices like laptops. They also may not understand how the capacity will affect the speed of charging their devices.
The issue here is not with the capacity of the power bank, but with the power output—a crucial feature users often overlook when they are buying these power banks.
What You Need to Know about Power Output vs. Capacity
When choosing a power bank, you have to really understand the difference between capacity (mAh) and power output (watts, or W).
– Capacity (mAh) refers to how much charge a power bank can hold, but it doesn’t dictate the power bank’s ability to charge a device requiring higher wattage.
– Power output (W), on the other hand, determines the maximum amount of power a device can receive at any given time.
For example, a power bank may have a 100,000mAh capacity but only provide a 15W power output. This means that even though it can charge smaller devices like smartphones for a long time, it may not provide enough power to charge a laptop that requires at least 65W power output.
Why Power Output Matters for Charging Larger Devices
Let’s take a closer look at the practical implications of power output. For instance, my Redmi Note 12 smartphone has a maximum input of 33W, meaning no matter how powerful the charger is, the phone will only receive 33W of power. Thus, even if I decide to charge my Redmi Note 12 with a charger of 100W, my phone can only receive 33W and will not charge any faster, despite me using a 100W charger to charge it. My Poco X6 Pro 5G phone, on the other hand, can handle 67W input.
Now, consider laptops. Most modern laptops require at least 65W of power to charge. If a power bank does not have an output of 65W or higher, it will not be able to charge the laptop, regardless of its capacity.
In the case of the Oraimo 60,000mAh power bank mentioned earlier, the power output is capped at 22.5W, which is insufficient to charge a laptop. Hence, the frustration of the reviewer stems from a misunderstanding of this key technical specification.
Why Are Higher Output Power Banks More Expensive?
You may have noticed that power banks with higher wattage output tend to be more expensive, even when their capacity is smaller. For example, a 20,000mAh power bank with a 65W output may retail for ₦65,000, while a 30,000mAh power bank with a 22.5W output sells for ₦28,000.
The price difference is due to the advanced technology and components required to produce higher wattage output. Brands like Anker and Yoobao specialize in power banks with high output, which can charge more power-hungry devices like laptops. On the other hand, power banks with lower output, like my new iTel 30,000mAh power bank that retails for ₦28,000, are great for smartphones and smaller devices but cannot charge laptops.
Final Thoughts on Power Banks: Make Informed Choices
When shopping for a power bank, it’s vital to look beyond capacity and consider what devices you plan to charge. If you need a power bank for a laptop or other high-power devices, make sure it has the necessary power output. This will save you from frustration and ensure your devices receive the proper charge.
Understanding these differences will help you avoid mistakes and ensure you don’t leave negative reviews based on misconceptions. Always educate yourself about the products you’re using—capacity is important, but power output is just as crucial.
If you need more information on Energy-based topics, please explore our comprehensive guides on the site.
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