When looking for a portable charger, one of the most important factors to consider is the battery capacity, measured in mAh, or milliampere hours. Simply put, the higher the number, the more energy it can store and the longer it can power your device. However, a higher capacity also means a larger and heavier device, which may not be as portable or convenient to carry around.
Know About Power Bank Capacity
For those unfamiliar with the world of power banks, understanding capacity can seem like a steep uphill battle. However, taking the time to grasp this technical term is crucial when purchasing a power bank. Capacity refers to the amount of energy a power bank can store and ultimately provide to a device. Capacity, in particular, can be a complicated concept to grasp.
Mah and Ah
When it comes to measuring the energy charge of a battery, milliampere-hour (mAh) and ampere-hour (Ah) are two of the most commonly used units of measurement. But what are mah? A milliampere hour represents one-thousandth of an ampere-hour and is typically used to describe smaller batteries, while an ampere-hour is used to describe larger ones. Mah represents the amount of electrical current a battery can deliver in one hour. The higher the Mah rating, the more energy a power bank can hold, and the longer it can charge your devices. Both measures are commonly used to describe the energy charge that a battery will hold and how long a device will run before the battery needs recharging.
Rules of energy loss
A simple rule can make it easier to understand: the actual capacity of a power bank is approximately two-thirds of the rated capacity. This is due to energy loss during conversion and charging.
Differences Between 5000-mah and 20000-mah Portable Chargers
Capacity
When it comes to ensuring that your phone lasts well over a day, a power bank with a capacity of around 5000 mAh should do the trick. This is especially useful for heavy phone users who can't afford to be caught out with a dead battery. Thankfully, portable power banks in this capacity range are widely available, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. In terms of convenience, a power bank with a 4000-5000 mAh capacity is an excellent choice. Not only are they highly portable, but they can also fully or nearly fully charge your device, making them an indispensable accessory for any phone user on the go. With a hefty 20,000 mAh capacity, it can simultaneously charge a laptop and a phone. You can get up to 45 watts from the USB-C port and 18 watts from the USB-A. It also supports PD PPS, which means you can fast-charge a Samsung smartphone at 25 watts. It can even deliver 30 watts to an iPad Pro.
Weight
Among the various options available on the market, 20000mAh portable chargers stand out as a powerful solution for charging multiple devices. However, it is important to note that they are heavier than their 5000mAh counterparts and may not be as easy to carry around. While this may be a hindrance for those who require a compact solution, 20000mAh chargers are ideal for those who need to charge multiple devices at once or require a high-capacity power bank for long trips. It ultimately comes down to weighing the needs of the user against the portability of the device.
Conclusion
Are you an avid traveler who relies heavily on your phone or camera to capture unforgettable memories? If so, a larger-capacity portable charger may be ideal for you. However, if you are simply running errands throughout the day, a smaller, more compact portable charger may suffice. Determining your typical day-to-day usage and charging needs will ultimately steer you in the right direction towards choosing the perfect portable charger for you.
