Promotional power banks - those handy portable chargers that you can customise with your company logo or message - are a popular giveaway item for businesses today. They're practical, portable, and can keep your mobile devices charged up when you're on the go.

But when it comes to choosing the right power bank for your needs, things can get confusing. One of the most important factors to consider is the capacity of the power bank. This refers to how much energy it can store and then deliver to your device. This blog discusses what you need to know about power bank capacities.

What Are Power Banks and How Do They Work?

Power banks are portable chargers that allow you to recharge your mobile devices on the go, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. They are essentially a battery pack in a small, portable format that can be charged in advance and used to provide power when needed.

The Technology Behind Power Banks

Power banks rely primarily on lithium-ion batteries for their energy storage capabilities. These batteries are preferred for their high energy density, lightweight design, and rechargeability. This makes them ideal for use in portable devices like power banks.

Most power banks today use microcontroller-based charging circuits to manage and regulate the energy flow between the power bank and the device being charged. These circuits ensure the charging process is efficient and safe and deliver the correct energy to the device.

Additionally, some power banks come with additional features like multiple charging ports, LED indicators, and even wireless charging capabilities to provide more convenience and versatility to users.

Decoding Power Bank Capacities

What is mAH?

Milliamps per hour, or mAh, is a unit of electric charge commonly used to measure the capacity of batteries, including those in power banks. It represents the amount of current a battery can deliver over a specific period. In simpler terms, mAh indicates how much energy the power bank can store.

The higher the mAh rating, the more energy the power bank can hold, the more devices it can charge, and the longer it can provide power. For example, a power bank with a 5,000mAh capacity can deliver 5,000 milliamperes (5 amperes) of charge for one hour or 2,500 milliamperes for two hours.

Different Battery Capacities and Their Suitable Applications

Choosing your power bank’s battery capacity depends on your specific needs. Smaller-capacity power banks are great for everyday use, while medium-capacity power banks strike a balance between portability and charging capability. 

Meanwhile, high-capacity power banks are best suited for users who require prolonged power backup or multiple charges for various devices. 

Small capacity power banks (up to 5,000 mAh):

These power banks are compact and portable, making them ideal for everyday use or as a backup for emergencies. Some key features may include:

-Lightweight and pocket-sized design for easy carry.

-Have one or two USB ports for charging devices.

-Can provide one to two full charges for most smartphones.

-Best used for short trips, commuting, or as an emergency power backup solution.

Medium capacity power banks (5,000 to 10,000 mAh):

These power banks offer a balance between portability and charging capacity. They provide a higher number of charges compared to smaller capacity options. Key features may include:

-Portable and still relatively compact, making them suitable for travel or outdoor activities.

-Two or more USB ports for simultaneous charging of multiple devices.

-Can provide two to four full charges for smartphones, and possibly a full charge for tablets.

-Best used for longer trips, vacations, or situations where you need to charge multiple devices.

High-capacity power banks (10,000 mAh and above):

These power banks are designed for users who require multiple charges or extended usage without access to a power source. Key features may include:

-Larger and heavier due to higher capacity, but still portable.

-Multiple USB ports, including fast charging options.

-Can provide four or more full charges for smartphones, multiple charges for tablets, and even charge laptops.

-Best used for long trips, outdoor activities, camping, or situations where you need to charge multiple devices multiple times.

Capacity	2000 mAh	3000 mAh	5000 mAh	10,000 mAh
Phone Charge	Gives half battery charge to a standard mobile phone.	Gives a full charge to a standard mobile phone.	Gives two-and-a-half to three charges of a standard mobile phone	Gives four full standard mobile phone charges.
Tablet Charge	Cannot be used for tablets.	Cannot be used for tablets.	Gives a standard full charge to a tablet device.	Gives two-and-a-half full tablet charges.

 

Calculating Your Power Needs

It is important to note that the actual energy requirement for your devices may vary due to factors such as screen brightness, usage time and additional features or applications that may require additional power.

Smartphones:

Smartphones typically have a battery capacity ranging from 2,000mAh to 4,000mAh. To determine the right power bank capacity, consider the following:

If you have a phone with a battery capacity of about 2,000mAh, a power bank with a capacity of 3,000mAh to 5,000mAh may be enough to provide one full charge.

For phones with battery capacity over 2,000mAh, a power bank with a capacity of 5,000mAh to 10,000mAh can provide one to three full charges.

Tablets:

Tablets generally have a higher battery capacity compared to smartphones. Consider a high-capacity power bank if you want to charge your tablet on the go. The following can be used as a guide:

For tablets with a battery capacity of about 4,000mAh, a power bank with a capacity of 10,000mAh to 12,000mAh can provide one to two full charges.

For tablets with a battery capacity of about 6,000mAh, a power bank with a capacity of over 10,000mAh is recommended.

Laptops:

If you work on a laptop, then a power bank with a higher capacity is necessary to keep it charged during long trips or power outages.

For laptops with a battery capacity of about 4,500mAh, a power bank of 12,000mAh to 15,000mAh can provide one full charge.

Safety Features in Power Banks

When selecting a power bank, it is important to consider safety features that protect your devices and prevent potential hazards. Here are some common safety features to look for:

Overcharge Protection:

This feature prevents the power bank from overcharging your devices, which could cause damage to the battery or even lead to safety hazards. Overcharge protection automatically detects when the device is fully charged and cuts off the charging process to avoid overloading.

Short Circuit Protection:

A power bank with short circuit protection safeguards against unexpected power surges or short circuits, ensuring that the power flow is cut off immediately if a short circuit occurs. This feature protects both the power bank and the device you are charging.

Temperature Control:

Heat resistance is a crucial safety feature. Power banks should have mechanisms to prevent overheating during charging or discharging. When a power bank gets too hot, it may affect its performance, reduce efficiency, or even cause safety issues. Look for power banks with built-in temperature sensors and thermal protection to prevent overheating.

Conclusion

Selecting the right capacity power bank for your devices is essential for convenient and reliable charging on the go. Considering the battery capacity of your devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, helps determine the appropriate power bank capacity. 

Additionally, prioritising safety features like overcharge protection, heat resistance, and surge protection ensures the longevity of your devices and safeguards against potential hazards. By making informed choices based on your specific needs and safety considerations, you can select a power bank that provides efficient and secure charging wherever you are. Please contact us on 1300 858 288 if you would like to know the exact certifications of a particular device or details about any of our other promotional products.

Author Profile: Wendy

Wendy is the general manager of Cubic Promote and has 14 years of experience in the promotional product industry. Wendy is an expert on the successful execution of marketing merchandise strategies and individual products to suit a broad range of recipients. Visit her on LinkedIn.

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