How to Find the Best Portable Charger for Your Phone

You’ve got a barbecue at noon, a hike planned at three, then off to a restaurant for a quick dinner with friends. Sounds like a great day for you, but a bad charging day for your phone. So, what do you do when you’re away from home and your phone is down to its last reserves of power? Reach for a portable charger. Portable chargers are the perfect summer accessory, allowing you to stay powered up when you’re away from an electrical outlet.

How to Make Sure a Portable Charger is Compatible with Your Device

Portable chargers appear under a number of different names including power banks and battery packs, but they all basically do the same thing, providing you with the ability to charge phones, tablets and other devices without the need for an electrical outlet.

But how can you tell whether a portable charger is compatible with your phone or tablet? Most chargers will feature a value on the charger that tells you the number of mAh or milliamp-hours that it holds. Milliamp-hours measure electric power over time. The higher the number, the more power the device can store. In order to be sure that a portable charger can charge your device, check the mAh of the battery in your phone or tablet.

For example, a Samsung Galaxy S8 has a 3,000 mAh battery. In order to charge this phone once, you would need a portable charger of at least, 3,000 mAh. Keep in mind that larger devices like tablets or laptops will require a charger with way more power. The iPad Pro has a 10,307 mAh battery, which means you would need a portable charger of at least 12,000 mAh to charge it fully one time. Additionally, you can use a larger capacity charger (i.e. 12,000 mAh) on your phone as well; it just means that you’ll be able to use it to charge your phone more than once before having to recharge the portable charger itself.

Do Portable Chargers Kill Your Battery?

You’ll also want to look at the quality and safety options associated with the charger of your choice. Make sure that you choose a quality charger that is carefully designed and rigorously tested to provide you with complete peace of mind. Most chargers, including those found at your neighborhood Batteries Plus, are backed up by warranties and guarantees that it will not cause harm to your device. Some warranties protect the portable charger itself, while others will cover the electronic devices you attach to it as well.

Be wary of low cost or counterfeit products. While they may save you a few bucks upfront, they can end up costing you more in the long run by damaging expensive phones or tablets. If the charger you’re looking at doesn’t offer any information regarding its design or performance capabilities, it’s best to look elsewhere.

Portable Charging Options

Looking for a few portable charging suggestions? Here are a few of the many options available at Batteries Plus.

1. Tzumi Power Banks

Batteries Plus carries a full line of Tzumi power banks for a variety of different needs. The Slim Pocket Juice series comes in 2,600 mAh, 4,000 mAh, 8,000 mAh and 12,000 mAh versions. These power banks are lightweight, compact and compatible with all USB devices. The 8,000 and 12,000 mAh versions even have multiple charging slots to charge two devices simultaneously.

Looking for a more advanced option? The Pocket Juice series is available in 4,000 mAh, 8,000 mAh and 12,000 mAh versions. All of these power banks feature multiple inputs which allow you to charge several devices at once. Plus, you can also charge your Qi-enabled devices wirelessly.

2. Qi Wireless Chargers

Speaking of Qi, Batteries Plus offers a number of additional products that let you charge your compatible devices without the hassle of cables or connectors. The Belkin BOOSTUP™ Qi Charging Pad delivers up to 5-watts of wireless charging power. The 10W OtterSpot Battery Pad is another great wireless charging option. Just place your favorite device on top of the portable, 10-watt power pad for convenient, wireless charging.

Looking for a way to charge your phone wirelessly while you drive? The Ventev Qi Wireless Charger Car Mount Kit is the solution for you! Use the rotating clip to attach the phone mount to your vehicle’s air vent. Then, place your phone in the mount to charge it up while you drive.

3. Goal Zero Products

Shop Goal Zero products at Batteries Plus. Unlike traditional power banks that are charged from an electrical outlet, Goal Zero products enable you to tap into the power of the sun. Simply hook one of the Goal Zero solar panels up to a compatible power bank or power station to collect solar energy that you can store for later. Then, use this energy to power your favorite devices when you’re on the go.

Your solar panel options include a 50-watt version or 100-watt Solar Panel Briefcase. The portable Sherpa 100AC Power Bank features two high-speed power delivery ports and Qi wireless charging. Or, opt for one of four different (200X, 500X, 1500X or 3000X) portable power stations, perfect for camping, backyard barbecues, tailgating and more.

4. PawaMini Disposable Power Packs

A PawaMini is a single-use disposable charger that you can take with you anywhere. They come pre-charged and are ready to use right out of the package, making them a great option to have on hand for emergencies. They’re also compatible with all iOS and Android devices. Plus, each PawaMini charger features a biodegradable shell, making them easy to recycle when you’re done with them. There are two PawaMini options, one with a lightning/micro adapter and another that’s compatible with USB Type C devices.

There’s no need to run out of power when you’re on the go. Batteries Plus has plenty of ways to help you stay connected, so you can make the most of your summer. Need additional help? Learn how to find the right charging cable for your device. Or, find your nearest Batteries Plus location.