After being inundated with several adverts and articles about portable chargers aka “Power Banks”, I eventually succumbed and decided to give one a try. Another week of dilly-dallying between Amazon.com and Aliexpress.com, I eventually settled on a Chinese power bank by the name “Iwo”, practically unknown in this part of the world. I placed an order and the waiting period started. After what seemed like a decade but was only three weeks, the power bank finally landed in my laps.
On unboxing the package, the contents were:
– A metallic gray slab (the power bank)
– A micro USB cable
– User manual
– wall charger
Size
The power bank is slightly wider, thicker, and longer than my blackberry Z10 and Lumia 520. It looks more like a thick Galaxy Note 2.
Build
One word, “Superb”. The power bank is encased in cast aluminium, making it rugged. I stepped on it a few times to test it, and it passed the test brilliantly with no bulge or scuff marks. However, the metal body has its own drawbacks. It makes the power bank heavy and so, I avoid putting it in my pockets. I rather lug it around in my bag. It has a narrow strip which light up when switched on to reveal 4 blue indicator lights. These lights show the state of charge of the power bank.
Rating
The unit I bought was rated at, 12000mAh and made of Lithium-polymer cells. It is capable of charging my iPad Mini and blackberry Z10 one and half times. Compared to many other power banks with fake ratings, I think the rating is 100% genuine, especially considering the power losses that take place within the power bank.
Charging
It charges via only USB, using the micro USB cable found in every home these days. It has no AC charging input. Charging via a wall charger took a whopping 13 hours, and I had to leave charging overnight.
It has 2 USB ports capable of charging dumb phones, feature phones, smartphones, and tablets. One of the ports supplies 1.0A for charging phones, while the other one supplies 2.1A for charging tablets. When the connected devices are fully charged or disconnected, it automatically detects and switches off, preventing overcharge of fully charged devices.
Flashlight
The flashlight is OK to use at night, but it is not particularly bright. It is however more than adequate for a walk around the neighbourhood at night, to see your keyhole at night or to take in your surroundings when PHCN strikes as it does regularly. I love this power bank and if I had to buy another power bank, I would buy it all over again.
Summary
Pros
– build quality
– overcharge protection
– Aluminium body encouraging heat dissipation
Cons
– Heavy weight
– Slow charging
– charger not included
Rating: 6.5/10
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