I have been reviewing power banks/battery backups on Amazon for nearly a decade and I have gone through so many in my lifetime.
While the battery can be used as a backup for those who go on long trips or not in an immediate area to charge their electronic device, this is a battery for those need to charge their cell phone, tablet, MP3 player or whichever USB device they have overnight.
I personally am a big believer of owning battery packs for backup use or emergency use. After the 2011 tsunami and earthquake disaster in Japan and seeing how friends had no way to communicate with the world only through twitter and had no choice but to use their vehicle to powerup their device and similar situation in Bohol due to the earthquake in the Philippines in 2013 and no one having no way to charge their cell phones, I have looked at these backups as important emergency devices to have. Especially if you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters.
May it be during a long brown/blackout which does happen in our neighborhood to whenever I’m on leave to cover an event and away from my hotel and I need my cell phone, tablet, wifi device or some device charged in my bag, while I’m working, I have found battery charging devices to be a lifesaver in several occasions.
Also, as a family man, knowing how many times my wife or son keep asking to charge their cell phones or tablets during a commute. A powerbank/portable charger is worth owning.
So, let’s take a look at the ENEGON 26800mAh Portable Outdoor Solar Panel Power Bank.
I. WHAT’S INSIDE THE BOX?
The ENEGON 26800mAh Portable Outdoor Solar Panel Power Bank comes pre-charged and comes with a micro USB cable. [NOTE: I always purchase my own braided nylon USB cables that are longer (6 ft), they don’t fray so badly and are more dependable. Also, so I can easily have my battery in my backpack during traveling overseas. You can get a pack of these cheaply on Amazon.]
The battery has a capacity of 26,8000 mAh Lithium-Ion battery but what makes it different than others is that it has an 18 LED flashlight (with each press you can do steady mode, soft mod, SOS mod and Strobe Mode) but most importantly, outside is a solar powered charger. So, it will change via sunlight.
So, this definitely makes a great power bank for those who plan to travel outdoors or are camping. As the power bank is IPX5 Waterproof, dustproof and shockproof.
II. HOW DO I CHARGE A DEVICE
This power bank has four USB ports! There is a Type-C port and a Micro USB port and two 3.1A outputs.
Connect your device via its USB to the USB input on the battery unit.
The other is the Qi wireless charging by laying your phone (without the case on) on top of the power bank, it will charge wirelessly.
All you have to do is check your cell phone, iPad or whatever USB device to see if it is indeed recharging.
III. HOW DO I CHARGE THE POWER BANK
Connect the Micro USB to to your cell phone USB charger adapter or a power strip with a USB input or car adapter with USB inputs for a quicker charge or connect to your PC/laptop (that is plugged in) which will take a little longer. The battery also has a micro USB, just in case you can’t find your USB-C cable. But it is recommended to use USB-C!
Just wait until the five LED lights on the side are fully lit to indicate it’s fully charged.
So, expect 2.6 times for an iPad pro, 6.5-8.6 time for Galaxy S10 or 9.8 for iPhone X.
JUDGMENT CALL:
The ENEGON 26800mAh Portable Outdoor Solar Panel Power Bank is actually a really awesome powerbank. In fact, this powerbank puts those who go outdoors, may it be for camping or outdoor trips as a priority and keeps them in mind.
From the durability of making it waterproof, dustproof and shockproof, the ability to charge via solar and the flashlight with four flashlight modes, this is something that powerbanks don’t usually offer. This one does.
But these are great devices to have for emergency purposes, to have during vacation, camping or if you are on location and far from a charging outlet or device.
I bring these along with me when I travel, but it’s important for those who are traveling out of the country, according to the Federal Aviation Administration: Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage only. When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. This power bank is compliant with airline restrictions.
For the pricepoint of $42.99 and what it offers for a 26800 mAh power bank, this is no doubt one of the best powerbanks I have reviewed in the last ten years.
Highly recommended!
