There are a few things to keep in mind when considering a powerbank, or portable energy storage device.
Nowadays, when life is almost unthinkable without portable, wearable devices, the issue of energy supply has also become much more important. The need to return to the mains from time to time to recharge your batteries is a fundamental limit to mobility. This problem can be solved by an external battery or powerbank, which can replace the plug and the charger, at least for a while.
Not surprisingly, this kind of appliances is hugely popular, and the choice is huge globally and in Hungary. In this segment, there are also solutions from major players such as Xiaomi, whose product range includes several powerbanks. So the answer to the question in the title is clearly yes! They make sense, they are useful, but it does matter which one you buy. Here are the aspects to consider when making a purchasing decision.
Size
This is one of the most important parameters, as a lot depends on the user's ability to carry it. If you only have a pocket-sized space, it makes sense to choose a palm-sized model, because it will only be a hassle. However, if space can be managed, because the user always has a bag anyway, then it may be worth considering a larger one.
Capacity
Because bigger size means bigger capacity, which means "more power fits" in a bigger portable battery. This is what the metric in milliampere-hours (mAh) refers to. The battery in a modern phone is usually between 3500 and 5000 mAh, so it's worth choosing with this in mind. For example, if a portable battery has a capacity of 10 000 mAh, that means it can charge a smartphone with a 5000 mAh battery from zero to maximum twice.
Of course, these products can be used not only to charge phones, but also tablets, cameras, portable media players or even smartwatches and smart bracelets. For example, the Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 Pro boasts a capacity of 20 000 mAh.
Filling speed
It is expressed in watts and provides information on the rate at which energy flows from the battery to the product to be charged. The Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 Ultra Compact, for example, delivers a 22.5 watt fast charge, which is better than some phones can handle.
Strap description
There are already battery caps that are resistant to water, dust and impact thanks to their special coating and design. This can be very useful if you are often outdoors, hiking or doing extreme sports.
Connectors
It's worth making sure that the portable battery has the same input and output (mini USB, USB 2.0, USB-C, etc.) as the other mobile devices we use. In the absence of this, converters may be needed, which is not a convenient and elegant solution.
Extras
There are now external batteries that have a built-in LED light source. This means they can also be used as a flashlight, which can be a very useful little extra, secondary feature.
