Power Bank or Battery Pack: Which one is better for your Smartphone?

META: Unsure if you need a power bank or battery pack for your smartphone? We break it down for you and help you decide which option is best for keeping your phone charged.

Source

Smartphone batteries are getting better every year.

There's no doubt about it, but the problem is that these improvements are only happening at an incremental level, and when you consider the advances the technology itself is making, this is simply not enough.

TL:DR - Smartphone batteries are still falling short of user expectations.

Adding a few hours of life to a battery per year is just not enough to keep up with the responsibility we give our devices, from listening to music, creating content, following navigation apps, and entertaining ourselves.

This need for longer battery life has led many to consider getting a battery pack or a portable power bank. 

However, both solutions have their drawbacks, such as adding bulk to your phone or belongings. So which one is the better option for busy individuals who want more juice?

Let's find out.

What's Good about Battery Packs?

Battery packs, also known as "battery cases," tend to be slimmer than power banks, making them a good option for those who don't want the extra weight. 

They wrap around your phone in the form of a case, keeping everything compact and easy to carry. 

Furthermore, battery cases don't need to be charged separately like power banks, making them a more convenient option. Some models even allow for pass-through charging, where the phone and case can be charged together.

What's Good with Power Banks?

Power banks are a better choice for those who like to upgrade their phone frequently and have multiple devices on the go at once. 

Power banks are far more versatile and will continue to work with newer phones, whereas battery cases may become obsolete with a new phone model. 

Think of it this way.

You have an older iPhone 8, and you buy the battery case, slot your phone in, and away you go. A year later, you get the iPhone upgrade, and now you need to buy a new case.

Was it worth it? 

Probably not.

On the other hand, a power bank connects to your smartphone using a USB cable, so whatever device you have, you can keep it topped up and ready to go.

And this doesn't just apply to smartphones. If you have cameras, laptops, ring lights, or basically any device that uses cable charging, a power bank can keep your batteries running on full.

Generally, power banks also pack more power, with some models offering up to 50,000mAh that are capable of charging laptops.

They are a more cost-effective solution, with some models available for as little as $15.

Comparisons to Consider

Capacity and Charging Speed

The capacity of a power bank or battery pack is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) and indicates the amount of power it can store. 

Power banks typically have capacities ranging from 2,000mAh to 20,000mAh, while battery packs can have capacities up to 50,000mAh. A larger capacity means the device can charge your smartphone multiple times without needing to be recharged.

Power banks tend to be slower than battery packs in terms of charging speed. 

Power banks typically have a single USB port that provides a charging current of up to 2.1A, while battery packs can have multiple USB ports with higher charging currents of up to 3.0A. 

The higher charging current means battery packs can charge your smartphone battery faster than power banks.

However, this is only generally the case, and the new line of power banks being released to the market is changing the game.

Take the Veger Power Banks as an example.

With capacities up to 56,000mAh, many of these devices come with 20W outputs and QC 3.0 fast-charging capabilities. These power banks can charge smartphones from 0% to 60% in under an hour and can fully charge a smartphone several times over.

What more do you need?

The Cons to Consider

Both battery cases and power banks add some extra weight and bulk to your belongings. They're also not ideal for use in extreme temperatures, which can damage the battery, so you'll want to bear this in mind if you're traveling abroad to specific locations.

The Verdict

While battery cases are slimmer, they come with the drawback of becoming obsolete with a new phone. 

On the other hand, power banks offer more power and are a better value for the price. They may add some extra bulk, but the trade-offs are worth it.

But, as with everything in life, the choice between a power bank and a battery pack will depend on your specific needs and usage.

A power bank is the better option if you need a portable power source that you can carry with you on the go. However, a battery pack might be the way to go if you need a stationary power source for your home or office.

Ready to stay energized while on the move?

Check out the fantastic range of Veger Power Banks today, and always have your electronic devices and gadgets powered by and ready to keep up with you and your day.