Also check 'current draw'. Older phones do not draw more than 1 Ampere to charge their batteries. However, newer handsets and tablets need a 2.1 Ampere input current. Check your mobile's original plug for details on current draw. If possible, buy a powerbank with two USB ports — 1A and 2.1A. Remember: When it comes to charging your gadgets, current draw is more important than capacity.
Essentially, pay attention to the type of cells — Lithium-ion or Lithium-polymer — used in the power bank. Li-ion is cheap and easily available. Li-poly cells, on the other hand, are more expensive, but provide twice as much charge density per unit weight.
Ensure that you buy from a reputed brand. Low-quality lithium-ion power banks not only effect performance, but are also a potential hazard. Many times, cheap battery packs — the type available on the streets — do not list the correct mAh capacity or the proper current draw. These batteries could also explode due to heating from over charging. For improved safety and performance, buy a model that comes with over voltage protection (OVP), over charge protection (OCP) and over-temperature protection (OTP) that ensure its longevity against spurts in current, and over heating during charging and discharging.
Can consider these ...
* Mi Power Bank (Rs 999): 10400mAh; L-ion; 2.1A (and 1A through single USB); OVP, OCP and OTP
* Adata PV110 (Rs 2,450): 10400mAh; Li-ion; 1A and 2.1A; OVP, OCP and OTP
* Portronics Charge 2 (Rs 2,900): 12000mAh; Li-ion; 1A and 2.1A; OVP, OCP and OTP
If you're looking for something over and above a plain power bank, you can consider these ...
* Adata DashDrive Air AE400 (Rs 4,500): This device comes with a 5000mAh battery to recharge your devices. Besides, it can connect to existing wireless networks and create an internet bridge connection for up to 10 other devices. You also get a USB port that takes input from pen drives and hard drives, as well as a MicroSD card slot, allowing you to share this storage wirelessly.
* JBL Charge (Rs 6,500): This is a Bluetooth speaker that boasts of a 12-hour playback time and frequency range of 150 20000Hz. Why is it listed here? Its 6000mAh Li-ion battery can also charge your smartphones via its USB port.
