AsiaPower Powerbank: Review

April 14, 2014: Power banks are basically portable chargers that contain an internal battery which needs to be charged before it can pass on the energy to another device/gadget. The battery used inside the unit is a standard rechargeable battery (usually Lithium Polymer or Lithium Ion) which is charged using a standard mobile charger or from a conventional PC USB port. Once the internal battery is completely charged the unit can be used to charge another device when on the move. This eliminates the reason to carry along your gadget charger and the option of charging your devices in the absence of a power outlet. The power banks can be used to charge devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, music players, tablets, torches, gaming devices, and practically any unit that requires a USB port for charging its internal batteries.

We put to test two Powerbanks from AsiaPower, the AP 5200C and AP 2600C. The powerbanks are developed using the ‘Quick charging Li-ion technology’, which uses a intercalated lithium compound as the electrode material.  In order to know how reliable the Powerbanks are, both were tested to charge various models of mobile phones.

To begin with, the AP 5200C features a 5200mAh battery. It can be charged in just two hours and the manufacturer claims that it can charge up to three devices, which includes smartphones, tablets and game devices. We tested this model and it charged in three hours from less than 25% to 100%.

In our test, the manufacturer claimed a smartphone can be charged up to three times. We did test the same and found that the AP 5200C did charge the Sony tipo phone (which has an internal battery of 5200 mah) for almost three times.

The AP 5200C weighs up to 120 g, and measures 21x45x96 mm (WxHxD). It sports four blue LEDs which act as the battery indicators to help users know the percentage of charge of the internal battery. For example: If you see all 4 LED lights on AP 5200C, it means it is charged completely, and if you see only two LEDs lit up, then the battery is 50% charged.

Moving on to the AP 2600C, the power bank needs to be charged for 3 hours. The manufacturer claims that this power bank can charge mobile phones as well as PSP’s. Having an on hand experience, it was observed that it could only charge a single smartphone just for one hour. The best way to use AP 2600C is to start charging the phone, by keeping your phone on standby mode. This model is available in two colours which includes black and white. It weighs 75g and  measures up to 24x27x100 mm (WxHxD).

AP 5200C and AP 2600C is bundled with a USB cable, which is a two-way cable. While one side is a standard USB 2.0 Type A connector, the other end features a microUSB connector. This USB cable serves the purpose of charging the Powerbank as well as charging the smartphones which need a standard microUSB connector or charger. 

Disclaimer: The power banks charging time will vary depending on the charger you use. A 2A iPad charger will charge the powerbanks faster than a charger from an older smartphone. Also, the amount of charges from each of the power bank will depend on the device being charged. The reason is because the internal battery capacities will vary from device to device.

The AP-5200C and the AP-2600C are available for a street price of approximately Rs 1,400 and Rs 700 respectively.