USB C
USB type C ports are smaller than classic USBs, and they also have a convenient reversible design that allows you to connect the plug in either direction.
USB type C was originally designed to be able to implement various advanced features: increased power supply, fast charging technologies, etc.
Since the port is relatively new and quite powerful (there are
USB type C with a power of 60 W and even
100 W), the total number of such connectors is often limited to
1 port, less often
two).
- The strength of the power. The maximum power output through the USB type C connector to a charging device. Note that different ports of the charging station can output different power (for example, 1.5 A and 2.1 A). In this case, the highest power strength is usually indicated.
— Power. The maximum power in watts (W) that the charging station is capable of delivering to one rechargeable gadget. The high output power of the USB type C port allows you to speed up the charging process. However, the appropriate power must be supported by the device being charged - otherwise the speed of the process will be limited by the characteristics of the gadget.
Battery capacity
Nominal
battery capacity, in fact - the amount of energy that is supposed to be stored. The larger it is, the longer the battery life of the charging station will be, all other things being equal. On the other hand, this parameter also affects the dimensions, weight and price of the battery, despite the fact that an energy-intensive battery is not always required. By the indicator of capacity in watt-hours, you can compare batteries with each other.
Charging cycles
The number of charge-discharge cycles that the battery can withstand without significant loss of performance.
In the process of operation, the batteries wear out, which causes their performance to suffer (in the first place, the capacity decreases). Battery life is usually measured in charge-discharge cycles. However, models with the same declared resource are not always equally durable in practice. Different manufacturers may interpret “significant loss of performance” in different ways: for example, one brand indicates the resource up to a 20% decrease in capacity (DOD > 80%), another - up to a 60% decrease (DOD > 40%) Behind the abbreviation DOD worth decoding Depth of Discharge, i.e. discharge depth. Therefore, when choosing, it makes sense to focus not only on pure numbers, but also on other sources - test results, reviews, etc. Also note that battery life can be noticeably reduced if the operating conditions are violated (for example, in case of overheating or hypothermia).
Charging time (socket) ≈
Time to charge the portable power station from a fully discharged state to 100% charge when using the power adapter from a household outlet. This refers to the original battery and standard charger.
Charging time (solar panel) ≈
Time spent on a full charge when using the original panel in bright sunlight. In cloudy weather, the charging time of the device from the solar panel can be strikingly different downwards.
Smartphone synchronization
Synchronization with a smartphone allows you to control the operation of the charging station remotely. Pairing the device with mobile gadgets is carried out via a Wi-Fi network or a Bluetooth connection. Some charging stations provide both of the above wireless modules. Additionally
, synchronization with a smartphone allows you to monitor battery charge, energy consumption, voltage and current parameters remotely in real time. This will require a permanent connection to the Internet and specialized software that must be installed on your smartphone.
Warranty
Warranties for charging stations usually provide users with protection against manufacturing defects and malfunctions for a certain period, which may vary depending on the manufacturer. Warranty service includes free repair or replacement of components if the problem is not the user's fault. The warranty period can be from one year to several years, and it is important to consider conditions such as correct installation, use of the station for its intended purpose, and compliance with technical requirements.
