Even if you have the latest iPhone with a large battery inside, there are still many cases where you may run out of battery while out on the go. Similarly, there are many other smart and mobile devices which may require to be charged when you are not at your home.
For the same, you can find a wide range of portable power options for charging your iPhone and other mobile devices. And out of all such options out there, you can primarily find solar chargers and power banks as the most viable options. To help you understand more about solar chargers and power banks as well as choose the right one between them, this article will give you a complete comparison between solar chargers vs power banks.
You can find all the advantages and disadvantages of these charging solutions down below. And by going through these options, you can easily pick the right option between solar chargers and power banks for iPhone.
what is a power bank?
Alternatively referred to as a battery pack, portable battery, or portable charger, a Power Bank is a portable charger designed to recharge your electronic devices when you’re on the move. Ranging in size from slim, pocket-sized devices up to larger, higher-capacity Power Banks – they can be used to charge iPhones, iPads etc. You can simply charge the battery of your power bank and then use the electricity stored in it to power your iPhone and other mobile devices with ease. To understand more about Power Banks and whether they are the right option for you, you can consider checking out their following pros and cons:
What Are the Advantages of Power Banks?
The advantages of power banks include:
Most of them can charge several devices at once
One of the greatest advantages of owning a power bank is that it can charge multiple devices simultaneously. This is achieved with multiple output ports. Some will have two while others have 3 or 4. Even then, there are a few that have 5-6. Having a power bank with multiple output ports means that you’ll be able to charge your iPhone and iPad at the same time. Or several phones in case you’re hanging around with your friends. Or maybe your iPhone and gaming console. The possibilities are endless, as they say!
They provide charge when you need it the most
Power banks are generally very useful devices. Their most important feature is the fact that they can provide your electronics, like iPhone, iPad, , etc., with power whenever the battery has depleted. Some power banks can even charge low-current gadgets, including AirPods, an Apple Watch, etc. Even then, others can charge even more power-intensive products like a MacBook or a gaming console such as the Nintendo Switch.
Highly Portable
Most power banks can fit in the palm of your hand, making them easy to take with you anywhere! You won’t have to worry about it taking up too much space in your bag or pocket. You can walk around with a power bank all day and not even be aware of it. But in case your iPhone battery runs out, it’s right there when you need it the most.
Customizable
Power banks come in a variety of colors and styles you can choose from. You can also add different designs to your power banks to make it your own.
Affordable
You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get a quality power bank. Most power banks are under $20 and will keep your iPhone charged whenever you need it.
Reusable
Each time you need to charge your iPhone, you don’t have to get a new power bank. You can recharge and reuse the same power bank over and over.
Fast-Charging
We don’t always have time to wait for our iPhone battery to charge. Thankfully, you can take a power bank with you to quickly charge your iPhone on-the-go.
Reduces Worry of a Dead iPhone
No matter where you are, you won’t have to worry about your iPhone running out of battery as long as you have a power bank handy.
What are disadvantages of Power banks?
The disadvantages of power banks include:
Their actual capacity is lower than stated
Many people are surprised to see that their new power bank does not recharge their iPhone as many times as they thought. That’s because the advertised capacity of a portable charger is actually larger than its usable capacity.
You can’t fly with high-capacity power banks
According to the TSA restrictions, you cannot take a 100Wh power bank with you when boarding a flight. That’s because it poses a risk of catching fire or exploding while in the air due to high pressure. Power banks under 100Wh are ok to take on a flight with you, however. A 27000mAh battery is equivalent to 100Wh.
Their Li-ion batteries can be dangerous
Power banks are made of Li-ion cells, which are known for their chemical instability. This can generally be triggered by a short circuit, which could lead to overheating. Overcharging is another risk factor since it leads to heat build-up making the battery have a bloated shape, similar to a pillow. In extreme cases, these batteries can catch fire or even explode.
It can take a while to recharge
Power bank charging times may vary, but those with larger capacities may take a lot longer. Of course, that depends on the technology the charger supports. For example, a 10000mAh power bank will take several hours to charge at standard speed (5V/1A) compared to one with PD 3.0, where it will only take a few hours.
Can cause a cluttered mess with cables
A power bank capable of simultaneously charging multiple devices can be somewhat problematic. That’s because it may tangle up each cable that’s already connected to the device. This can make it look unpleasant. At the same time, it can be difficult and time-consuming to untangle the mess, especially when you try to unplug the cable. Power banks with built-in cables are a much better option for this reason, even if they have a shorter length.
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with a power bank. While there are legitimate concerns as listed above, the pros far outweigh them. This is especially true now that technology is advancing throughout the years, making power banks more efficient and less problematic.
What Is a Solar Power Bank?
As the name suggests, a solar power bank is a compact and portable charging device that utilizes the sun’s energy as an alternative to electricity generated from fossil fuels and gases. Conventional power banks work by plugging it into an electrical power source, which charges its batteries. Once fully charged, it can then store enough power to charge other portable devices such as iPhones or iPads. A solar power bank, on the other hand, works by absorbing solar energy through the use of PV or photovoltaic cells, converting the said energy to electricity, and then storing it in a battery.
Most solar power banks are so small and compact that it can fit into a person’s pocket, but don’t underestimate its size and capabilities. Not only is it easy to carry, it’s also not as heavy as other power banks. And since this device relies on solar energy, it doesn’t require charging adapters or electric outlets. It just needs a few hours of sun exposure and it can hold up electricity that can power up and recharge your iPhone’s battery to its full capacity.
Some things are just too good to be true, and this can also be said about solar power banks. Every item or product has two sides: its pros and cons. Here we have explained some of the advantages and disadvantages of solar chargers to help you decide on whether you’d like to get one or not.
What are the Advantages of Solar Power Banks?
The advantages of solar power banks include:
Eco-friendly device
One of the essential benefits of using solar power banks is they conserve energy. Thus, greenifying your power consumption and reducing the strain on our planet.
Solar energy is clean and renewable. It does not promote the emission of greenhouse gasses, making it pollution-free. Investing in one means you are already minimising your carbon footprint.
Highly portable
Power banks, in general, are portable and can be easily packed in any bag. Most models are as slim and light as iPhone, too, which is a plus!
Moreover, charging while travelling is no longer impossible. Bring one wherever you go, and stay connected while you are outdoors.
Excellent compatibility
Almost all iPhone models are compatible with solar power banks. The units come with USB ports, allowing USB devices to connect without hassle.
Whether you have an iPhone, or iPad, even a MacBook—a solar power bank won’t disappoint you.
Easy charging
It gives you peace of mind when you know you do not have to worry about losing your iPhone battery while travelling. With a solar power bank, you can charge your iPhone anywhere you are. Be it in a car, boat, or even when walking.
Depending on the model and mAh capacity, power banks can offer hours of charging. Again, the higher the mAh, the more power and battery life it can provide. This can help your iPhone last a whole day.
Even better, when your solar power bank is running out of battery, and there is no outlet nearby, the sun is the key. You can charge it through the power of sunlight.
In case of a power outage, you may also rely on your power bank unit to keep your devices running.
Cost-effective
Solar power banks also can help reduce your utility bill. For one, they are a great alternative to electricity when recharging devices such as iPhone, iPad or MacBook.
After all, you are not paying for sunlight. This helps you save money in the long run.
What are the disadvantages of Solar Power Banks?
The disadvantages of solar power banks include:
Charging time can suffer during bad or extremely harsh weather conditions
Since electricity often gets cut off during a storm or heavy snowfall, most iPhone users rely on solar power banks. Unfortunately, during these times, it’s almost impossible to get the power banks to charge when the sun is not out or completely hidden.
There’s no chance of getting solar charge overnight
Unlike conventional power banks that you can plug in and leave to charge while you sleep, solar chargers have to stay exposed to the sun for long hours to get fully charged.
Less portable
Unlike a power bank, most solar chargers are much larger in size making them a less portable option.
If you want an eco-friendly and a reliable power source, invest in a solar power bank.
How do i choose the right power bank for iPhone?
- First and foremost, you need to know about the battery size and the charger specifications of your iPhone. You would find it printed on the charger or on the box in which your iPhone was packed.
- The power bank that you buy should at least have the same size as your iPhone battery. This would ensure that your battery gets fully charged at least once with the power bank. However, if your iPhone frequently runs out of battery, get the highest milliampere hour (mAh) power bank that you can afford so that you have enough battery stored for emergencies.
- The output voltage of the power bank should be equal to or higher than that of your iPhone.
- Depending upon the number of devices you carry, look for the number of ports and cables that your power bank should come with. This would let you charge more than one device at a time, saving you time.
- To ensure safety of your costly iPhone, choose a power bank that comes with a power-cut power in the event of a short circuit.
- For a longer life of your power bank, look for the auto-cut feature in your bank. This would prevent it from getting overcharged.
- Sometimes, it is useful to spend a little to save you further costs. Always go with a branded power bank from a trusted seller. Don’t be fooled by tall claims. A power bank can cost you your beloved iPhone.
How do I choose the right Solar Charger for iPhone?
- There are two types of solar phone chargers: Direct solar chargers and Battery bank solar chargers. Direct solar chargers connect the solar panels to your iPhone, so the energy produced by the panels goes directly into your iPhone’s battery. A battery bank solar charger doesn’t get hooked up to your iPhone. Instead, the panels charge a solar power bank that you can then plug your iPhone into later when it needs a boost.
- Make sure the charger you get is powerful enough to charge your devices. If you’re only looking to charge one iPhone, a solar phone charger with a lower power output can work for you. If you need something that can charge multiple devices, or larger electronics like iPads, you’ll want a solar phone charger with more power. A wattage between 10 watts and 15 watts of power is a good rule of thumb when looking for a solar phone charger.
- The size of your charger is important! Because you’ll generally be using a solar phone charger on the go, the size and weight are important. Some solar chargers are made up of multiple lightweight solar panels that fold up so they can easily fit in your backpack. Others are heavier, and include a backup battery pack, that will add extra weight to whatever you’re carrying.
- Make sure that the charger you buy is compatible with your devices! Most solar phone chargers are able to charge any iPhone, however, it’s always good to check before you purchase. Also keep an eye out for how many charging ports the charger has. You don’t want to go on a hike with three people and only be able to charge two gadgets!
The Bottom Line
Now that you have checked all of these important details and factors regarding solar chargers vs power banks, you must have a pretty good idea about their differences. Even though both of them are great options for charging iPhones and other mobile devices on the go, both of these are ideal for different kinds of applications.
While a power bank is a more reliable option, solar chargers are ideal for multiple Apple devices while being away from home for multiple days. In fact, you can also consider getting both of these depending on your ideal usage and application. If you have gone through all the information regarding the comparison between solar chargers vs power banks given above, make sure to share your thoughts in the comments section. You can also post any questions down there if you have any!
Submit a comment