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Different Types of Portable Chargers

Alyssa Mertes

Published: July 23rd, 2020

Is there anything more devastating than 0% battery? That's the beauty of a portable charger or power bank! It gives our phones enough life to play music, send texts, and stream that new podcast.

What are the different portable chargers? How long do they last? Plug in your phone and get ready to learn more!

What Are the Different Types of Portable Chargers?

There are a million different phone chargers out there. Generally speaking, there are four main categories that include:

Car Chargers

Car Chargers

Never worry about getting lost again! A car charger keeps your phone at full battery, which is especially handy when using a GPS for a long road trip.

Wall Power Adapters

Wall Power Adapters

Plug in your USB to a wall adapter and find the nearest outlet. It's an easy way to bring power to your phone on-the-go.

Multi-Charger Cables

Multi-Charger Cables

Are you a tech fan? A multi-cable charger has a USB for any device so you can always be at a full charge.

Power Banks

Power Banks

Power banks are little portable chargers that connect to your tablet or phone. They're power bricks that you can easily carry in a laptop case or backpack.

Some chargers operate from a USB, while others plug right into the wall and run on electrical currents. It depends on which type of charger you're using.

Either way, you want something that's compatible with your phone and won't take forever to charge.

How Long Does a Portable Charger Take to Charge?

A portable charger or power bank can get your device up and running in as few as 2 hours. The charge ultimately depends on the type of charger you're using and your battery life.

Take a look at four customizable chargers from Quality Logo Products®. They provide an average idea of how well the different charger types work.

How Long Do Portable Chargers Take to Charge?

Wall Power Adapter

wall charger

UL Listed Lightweight
USB Wall Charger

Charge Time
2-4 hours

*The charge time is estimated from 0% to 100% and from specific chargers available at Quality Logo Products®. Times may vary depending on the charger you're using, your device, and your battery percentage at the time of charging.

A portable charger is a lifesaver when you're running on empty. It's worth having one of every type lying around, or at the very least, keeping one in the car and one at home. You never know when you're going to need it!

How Long Do Portable Chargers Last?

Portable chargers and power banks usually last between 18 months and 3 years. The less often you use yours, the longer it will work, so keep your portable charger unplugged unless you absolutely need it.

You often see portable chargers or power banks handed out for free at trade shows and other events, but you can also get cheap versions at your nearest store. It's smart to have a bunch in case the one you use shorts out.

How Does a Portable Charger Work?

A charger works thanks to amperage, voltage, and wattage. These units of measurement determine how fast your device will charge, the pressure that goes into the charge, and how much energy is created or spent.

If you fell asleep in high school physics, this is the formula you want to keep in mind.

Watts = Amps x Volts

Every charger will have a specified output and input associated with it in terms of amps and volts. You want to look for one with a higher input and output, as it will ultimately charge way faster. After all, the more watts your portable charger is packing, the faster the charge.

How Many Milliamps Does a Smartphone Use?

Smartphones typically have a battery that's between the 2000 and 3000 milliamp hour range. It depends on whether you're using an iPhone or Android to get an exact count.

Either way, your power bank or portable charger should have a capacity that's equal to or higher than the milliamp count specific to your device, which if it's a smartphone, will be between 2000 and 3000 mAh.

Jolt Tablet Charger

How to Choose the Right Portable Charger or Power Bank

Sure, your phone and tablet probably came with a charger, but you still might want a few extra on hand.
The right charger for you comes down to:

Compatibility

Compatibility

It goes without saying, you need a charger with a USB that will work with your phone. You don't want to try to force the wrong port or you could end up causing damage.

Charging Time

Charging Time

The charger should get your phone to 100% in about 2 hours. If it doesn't, look for a different option that works better.

Milliamps

Milliamps

As mentioned, the power bank's milliamp count should be equal to or higher than your device. Anything lower and you'll be waiting forever for a full charge.

Weight

Weight

Make sure your charger or power bank is easy to store and carry with you. You don't want to throw out your back lugging a heavy one around.

Price

Price

Save your money for that new smartphone! Your power banks or chargers should be extremely affordable, or even better, completely free!

It shouldn't cost a lot of time, money, and effort to find a good charger or power bank. You want one you can keep in your bag and replace down the road when you get a new device.

How to Make Your Phone Battery Last Longer

A portable charger is great, but it's even better when your phone lasts longer. You can extend your battery life by following these tips:

Don't Use Your Phone While It's Plugged In

Don't Use Your Phone While It's Plugged In

Your phone needs some time to breathe. If you keep sending texts and browsing the internet, it won't charge very quickly. Leave it alone as it's plugged in and maybe go read a book or take a walk instead.

Lower Your Brightness

Lower Your Brightness

Go with the lowest setting possible without straining your eyes. A bright screen will drain your battery ridiculously fast.

Stay Out of Extreme Heat or Cold

Stay Out of Extreme Heat or Cold

Your phone prefers to be in a temperature between 62 and 72°F. Anything warmer or colder isn't good for your battery.

Disable Notifications

Disable Notifications

You don't need Buzzfeed and Groupon to keep sending you updates. Receive notifications only from the apps you use frequently, like text messages or emails.

Turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Off

Turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Off

If you're not using your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, you can turn them off. Just click the icons again when you're ready to connect.

Charge Your Phone Before It Runs Out of Juice

Charge Your Phone Before It Runs Out of Juice

Now's not the time to play Frankenstein. You shouldn't be bringing your phone back from the dead, but rather, charging it when it's at no less than 20%.

Put Your Phone on Silent or Ringtone

Put Your Phone on Silent or Ringtone

It may seem surprising, but the vibrate function drains your battery for certain phones. Go with silent mode or keep your ringtone low.

Keep Calls Short & Sweet

Keep Calls Short & Sweet

Finally, an excuse to get off the phone with your nosy grandpa! It's better for your phone's battery to keep your calls nice and brief.

Avoid Animated Backgrounds

Avoid Animated Backgrounds

Your battery will last longer if your background image doesn't move around. Consider a nice sunset, your significant other, or an adorable puppy. A dark wallpaper is even better as it drains less battery than bright ones.

Change Automatic Updates

Change Automatic Updates

Many phones automatically update your apps without you being aware. Change this in your settings as it can affect your battery life.

These tips work across the board, whether you're an Android or iPhone fan. Keep them in mind so you won't need that portable charger or power bank as often!

Why Should You Advertise with Portable Chargers?

Are you a tech startup? Do you work with millennials? No matter what you do, you can benefit from advertising with customized chargers and power banks.

90% of smartphone users have "low battery anxiety" according to a survey conducted by LG, a popular electronics company. Your business can be part of the solution if you hand out power banks and chargers at your next trade show, fundraiser, or promotional event.

Contact Us

Ready to get started on your custom power banks and chargers? Reach out to the team at Quality Logo Products®!

The Bottom Line

Your phone or tablet is there for it all - emergencies, keeping up with work emails, or when you're bored and just want to go on a Netflix binge. Get the extra charge you need with a handy power bank or portable charger!

Quality Logo Products are experts on all things printed and promotional. Let our team of awesome, incredibly good looking, and fun promo nerds help you select awesome promotional swag today!

4 random promtional products 4 random promotional products tablet
Alyssa

Alyssa Mertes

Alyssa is the Lead Copywriter at Quality Logo Products. As a promo expert, she's uncovered the world's first custom tote bag, interviewed the guy behind rock band ACDC's logo, and had a piece published by the Advertising Specialty Institute, a leader in the promotional products industry.

References

Bright Side. (2018, April 24). 13 Secrets to Keep Your Phone Battery Alive for Longer. Retrieved June 24, 2019, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSnvZ0BxC1k

Dove, J. (2019, May 26). Learn How to Boost Your Smartphone Battery Life with These Tips. Retrieved June 24, 2019, from
https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-save-battery-life-on-your-smartphone/

Stephen, L. (2018, August 23). 13 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Phone Battery. Retrieved June 24, 2019, from
https://lauren-c-stephen.medium.com/13-tips-to-extend-the-lifespan-of-your-phone-battery-16c2af5ca59f

Liu, B. (2018, September 7). How Long Does a Power Bank Last? Retrieved June 24, 2019, from
https://zendure.com/blogs/news/how-long-does-a-power-bank-last

Kingston Technology. (2017, June 30). How to Understand Power Bank Ratings and Other Power Bank Basics. Retrieved June 25, 2019, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szW3nvQWr-8

Heart.co.uk. (2018, October 22). 90% of Smartphone Users Have 'Low Battery Anxiety.' Retrieved June 25, 2019, from
https://www.heart.co.uk/news/90-of-smartphone-users-have-low-battery-anxiety/

Hidalgo, J. (2019, April 30). How to Choose a Portable USB Charger and Battery Pack. Retrieved June 25, 2019, from
https://www.lifewire.com/buying-guide-for-portable-usb-chargers-2740926