Smartphones are becoming more and more efficient, but their autonomy often leaves something to be desired. To remedy this, external batteries have become our best allies. They’ve evolved, gaining more power and connectivity options, like USB-C and wireless charging. But times are changing and a new generation of batteries is emerging!
If memory does not betray us, external batteries, also known as power bank, made their first appearance on the market to respond to a growing need of the modern consumer: to extend the autonomy of our electronic devices, in particular our smartphones, which, although technologically advanced, suffered (and still fail) by their limited autonomy.
Over the years, manufacturers have innovated both in terms of capacity and connectivity. From the original USB-A to USB-C, through Qi wireless technology integrations and more recently, Apple’s MagSafe, external batteries have adapted to user needs and current technological trends .
Shargeek 170: power and capacity
Sharge, a company known for its tech accessories like SSDs, has decided to enter the battle with a new product that stands out: the Shargeek 170. Presented via a Kickstarter campaign, this external battery offers a capacity of 24,000 mAh and an impressive power of 170 Watts, capable of charging up to three devices at the same time very quickly.
Compact and lightweight with its 164.9 x 62.8 x 59.6 mm and 680 grams, it doesn’t skimp on connectivity either. There are two USB Type C ports and one USB Type A port. Little technical extra: 170 watts refers to the total power, with up to 140 watts on a single port using USB PD 3.1 technology.
And for those in a hurry, good news: the battery itself can be recharged with 140 watts of power, allowing it to be charged to half in just 20 minutes. And if you’re the clumsy type or live in a rainy area, don’t panic! The Shargeek 170 has an IPx4 certification, which means it is splash resistant.
This is an interesting point to raise: the Shargeek 170, with its 24,000 mAh and power output of up to 170 watts, clearly does not target everyone. It is a tool of choice for consumers who need to charge power-hungry devices such as laptops, iPad Pros, or even gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch, especially when on the move or far away. ‘an outlet. If you’re a nomadic professional, a gamer on the go, or a tech geek traveling, this battery could be the ideal solution to avoid running out of power.
Of course, not everyone needs that much juice in their pocket! For a long day or weekend away from the outlets, there are simpler, cheaper, and more compact options on the market. Batteries of 5,000 to 10,000 mAh, for example, can be more than enough to give two or three full charges to most smartphones and are often easier to carry around due to their smaller size and weight.
110 euros: it’s quite expensive
This is the question we can ask ourselves. 110 euros is a pretty high price for an external battery, even with such performance. And it is always good to remember that participatory campaigns can sometimes have surprises in store, which are not always pleasant. It is therefore advisable to exercise caution, even if the product characteristics are more than attractive.