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ZDNET Key Takeaways
The Auskang 5,000mAh power bank, available on Amazon for $21, is small and thin, but sturdy and performs as expected.
It would be nice if you could charge it using the built-in USB-C port.
I love chunky power banks. Larger devices give me peace of mind knowing they have plenty of power to store. But I’m painfully aware that the bigger the power bank, the more likely it is that I’ll forget about it and leave my devices without juice.
Plus: The best power banks you can buy: tested by experts
I’ve tested portable chargers of all sizes, and recently had the chance to get my hands on an Auskang 5,000 mAh power bank, an ultra-slim device that’s roughly the thickness of a stack of coins, and it didn’t disappoint.
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Auskang 5,000mAh Power Bank Technical Specifications
Capacity: 5,000mAh Output:
Built-in USB-C cable: Maximum 5V⎓2.1A
USB-C port: Maximum 5V⎓2.1A input:
USB-C Port: Max 5V⎓1.5A Charging Time: 3.5 hours at 5V⎓1.5A Protection: Overcharge, Overdischarge, Overvoltage, Overcurrent, Short Circuit Battery Type: Lithium Polymer Shell: 304 Stainless Steel Size: 124 x 66 x 6.8 mm Weight: 130 g Finish: Beige, Black, Blue, Pink
The first thing that strikes you about this power bank is how thin it is: really thin, much thinner than my iPhone and about the thickness of a couple of credit cards or coins.
When I first saw it, I thought it was made of plastic and was worried the battery would bend in my pocket and catch fire. Luckily, it’s all housed in a stainless steel case, and so far it’s stood up to everything I’ve thrown at it.
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Sure, you could bend it in half if you wanted to, but then so would a phone or tablet. What matters is that it’s sturdy enough to withstand everyday use.
This powerful power bank is also ideal for charging many devices.
This power bank has all the basic features you’d expect, including a power button, four LEDs that indicate the current charge level, and a USB-C port that can both charge your devices and the power bank itself.
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It also has a USB-C connector built into the short pigtail cable, so you can charge any device with a USB-C port. This nifty touch gives you versatility and eliminates the need to carry an extra cable or rely on wireless charging. Prefer a Lightning connector instead of USB-C? No problem! We have just that version for you.
The two outputs allow the power bank to charge two devices simultaneously or charge itself while charging another device, making it extremely useful when you’re on the go and need a reliable power source without the bulk.
Test the power input and output of the Auskang 5,000mAh power bank.
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We have tested this power bank thoroughly and it has passed all tests with flying colors – power output and input are as specified and the power bank can run at full capacity for long periods of time without overheating.
Also, How to Test Portable Power Stations with ZDNET in 2024
Perhaps most importantly, the success of this power bank means I no longer need to carry around the biggest one I can find at all times. It has a 5,000mAh capacity, which isn’t huge, but it’s enough to charge a modern smartphone about once. If I need more capacity than that, I’ll need a bigger pocket for a bigger power bank or access to AC power.
ZDNET BUYING ADVICE
The Auskang 5,000mAh power bank is perfect for on-the-go use with your smartphone. It’s small, light, and powerful. The only drawback is that it doesn’t charge with the built-in USB-C cable. You’ll need a separate cable to charge it. Having one more item to carry around can make traveling light more difficult. Think of this power bank as a one-time use case.
Overall, the Auskang is great value for money, costing around $20, and if you’re looking for something small, thin, and durable enough to slip in your pocket or bag without breaking, this is a great buy.