Review: Anker PowerCore 13000 Portable Charger

Anker PowerCore 13000 Portable Charger

9.5

Power

8.5/10

Design

10.0/10

Build

10.0/10

Pros

  • Has a great conversion, so the power capacity can charge smartphones lots of time. Tablets can charge 1.5 times.
  • Very small size for a 2-port power bank.
  • If you're charging a single smartphone that is Quick Charge compatible, then the Max Output of 3A can charge your smartphone very quickly.

Cons

  • It only has a Max Output of 5V/3.0A. So if you're charging 2 highly demanding devices that can take high amounts of Amperage to charge, this wouldn't do too well.
(Last Updated On: September 28, 2020)

pic-1

2-port power banks can deliver more than just a 1 port power bank. This isn’t to say that portable chargers with just a single port aren’t able to give a great charging experience. It’s just that when a charger has 2 charging ports, it means that it’s ready to offer more to the user.

Not just with the ability to charge 2 devices at the same time, it also means that other aspects such as power capacity, charging speed, and tech are greater than a 1 port charger.

This is the Anker PowerCore 13,000mAh portable charger, and it SHOULD NOT be mistaken for the PowerCore+ 13,400. Let’s take a look at what this very similar charger has to offer and if it’s truly worth getting; in this Charger Harbor Review.

Similar Power Banks:

EasyAcc 15,000mAh Power Bank with 3-Ports

Power

Power Capacity

The initial power capacity that this charger has is 13,000mAh and it has a really good conversion rate of about 93% but that conversion rate is all dependent on your usage of the charger.

Along with the times, you can charge smartphones like the Galaxy S6 and iPhone 6s, the conversion rate may be lower than just 93%.

With that said, if the power bank does perform at a 93% conversion rate then you can expect an Output lower capacity of 12,000mAh.

However, we’re gonna take the pessimistic route because Anker doesn’t mention the use of Panasonic battery cells and we’re assuming that it just does very well with its temperature control and charging management.

As a result, it could more likely have about 10,500mAh.

Update! This power bank does indeed use Panasonic battery cells.

10,500mAh of Output power capacity is still a lot of power that can charge smartphones about 4 times or more. As for tablets, you can very well expect some tablets to charge to their full capacities but only if you’re using the entire capacity.

This is because when you have another device connected to the power bank then it’s pulling from the power capacity and more Amp Current is being used, which ultimately leads to less Output Power Capacity.

Of course, these are just estimates and the Output capacity can very well be the 93% that Anker has stated and we would hope that’s the case with every charging round.

DevicesAnker PowerCore 13000 Portable Charger (Output Capacity = 10,500mAh)Phone CapacityAnker PowerCore 13000 Left Over Capacity after One Charge

# of Full Charges for the Device
iPhone SE10,500mAh1,624mAh8,876mAh

6.4 Full Charges
iPhone 610,500mAh1,810mAh8,690mAh

5.8 Full Charges
iPhone 6 Plus10,500mAh2,915mAh7,585mAh

3.6 Full Charges
iPhone 6s10,500mAh1,715mAh8,785mAh

6.1 Full Charges
iPhone 6s Plus10,500mAh2,750mAh7,750mAh

3.8 Full Charges
Samsung Galaxy S610,500mAh2,550mAh7,950mAh

4.1 Full Charges
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge10,500mAh2,600mAh7,900mAh

4.0 Full Charges
Samsung Galaxy S710,500mAh3,000mAh7,500mAh

3.5 Full Charges
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge10,500mAh3,600mAh6,900mAh

2.9 Full Charges

Output Capacity: Both Ports Capable of 5V/3.0A    Max Output: 3.0A

This is where the powering capabilities of this power bank are kind of weak. There are 2 Output charging ports on this charger, so that’s good. Both of the ports can send a Max Output of 5V/3.0A but at the same time, the Max Output of the entire power bank is 3.0A.

This means that if you want to charge a tablet at its max speed of 2.4 Amps, you can, but if you want to charge a smartphone at the same time then the power bank will split the 3 Amp Output between the ports.

This will result in both ports possibly outputting 1.5A each and the Tablet will be charging much slower than it’s supposed to.

Most power banks with 2 charging ports at least have a Max Output of 3.4A or 4.8A like Anker’s other power bank the Anker PowerCore 20100.

Anker PowerCore 13000 is Powerful with Few Faults

With that said, this isn’t to say that the charging is bad. It’s still able to go above the Max Standard charging rate of 2.4 Amps and push into the 3 Amp range.

This charging speed is especially useful for Quick Charge smartphones because they’re able to charge near their max charging speed.

However, it’s very important to know that this power bank DOES NOT have Quick Charge; 5V/3.0A is not a Quick Charge charging speed but it comes close and it’s able to charge Quick Charge smartphones faster than just 5V/2.4A.

The Max Output is the only disappointing aspect because if you’re charging 2 devices with High Amperage needs, the power bank won’t be able to do a good job at providing sufficient power to both devices.

pic-2

Input Charging: 5V/2.0A

The recharging speed is alright with a 2 Amp Input charging rate and if you do use a 2 Amp wall charger with the power bank, then you can expect a recharge time of 5.5-6 hours.

Although we expected a faster recharge rate of 2.4 Amps because the Output is lacking and 2.4A Input would have redeemed it quite well.

Design

Size and Weight

pic-3

It’s a compact charger and that comes as a surprise with its power capacity and 2 port features.

The length is 3.8 inches, it’s 3.2 inches in width and 0.9 inches in thickness; it weighs 11.2 ounces. So it’s a small charger but the weight is where the portable charger will feel less portable than it looks.

Of course, you can carry this power bank in a single hand and if it’s possible, you can fit it into a big enough pocket. Although it’s best to place it down and use it, especially if you’re charging 2 devices at the same time.

Functional Components

pic-1

Functional components are in the same general area. The 2 USB Output ports and Micro-USB Input ports are on a side panel. The power button is on the long side of the power bank and there are 4 LED power capacity indicators on top of the charger.

The PowerCore 13,000 functions the same as other power banks from Anker and many other portable chargers on the market. This means that charging automatically begins when a device is connected to the charger and charging turns off if there aren’t devices connected to the power bank.

Overall, it’s user limited interaction makes the charger easier to use and you’ll find that you’re going to use the power button mainly to check the power capacity of the power bank.

Aukey 16,000mAh Power Bank with Quick Charge

Build

Structure and Material

This is one of Anker’s best-built power banks because of its build that holds a lot of solidarity. Sure the power bank is just made of plastic and is separated into 4 pieces but the way it’s put together makes it very strong.

Anker states that the PowerCore 13000 has been Impact, Vibration and Temperature tested.

Okay so that makes this power bank sound like it’s on the level of a Rugged charger like the RAVPower’s or EasyAcc’s rugged portable chargers but that’s not the case. Sure the power bank can take falls but only now and then and it’s best not to drop it on hard flooring.

As for Temperature build, it’s quite amazing because the charger can still function in -40F and 158F.

Tech

There’s not much surprise on its build quality, of course, the Anker PowerCore 13000 takes advantage of Anker’s Multi Safe Protection that can provide a wide range of safety features during charging.

It uses charging tech like PowerIQ and Voltage Boost that’s able to charge devices as fast as possible.

Lumina 15,000mAh Compact Portable Charger

Reliability

When it comes to reliability, this power bank meets a good standard. It does well with its power capacity since it has a good conversion rate but the same can’t be said about the charging speed.

Anker tried to make a highly objective charging power bank and they did achieve it, but with only a Max Output 3A to rely on for a 2 port power bank isn’t the best design or way to channel power.

However, both of the ports can Output 5V/3.0A at any one time and as a result, if you’ve got a Quick Charge compatible device then this will charge it NEAR Quick Charge charging speeds.

It’s a small charger for a 2 port power bank, so you can take it nearly anywhere but the weight is what makes it seem larger than it is.

If you want a Quick Charge Version of this Power Bank: PowerCore+ 13400

Summary:

Power:

The Output power capacity is good because of a good conversion rating, although each person’s conversion might be different depending on what devices you charge and if you charge 1 or devices at the same time.

The Max Output is rather weak with the only 3.0A, so if you’re charging something like 1 tablet and a smartphone then the tablet will charge slowly.

Design:

It’s a surprisingly small power bank and for a 13,000mAh 2 port charger, we welcome its small size. The weight is what can make it seem larger than it is.

The user experience is very easy with charging automatically starting when a device is connected and the charging turning off when there is nothing connected.

Build:

The physical build is strong and can go halfway of considering it to be a rugged power bank because its been impact and extreme Temperature tested.

Reliability:

The power bank is reliable enough to be used for all your charging needs. The charging speed could use some work with having had a higher Output Max but we understand what Anker was trying to do and how it can charge Quick Charge compatible smartphones at a faster speed.

Power Banks that have Similar Power Capacities and Charging Abilities

Specs of the Anker PowerCore 13000 Portable Charger:

  • Power Capacity: 13,000mAh
  • Output:

Both Ports Capable of 5V/3.0A

Max Output: 3.0A

  • Input: 5V/2.0A Via Micro-USB Input
  • LED Power Indicators: 4 LED Dotted Power Capacity Indicators
  • Size: 3.8 x 3.2 x 0.9 inches
  • Weight: 11.2 Ounces

Conclusion:

The PowerCore 13000 isn’t exactly what we expected, especially with an Output of 3.0A, we were hoping for something like 4.8A for a Max Output but the 3.0A charging through a single port can be very helpful for some devices.

It’s surprisingly portable and for what it’s capable of, the charger is really good to take on the go.

Anker PowerCore 13000mAh, Compact 3-Port Ultra-Portable Phone Charger Power Bank for iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max/14/13 Series, iPad, Samsung
  • Upgraded Capacity: The successor to PowerCore 10400—identical compact size but packed with even more power. Charges an iPhone 8 almost 5 times, an iPhone X or Samsung Galaxy S9 3 times, or an iPad Air 2 once.
  • Light and Compact: A super-high 13,000 mAh capacity with two high-speed USB ports is all contained in a portable charger smaller than a wallet.
  • What You Get: Anker PowerCore 13000 Portable Charger, Micro USB cable, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service. (Wall charger not included)
Readers like you help support Charger Harbor. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

1 thought on “Review: Anker PowerCore 13000 Portable Charger”

Comments are closed.