Review: Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger

Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger

9

Power

9.5/10

Design

8.5/10

Build

9.0/10

Pros

  • Very High Capacity that can potentially last for a week depending on how you use it
  • 3 Output Charging Ports
  • 2 Input Recharging Ports for faster Recharging

Cons

  • Heavy & Large, not really meant for placing it into your pocket
  • Possible Damage if Dropped
(Last Updated On: March 13, 2021)

 

High-capacity portable chargers are becoming more popular because they can provide the longevity of power that people are looking for.

This means that high-capacity power banks can last a long time without needing to recharge.

These kinds of generators are great for taking on a road trip or for camping because they’re going to recharge your devices over and over again without taking too much power from the power bank.

The best part of these monstrous power banks is that they usually have the latest charging tech and multiple ways to charge your devices.

Such a power bank that encompasses what it means to be high capacity and highly capable of providing the most of what a power bank has to offer is created by Anker’s PowerCore 26800.

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Power

Power Capacity:

If you haven’t figured it out yet, the PowerCore 26800 has a power capacity of 26,800mAh.

That’s a lot of power, and the best part is that the power bank uses Panasonic battery cells, the same kind of batteries that the Jackery Bar uses. As a result, the energy loss during charging is kept to a minimum.

Made for Charging Devices Multiple Times

You can expect the power bank to lose about 800mAh of its power during charging per port in our experience. The most power you can lose is 2,400mAh of power capacity.

Even with that said, the PowerCore will give you plenty of charges for smartphones and tablets.

This big power capacity will last for days if you’re using it on the extreme side, but it can very well last for a week or maybe even more if you’re going to be using it moderately; Like charging your smartphone only.

It’s a great power bank for road trip purposes and may even last the entirety of the road trip; To and Back that it is.

Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger (Output Capacity = 24,400mAh)Phone CapacityAnker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger Left Over Capacity after One Charge

# of Full Charges for the Device
iPhone SE24,400mAh1,624mAh22,776mAh

15 Full Charges
iPhone 624,400mAh1,810mAh22,590mAh

13 Full Charges
iPhone 6 Plus24,400mAh2,915mAh21,485mAh

8 Full Charges
iPhone 6s24,400mAh1,715mAh22,685mAh

14 Full Charges
iPhone 6s Plus24,400mAh2,750mAh21,650mAh

8 Full Charges
Samsung Galaxy S624,400mAh2,550mAh21,850mAh

9 Full Charges
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge24,400mAh2,600mAh21,800mAh

9 Full Charges
Samsung Galaxy S724,400mAh3,000mAh21,400mAh

8 Full Charges
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge24,400mAh3,600mAh20,800mAh

6.5 Full Charges

Output Charging:

Along with the high capacity of the power bank, it has 3 charging outputs. 3 charging outputs that allow you to charge 3 devices at the same time.

Each of the charging ports is capable of 5V/3.0A charging speed, the max charging speed.

With that said, though, the power bank’s overall capable output power is 6 Amps at once. This means that if you were to connect 3 iPads into the power bank, then the iPads would charge at 2.0A rather than their max charging speed of 2.4A because the power bank can only output 6 Amps.

High Max Output = Fast Charging for All Devices

Even a configuration like 2 iPads and a smartphone may put the power bank over the 6 Amp output, and as a result, all the charging ports may charge at 2 Amps each.

Although it’s a small setback for charging speed, the power bank’s overall charging speed is excellent by making the minimum of each port 2 Amps that can still charge smartphones and tablets very quickly.

Ultimately, this kind of thing only matters if you’re going to charge more than a single iPad with the power bank. If you’re going to charge 3 smartphones with the power bank simultaneously, then the default charging speed shouldn’t be a problem.

Input Recharging:

One of the best features that this power bank has is its recharge capabilities. The PowerCore 26800 has two Micro-USB Input ports that can recharge the power bank at 5V/2.0A charging speeds.

It was already a surprise that the power bank had two Input ports, but it was even better that there were two recharge ports for the power bank. This meant that the power bank could recharge faster, and considering its very high capacity, it made sense to implement two recharge ports.

You can expect a full charge from this power bank within 6-7 hours, and we think that’s great timing because if the power bank had a single Micro-USB Input, then recharge time would be doubled.

Double the Recharging

Overall, the PowerCore 26800 power bank can charge at 4 Amps of Input power, and you can expect a full recharge within about 6-7 hours. We recommend using a wall charger with a 2.0A output or higher.

Although it’s great to see two Micro-USB Input ports, it seems that high-capacity power banks are having this kind of feature implemented into them, just like the EasyAcc Monster power bank.

It’s a welcome charging feature that would maybe be even more welcomed in lower-capacity power banks because they’ll be able to recharge faster and be used faster.

Design

Size and Weight:

Like many of Anker’s products and especially their power banks, the design scheme is meant to be as minimalistic and small as possible. That’s what the PowerCore 26800  conveys, as its high charging potential is hidden underneath its low profile appearance.

The power bank isn’t small, but we wouldn’t even rank it as tremendously large either. The length of the power bank is 7 inches, so it’s more than half a foot, the width is 3.2 inches, and it’s a thickness of nearly 1 inch.

The power bank can fit into your hands, but that’s not where it belongs. Not just because the power bank is large, but it’s also quite heavy by weighing 1 pound.

Ultimately, the power bank’s side and weight heavily match what it has to offer in the power department.

It more of a Set Down and use a Type of Power Bank.

Walking with the PowerCore isn’t the best idea since you’ll soon be looking for a place to set it down, and that’s natural; That’s because the 26,800mAh power bank is meant to be a destination charger.

It’s not the kind of power bank that you’re going to be taking on your morning runs; it’s going to be the power bank that you take on your travels, to the office, or to the library to study.

Putting this power bank into a bag, going to your destinations, taking it out of your bag, and using it is what this power bank is designed for.

Functional Components:

Going into the on-product design features, it’s what you can expect from Anker, and we noticed that it’s heavily designed like the PowerCore 20100 power bank. All of the charging outputs and input ports are on the side panel of the power bank.

The 3 Output ports are lined up horizontally together. The two Micro-USB Inputs are placed vertically, which is an uncommon design but a welcome one because it looks like it was done to make the power bank’s width short.

On the side of the power bank is where you can find the power button that can be pressed to tell the power bank’s capacity and turns off the charger.

Other than that, the power bank automatically starts charging once something is connected to it. There are 4 LED lights on top of PowerCore to indicate power capacity.

Featuring just what You Need

The best thing about Anker’s power banks is that they don’t feature side things or “Bonus” features like flashlights, not because they can’t but because they want to provide the necessities and improve upon those. That’s what the design is like.

It just gives the bare necessities and has improved upon them.

Read PowerCore 20100 Review

Build

Structure and Materials:

The build of the PowerCore is highly similar to that of the PowerCore 20100, as we stated before how the 26800’s design is similar to the 20100.

The material used for the PowerCore 26800 is lightly varnished plastic, and it may not sound like much, but Anker knows how to build their products. The plastic isn’t brittle; it’s quite thick and holds strong.

There are 3 main parts of the PowerCore 26800. The center body is the biggest portion and the two side panels.

It’s all solid. The side panels have been depressed into the power bank in a great way. This matters because if the side panels were more outwards like the Jackery Bar has, there would be a higher chance of damage.

With all that said, about the PowerCore being built very well and the side panels being placed very well, the charger is still one pound. Avoid dropping this power bank from high heights and onto a hard floor because its heavyweight can be its downfall.

No Falling out Cables

The power bank components are great, with the USB charging ports holding very strong to the cable that you input into the port.

We’re not sure how Anker managed to do it, but the charging cable used to connect the power bank stayed very strongly throughout each of the 3 ports. The two Micro-USB Input ports functioned perfectly as well.

The power button, although with its limited functions, worked even after being used many times.

Tech:

Along with the awesome charging options and charging speeds, the power bank has a Multi-Protection System that keeps your devices and the power bank safe.

The current is better controlled, and by doing so, there’s less of a chance of heat being generated which causes the most harm during charging.

This way, you can charge 3 devices simultaneously with this high-capacity power bank and not worry about any of the charging devices getting damaged.

Reliability

The reliability of the PowerCore 26800 is beyond what you’d probably need, and that’s what makes it over-reliable. That’s right; we said over-reliable.

This power bank isn’t for everyone; the PowerCore is meant for those seeking the kind of experience that we’ve outlined in this review. The power bank is very limited in portability but being amazing with its powering capabilities.

If you’re searching for a power bank that can offer a very high capacity, and once that’s able to charge many devices simultaneously, we can’t recommend this power bank enough.

Although it’s not the most reliable if you’re taking it out for a walk, it’ll do wonders if you’re at a destination, have it one spot, and be using it.

This power bank isn’t for those looking for a loose charging experience, and that’s why Anker has the PowerCore+ Mini that can offer absolute free portability.

The PowerCore 26800 is a portable charger that you can rely on for days or even weeks. In that time, you’re also relying on its multiple charging options and fast charging.

Read Vinsic 28,000mAh Power Bank with Quick Charge 3.0

Summary:

Power:

The power of the PowerCore 26800 is in the name, packing itself with nearly 26,800mAh capacity. The PowerCore can last for days or weeks, depending on how you use it.

Each of the charging ports is capable of 3.0 Amps of charging but putting the overall output at 6 Amps, and as a result, the power bank defaults to 2 Amps per port.

It’s a mini disappointment and doesn’t disrupt the entire charging experience. Lastly, the power bank has two Micro-USB Inputs that make the power bank charge 2x faster with doing 4 Amps of recharge and can recharge fully in about 6-7 hours.

Design:

It’s a big and heavy power bank that tries its best to be portable, and although it fails to be portable in the hands, it’s still very portable as a destination charging power.

This means that the power bank is best used at a destination charger rather than on-the-go. All the charging ports are on a single side, the power button has minimal functions, and there are LED power indicators at the top of the power bank.

Build:

Build quality with nearly all of Anker’s products is great; even with being made with plastic, the PowerCore 26800 is a structurally sound-made power bank. Side panels are depressed into the power bank and, as a result, avoid damage.

One of the downfalls to the power bank is the power bank itself. Since it weighs 1 pound, dropping it can prove fatal if done from high enough and on a hard enough floor.

Reliability:

The PowerCore 26800 is a highly objective power bank when you’re searching for reliance on it. It’s near the epitome of high-capacity power banks since it’s able to charge 3 devices simultaneously and with a high capacity to match.

All we have to say is that you should expect limited portability from a power bank like this because it’s not going to provide a loose feeling of living if you plan to carry it around.

More 21,000mAh – 30,000mAh Power Bank Reviews

Anker PowerCore 26800 Power Bank Specs
Power Capacity26,800mAh
Each USB-A Output Port5V/3.0A (15W)
Max Output6A (30W)
Micro-USB Input5V/2.0A (10W)
Max Input4A (20W)
Size7.1 x 3.2 x 0.9 inches
Weight1.1 Pounds

Conclusion:

High-capacity portable chargers aren’t something new, but they’re becoming more popular by the way they’re executed. Some companies take the easy way out and limit features to their power banks.

Some are lazy with the design and make it bulky.

That’s not what’s happening here, though. Instead, the PowerCore 26800 does its best to give all the power and design to the user.

It’s not supposed to be portable because of its insanely high capacity, but we find that’s alright considering the power bank can last for days, has fast charging speeds, and two ports for recharging. It delivers a whole package that’s been worked on in every department.

Sale
Anker Power Bank, 26,800 mAh External Battery with Dual Input Port and Double-Speed Recharging, 3 USB Ports for iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, iPad, Samsung, Android and Other Devices
  • Colossal Cell Capacity: 26,800mAh of power charges most phones over 6 times, tablets at least 2 times, and any other USB device multiple times.
  • Charge 3 Devices at Once: 3 USB output ports together with Anker's PowerIQ and Voltage Boost technology ensure charging for three devices simultaneously (not compatible with Qualcomm Quick Charge).
  • Recharge with Dual 20W Micro USB: A full recharge of the power bank takes just over 6 hours while using both input ports (wall charger not included).
  • What You Get: Anker 337 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K), 2× Micro USB cable, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month, friendly customer service. (USB-C cable and Lightning cable for iPhone/ iPad sold separately).

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