Review: Anker PowerCore 5000

Anker PowerCore 5000

9.6

Power

10.0/10

Design

8.5/10

Build

10.0/10

Reliability

10.0/10

Pros

  • Fast Charging and Recharge Speed
  • Very Portable
  • Great Design
  • Strong Build In and Out

Cons

  • Won't fit into a Pocket Very Easily
(Last Updated On: May 7, 2019)

Mini power banks are the categories within the power bank charging space that is receiving the most attention.

People want a portable charger that takes portability and power to its limits and it makes sense. It’s awesome to have a charger on the go and have the fast charging of a wall charger with it.

The PowerCore 5000 power bank is an example of the kind of innovation that Mini power banks are starting to unlock now.

Take a read on what makes the PowerCore 5000 so special with the highly portable Mini power bank space of portable chargers.

Other Types of 5,000mAh Power Banks:

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Power

Power Capacity:

The PowerCore 5000 is a Mini power bank that is opening new doors to the small-sized portable charger category. If you know about the PowerCore+Mini or if you’ve read our post about What’s the Best Capacity for a Power Bank, then you know that Mini power banks hold a lot of capabilities when it comes to power capacity and charging speed.

The PowerCore builds upon what a power bank should have pertaining to its power. The Mini power bank brings a 5,000mAh capacity to the table.

With the 5,000mAh capacity, you no longer just get 1 charge for your smartphone, rather the PowerCore 5000 is capable of charging most smartphones 2 times or over.

Tablets aren’t competitive or really used with a power bank of this capacity, although it will charge a tablet like an iPad about 3/4 of the way through; And well, the power bank can charge a tablet quite quickly as well.

PowerCore 5000 Power BankPhone CapacityPowerCore 5000 Power Bank Left Over Capacity

# of Full Charges to the Device
iPhone SE5,000mAh1,624mAh3,376mAh

3 Full Charges
iPhone 65,000mAh1,810mAh3,190mAh

2 Full Charges
iPhone 6 Plus5,000mAh2,915mAh2,085mAh

1.5 Full Charges
iPhone 6s5,000mAh1,715mAh3,285mAh

3 Full Charges
iPhone 6s Plus5,000mAh2,750mAh2,250mAh

1.5 Full Charges
Samsung Galaxy S65,000mAh2,550mAh2,450mAh

2 Full Charges
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge5,000mAh2,600mAh2,400mAh

2 Full Charges
Samsung Galaxy S75,000mAh3,000mAh2,000mAh

1.5 Full Charges
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge5,000mAh3,600mAh1,400mAh

1.3 Full Charges

Output Charging:

The charging speed of this power bank takes portable mini chargers into faster rates by being able to have an Output charging speed at 5V/2.0A.

This means that smartphones that are beyond the 1.0 Amp current of charging can charge faster than 1 Amp and into the higher Amperage categories.

Thus, overall providing a faster-charging experience for all devices that are connected to the power bank. This is why we said that an iPad could charge relatively quick with the PowerCore 5000, because its Output is 2.0A, and the max current that an iPad can accept is 2.4A, so it’ll just default to charging at 2.0A charging speed.

Input Recharging:

Of course, the power bank has a simple One port Output and One port Input system.

The PowerCore 5000 is recharged through a Micro-USB Input port that is capable of recharging at 5V/2A; A charging speed that is faster than most Mini power banks and you can expect a full charge from the power bank in about 3-4 hours.

However, we did say “Capable” of recharging the power bank at 5V/2A, because it depends on what wall charger you use.

If you’re using a wall charger that has an Output of 5V/1A, then the power bank will recharge at that speed. This is why we recommend using a wall charger that has an Output of 5V/2.4A to ensure that you’re getting the fastest recharge speed to your power bank.

  • Higher Power Capacity
  • Faster Output Charging Speed
  • Fast Input Charging Speed

Those are all the improvements that you’re getting with the PowerCore 5000. It’s a newer kind of Mini power bank that improves on the most fundamental things a power bank should be good at.

Similar Power Bank

 

Design

Size and Weight:

The PowerCore 5000 follows the same distinct design that other Mini power banks follow. The power bank has a cylindrical shape with a length of 4 inches and a width of 1 inch.

So you’ll find that it can be carried in your hand very easily and is definitely prepared for on the go purposes.

However, as small as the power bank is, it’s still bigger than Anker’s premiere PowerCore+ Mini and other small power banks like the Tylt 3,200 power bank.

Although you can easily hold the PowerCore 5000 easily and put it into nearly any bag, the power bank is not so comfortable in a pocket. It’s much wider than most smaller and lower capacity power banks; although it can fit into a pocket, it won’t be comfortable and will be a tight fit.

Functional Components:

Other than the bigger size, the power bank does an all around a great job with its design. The Input and Output ports are on a single side and are clearly labeled.

There are 3 White LED light indicators that show the capacity of the power bank and when they’re on, the power bank looks even more aesthetic.

There’s a power button right next to the LED lights that can be pressed to check the capacity left on the power bank.

The power button is a rarely used, though. When you connect a device to the PowerCore 5000, the power bank automatically begins charging so there’s no need to press the power button.

When there isn’t a device connected to the PowerCore, it automatically turns off in about 5 seconds.

This kind of design should be standard with nearly every power bank because it makes a portable charger so minimalist with how you have to use it and makes the user more carefree and more concerned about using their charging device.

 

The body of the power bank is plastic with a smooth finish. You would think that the power bank is quite slippery by just looking at it but that’s not the case.

The PowerCore 5000 power bank holds a strong grip that won’t easily slip from your hand, and it’s a great design choice for a power bank that is meant to be held in the hands most of the time. For example, if you’re out playing Pokemon GO, then this power bank is ideal.

Read Review for Aukey 5,000mAh Pocket Power Bank

Build

Few Parts make a Strong Build

The PowerCore 5000 is what a Mini power bank should be. With compactness comes a strong structure and that goes with the PowerCore 5000.

Although the power bank has a plastic body, it’s quite thick and the power bank is separated into just two pieces that are connected together.

With that said, the slit where the power bank is connected doesn’t even have a place where you can put your nails through.

 

 

The Output USB connectors hold onto a charging cable with great grip, which means that moving the power bank won’t make the cable fall out.

The power button is depressed into the power bank enough that it won’t fall out. We even did a press test with a few hundred presses and the power button still functioned the same way as it should.

The weight of the PowerCore 5000 isn’t really a concern. Weighing in at about 5 ounces, it’s heavier than most Mini power bank but it isn’t so heavy that it’ll cause substantial damage if it’s dropped, and it won’t tire you out by simply holding it.

The PowerCore 5000 has the standard safety tech features that prevent the power bank from heating up and causing damage to itself and to the device you’re charging.

There was never a moment that the PowerCore 5000 heated up, and we find that to be a very well built power bank.

Reliability

Mini power banks tend to be the most reliable type of power banks because of their objective purpose; they’re able to provide an optimal user experience that nearly anyone can rely on.

This is because of their small size and the need for high innovation within a small device is what people expect from a Mini power bank, therefore that’s what companies produce.

The PowerCore 5000 fits into the Mini power bank category but takes the quality just a little further.

The power bank is perfect for taking nearly anywhere and a power capacity that can be relied on for few charges for a smartphone. A charging speed that is nearly as fast as a wall charger.

Put it all together and the PowerCore 5000 Mini power bank takes the small portable charging category to another level of reliability that other charging companies should follow.

Read Reviews for 3,000mAh – 5,000mAh Power Banks

Summary:

Power:

A capacity of 5,000mAh, the PowerCore is able to charge some smartphones 2 times and maybe even more.

The charging speeds of the Output and Input are fast at 5V/2.0A, which is one Amp faster than most small power banks.

You can expect relatively the same charging speed that you get from a wall charger with this power bank. Although it’s not usually used to charge tablets, the PowerCore can charge an iPad to an alright capacity and quite fast as well, even though it’s not doing max charge to it.

Design:

Mini power banks follow a certain criterion and the PowerCore accomplishes to follow that criterion by being cylindrical and small so it’s very easy to carry around.

Putting it into any bag is no problem either. It feels great in the hands by providing a surface that doesn’t slip. With all the said, the power bank may be very small, but its thickness is its portable weakness. If you want to fit this power bank into your pocket, it will be very uncomfortable.

Build:

The build of the power bank is outstanding with a hard plastic shell and charging components that provide a trustworthy user experience.

Reliability:

The PowerCore 5000 is a power bank that can be relied on for nearly every power bank need because it’s strong in nearly every category.

The nimble portability of the power bank and charging capabilities make this charger one of the most reliable power banks on the market.

Power banks with very high capacities and multiple charging ports are great, but the PowerCore 5000 gives people very high freedom with power and then some more.

Specs of the PowerCore 5000:

  • Capacity: 5,000mAh
  • Output: 5V/2.0A
  • Input: 5V/2.0A via Micro USB Input
  • LED Power Indicators: Three-LED status system
  • Size: 4.2 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches
  • Weight: 4.8 Ounces
  • 18-month warranty

Conclusion:

Mini power banks do come in all sorts of shapes and sizes but the PowerCore 5000 takes the correct path of what a Mini power bank should be.

Just because a power bank has a higher capacity doesn’t mean that it should be much bigger.

That’s why the PowerCore 5000 is a step in the right direction because it increases its power capabilities such as capacity and charging speed while still providing a great portable experience.

Putting it into your pocket may not be the best option, but for nearly any other portable means, the PowerCore 5000 wins.

Also, take a look at Best Small Power Banks on the Market.

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1 thought on “Review: Anker PowerCore 5000”

  1. Power

    10

    Design

    9

    Build

    9.2

    Reliability

    10

    The Anker Powerbank review omits one of the most important characteristics of any battery; how long does it hold a charge when not used? If it’s not charged when you need it, all the other features are worthless. In my experience Anker holds a charge for many months. Their site says expect about a 2% loss per month. You can charge it, carry it and forget about it until you need it.

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