Levin Ultra Compact 5,000mAh External Battery
Pros
- Has a fast Output charging at 2.1 Amps.
- A strong build that can withstand light falls and everyday use.
Cons
- It's thick and can't fit into your pocket easily.
- The recharge rate is slow.
A New Age of Mini power banks is challenging what makes power banks, well, Mini. These kinds of portable chargers are still small but they’re not as compact as say, the Jackery Mini or the Anker PowerCore+ Mini portable chargers.
This mostly because since the power capacity of the charger is higher, as a result, the size of the battery will be larger.
Of course, all that’s used with these kinds of portable chargers is just a single battery but the size of the battery is rather large and this can lead the people who thought it was smaller to be disappointed as it’s not as small as they anticipated.
Similar Mini Power Banks:
Anker PowerCore 5000 Portable Charger
Power
Power Capacity:
The main reason the size of this Levin power bank is larger than other mini power banks is that it has a higher power capacity.
The higher the power capacity means either the charger will have more batteries or the batteries themselves will be larger. In this case, the battery is larger, and that is why the Levin portable charger has an initial power capacity of 5,000mAh.
It won’t be losing too much power capacity during charging mainly because the charger only using a single Output charging port and also because it uses Panasonic battery cells. Panasonic battery cells can keep the conversion rate more stable during charging and that leads to more power being directed into the device that you’re charging.
As a result, you’re going to end up with an Output power capacity of 4,200mAh. Even though this power capacity is higher than what other Mini chargers are offering, it’s still a power capacity that’s geared towards smaller devices like smartphones.
You’re going to get the best experience with this portable charger for a smartphone because it can charge most smartphones 2-3 times.
It doesn’t make too much sense to charge tablets with this power bank. Charging Mini tablets like the iPad Mini 2 and 4 can take them to about 50% if you’re using the entire power capacity.
However, charging full-sized tablets will result in them only being able to charge about 40% of the way through, so it’s best to stick to smaller devices with small batteries so you can make the most of the power bank.
| Devices | Levin Ultra Compact 5,000mAh USB External Battery (Real Capacity is about 4,200mAh) | Phone Capacity | Levin Ultra Compact 5,000mAh Left Over Capacity after One Charge # of Full Charges for the Device |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE | 4,200mAh | 1,624mAh | 2,576mAh Left Over 1.6 Full Charges |
| iPhone 6 | 4,200mAh | 1,810mAh | 2,390mAh Left Over 2.3 Full Charges |
| iPhone 6 Plus | 4,200mAh | 2,915mAh | 1,285mAh Left Over 1.4 Full Charges |
| iPhone 6s | 4,200mAh | 1,715mAh | 2,485mAh Left Over 2.4 Full Charges |
| iPhone 6s Plus | 4,200mAh | 2,750mAh | 1,450mAh Left Over 1.5 Full Charges |
| Samsung Galaxy S6 | 4,200mAh | 2,550mAh | 1,650mAh Left Over 1.6 Full Charges |
| Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge | 4,200mAh | 2,600mAh | 1,600mAh Left Over 1.6 Full Charges |
| Samsung Galaxy S7 | 4,200mAh | 3,000mAh | 1,200mAh Left Over 1.4 Full Charges |
| Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge | 4,200mAh | 3,600mAh | 600mAh Left Over 1.1 Full Charges |
| Samsung Galaxy S8+ | 4,200mAh | 3,500mAh | 700mAh Left Over 1.2 Full Charges |
Output Charging:
Charging speeds with these higher capacity mini power banks should always be faster because that’s the basic standard that they’re built up to. With that said, this is why the Levin charger has an Output charging speed of 5V/2.1A.
This charging speed will be able to charge most smartphones that don’t use Quick Charge or USB-C at their fastest charging speeds. It won’t be able to charge tablets at their max charging speeds but it comes close with most tablet charging speeds being 2.4A.
It’s a pretty good charging speed because you’ll have your smartphone charging to a good amount of power within a reasonable amount of time that will allow you to be free from the power bank and just have your smartphone at a good power capacity.
Input Charging:
The recharge rate is slower than the standard with these kinds of chargers because this one only has a max recharge rate of 5V/1.0A. So it doesn’t matter what USB wall charger you’re using to recharge it because it’ll be able to recharge at a max charging rate with any wall charger that is 1 Amp or higher.
With that said, you’re going to be waiting for about 3 – 3.5 hours for a full recharge.
Jackery Pop Slim Mini Portable Charger
Design
Size and Weight:
It can easily be held in a single or be placed into a back pocket or any bag or purse that you may be using. However, this isn’t as thin as other mini power banks, mainly due to its increased thickness.
Well, the length is really small at 3.5 inches, but the thickness of the power bank at 1 inch can make it difficult to place into a pocket. Also, it has lightweight at about 4.5 ounces.
Functional Components:
It’s easy to use a power bank, just as it should be. Although it’s just a bit different.
The power bank features a flashlight which isn’t very prevalent with too many other portable chargers that are designed the same way.
You can find nearly everything on the side of it where you’ll find the USB Output port, the Micro-USB Input, and the flashlight. The power button is basically on the same piece, and you’ll have to use the power button. Since charging doesn’t automatically start, you’ll have to use press the power button to begin charging.
To turn on the flashlight, you have to hold down the power button for about 3 seconds, and to turn it off, you just hold it down for 3 seconds. When the power bank isn’t sending out a current, then it automatically turns off.
Build
Structure and Material:
It’s a strong power bank that can withstand a few falls. We say this because there are just 3 pieces that hold the charger together and all of it is made of Aluminum. Perfect for daily use and the fear of damaging it isn’t nearly as present as with other portable chargers.
Tech:
This Levin power bank does a great job at providing all the latest tech build with its safety features including things like Over-Charging Protection, Surge and Short-Circuit protection too; as well as many other safety techs features to keep your device and you safe during charging.
Also, the use of a Panasonic battery is what makes the Output power capacity so good, and the power bank will hold onto its quality in the long-term.
Aukey 5,000mAh USB-C Portable Charger
Reliability
Its reliability is highly standardized to whatever device you’re using it with mainly because it doesn’t do anything too special but this Levin charger gives out a great charging speed and enough power capacity to well with any smartphone on the market.
The build quality is strong and that means you can take it with you on your morning runs and not having to worry about dropping it; because it’s basically on the edge of being a rugged mini power bank.
Anker PowerCore 5000 Slim Charger
Summary
Power:
The Output power capacity is really good due to the usage of the Panasonic batteries, and that results in most smartphones being able to charge to their full power about twice.
The Output charging is good enough to charge most devices at a reasonable and noticeable speed. The recharge could use some work as it’s only 1 Amp.
Design:
It’s small but not so small that it’s going to fit easily into your pocket, so it’s best to just hold it in your hands. You have to use the power button to begin charging and it’s also used to turn on the flashlight.
Build:
Most small chargers like these have a very strong build and the trend continues. The tech side is really good too because it makes use of lots of safety tech.
Reliability:
Most people will find this reliable if they’re searching for a small power bank that has a good charging speed and enough power capacity to last them 2 days of power.
However, if you want fast charging for your USB-C or Quick Charge smartphone, then this isn’t it.
More Mini Power Bank Reviews with Similar Power Capacities and Sizes
Specs of the Levin Ultra-Compact 5,000mAh USB External Battery:
- Power Capacity: 5,000mAh
- Output: 5V / 2.1A
- Input: 5V / 1.0A
- LED Power Indicator: Yes
- Size: 4 x 1.4 x 1.2 inches
- Weight: 7.2 Ounces
Conclusion:
The Levin is a great example of what a new generation of small but higher power capacity power banks is bringing with improvements in nearly all areas of quality, this charger does a great job at providing lots of power to give a reasonable charging or great charging experience to any USB charging device.
Since 2016, Usman has flourished as an independent tech journalist, reveling in the evaluation of diverse tech gadgets, with a particular fondness for charging technology to ascertain product performance. Besides his journalistic endeavors, he helms the Charger Harbor YouTube channel, where he extends his tech insights to a broader audience.