(Last Updated On: July 30, 2018)

When it comes to charging our smartphones while we’re on the move, many of us turn to portable chargers and that makes sense. Here at Charger Harbor, we’re pretty large advocates of the use of portable chargers because of how convenient they are to use, and there are so many different types of them. That said, with the use of a portable charger means that you have another device that you have to have on you, while you’re on the move. That’s where a different type of portable charger comes into play and that would be battery cases.

Battery cases are basically just like a portable charger but they’re in the form of a case for the smartphone that they’re for. The benefit of getting a battery case is that your phone is part of the case and not really a separate object and so it’s an easier portable charger that you can take anywhere with you.

In this review, we’re going to be focusing on Mophie’s Galaxy S8 battery case. This is a brand that specializes heavily with battery cases so let’s see what they’ve got.

Power

Power Capacity:

The power capacity of this Mophie Galaxy S8 battery case is rather on the low side, as most battery cases for the S8 start out with a 4,000mAh power capacity. This battery case starts out with a 2,950mAh power capacity, and of course, the reason that we’re stating that it, “Starts Out With” is because that’s not the capacity that you’re able to use. This is true for all battery cases and portable chargers, as the power capacity goes through a conversion from the battery to the device that you’re charging.

So let’s see how much of it you’re actually able to use.

3.7 x 2,950 = 10,915 / 5 = 2,183

The actual amount of power capacity that you can use, also called the output capacity is about 2,190mAh. It’s with this much power that you’re almost able to charge your Galaxy S8 to its full power. Yes, almost, and that’s because the Galaxy S8 has a 3,000mAh battery capacity. Just something to note is that this battery case, in particular, is ONLY for the Galaxy S8 and NOT for the S8+.

Mophie does have a battery case for the Galaxy S8+ which features a 3,300mAh battery to accommodate the S8+’s larger battery of 3,500mAh.

Output Charging:

The charging rate of this Mophie battery case is 5V/2.0A from the USB-C port connection. This charging rate for a battery case is actually quite impressive as most battery cases have a slower charging speed of 5V/1.0A, but it doesn’t make sense to have a 1 Amp charge rate, as most smartphones use faster speeds and require a fast charging speed to actually charge the phone.

Something that this Mophie Galaxy S8 battery case does that not many others do is that this one has priority fast charging too. So if you use a Quick Charge wall charger with the USB-C port on the battery case, you can fast charge your S8 without ever having to take the case off.

Input Charging:

To recharge this battery case there’s a USB-C port located at the bottom of the charger and it has a 5V/2.0A recharge rate. Most USB-C ports on power banks have a 5V/3.0A recharge rate but since this is a battery case, we’ll give it a pass, as having a fast charging rate does increase heat and that’s not a good thing for a case that goes over your phone.

That said, there is another method for recharging this Mophie battery case and that would be wirelessly charging it. This battery case does have a charging coil within it and a result, you can lay this battery case (while your S8 is still inside of it) on any Qi wireless charging stand or pad and it will recharge. However, the wireless recharging is slower than the USB-C port recharging, just something to know and also, it will only wirelessly charge the battery case and not your S8.

Design

Size and Weight:

If you’re getting a battery case then you have to be prepared for the fact that it’s going to be adding quite a bit of more bulk than a regular case would. The Mophie case has a length of 6.3 inches, a width of 2.9 inches, and a thickness of 0.7 inches. The weight of the case is 1.6 Ounces.

So the main thing to focus on this, in this case, is that it’s going to be adding quite a bit of bulk and you’ll feel it the most once you place your smartphone into your pocket. We will say that the added thickness does make it easier to hold the S8 in your hand and it’s not very slippery.

Functional Components:

On the functional side, it’s just like using any other battery case. At the back is where you’ll find the power button and four White power capacity indicators. To start charging your smartphone you just have to hold the power button down for about 3 seconds and to turn it off, you hold the power button for 3 seconds, too.

Build

Structure and Material:

One of the main premises of a case is so that your smartphone is safe from falls and thankfully, Mophie has done a great job at creating a case that does that. All the sides of the S8 are safe and this includes the most tricky part, which is the front and since the top and bottom bezels are raised, the front of the phone is safe.

Tech:

Even though this is a mini power bank in the form of a case and it does have a 5V/2.0A changing rate, the battery case does not get warm during standard charging. That said, it does get a little warm if you’re charging your S8 directly with a Quick Charge fast charger, though.

Reliability

Mophie is a very well-known brand when it comes to their battery case and shows why with this Galaxy S8 battery case of theirs. The power capacity isn’t too high and it doesn’t even fill up the S8 to full power, but at the same time, you get a pretty alright form factor because of it. The charging rate of the case is quite fast at 2 Amps and what’s even better is that you can still fast charge your S8 without having to take it out of the case.

The battery case itself is also wireless charging compatible and that means there are actually two ways to recharge the case.

Summary:

Power:

The power capacity is enough to almost charge your S8 to full power and you can still fast charge your S8 with the case on.

Design:

It’s an easy to use case with just the press of a button.

Build:

The case provides protection on all sides, and that includes the front. The charger doesn’t get warm from its own charging but it can get warm if you’re fast charging from a Quick Charge wall charger.

Reliability:

The charger has a lot of features and they all come together to make a reliable portable charging experience that goes right on your S8.

Specs of the Mophie Galaxy S8 2,950mAh Battery Case:

• Power Capacity: 2,950mAh | Output Capacity: 2,190mAh
• Output: 5V/2.0A
• Input:

USB-C Input: 5V/2.0A

• LED Power Indicator: Four White Power Indicators
• Size: 6.3 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches
• Weight: 1.6 Ounces

Conclusion:

Mophie has done it again with their battery case, and this Galaxy S8 battery case of theirs has a good amount of charging from itself to charge an S8 and we’re even more excited that you still take advantage of fast charging, something that is highly convenient, while the case is on.

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