Power banks are marketed on one big number, but the big number rarely tells you what you actually get. Here's how to read past the mAh.
mAh is capacity, not phone charges
Because of voltage conversion, a 10,000mAh bank delivers roughly 1.5–2 full phone charges in the real world — not the "four charges" the box implies. It's an honest, useful amount for a day out.
- 5,000mAh — a slim topper for a night out; one charge, pocketable.
- 10,000mAh — the everyday sweet spot; a day of heavy use.
- 20,000mAh — weekends, flights, and sharing with friends.
Watts decide how fast
Capacity is the tank; wattage is the pump. Look for USB-C Power Delivery so the bank refills your phone quickly — and can top up a tablet or laptop if it's rated high enough.
The magnetic upgrade
A magnetic bank clicks onto the back of your phone and charges while you keep scrolling — no cable, no juggling. For most people it's the feature that finally makes a power bank something they carry.