The most powerful smartphone, tablet or camera is literally powerless, if it runs out of juice when you’re out and about. Whether you’re on a holiday trip or rushing between meetings, such unplanned disruptions are annoying, if not costly, especially if you are meeting an important client.
The good news is that there are a variety of power gadgets today that keep your most important gizmo running with a full charge. From newfangled chargers that juice up your device wirelessly and quickly to power banks that keep it going a full day, these power gadgets take the uncertainty out of your mobile life.
Wireless chargers
One of the most convenient ways to get a full charge is through wireless charging, sans cables. Though this is not new, what is exciting is the simplicity of today’s options, especially for Android phone owners.
Magnetic accessories are no longer exclusive to Apple’s ecosystem. Android users can now snap on wireless chargers, stands, and other gadgets that not only look sleek but also eliminate cable clutter.
With the Google Pixel 10 Pro’s new PixelSnap system and a growing range of Android phone cases featuring built-in metal rings for magnetic attachments, Android users can simply place their phones on a charging surface or wireless charger.
Beyond smartphones, the charging revolution also extends to laptops. High-wattage portable chargers and new-generation power banks can now power up not just your phone but also your computer, making them indispensable for travellers and heavy users on the go.
For most of us, plugging in our phones before bed has become second nature. Magnetic desktop charging now turns this into a cable-free, drop-and-go experience. Beyond convenience, they serve as elegant bedside or desktop accessories – your phone can be a digital clock, for example. Here are a few chargers worth checking out:
1. UGreen 2-in-1 25W Magnetic Wireless Charger (S$76.99)
UGreen’s compact station folds neatly into a cube. It extends to reveal two charging surfaces – one for your earphones and one magnetic holder for your phone. A USB-C port on the side allows you to power other gadgets, such as a power bank or camera battery, making it a tidy all-in-one setup.
2. Belkin UltraCharge 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger (S$189)
Belkin’s 3-in-1 charger takes portability a step further. It folds flatter than UGreen’s and adds a convenient Apple Watch charging pad. The larger base also accommodates bulkier earbud cases, such as the Sony WF-1000XM5. It is a stylish, space-efficient charging companion for your bedside table or travel kit.
Powerbanks
Despite smartphone processors becoming more efficient, you can still end a full day of heavy usage, say, from shooting pictures, streaming videos, and sharing files worrying about battery life. Fortunately, the latest power banks are more powerful, faster, and smarter, offering quick charging in portable designs that slip easily into your bag.
1. Anker Nano Power Bank MagGo Slim (S$89.90)
Anker’s Nano Power Bank MagGo Slim comes with 5,000mAh capacity and 15W output, and it magnetically snaps to your phone for a neat, cable-free charge. The USB-C port allows another phone to be charged simultaneously as well.
A big plus is that it’s slim enough to carry around easily. It offers an emergency power boost to get you through your next meeting or photo session, though it will likely need recharging after one full phone charge.
2. UGreen MagFlow 10,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank (S$79.99)
UGreen’s MagFlow doubles both the capacity and speed of the Anker Nano, offering 10,000mAh and up to 30W for charging. Its built-in USB-C cable does double duty as a handy strap – a practical touch that makes it easy to grab or hang when on the move.
Using this power bank, you can charge two phones with USB-C cables simultaneously. It can even charge three phones at once but remember to press the power button to start charging.
3. Anker Nano Power Bank (45W) (S$79.90)
For those who want one device to handle both their phone and laptop, the 45W Anker Nano Power Bank is a standout. With 36Wh of capacity (10,000mAh), it’s powerful enough to top up a laptop yet still travel-friendly for cabin luggage.
The retractable USB-C cable adds convenience, reducing the need to pack extra cords when charging multiple devices. That said, charging both your phone and laptop at the same time means packing another 100W USB-C cable in your bag.
4. Anker 25,000mAh Power Bank (165W) (S$149.90)
For power users who demand speed and endurance, Anker’s 165W Power Bank delivers. It includes two USB-C cables, one cleverly designed to double up as a carry strap and has 25,000mAh of power capacity, enough to charge a typical 5,000mAh smartphone up to four times conservatively.
It also features both USB-C and USB-A ports for charging multiple peripherals simultaneously. Crucially, with a 90Wh rating, it’s flight-approved for cabin use in some planes (please check your individual airline before a flight to confirm).
5. UGreen 25,000mAh Power Bank (200W) (S$150)
UGreen’s high-capacity power bank may skip fancy cable tricks, but it compensates with sheer charging muscle. Delivering up to 200W in power output, it can charge laptops, tablets, and phones at full speed, all at once.
Despite its power, it remains air travel-safe as it is rated at 90Wh and carries the mandatory China Compulsory Certification (CCC or 3C) mark, ensuring peace of mind when boarding flights from Chinese airports. This is the go-to power bank if you frequent China for both work and play.
