Mophie Powerstation Plus review: Enough portable power for iPhone and iPad | AppleInsider

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A few years ago, when many users became very dependent on their smartphones, we all dutifully went out and bought the first generation of batteries, extra wall outlets and spare cables – either Lightning or micro-USB to USB-A.

Fast forward a few years and, to their credit, Android phone makers have almost all switched to the faster and more versatile USB-C. Apple iPhones stuck with Lightning because, well, because of Apple, and it worked great.

Very good, except for the data transfer speeds. However, most users didn’t really notice it.

With this more powerful and versatile USB-C port, more wattage is needed. Starting with iPhone 12, iPhones can use a 20-watt charger to “quick charge” faster than older models. Similarly, recent iPads can also take advantage of 20W chargers, making them a new standard across all platforms and devices.

So if you still have one of the older 5V/2.1Amp battery packs, it’s probably time to remove them. In addition to being inadequate – or simply unable – to charge most current devices, the batteries they contain are likely degraded from years of use.

Among the brands that have established themselves with a good reputation for quality accessories for smartphones and tablets is Mophie. We’ve owned a number of Mophie products over the years, and they’re always well made and great value for money.

The Mophie Powerstation Plus we’re reviewing here is an updated version of their 10,000mAh battery in the standard oblong black shape. The 2022 edition offers several new features that make it a handy companion if you need a power boost for your portable devices.

The biggest new feature is the built-in, non-removable USB-C and Lightning fast-charging connectors, one on each side. If only one device is connected, it gets 20W of output, which is enough to provide an iPhone with a 50% charge in just 30 minutes.

Non-removable cables can be a problem if they break, but the device also has a third connector: a USB-C port used for input or output. Although the built-in cables are stiff and unlikely to fail in adult hands, this female port means the battery won’t become useless if they do.

That said, if Mophie had thought about designing the battery to include an integrated Qi charger, it would have been even more useful for even more device models.

Thanks to this second USB-C output port, up to three devices can be charged simultaneously, although much more slowly. This is because multiple devices will need to share the maximum 27W output.

This open USB-C port is also the way to charge the battery itself, and next to this port is the remaining capacity status indicator. Larger, bulkier batteries can provide more charges before needing to be recharged themselves, but 10,000 mAh is enough for two full charges of the iPhone Pro Max and about three full charges on smaller or older iPhones.

Due to its higher power output, the Powerstation Plus is also ideal for fast charging other devices, including all modern Android phones, as well as iPads and other tablets. Of course, it also works with other Apple Lightning or USB-C accessories, such as AirPods Pro, Apple Watch, and third-party accessories that use USB-C.

Naturally, iPads have much larger capacity batteries than smartphones, but the Powerstation Plus is still good for at least one full charge for every iPad model, with only the larger iPad Pro having a slightly larger total capacity than that. Powerstation Plus’ included 10,000 mAh battery.

Other iPad models should be able to charge at least one full charge, with enough charge for somewhere between 40-90% of another charge. Carrying a device that has enough juice to charge both iPads and iPhones fully or nearly should come in handy for travelers, hikers, campers, and anyone far from convenient power outlets.

Since the Powerstation Plus charges its own battery via USB-C itself, when users need to refresh it, they’re unlikely to wait too long to do so. This size battery is the standard for modern mobile devices, capable of delivering multiple recharges but not too big or too heavy.

If you find yourself always looking for a wall outlet everywhere you go because your use of your phone or tablet often brings it to a low battery warning before the end of your day, you might want to find a home in your backpack or briefcase for the eight-ounce/225gram Powerstation Plus. If you don’t need it, a friend or stranger will one day thank you for having it handy.

Its ability to handle both types of devices – simultaneously if need be – and its inability to lose the cables you need when you need them make it a very versatile tool. At $79.95 retail, it will pay you back in convenience and utility.

If you travel light and only occasionally need a battery, Mophie and other companies offer lighter, flatter batteries intended for phones only, and good for about a full recharge in most places. case. The Powerstation Plus is for users who know it may take some time before they switch back to a wall outlet.

• Integrated cables (if used with care)
• Works with almost all smartphones and tablets
• Grippy surface material
• Charge up to three devices
• Fast charging on compatible devices

• Built-in cables cannot be removed
• No MagSafe or wireless charging surface
• Oblong shape is not pocket friendly