If you’re staying outside your house or office for a certain period of time, it’s almost always required that you need to bring a power bank. Well, unless you’re one of those people who can live without looking at their smartphone (or your device has a lot of juice). But for the rest of us that need our smartphones almost always, a power bank is attached to our bag as well as our devices. We don’t really think about the design of our power banks but some product designers do.
Designer: Anil Ramesh, Arun Kumar, Joel D’silva (Analogy Design Studio)
The folks over at Analog thought about adding a bit more functionality to the power bank and make it easier for users to carry it around. They focused on “usability, portability, and aesthetics”, the latter of which we don’t really think about as long as it gets the job done. But since we probably hold the power banks alongside our phone, it makes sentse to make it look better and also make it ergonomic.
The power bank has an elongated design rather than the normal brick version that most of them have. It actually looks like a cosmetic case and since that’s the look they’re going for, they added a beauty aspect to it. There’s a mirror inside of the power bank so you get another function for it aside from juicing up your device.
The power banks come in various pastel colors and because of the added mirror function, it might appeal more to women or at least those who need mirror on the go and like the color scheme. The ergonomic function will also be useful for those who may have some grip or muscle issues from holding phones for a long time.
Life is like an adventure. You never know where it takes you so you best be prepared with the right tools to face anything. Everyday Carries have become popular exactly for this reason, making sure you have everything you need for any situation. Of course, not all tools are made equal, and some designs come in small packages at the expense of functionality and usefulness. A small flashlight, for example, might be able to do just one thing, and it won’t last very long on small AAA batteries. There’s no rule that says you have to pick between power and portability, and this very capable flashlight is proof of that. It crams no less than three types of very bright lights and can even function as an emergency power bank, all while sporting a compact palm-sized design that can withstand any weather condition or even an accidental drop in a puddle.
EDC flashlights are quickly growing in number, and they’re defined by how small they can be to fit in your pouch or even your pocket. Most of the time, the smaller devices get, the less capable they become, but the LOOP GEAR SK05 is ready to prove them wrong. A small handheld device can function as a floodlight, a spotlight, and even a sidelight with enough brightness to let you safely see in the dark or call for help. And it’s designed to be easy to use with one hand, freeing your other hand to take action when needed.
The LOOP GEAR SK05’s ergonomic design includes grooves to rest your fingers on one side, and a rounded trim edge on the opposite side for your palm, giving you a confident grip whether you hold it with your right or your left hand. The dial ring that sits on the side is the only control you need to operate the flashlight and it’s conveniently always under your thumb, no matter how you hold it. You can easily switch from floodlight to spotlight with a turn of the dial or press the center button to activate the sidelight. There’s also lockout mode so that the flashlight doesn’t turn on accidentally in your pocket or bag and drain the battery or, worse, cause a fire hazard.
Spotlight & Floodlight Fast Switch
Sidelight
With its small size, it’s pretty mind-blowing how bright the SK05 can be. The SK05 Pro floodlight can reach a maximum of 3060 lumens output (2250 lumens for the base SK05), and the maximum beam range for the spotlight is 405 meters (370 meters for the SK05). The sidelight is no slouch either, featuring five modes (Constant Light, Flowing Light, Running Light, Night Light, and Colorful Light) and seven colors (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Blue, Purple), and you can even adjust the brightness for each of these. The sidelight can be used not just to illuminate or set the mood but to also call attention in case of an emergency.
Powering the LOOP GEAR SK05 are two rechargeable 18650 batteries, but the EDC flashlight is so robust that it can even work with a single battery thanks to the SK05 Pro’s parallel circuit design. You can also easily pop off the cover and replace the batteries in a flash for continuous use. And when it comes time to charge those batteries, the onboard 20W Type-C charger can fill them up in just two hours. Thanks to that USB-C connection, the SK05 can also function as a 20W power bank, keeping your phone from draining its own battery too quickly.
If its industrial design isn’t enough proof, the LOOP GEAR SK05 is made to withstand extreme weather conditions, especially with its IP68 rating that helps it survive underwater for a while. The EDC flashlight’s versatile design includes a clip for belts and pockets as well as a magnetic tail cap that can attach to the side of cars or any metal surface, freeing your hands to do the work you need to accomplish. And if the $200,000 stretch goal is reached, LOOP GEAR will also make the A03 Sheath for even easier handling as well as protection for the EDC flashlight. With the compact and versatile LOOP GEAR SK05 EDC flashlight, no darkness or emergency will be too tough to handle, bringing not only brightness but even a bit of power to your outdoor and nighttime adventures.
At IFA 2024, where the latest and greatest in tech innovation often compete for attention, Sharge made its mark by introducing the Forged Carbon Fiber Series. Known for creating high-performance portable power solutions, Sharge’s new lineup captured the spotlight not only for its charging capabilities but also for its striking design. This collection, featuring the CarbonMag 10K MagSafe Power Bank, and the CarbonMag 5K MagSafe Power Bank, merges utility with premium materials, offering a standout option for those who demand both function and form from their tech accessories.
Forged Carbon Fiber: A Distinctive Edge
The use of forged carbon fiber in Sharge’s latest series is a significant design decision. Forged carbon fiber is a material associated with luxury and high-performance industries, such as motorsports and aerospace. It is strong, lightweight, and gives the devices a unique, patterned aesthetic. Unlike traditional woven carbon fiber, forged carbon is formed through a random compression process, resulting in each power bank featuring its own distinct, marble-like texture.
This design choice isn’t purely cosmetic. The forged carbon fiber exterior provides durability and resistance to everyday wear and tear. Whether you’re commuting daily or traveling, the rugged construction ensures that the power bank can handle a few bumps along the way without compromising its sleek appearance.
CarbonMag 10K: Lightweight Powerhouse
The CarbonMag 10K is the heavy hitter of the series, boasting a 10,000mAh capacity wrapped in a carbon fiber shell that offers both durability and portability. Its use of carbon fiber not only enhances its structural integrity but also keeps the device extremely light—perfect for users constantly on the move. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry without adding significant weight to your bag, while the carbon fiber’s unique texture gives it a modern, premium feel.
On the connectivity front, the CarbonMag 10K supports fast charging through its USB-C ports, ensuring your devices can charge quickly, whether it’s a phone, tablet, or even some laptops. With up to 22.5W output via USB-A and 20W via USB-C, the 10K keeps you powered throughout the day. The CarbonMag 10K also incorporates Qi2 wireless charging, allowing compatible devices to juice up without needing a cable. This feature is a great addition for those with wireless charging-enabled devices, especially if you often forget cables or simply want a cleaner charging setup.
The power bank’s focus on durability extends to its internal battery tech. It uses high-efficiency battery cells that are designed for longevity, supporting multiple charge cycles without significant degradation. SHARGE also integrated intelligent charging protection, ensuring your devices don’t overheat or suffer from voltage irregularities during the charging process.
CarbonMag 5K: Ultra-portable Everyday Charger
For those prioritizing portability, SHARGE’s CarbonMag 5K hits the sweet spot. With its 5,000mAh capacity, this model is geared towards users who need a quick top-up without carrying a bulkier device. The ultra-slim design makes it incredibly easy to slip into a pocket or purse, a major advantage when you’re traveling light. Despite its smaller size, the 5K shares the same carbon fiber build as its bigger sibling, offering the same lightweight strength.
While the 5K’s charging capacity is lower than the 10K, it’s still capable of fast charging. It features the same 20W output via USB-C, making it a solid option for anyone looking to quickly charge their smartphone or other small devices. Although it doesn’t support wireless charging, it makes up for it with its extremely portable profile. The compact design paired with carbon fiber construction ensures that this power bank remains durable even with frequent use.
Shared Features: Strength and Style
Both models in the CarbonMag series share a focus on high performance wrapped in sleek carbon fiber exteriors. The material choice is key to the series’ identity—it’s not just about looking good; it’s about offering real-world durability. Carbon fiber, known for being lightweight yet incredibly strong, provides a distinct advantage over traditional plastic or metal builds. This also makes these power banks stand out among competitors, many of whom still use bulkier or heavier materials.
Additionally, SHARGE’s attention to user safety is reflected in both models’ built-in safety protocols, which protect against overcharging, overheating, and short circuits. This is particularly important for users who might charge multiple devices frequently or leave their power bank plugged in for extended periods.
A Smart Choice for All Users
The CarbonMag 10K and CarbonMag 5K are designed to meet different needs without sacrificing style or strength. The 10K is ideal for heavy users who need multiple device charges in one go, while the 5K is the perfect companion for day trips or short outings when you just need a quick boost.
SHARGE’s presence at IFA 2024 demonstrated the brand’s ambition to push the boundaries of portable power solutions. By combining the strength and lightness of carbon fiber with advanced charging tech, the CarbonMag series delivers a sleek and functional option for modern users. Whether you’re looking for a power bank that can handle a weekend’s worth of charging or something that fits in your pocket, SHARGE seems to have struck a balance between utility and style. Now, the only challenge left is choosing which one to carry—though at this rate, maybe you’ll want both.
Retro gaming consoles kicked off a trend in the computing and gaming industries that saw the revival of many old-school designs. While the majority of these try to recreate decades-old experiences in a functional manner, some simply go for the aesthetics. After all, the designs can be eye-catching in their own right, regardless if they’re working like the original. Some put modern computing hardware inside shells from a time when monitors didn’t even have color, while others repurpose the design into some desktop or fidget toy only. This tiny retro console, for example, looks like a Super Famicom that’s no larger than your smartphone, but it isn’t actually a device that you can play but is simply AYANEO’s newest throwback: a 12,000mAh power bank in disguise.
The Nintendo Super Family Computer, a.k.a. “Super Famicom,” might be familiar to gamers in name, but those who live outside Japan might be more familiar with its other moniker and design. The Super NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) wasn’t as divergent as the NES from the Famicom, but there were subtle design differences, like the color scheme and placement of buttons. For whatever reason, AYANEO opted to pattern its tiny device on the Japanese Super Famicom, though that actually works in its favor in one specific detail.
The Retro Power Bank, which avoids any legal landmine by using as generic a name as possible, adopts the dual-tone gray color scheme of the famed console as well as the raised section in the middle that delineates the main point of interest in the device. It even has the same sliding switch and button duo, but their locations have been moved around to avoid an exact copy of a copyrighted design. There’s also a small display strip that’s unsurprisingly absent from consoles of that bygone era, but is now almost a staple in high-capacity power banks.
Unlike the SNES, the Super Famicom used a sliding switch for its power button, a mechanism that the Retro Power Bank uses for navigating through menus and changing settings like units used, language, and screen off time, just to name a few. The reset button now becomes a function button that cycles through different display features. That 0.91-inch monochrome OLED screen is just small enough to show discharge and charging power, temperature, and other essential information at a glance.
Adorable as the design might be, some might be a little disappointed in its performance as an actual power bank. 12,000 mAh is admittedly plenty for most phones, but the 45W output will leave some waiting a bit to fully top up their phone. And when you use both USB-C ports at the same time, you’re down to 15W each. There’s also no wireless charging, which is probably for the best since you don’t want to cover that nice tribute to the Super Famicom, which is the entire point of the design in the first place.
It’s almost comical how we’ve become so attached to our electronic devices that we start to panic whenever our batteries go red. That’s why there’s a large and thriving market for all kinds of portable battery solutions, ranging from pocket-sized blocks just for your smartphone to hulking boxes for a few night’s stay outdoors. The latter, while portable, aren’t exactly space-efficient, especially when it comes to the horizontal space you need to use them. This concept for a portable power station literally turns the design on its head by letting you use the large battery standing up, except for one or two cases where you’ll need it to lie down anyway.
The design convention for large power stations is horizontal boxes as these are definitely the most space-efficient shapes. You can easily stow them in cabinets, trunks, and other storage solutions while allowing you to pack other objects beside or even on top of them. When in use, however, that horizontal orientation can actually be wasteful, especially if you don’t have much space on the ground or on the table in the first place.
The SJPB-400 Mobile Power Bank is designed with a dual orientation in mind, allowing you to stand it up and put it down on the ground beside your table. You can still have easy access to its most important ports since they’re located not in the “front” of the box but off to one side, which becomes the “top” of the power bank in that position. Other boxy power stations can probably be put up like that as well, but not only are their vents blocked, the ports become harder to use as well.
Admittedly, this flexible design does have its disadvantages, even in the case of the SJPB-400 concept. This mobile power bank has a wireless charger on its longer side, so you can’t use it while it’s standing up and vertical, not unless it uses MagSafe or similar technologies that will keep the phone from falling. Regardless, the lone AC outlet on the opposite side of the USB ports will remain inaccessible, so it’s something the user will have to consider on a case-to-case basis.
One design feature of this concept that goes against its space efficiency is the handles on each side. They do improve the power bank’s portability and ergonomics when carrying it, but it comes at the expense of compactness and simplicity. You won’t be able to put anything on top that doesn’t fit between those handles, so packing will become a puzzle game of trying to fit pieces together.
It’s safe to say we’ve reached that point in our lives where power is of the utmost essence, and a tiny power bank with 3000mAh of juice just doesn’t cut it anymore. Sure, if your phone needs a battery boost, a nice MagSafe snap-on power bank works well, but here’s the scoop – only 22% of the world uses iPhones, so the idea of MagSafe doesn’t appeal to everyone. Besides, your tiny 3000mAh or 5000mAh power bank won’t charge your laptop, which rather limits its potential, doesn’t it? Well, this new crop of power banks dominating the market have the ability to charge your laptops too, along with obviously your phones, tablets, TWS earbuds, cameras, drones, and gaming consoles. A Xiaomi sub-brand CUKTECH (pronounced ‘cook’ tech) just revealed its slew of power banks that hold enough of a punch to juice even laptops and notebooks. Known for their expertise in energy solutions for EVs and gadgets, the OEM officially merged with ZMI (Xiaomi) in 2022, selling a staggering 150 million power banks to date. The company’s latest series of power banks (dubbed the CUKTECH 10, 15, and 20) are no larger than perhaps a thermos, and can output anywhere up to 140W, which lets you charge every one of your devices. The best part? They’re all flight-safe, which means you can carry them along in your cabin luggage.
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CUKTECH 10 – 10,00mAh Power Bank with 100W Output
The most compact of the lot, the CUKTECH 10 comes with an ultra-slick aluminum enclosure that houses a 10,000mAh battery on the inside. Two ports on the top let you charge two devices at the same time, and a TFT display on the front lets you know the power bank’s battery percentage, as well as the power delivery specs for both the ports – so you know what speed your devices are charging at. The CUKTECH 10 has a max output of 100W, which means it’s beefy enough to juice even your pro laptop like a MacBook Pro or even a gaming laptop like the Lenovo Legion Go. The 10,000mAh battery holds enough power to charge your laptop to 50% of its battery (enough to extend your productivity by another 7-8 hours), or alternatively, charge your phone from 0-100% twice. Intelligent PD3.0 allows the CUKTECH 10 to even automatically adjust wattage to each device, ensuring all your gadgets charge at their highest AND safest power limits. This means the power bank intuitively knows to give your laptop a 100W power boost, while giving your smartphone anywhere between 35 to 60W depending on its make. Other gadgets like a Nintendo Switch get their maximum 15W power limit.
Measuring just 5.63-inches long, the CUKTECH 10 balances size with capacity wonderfully. It’s small enough to slide into your pocket, and definitely fits comfortably into your laptop bag while carrying. The power bank itself charges at a speed of 90W, allowing you to get it up to 55% in just under 15 minutes, or 100% in roughly half an hour. That’s pretty impressive, if you ask me.
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CUKTECH 15 – 20,00mAh Power Bank with 150W Output
For people who just want a little more oomph, the CUKTECH 15 upgrades your power bank to 20,000mAh, with a 150W output. This battery upgrade lets you last a little longer without needing to plug into a power outlet. At 20,000mAh, you can practically charge your entire laptop from 0-100%, or give your phone a 4x battery boost.
The CUKTECH 15 sports the same, slick, all-metal design as its smaller counterpart (it even holds a Red Dot Design Award). A bigger battery means a larger device, but not by much. It’s still portable enough to fit right into backpacks without occupying too much space. The CUKTECH 15 comes with a smaller screen though, showing only the battery percentage of the power bank (after all, that’s the most important metric, right?), but gives you 3 ports instead of 2, letting you charge as many as three concurrent devices. That’s where the 150W magic kicks in, delivering fast-charging capabilities to all your devices in a measured manner. That means your laptop gets 100W, while your iPhone gets 35W, and 15W gets diverted to your TWS earbuds or smartwatch. That kind of PD (or power delivery) means being able to charge your MacBook Air to 50% in under 30 minutes… or having your phone charged to 100% in the same amount of time. The CUKTECH 15 supports pass-through charging as well, and charges at 90W, which means your power bank charges just about as fast as your laptop, going to 50% in just half an hour. When all’s said and done, it slides right into your backpack, and can be carried on flights as a part of your cabin luggage.
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CUKTECH 20 – 25,00mAh Power Bank with 140W Output
Although its name probably implies it has a 20,000mAh battery, the CUKTECH actually packs a whopping 25,000mAh banger on the inside, offering the highest capacity of the series. With flagship-grade specs, the power bank has the same all-metal design aesthetic that gives it the sleek demeanor, but also comes with a larger, more informative screen, and a transparent window that lets you look at the electronics inside. Talk about futuristic with a touch of cyberpunk.
Easily the coolest-looking power bank in the lineup, the CUKTECH 20 is also the most feature-packed. More than twice the amount of battery as its smallest sibling, the CUKTECH 20 is ideally for travelers who don’t spend too much time tethered to one single place. This makes carrying chargers and multiple adapters difficult, which means having a high-capacity power bank for your entire tech setup is the wisest option. The CUKTECH 20 stands at about 6.3 inches tall, making it still a fairly compact power bank that fits right into your backpack or stands on your work surface. The large battery is enough to juice a laptop as well as a smartphone from 0-100 at the same time (or charge your smaller devices multiple times over), and a combined power output of 140W allows you to fast-charge all your devices while balancing power requirements fairly well. That’s where the power bank’s large TFT screen comes in handy too, allowing you to see battery levels, power outputs, and even charge times. Three ports (one USB-A and two USB-C) let you juice three devices together, or pass-through charge two devices while your CUKTECH 20 is plugged into a power outlet. Like its predecessors, the CUKTECH 20 is flight-safe too, and comes with multiple safety protocols that protect the power bank itself as well as the devices it’s charging from overheating, short-circuiting, and a whole list of other potential issues. The power bank even ships with its own carrying pouch, and a whopping 240W USB-C cable that you can use to charge any of your devices.
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Think of your wishlist of features for the perfect power bank – you’d want it to be sleek, right? You’d also want it to have a great battery capacity. You’d ideally want wireless charging capabilities. Perhaps even throw fast wires charging in just in case you can’t deal with the slow 7.5W wireless charging speeds. Finally, what if the power bank had extra features – a stand perhaps? Well, this isn’t a wishlist of features, it’s quite literally a description of Meizu’s latest Pandaer 35W wireless power bank…
The Pandaer 35W boasts a 10,000mAh capacity, offering multiple charges for most smartphones. A key feature is the integrated magnetic ring, designed to work seamlessly with Meizu’s Pandaer magnetic ecosystem as well with MagSafe devices. This allows for effortless charging – simply snap your phone onto the power bank and watch it get a battery boost to take you through an entire weekend… and then maybe some more.
Designer: Meizu
Rotate your iPhone while charging and you can benefit from the Standby Mode feature announced at last year’s WWDC.
Beyond magnetic convenience, the Pandaer 35W offers a traditional USB-C port for wired charging, supporting up to 35W output. This can significantly reduce charging time for devices that support fast charging protocols. The power bank also boasts 15W wireless charging, making it compatible with a wider range of devices. For users who need to juggle multiple devices, the Pandaer 35W allows for simultaneous wired and wireless charging.
The power bank is built with a user-friendly experience in mind. A built-in kickstand folds out to prop your phone up for comfortable video watching or gaming. A large digital display keeps you informed on the remaining battery level and charging status. Safety is also prioritized, with the Pandaer 35W adhering to safety standards and incorporating nine layers of protection, including overcharge, over-discharge, and temperature control.
The Pandaer 35W’s 19.7mm slim design and smooth arc shape make it comfortable to carry around. An additional perk is the integrated magnet, allowing you to stick the power bank to metal surfaces for easy storage or hands-free charging on the go. This could be particularly useful on airplanes or while traveling by train.
Priced at a highly affordable 199 yuan (around $27), the Meizu Pandaer 35W offers a compelling feature set for those seeking a convenient and versatile power bank solution. Meizu seems to indicate that their upcoming phones will be a part of this magnetic ecosystem, which reinforces the reason for them to build out magnetic accessories for their own devices.
You can easily determine the historical setting of a TV show or piece of fiction by the technologies used in it. The presence of beepers, for example, puts the timeline in the 90s, though some modern hospitals still use this limited and straightforward communication gadget because of their simplicity. Of course, today’s messaging culture leaves very little room for a pager and some younger people might not even know what it is. To keep that nostalgic design alive and give it a more contemporary function, this concept design wraps a power bank in a beeper aesthetic while also giving it one fun feature reminiscent of its original purpose.
Designer: PTPC
The beeper or pager was a small black box that would show a message as a single line of scrolling text. The very first cell phones capable of SMS inherited this trait until they got screens capable of displaying multiple lines at once. It might seem archaic by today’s standards, but it also enforced a certain simplicity and terseness to the messages sent. You only sent important messages and got straight to the point without dropping vowels or letters.
This portable battery concept embraces the retro aesthetic of a beeper but also puts a few modern twists, like using a translucent shell or adopting colors other than black and gray. It still inherits the simplistic interface of a pager, however, with very few buttons and ports. Despite the minimalism, the concept boasts of a 10,000 mAh battery that’s more than enough power to juice up phones or even tablets.
The beeper power bank does have a two-line monochrome display with a font similar to that of those old-school gadgets. While it does show battery information as you might expect, it does also have a secondary function. It can show messages sent from phones via Bluetooth, mimicking the duty of the original device. You still have a limited viewing space, but you can at least now use emojis and special characters more easily, allowing you to express your message more effectively with fewer letters.
That messaging feature is, of course, just a whimsical add-on that isn’t critical to the product’s charging function. It is, however, also a fun addition, one that would make such a design more memorable and appealing, especially to a younger generation who might not even know what a beeper is.
Transparency is quite literally all the rage, with brands like Sharge (previously known as Shargeek), Nothing, and even Beats by Dre adopting the style. Xiaomi seems to be boarding the same train too, with leaked images showing that the company is working on a massive 25,000mAh power bank powerful enough to charge your phone nearly 5 times from 0 to 100, or even charge your laptop twice. This new futuristic design features a transparent front panel, offering a glimpse of the internal charging circuitry. In fact, a lesser-known Xiaomi subsidiary by the name of CUKTECH has been selling similar transparent-themed power banks. Now under the Xiaomi brand label, this upcoming power bank (which was leaked on Chinese social media site Weibo by user @体验more) will likely see a more mainstream audience, going head to head with brands like Sharge, while also boasting fast charging capabilities.
Designer: Xiaomi
Both Xiaomi’s upcoming power bank and CUKTECH’s own 25,000mAh power bank share many similarities. They both offer a 25,000mAh capacity, a trio of USB ports (two USB-C and one USB-A), and a handy color display on the front panel. However, Xiaomi pulls ahead with a maximum fast-charging output of 212W, surpassing the CUKTECH one’s 210W limit.
Delving deeper into the specs, the leaked information reveals that the first USB-C port outputs a maximum of 140W, while the second offers 45W. The USB-A port isn’t left behind either, providing up to 120W of quick charging. With this versatility, the power bank can breathe life into a wide range of devices, including even a demanding laptop like the MacBook Pro 16.
Another noteworthy detail is the 90.08 Wh rating mentioned in the leaked pictures. This ensures the power bank complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations for safe air travel, which possibly means this won’t be just a China-specific release.
While there’s no official word on pricing or availability yet, the CUKTECH 20 power bank offers a possible reference point. Priced at $129.99 and available internationally, we can expect Xiaomi’s offering to be priced similarly and likely launch globally as well.
