POWER banks are an essential accessory for travelling – or even when your smartphone battery doesn’t last as long as it did before.
But there are fakes on the internet, where dodgy sellers exaggerate the quality and features.
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If a deal looks too good to be true, then it probably is.
Counterfeit power banks are often produced using substandard materials and components.
They have lower capacity, slower charging speeds and even potential safety hazards such as overheating or even an explosion.
So, here are three ways to avoid buying a fake power bank:
Exaggerated capacity
A dodgy power bank often has an exaggerated battery capacity – so keep an eye out.
While battery packs with big capacities exist, they are fairly large devices.
A power bank that fits in your hand typically holds around 10,000mAh, a report by Android Police noted.
If one claims to hold 500,000mAh and fit in your hand, then it’s a good idea to avoid it.
Inflated power rating
Sketchy sellers will also inflate a device’s power rating.
For example, a listing might say the power bank supports 120 watts when they really only support 20 watts.
This means your devices will charge painfully slow.
If you notice your smartphone is charging quicker with a regular wall plug, then it’s best to retire the sluggish power bank and mark it as a fake.
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Poor materials
The materials are a big tell-tale sign that a power bank is a counterfeit.
Batteries are heavy, so if your power bank feels light and hollow – that’s a red flag.
Take a look at the packaging too.
A top-quality power bank will be branded, and come with professional packaging, such as a sturdy cardboard box with the company’s logo on it.
If it arrives in a clear plastic bag, it’s probably not from a reputable brand.
Although be wary, some counterfeiters put more effort into imitating the box and design of popular third-party devices.
BUYING THE RIGHT POWER BANK
When buying the right power bank, look out for these:
Safety protection features
Features such as over-charge protection, short-circuit protection, over-temperature or over-heat protection, over-current protection or over-voltage protection are good to have.
These can help protect your smartphone from overheating while on charge – or worse, getting fried.
Check for security codes
Popular power bank brands like Xiaomi, Anker, and Baseus include security codes that buyers can use to check the authenticity of their accessories.
These often come in the form of a sticker you scratch off to reveal a QR code.
Although, these too can be faked by counterfeiters.
Name brands
Stick to popular brands and big companies you know have a long history producing tech accessories.
If you’ve never heard of the brand, and they’re making exaggerated claims in their Amazon listing, then it’s best to keep scrolling.