I’ve always wondered how the battery chargers that use AA batteries compare to the rechargeable battery packs like PowerGen Mobile Juice Pack or RAVPower Dynamo-On-the-Go Mobile Juice Pack. Well now, I know.
The Innovative Digital USB Cell Phone Emergency Chargers
Unlike rechargeable battery packs, these are not made to fully recharge a cell phone. Instructions say they should not be used to increase capacity more than 20% at a time.
Instructions also say they charge a cell phone’s battery at a rate of 1% every 2 minutes. I plugged in my iPhone, which had 5% battery life left. I let it charge for 23 minutes, at which time its battery was charged 17%. The battery got very warm, but it performed exactly as promised. After that charge, I tested the AA batteries inside and they were still at full capacity (no precise numbers with an analogue battery tester).
The emergency charger comes with two AA batteries, an iPhone charging cable and a mini-USB adapter.
According to the manufacturer, the device can be used to store batteries for up to 5 years without draining them. If so, it would be a great unit to store in an emergency bag. I don’t plan on using it that way, though.
PROS:
+ compact & lightweight
+ uses AA batteries, no need to charge
+ LED flashlight onboard
+ comes with iPhone charging cable and mini-USB adapter
+ comes with AA batteries
+ stores AA batteries without draining
CONS:
- can’t be used to fully recharge phone
- gets very warm during charging
- plastic feels cheap
This product was provided for review by Innovative Digital.
, but this one is 9 Watts and dimmable.