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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The best kickstand on a power bank that I’ve come across – it actually does the job!
- Clear, easy-to-read display showing battery capacity
- A solid, well-made power bank, exactly what I’d expect from ESR.
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It’s hard to stand out in the power bank market. After all, they’re little cubes of power. Apple’s rollout of MagSafe magnetic wireless charging added something new, but beyond that, manufacturers have struggled to think up useful things to add.
One feature that’s been making the rounds on the larger power banks — 10,000mAh and above — is the kickstand. The idea is that you can attach your iPhone to the power bank, and the kickstand allows the smartphone to be stood up in landscape or portrait orientation.
Also: The best power banks you can buy
The problem is most kickstands are flimsy or just do a bad job of being kickstands.
But the ESR Kickstand Power Bank<!–> changes all that, and is the first kickstand power bank that I’ve used a lot as a stand.
The kickstand is made of aluminum, making it light yet strong; it’s attached to a strong hinge that opens solidly and closes with a positive snap.
This is the best kickstand I’ve seen on a power bank. It actually works! Yay!
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
And it’s also large enough not to topple over.
And the kickstand snaps firmly shut, and is flush to the case so it doesn’t catch on things.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
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Beyond the stand, the rest of the power bank is also the sort of quality I’d expect from ESR. The 10,000mAh power output checks out. There’s a neat display on the side that shows battery capacity, how long the unit has left at the current power draw or, if it’s charging, how long it has until it’s full.
Also: Why I recommend this power bank to most iPhone users – especially if you travel often
A clean, clear display that resists the temptation to be cluttered.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
For charging, there’s a USB-C port that handles 20W input and 27W output, perfect for those devices that don’t support wireless charging.
Also: Anker issues recall for popular power bank due to fire risk – stop using this model now
The polymer case is tough and feels good in the hand; the MagSafe attaches firmly with 1,200 grams-force (in real terms, it clamps firmly!) and delivers up to 15W of power to Qi2-compatible devices.
