Yesterday we took a look at the Just Mobile Gum++ Backup Battery. It’s a great accessory but requires you to supply your own cable. Today we are taking a look at TYLT’s POWERPLANT Portable Back-Up Charger Lighting. The $89.99 battery is small, powerful and includes a built-in Lightning connector and a universal USB port. Plus, it looks great!
In the box you will find the POWERPLANT Universal Battery Pack, a Micro USB Charging Cable, and a User Guide. No carry pouch is included, but the design of the battery is such that one really isn’t necessary.
TYLT describes the POWERPLANT this way:
POWERPLANT is a robust, portable energy charger with high output capacity, designed for people who expect high-output charging in a small design.
The POWERPLANT Portable Back-Up Charger has a built-in battery that can provide nearly two full charges to most smartphones. Designed for high-demand power users, the POWERPLANT can rapidly charge one mobile device or simultaneously charge two mobile devices at the same time.
The robust aspect of the description is spot on. At 78 x 44 x 33mm and weighing just 5.4 ounces, this is one small but solid battery. When not in use the battery is a cool-looking rectangle made from metal and rubber. That translates to the fact that this won’t be an accessory you’ll need to treat gently.
The rubber on the bottom of the battery almost hides the small, easily overlooked, power indicator button. More on that in a bit.
I like the subtle way the TYLT logo is embossed into the battery’s body.
The real star of the show here is the Lightning connector. It, along with its “Flex Arm”, sit hidden inside a space along side the battery until it is needed. When it is the connector simply pulls away from the battery so you can start charging.
Behind the rubber door is both the microUSB port for charging the battery and a USB port so you can use any cable you want. That means you can charge two Apple Lightning devices at once or you can charge an Apple device and something else at the same time. If, however, you only need to charge one Apple Lightning device you don’t need to open this rubber door at all. As TYLT explains,
The built-in FLEX charging arm with Apple Lightning connector version means you can leave your USB cables at home, while on the go.
I like that!
Features:
- 5200mAh for plenty of charging power
- Battery Charge Time of 6-7 hours
- Outputs 2.1Amps
- Built-in Flex Arm for charging on the go
- Universal USB Socket for charging any USB device
- Rapid charge or charging 2 devices simultaneously
- LED Battery level Indicator lights
- Automatic shut-off
- Will retain a single charge for up to one year
And for those of you living in the dark ages of Apple’s 30-pin connectivity or using a device that requires a microUSB connection… Those versions of this battery are also available.
LED indicators sit hidden on the other side of the battery. Depressing the button on the end panel will trigger them and, within seconds, you’ll know how much power is left in the battery.
POWERPLANT’s 2.1 Amp circuit and 5200mAh Lithium-Ion battery does a great job of keeping your mobile devices charged. It will provide a single smartphone with two full charges or two smartphones with up to one full charge each. In addition, thanks to smart technology, the POWERPLANT will automatically start charging when a mobile device is plugged in and automatic shut off when not in use.
Specs:
- Battery Cell: Lithium Ion
- Battery Capacity: 5200mAh
- Output Voltage: 4.75 – 5.75 Volts
- Output Current: 2.1Amps
- Battery Charge Time: 6-7 hours
- Dimensions: 78 x 44 x 33mm
- Weight: 5.4 ounces
I’ve been really impressed with all the products we’ve seen from TYLT and this is no exception. At $89.99 it is pricey but the small size, clean design, built-in Lightning connector and smart on/off feature make it stand out. I do wish the yellow sticker with technical and legal stuff was easier to remove but that is a minor complaint about an otherwise impressive mobile accessory. Learn more.
Get it!
MSRP: $89.99
What I Like: Small and solid; 5200mAh battery; Built in Lightning connector, Universal USB port for non-Lightning devices
What Needs Improvement: Yellow sticker is a bear to remove cleanly
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
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