I’ve been on the quest for the perfect backup battery, and now I feel like I’m one step closer to finding what I’ve been looking for: a slim battery with enough power to charge my phone at least twice with no need for extra cables. As I learned on my recent trip to IFA, the CODi PowerBank fits the bill!
Measuring about 4″ long x 2.25″ wide x 0.75″, the CODi is small enough to slip into Chanel Wallet on a Chain (the little purse I use almost every day) with room for my iPhone 6 Plus, a tube of lip balm, and my car keys. Right there, it’s scoring points with me, as most of the other batteries I’ve tried are a bit thicker (so they don’t fit) — and they don’t have a 6,000mAh capacity, like the CODi does. Score!
The CODi PowerBank is composed of slick white plastic with black sides; it has a button on the top that when pressed displays remaining power by 1/4 increments and that powers on the battery when it’s plugged into your iPhone or iPad. The CODi PowerBank is also available in a black on black model, if you prefer stealth.
Perhaps best of all, the CODi has a built-in Lighting charger for topping off your devices as well as a USB charger for topping off the battery itself. Everything you need to stay powered up is here in one little package.
Okay, so it’s not a total love-fest, as there are a few things I would change if given the option. I do wish that the battery would power on without me having to press the button; it’s a small gripe, but I really like when I get that kind of instant response from a battery. My other quibble is that sometimes the Lighting charger pops out of its holder; again, it’s not a big deal, but I wish it would stay put.
6,000mAh, slim form factor, and built-in cables, though! What’s not to like? I brought four portable batteries with me to use at IFA and on vacation for the week after; time after time, the CODi PowerBank was the one I brought with me because it fit in my bag and because it had so much juice.
Until the day when our phones have large enough batteries to truly get through a day of intense use without dying, we are going to need external power chargers. The CODi PowerBank is a great option for those of us who need a compact charging solution!
The CODi PowerBank retails for $69.99, and it is available directly from the manufacturer or from Amazon [use our Affiliate Link to get the battery for $52.99].
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Slim form factor; All necessary cables are built-in; 6000mAh is enough to power my iPhone 6+ roughly twice; Small size
What Needs Improvement: Sometimes the Lighting charger won’t stay put in its slot; You have to press the button to start the battery