Power Banks

Apple-like at a price

Mophie Powerstation 8X

The Mophie Powerstation 8X is the only power bank here with built-in Bluetooth.

It lets you monitor its battery life on your phone and set up notifications, such as charging finish or low battery, via the Mophie Power app (available for Android and iOS).

The Powerstation has a very Apple-like design with its sleek aluminium construction.

On one part of its top edge, which has a black rubberised coating, you will find a micro-USB charging port sandwiched between two 2.4A USB output ports.

On one side, there is a power button with a four-LED battery indicator. You press and hold the power button for 4sec to pair with phone.

While the power bank looks sleek and is only 12.2mm thick, it has a pretty big footprint.

Thus, it takes some effort to grasp it with one hand.

I recommend putting it in your bag instead. It took 1hr 11min - third-fastest device here - to charge my iPhone 6s Plus from 50 per cent battery level to full.

Trevor Tan

•Verdict: The Mophie Powerstation 8X might have the Apple aesthetics and Bluetooth feature, but it also has a hefty price tag.


TECH SPECS

PRICE: $224

BATTERY CAPACITY: 15,000mAh

OUTPUT PORTS: 2 x 2.4A USB

WEIGHT: 385g

RATING

DESIGN: 5/5

PERFORMANCE: 4/5

VALUE FOR MONEY: 2/5

OVERALL: 3/5

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 31, 2016, with the headline Apple-like at a price. Subscribe