Much too loose as a mobile power bank
In practice, however, the system is annoying. Because the magnetic holder is simply too weak. If you put your smartphone and power bank configuration in your trouser pocket, the power bank adapter is very likely to come loose. So if you want to charge your smartphone in the subway, you actually have to hold the system in your hand the whole time. If your smartphone slips away, the magnetic mechanism won’t hold either. With a normal power bank, on the other hand, the mobile device would most likely still be attached to the power bank instead of hitting the ground.
So it’s more of a stationary system. After all, it’s capable, at least for a USB-A power bank. In short measurements, up to 10 watts were possible via an iPhone cable. We were able to charge a Macbook Pro M1 with 8 watts, a Lenovo Ideapad Duet Chromebook with 10 watts, a Surface Go with 6 watts and the Nokia 6.1 with 7 watts. A Galaxy Note 4 could be charged with 9 watts. For all values, the devices were active and the battery was about half full.
An exception is the Galaxy Note 4, which only charged at 9 watts when the screen was off. This is not due to the battery, but to the Galaxy Note 4. Theoretically, 15 watts should also be possible with Quick Charge, but we did not have a test device that supports this proprietary charging technology to the extent. It is a pity, however, that Nitecore does not rely on USB type C here. We’re also missing something like a screw lock.
Use in flashlights and as an emergency light
Finally, the emergency light that is supplied with the power bank adapter must be considered. Unfortunately, the quality of the lantern is disappointing. The three LEDs inside the attachment are clearly recognizable as such and the light distribution appears restless even to untrained eyes. You’re not used to that from Nitecore. After all, the manufacturer can do that much better with the LA10 lantern, which can also be adjusted in terms of brightness.
With the intelligent battery system, on the other hand, there is only on or off. On top of that, one of the LEDs on the side of the attachment can be seen directly, which causes unpleasant glare up close. After all, the overhead light can also illuminate the environment while the battery is charging. However, standing use is pretty shaky. If, on the other hand, an end device is charged, the system must be laid down.