A phone at 5% in the middle of the mall, on a desert trip or at the airport is stressful. A good power bank fixes that, but the numbers on the box can be confusing. Here's what they mean.
What does mAh mean?
mAh (milliamp hours) is the battery capacity. Higher means more charge stored. Because some energy is lost during charging, you usually get around two-thirds of the rated capacity into your phone.
How many charges will you get?
| Power bank | Roughly | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000mAh | About 1 phone charge | A night out |
| 10,000mAh | About 2 charges | Daily commute |
| 20,000mAh | About 3 to 4 charges | Travel, camping, heavy users |
Exact numbers depend on your phone's battery size.
Features worth paying for
- Built-in cables: no more forgetting the cable at home.
- Multiple outputs: charge your phone and earbuds at the same time.
- Solar panel: useful as a top-up while camping. Solar charging is slow, so charge it fully from the wall before your trip.
Flying with a power bank
Power banks must go in your cabin bag, not checked luggage. Airlines also set capacity limits, and some UAE airlines now restrict using power banks during the flight. Always check your airline's latest rules before you fly.
Keep it safe in the UAE heat
Don't leave power banks in a parked car in summer. High heat is bad for any lithium battery. Keep it in your bag and out of direct sun.
Our picks
- Solar Power Bank 20000mAh with 4 Built-in Cables: 89 AED
- 4-in-1 Multi USB Charging Cable: one cable for every device, 79 AED
Camping soon? Add one to your desert camping checklist.