ASUS ZenPower Ultra 20100 mAh

In the review, we will look at the stylish ASUS ZenPower Ultra 20100 power bank in an aluminum shell. The number in the name indicates the capacity of the batteries, and the name hints at great possibilities. Does the device live up to the Ultra prefix? Read on.

Content

Information about ASUS ZenPower Ultra 20100

Specifications

Anodized aluminum with rounded edges

The complete set of the ASUS ZenPower Ultra 20100 power bank is quite usual for such devices. The elongated box is made of thin cardboard. Inside is a case, a short USB to micro-USB cable (30 cm) and instructions. No case included, sorry.

On the forums, visitors complain about the length of the cable, unreasonably demand a longer one.

According to Ohm’s law, at a voltage of 5 V and a current of 2 A, the voltage drop on a wire with a cross section of 1 mm2 and a length of 1 m will be almost 0.4 V.

For some smartphones, this may be enough to stop charging, so the adapter is specially made short to reduce losses.

The case is drawn from aluminum, treated with anodizing, there are options for pink, gold and black. The box is comparable in width to a credit card, in length — with two, thickness — 22 mm. The power bank is compact, but quite weighty — 420 g, a noticeable increase in the weight of a handbag or backpack, it fits in your hand, but you can’t call it pocket.

The paint coating is easily scratched, so it is not recommended to carry the device along with the keys, it is a good idea to put it in a case (ASUS sells them separately).

One input and two outputs

The plastic end of the device is marked only with a large inscription «20100 mAh» and other details in small print. On the other hand, the controls are covered by an aluminum panel with iridescent circles (imitation of polishing). Here are:

• Power button;
• Micro USB input;
• Two USB-A output sockets;
• Torch.

The battery level is shown by four white-moon dots: when the tank is full, they all light up.

The device is protected against short circuit, overcharging and overheating (ASUS itself speaks of 11 different protections). The input current is 2 A, the first port gives up to 2.4 A at the output — this is enough even for such a capricious tablet as the iPad. The second port provides a current of up to 2 A. Without problems, a smartphone and a tablet are charged at the same time.

External battery ASUS ZenPower Ultra 20100 supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 technology with automatic consumer detection, and in both directions. That is, if you have, for example, Huawei P10, you can pump up a power bank with its power supply in just 7.5 hours, while the ZenPower Ultra smartphone itself will also charge quickly.

Undoubtedly, a power bank is needed where there is no electricity, including on a hike. A useful addition to ASUS ZenPower Ultra is a flashlight — its brightness is 70 lm, about the same as a 1 W light bulb. Enough power to find the way to the tent through the dark forest. Turn on by long pressing the button, double click to adjust the brightness.

Honest battery capacity considering conversion efficiency

Manufacturers always indicate the total battery capacity on power banks, but this does not mean at all that so much charge will be output. The efficiency of power electronic circuits is never 100%, it is reduced by losses. ASUS ZenPower 20100 achieves a conversion efficiency of around 73%, which is considered good.

If we evaluate the practical capacity of ASUS ZenPower 20100 Li-Ion batteries, it turns out about 13000 mAh (20100) or 65 W*h (72). These figures are in line with expectations, passport values ​​are given in brackets. The average smartphone with a 3000 mAh battery will charge four full times.

Conclusion

The ASUS ZenPower 20100 external battery turned out to be very worthy, it justifies the Ultra prefix in the name. A compact and powerful device to reinforce any voracious gadgets, with support for fast charging. It has an attractive appearance, has two output ports and a flashlight.

The device is not ashamed to put on the office table and show to friends, suitable as a solid business gift. Recommended for all fans of mobile devices who are away from the outlet: on a hike, on a business trip, on a long flight.

pros

• Beautiful appearance in an aluminum case
• Fast charging in and out saves time
• Honest battery capacity considering conversion losses
• Bright flashlight illuminates dark corners

Minuses

• The case is scratched, a cover is needed
• The device is quite heavy, the pocket pulls