Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source, action cameras and portable mics — I’m desperate for power to make sure that the day isn’t cut short.
But because I’m usually packing a bag to carry all my stuff, size and weight isn’t as much of an issue, so I can take something a little bigger than I’d have just for my iPhone, and it has proved itself such a great unit that I’ve been recommending it to other content creators.
There’s no doubt that retractable USB-C cables are a thing now, with them making an appearance on power banks and in-car chargers — some of which are happy to hold up a 56 pound lump of iron!) from all the big names.
Baseus has always been a company that’s had its eye on the ball when it comes to attention to detail, and that shows with the EnerCore CR11. The retractor on this power bank is one of the smoothest I’ve tested, and it locks out at several different lengths (as opposed to many where you only get three or four). I like this because I can make the 2.3 foot cable the right length for my needs.
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The 20,000mAh capacity is ideal for keeping things like action cameras and drones topped up throughout the day without adding too much in the way of weight to my gear bag. If I needed anything bigger I’d be looking at something like the Anker SOLIX C300 DC, but these are considerably heavier than the 13.9 ounces of the EnerCore CR11.
On the side of the power bank is a button that’s used to turn the display on, and a quick double-press activates low-current mode, allowing the power bank to recharge low-draw gadgets like earbuds, which allows this one power bank to covers pretty much any gadget you might want to take with you.
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One thing that I really like about this power bank is how is stays nice and cool even under heavy load. Baseus has used graphene and aerospace-grade aerogel thermal insulation to dissipate the heat, and the on-board control chip keeps an eye to make sure that things stay safe and cool.
ZDNET’s buying advice
I get to test a lot of power banks, some make the cut, many don’t. The Baseus EnerCore CR11