Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source just became the power bank I recommend to anyone who wants one that looks like a much more expensive device, and performs just as well.
Also: The best power banks you can buy: Expert tested
Let’s take a closer look.
Everything, including 7.5W wireless charging.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The power bank also features a Qi wireless charging pad that can output 7.5W. It’s a lot less than the 25W that the new Qi2.2 standard can push out, but it’s enough to top up your phone when out and about.
The magnetic interface also has enough strength to keep the power bank securely attached to the handset, even when the phone is in a case. I can give my handset a really good shake and the power bank stays put.
It stays secure no matter how much I try to shake it off!
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
On the bottom of the unit, there’s a built-in USB-C cable that can be used for charging and to charge the unit (20W max input, 22.5W max output). I like units that have built-in cables because no one can steal it!
The cable is the flat style with a braided nylon cover, making it soft to the touch yet tough. It can also be used like a finger loop or put a carabiner through it to keep it secured in a bag.
That USB-C port in the middle is just to hold the cable in place and does not supply power!
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Oh, and there’s also another USB-C port that if you plug an external cable into, you’ll find that no power comes out of it. That’s because this port is used to store the free end of the built-in cable when not in use. I don’t think I’ve seen another manufacturer do this, and while it could cause some initial confusion, Cuktech has tried to mitigate this with a warning label.
Also: The secret that power bank manufacturers don’t want you to know
As for any user interface, this unit has a single button for powering the unit on, a blue LED to indicate that wireless charging is enabled, and another multi-colored LED for showing charge status.
From now on, this is the cheap and cheerful but feature-packed power bank that, unlike a lot of cheaper units, won’t let people down in a few weeks.
