Phones, cameras, and other mobile devices are power hogs. Those who have moved to smartphones have to plan ahead if it’ll be more than ~20 hours before they’ll next be near a power outlet. A dead battery means disconnection, which means the device isn’t receiving messages, which means business isn’t getting done. Fortunately, a new class of portable batteries has hit the market. Prices on these devices are dropping, and they are diversifying in capacity and features. Once such device is the subject of this review, the Kiwi U-Powered Charger. This device sports a 2000 mAh capacity, multiple charging tips, and, as its name indicates, an array of photovoltaic cells for sun-powered recharging. ThinkComputers has the review…
Special thanks to Kiwi for providing us with the U-Powered Solar & USB Portable Charger to review
Specifications
| Battery Type | Lithium Polymer |
| Output Voltage | DC 5.3 – 5.6V |
| Output Current | 600mA(max) |
| Operating T° | -10° – 45° |
| Storage & Transportation T° | -10° – 45° |
| Power Capacity | 2000 mAh |
| Lighting time after 1 hour charging Under sunlight (500W/M2) | >100 min |
| Time of fully being charged by adaptors or USB | 3.5 – 4.5 hours |
| Time of fully being charged under sunlight (500W/M2) | 17+ hours |
| Cycle Life | 1,000+ |
| Rated Input Voltage | DC 5.0 – 6.0V |
| Charge Input Current | >300mA |
| Dimensions | 116mm * 48.4mm * 25.7mm |
| Weight | 124.6 g |
| Max. Luminous flux | 4LM |
Packaging
The Kiwi U-Powered Charger comes in a green box showing its capacity, its not needing batteries, and that it’s solar powered. The box also lists a few things it can charge, e.g. personal media players, handheld video game systems, and a variety of brands of phone (plus mini- and micro-USB tips).
It comes with some documentation, a pouch, a car charger, a wall outlet, several tips, and a unique cable for charging.
