Kyle Joshua A. Cadavez

Aukey PB-Y13 (Sprint Lightning 10,000 mAh) Review This power bank may be the best slim power bank in the market. A sleek look, and a portable slim design, is what the Aukey PB-Y13 (Sprint Lightning 10,000 mAh) is all about. This power bank's best asset is its great form factor for holding and charging power bank and phone at the same time. With just 15.2 mm thick and 225.5 g in weight, this power bank charger feels just right in one's hand. This PB-Y13 model has 10,000 mAh (37 Wh) and 18 watts of output capacity. This power bank offers greater functionality in spite of its basic appearance. Aukey PB-Y13 boasts some of its greater functions upon tests comparisons to other slim power banks like the Anker Powercore Slim III. Here at Power Up, we will review the Aukey PB-Y13 based on its design/form factor, charging specs, and actual capacity through testing. And after all these, you decide if this power bank is indeed today's best power bank there is. FIRST IMPRESSION Fingerprint-resistant and matte black in texture with glossy, curved edges, and LED battery level indicator and power button placed discreetly at one corner, we can say that Aukey PB-Y13 is a basic and minimalist power bank. It is utilitarian in style as it adheres more to its use in fast charging than appearance. Although it looks simple and lacking in design, we can attest that it has a good number of functions as it holds 10,000 mAh (37 Wh) and 18 watts of output capacity. True enough to its serviceability, there are four USB ports that can be found: two USB A ports, a micro USB port and a USB C port. Upon opening the box, the Aukey PB-Y-mAh USB-C Power Bank will be seen at the right side, protected by a clear cover to prevent damage and scratches. The other inclusions inside the box are: USB-A to C Cable, User Manual, 24-Month warranty and Customer Support Card. Aukey PB-Y13 has a dimension of 138 x 72 x 15.2 mm and weighs 225.5 grams, just good enough to be held in a hand while charging. As for the manufacturer, the specifications are listed below: Battery Capacity: 10000mAh / 37Wh Micro-USB Input: DC 5V 2A USB-C Input (PD): DC 5V 1.5A, 9V 2A USB-C Output (PD): DC 5V 3A, 9V 2A, 12V 1.5A USB Output 1 (Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0): DC 5V–6V 3A, 6V–9V 2A, 9V–12V 1.5A USB Output 2: DC 5V 2.4A Total Power Output: 18W FAST-CHARGING PROTOCOLS Aukey PB-Y13 (Sprint Lightning 10,000mAh) supports the following fast charge protocols: Ports: USB-C, USB-A x2, Micro (input only) - USB-C Output: - 45W USB-C Power Delivery 2.0 (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/2A) - Quick Charge 3.0 - Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging - Huawei FCP - Apple 2.4A - USB-A Output: - 18W Quick Charge 3.0 - Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging - Huawei FCP - Apple 2.4A - Input: 45W USB-C PD (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/2A) The PB-Y13 model offers a tremendous range of high-speed charging support. The USB Power Delivery (PD) protocol is a new, universal charging standard that safely and efficiently accepts the power output of USB Type-C port with Power Delivery 2.0 that effectively charges most android phones like Samsung Galaxy S9/Galaxy S8, Google Pixel 2 Google Pixel 3 and iPhones such as iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone XS/XS Max, and iPhone XR to be charged up to the maximum 18 W speed. Additional AiPower port powers all 5V USB devices with output up to 2.4A. Its 10,000 mAh (37 Wh) capacity is able to fully charge an iPhone X 2.5 times, a Samsung Galaxy Note8 twice, or an iPad Air 2 0.9 times. It can give additional 6 hours of play to a Nintendo Switch. It has Universal Charging Capability that allows all USB-powered devices such as phones, tablets, wireless headphones & speakers, and such to be charged. The only phones you won't be able to fast charge in this 18-watt output power bank are likely those already using the same fast charging property like VOOC/DASH/WARP chargers. These phones include OnePlus 8 Pro, Realme 3 Pro, Oppo R15, Oppo N3, and others. ADDITIONAL FEATURES It has a Dual-Device Charging function that enables two devices to be charged at once with 18 W total output. Aukey PB-Y13 has the ability to charge itself and charge devices at the same time, known as passthrough charging. It's very helpful if you always want your power bank to be at full capacity. Its Low-Current Charging Mode feature is a special mode in charging low-current devices (below 60mA), like fitness trackers and bluetooth headphones that minimizes the use of current in charging. It has safety features that include built-in safeguards to protect the device from overcharging, overheating, and even excess current. TESTING In this part, Power Up will show you the result upon testing the Aukey PB-Y13 in comparison to all 10,000mAh packs especially Anker Powercore Slim III under fast charging load. These tests measure the capacity of two fully charged power banks when placed under different power loads. Keep in mind that both power banks has 10,000 mAh/37 wH battery capacity. First, we set the baseline at 5W, and upon testing, the Anker Powercore Slim III gave a 34.47 watt hours or 6895 mAh (93% efficiency) which was already great but the Aukey PB-Y13 boasted a capacity of 36.8 watt hours or 7298 mAh which is 99% efficiency and was definitely outstanding. At this point, we can say that both power banks are already excellent in performance. But at second testing at fast charging load of 9W, Aukey PB-Y13 supplied an incredible amount of 35.16 watt hours (95.03% efficiency), meanwhile Anker Powercore Slim III tested 32.70 watt hours (88.38% efficiency). We can say that both power banks are still good in potential and are both competent. Lastly, we tested both power banks at 18W. Anker Powercore Slim III disappointingly performed a 17.57 watt hours which was just an efficiency of 47.49% unlike that of the star of the review, Aukey PB-Y13, which defeated the former with a remarkable capacity of 31.10 watt hours (84.05% efficiency). This just proves the main point of the review--that the Aukey PB-Y13 is a part of the better performing power banks out there in the market. Even at 18W, we can say that smartphones charged by the Aukey PB-Y13 can hold much longer battery span. It also means that you will be able to power larger devices that will draw 18W for longer. CONCLUSION Should you buy the Aukey PB-Y13 (Sprint Lightning 10,000 mAh)? Aukey PB-Y13 (Sprint Lightning 10,000 mAh) is a beast of a power bank packed into a slim, lightweight, and sleek body that provides fast-charging capacity in the best way possible. The Aukey PB-Y13 is especially designed to fit the needs of individuals who love to carry their gadgets with them anywhere. Its Dual-Device Charging function makes charging of two gadgets at the same time possible. Additionally, if you own low-current devices like fitness tracking wristbands or bluetooth headphones with below 60mAh, you shouldn’t have to worry because Aukey PB-Y13’s Low-Current Charging Mode feature got you covered with that as well. Aukey PB-Y13 (Sprint Lightning 10,000 mAh) is a versatile power bank that can perform either heavy-duty fast charging or low current charging depending on what you need. While it did beat the Anker Powercore Slim III in terms of charging load, portability, and overall efficiency, it does lose in terms of its style. Since it offers more utility than aesthetics, the physical look of this power bank is more on the plain, unexciting side that even looks and feels cheap when held. It is not comparable with fast charge protocols such as VOOC/DASH/WARP chargers but it should be able to charge smartphones like OnePlus 8 Pro, Realme 3 Pro, Oppo R15, Oppo N3, and others, just not at the higher watt outputs. Its optimum performance is best experienced with an iPhone X, an iPad Air, a Galaxy Note8, and even gaming consoles such as the Nintendo switch. All in all, the Aukey PB-Y13 (Sprint Lightning 10,000 mAh) makes high-speed charging much easier and more reliable than ever before. It is an excellent purchase for its slim and portable nature and fast charge performance, with a price of $30, which is much cheaper than Anker Powercore Slim III ($49.50). Although lacking in style, it is still a great deal for those who are in search for a power bank that matches functionality, high charge speed, and true capacity.