If you're someone who uses power banks regularly, you may have noticed that they often list two different capacities— but what do they really mean?You’ll commonly seesomething like this:

• Battery Capacity: 10000mAh

• Rated Capacity: 6000mAh

 

What Is Battery Capacity?

The Battery Capacity(also known as Cell Capacity) refers to the actual amount of energy stored in the internal battery cells of the power bank. It’s usually measured in mAh (milliampere-hours) or Ah (ampere-hours).

For example, a power bank labeled 20000mAh means that the internal lithium-polymer battery has a theoretical energy storage of 20000mAh —calculated from the size and density of the battery cell (length × width × thickness × energy coefficient).

 

What Is Rated Capacity?

The Rated Capacity refers to the actual amount of power that the power bank can safely and reliably output to your device under standard test conditions (often 5V at 1A or 2A current).This value is also given in mAh or Ah, and is usually lower than the battery capacity.

Battery Capacity = How much
electricity the battery can store

Rated Capacity = How much electricity it can output after conversion losses

 

Why Is the Rated Capacity Lower?

This difference is not false advertising — it’s a result of energy loss during power conversion. When the power bank transfers energy to your device, the following factors cause power loss:

• Boost circuit (increasing voltage from 3.7V to 5V)
• Cable resistance
• Connector contact resistance
• Your phone’s internal power
  management system
• Internal resistance of both
  batteries

These conversion lossesare normal, and on average about 30–40% of the energy is lost in the process.A 10000mAh power bank may only provide ~6000mAh to your phone — this means the efficiency rate is around 60%, which is within the industry norm.

 

Fun Fact: Test Conditions Affect Rated Capacity

The rated capacity can vary depending on test current: Using 2A current results in more heat loss and lower efficiency, so the rated capacity appears lower.Using 1A current reduces energy loss, leading to higher measured rated capacity.

 

Key Takeaway

Battery capacity ≠ Output capacity. The
rated capacity is not a trick — it’s a realistic, conservative estimate of how
much usable power you’ll actually get.

When comparing power banks, look beyond just the mAh number. Consider the rated capacity, efficiency, and charging speed for a more complete picture.

PD, QC, FCP,PPS Explained – and Why Your Phone May Not Show Fast Charging

Fast charging is everywhere now — from smartphones and tablets to laptops and even game consoles. But not all fast charging is created equal. Different brands use different protocols, and your power bank may support one, but not the other.So, what exactly are PD, QC, FCP, PPS, and SCP? Let’s break it down.

Why Do Phones Use Different Protocols?

This is one of the mostcommon customer questions. Here's why it happens:

• Protocol mismatch: Your phone and power bank use different fast-charging technologies.
• Cable issue:Not all USB cables support fast charging. A cheap or old cable may block fast charging even if both ends support it.
• Low battery power bank: If your power bank is below a certain charge (e.g. <15%), itmay not output fast charging.
• Phone settings or OS limitation: Some phones only show “charging” even when receiving higher power,especially older Android models.
• Incorrect port used: Some power banks have specific fast-charge output ports. Make sureyou're using the correct one (usually marked "PD" or"Fast").

 

Quick Tip:

• PD = best for iPhone /iPad / MacBook / Switch
• PPS = best for SamsungGalaxy flagship models
• SCP = best for Huawei
• QC = general Android compatibility (older models)

 

How to Know If Fast Charging Works?

1.Look at your phone’s screen – Does it say “Fast Charging” / “SuperCharge” / “PD Charging”?

2. Check charging speed – Does the battery rise 20–30% in 10–15 minutes?

3. Use a USB power meter – Advanced users can use a wattmeter to measure actual power output.

 

Bonus: PD 3.1 = Laptop-Level FastCharging

If your power bank supports PD 3.1 with 65W or 100W output, you can use it to
charge:

• MacBook Air / MacBook Pro
• Dell XPS / Lenovo ThinkPad
• Steam Deck / Switch Docked Mode but only if your cable also supports high power!

Can I Take a Power Bank on a Plane?

Airline Rules You Need to Know Before You Fly

If you’re planning to travel with your power bank, it’s important to know that airlines have strict rules about carrying lithium battery devices — and power banks are included.Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe (and avoid having your charger confiscated at airport security).

Airline Regulation Basics

Most airlines allow passengers to carry
power banks in their carry-on luggage only, not checked baggage.Maximum limit: 100Wh (watt-hours) per device If your power bank is under 100Wh,it’s generally safe and allowed for air travel on most airlines around the world (including Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, etc.).

Important Travel Rules to Remember

• Must be in your carry-on luggage Power banks are not allowed in checked baggage.
• 2.Maximum of 2 power banks
  per passenger (most airlines)
• 3.Power bank must be properly labeled.Many airlines require the capacity (Wh or mAh) to be printed
  on the product.
• 4.No damaged or swollen batteries Airportsecurity may confiscate any power bank that looks unsafe.

What Happens If It’s Over 100Wh?

Some airlines may allow power banks between 100Wh–160Wh with airline approval, but you must apply in advance — and not all carriers accept them. Anything over 160Wh is strictlyprohibited on passenger flights.

Travel Tip from Us

• Check your power bank’s Wh rating
• Print or photograph the specs in case security asks
• Don’t pack your charger in checked baggage
• Make sure your device is notcharging while boarding

What Is Magnetic Charging? What Is MagSafe?

Magnetic charging is a type of wireless charging that uses magnets to align
your phone precisely with the charging coil. This ensures stable, efficient
charging and eliminates the need to plug and unplug cables.

How It Works: Inside the phone and charger, magnets help lock both devices
into the optimal position. This prevents misalignment—a common issue with
traditional wireless charging—so you get more reliable power delivery.

 

What Is MagSafe?

MagSafe is Apple’s magnetic wireless charging system, introduced with the iPhone 12 series.It features a circular ring of magnets built into the back of the phone,allowing it to snap onto MagSafe-compatible accessories like chargers, wallets,and stands.

Charging Speeds

1. Official Apple MagSafe charger: Up to 15W fast wireless charging.

2.Third-party MagSafe-compatible chargers: Typically 7.5W to 15W, depending on certification.

MagSafe-CompatibleDevices

• iPhone 12 / 13 / 14 /15 Series
• Some AirPods models with MagSafe charging case
• Select MagSafe cases and accessories

Note: Non-MagSafe phones (like earlier
iPhones or Androids) may still work with magnetic chargers, but the charging
speed and magnetic alignment may vary.

 

Can Android phones use magnetic charging?

A: Yes, if the phone supports wireless charging, you can add a
magnetic ring to align it with magnetic chargers. However, MagSafe-specific
features will not work.

 

Why is my phone not showing fast charging with a magnetic charger?

1.Charger isn’t MagSafe-certified

2.Phone model doesn’t support fast wireless charging

3.Incompatible case blocking magnetic connection

4.Misalignment due to off-brand magnetic rings