When comparing portable chargers and power banks, you’ll often see both mAh and watts listed on the packaging. While mAh tells you how much charge a battery can hold, watts indicate how fast it can deliver that power. So we’re uncovering why both matter and what’s more important for needs.
What is mAh?
mAh stands for milliamp hours and represents the total energy storage of a power bank or portable charger. A 5,000mAh charger might give your phone 1-2 full charges, while a 20,000mAh model can charge it 4+ times. It’s all about capacity and how long the power bank will keep your devices running before it needs to be recharged itself.
What is wattage?
Wattage (W) is a more commonly known term and tells you how fast energy can be transferred from the charger to your device. It's calculated as volts × amps. So a charger with a 22.5W output can charge your phone significantly faster than a basic 5W one. This is especially important if you’re always on the move and need fast top-ups during your day.
Why do both matter?
A power bank could have a huge battery (high mAh) but only offer slow charging (low watts), which means your phone might take hours to fully recharge. On the other hand, a small portable charger with fast output may top up your battery quickly but only once before running out of juice.
If you’re charging high-demand devices like tablets or newer smartphones, both power and speed become critical. A high-capacity power bank with high wattage ensures you’re not waiting hours to get back online.
Conclusion
When shopping for a portable charger or power bank, check both mAh and wattage. mAh tells you how much power you get, but watts tell you how fast you’ll get it. For the best charging experience, especially with modern devices that support fast charging, you need a balance of both.
Understanding these terms doesn’t just help with buying decisions, it ensures you choose a charging solution that fits your lifestyle, saves time and works efficiently across all your devices.
