UGREEN Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, Integrated USB-C Cable): Your Mobile Energy Storage On the Go?
20,000 mAh and an integrated USB-C cable – that sounds like the perfect combination for travelers and commuters. But is the advertised 22.5W power really enough to charge modern smartphones multiple times and even power a tablet or small notebooks in a pinch? We put the UGREEN Power Bank through its paces in everyday use.
First Impression & Scope of Delivery
Upon unboxing, the compact size for the offered capacity stands out. The device fits comfortably in hand and easily slips into any jacket pocket. The design is simple and functional. The matte plastic feels robust. The box contains the power bank, a short USB-C-to-USB-C cable for charging the power bank, and a small instruction manual. This is standard in this price range and sufficient, as the integrated cable covers a primary function.
The nominal capacity of 20,000 mAh refers to the capacity of the lithium-ion cells at 3.7 volts. The actually usable capacity that a device can draw at 5 volts is usually between 60% and 80% of the nominal capacity due to conversion losses. For 20,000 mAh, this often translates to 12,000 to 16,000 mAh in practice.
Design & Build Quality
The UGREEN Power Bank presents itself in an unobtrusive but well-designed housing. The surface is lightly textured and resistant to fingerprints. The rounded edges improve the feel.
The integrated USB-C cable is particularly noteworthy. It is firmly connected to the housing and neatly stowed in a recess when not in use. The cable length is sufficient for most applications. It is flexible and robust. The overall build quality of the housing is good. There are no creaking parts or poorly finished gaps. All connections are secure. The power button has a pleasant pressure point. In the test, the design proved practical and suitable for everyday use. The weight of around 0.9 lbs is appropriate for the capacity.
When choosing a power bank, consider models with integrated cables if you frequently forget to pack charging cables or want to minimize clutter in your bag. They offer excellent convenience for everyday use.
Capacity & Battery
With an advertised capacity of 20,000 mAh, the UGREEN Power Bank is one of the larger, yet still mobile, models. In practical testing, a modern smartphone with approximately a 4,500 mAh battery could be fully charged about three and a half to four times. This aligns with a real capacity of about 14,000 to 16,000 mAh and is sufficient for most users to get through a weekend without an outlet.
The charging time of the power bank itself is stated as 6 hours. A powerful power adapter (22.5W) is necessary for this, which was confirmed in the test. With weaker power adapters, the charging time will be longer. The energy efficiency during the charging process of connected devices is good, with low heat loss.
For optimal charging time for your power bank, choose a power adapter that delivers at least the maximum input power of the power bank – in this case, 22.5W. This can significantly reduce the charging time of the power bank itself.
Charging Performance & Speed
The UGREEN Power Bank offers a maximum output of 22.5W via the USB-C port, the USB-A port, and the integrated USB-C cable. This power is sufficient to quickly charge most smartphones with fast-charging capabilities. A Samsung Galaxy S23 or an iPhone 14 Pro can be charged significantly faster than with conventional 5W chargers.
When charging a smartphone with a 4,000 mAh battery via the integrated USB-C cable, the power bank took about 90 to 100 minutes. This is a solid value.
While 22.5W is sufficient for fast-charging most smartphones and tablets, it's generally not enough for rapid charging of laptops, especially under heavy load. If your primary goal is to power a laptop efficiently, look for power banks with 45W output or higher.
When charging larger devices such as tablets or small notebooks (e.g., MacBook Air), the performance reaches its limits. While a MacBook Air could be supplied with power and its battery level maintained, rapid charging during use is not possible. For merely maintaining battery charge or slow charging in standby, the power is sufficient, but for serious laptop power under load, 45W or more is often necessary.
The ability to charge two devices simultaneously works well. When simultaneously charging a smartphone via the integrated USB-C cable and another device (e.g., headphones) via the USB-A port, the 22.5W is intelligently distributed. The charging speed per device decreases slightly, which is normal.
The "nominal capacity" (e.g., 20,000 mAh) of a power bank is based on the internal battery cells (usually 3.7V). The "usable capacity" at a higher output voltage (e.g., 5V for USB devices) will always be lower due to voltage conversion and efficiency losses. A rough estimate is 60-80% of the nominal capacity.
Connections & Ports
The UGREEN Power Bank is pragmatically equipped: an integrated USB-C cable, an additional USB-C port, and a USB-A port. The integrated cable eliminates the need to always carry a separate cable, which is particularly advantageous when traveling. It
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can the UGREEN Power Bank charge a modern smartphone?Based on our tests, this power bank can fully charge a modern smartphone with approximately a 4,500 mAh battery about three and a half to four times.
Is the integrated USB-C cable durable?Yes, the review states the integrated USB-C cable is flexible and robust, firmly connected to the housing, and neatly stowed when not in use.
Can this power bank fast-charge my iPhone or Samsung Galaxy?Yes, with a maximum output of 22.5W, this power bank is sufficient to quickly charge most smartphones with fast-charging capabilities, including devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23 or iPhone 14 Pro.
Can it charge a laptop like a MacBook Air?The power bank can supply power to a MacBook Air and maintain its battery level, or charge it slowly in standby. However, its 22.5W output is not sufficient for rapid charging a laptop under active use or heavy load.
Related Reads
- Baseus Nomos Magnetic Power Bank Qi2 45W 10000mAh review
- UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 130W review
- UGREEN brand page
Pros
- Integrated USB-C cable
- High capacity (20,000 mAh)
- Compact and handy
- Good build quality
- Robust plastic
- Practical, suitable for everyday use
Cons
- Long charging time
- Lower real capacity
Verdict
Ideal for frequent travelers and commuters. The biggest strength is the integrated USB-C cable. A clear recommendation for smartphones, but less so for laptops.