The trick to never run out of battery: how to turn an old cell phone into a portable charger

Few things annoy the user more than Low battery before arriving home. Hyperconnectivity, excessive use of social networks and video consumption are responsible for a energy drainage Without precedents. For this reason, a few years ago, the power banksexternal batteries that can charge a smartphone anywhere. But what if that role is filled by a antique telephone?

Today’s smartphones generally have large integrated batteries, ranging from 4000 to 5000 mAh (milliamp hours/hour), and which cannot be extracted like those models from more than ten years ago.

If you have one with a discarded one in a desk or closet drawer and whose the battery is removableit could be salvation.

The trick is this Most cell phone batteries are the same. or very similar. It will then be possible to use that old energy storage source as a reserve.

You just need to make sure your old phone’s battery is charged. So, the user can carry it along with the secondary phone or just with the battery. And the moment your device battery runs out proceed with the change.

It must also be clear that you are handling removable batteries they are not dangerous, but you need to take precautions when handling them outside of your phone. For example, they may be more likely to be damaged if dropped or bumped, which could cause fluid leaks or overheat if used in extreme conditionssuch as very high or very low temperatures.

On the other hand, The problem with this trick is that in 2024 there are few cell phones with removable batteries which are sold all over the world. The most recognized are Fairphone 5, TCL ION V and Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro, but they are not sold in Argentina. The other complication is the need to have two cell phones with the same battery model.

Another option for using your old cell phone as a sort of “homemade” power bank is the reverse charging functionif the devices are compatible.

Some cell phones have the ability to manage battery power charge other devices. So, in case that outdated smartphone has this charging option, it might be use as an external batterythe same way you would with a power bank.

The main smartphone models compatible with reverse charging are the following:

• Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro.
• Xiaomi Mi10.
• Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro.
• Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra.
• Xiaomi Mi11.
• Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra.
• Samsung Galaxy S10.
• Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus.
• Samsung Galaxy S10e.
• Samsung Galaxy S20.
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus.
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 10.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
• Samsung Galaxy Fold.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2.
• Motorola Edge+.

What you need to know to choose the right power bank

The differences between each product, including battery capacity, power ports and physical dimensions, are usually the main elements to consider when choosing external battery which will serve as an emergency in case your cell phone runs out.

The theoretical mAh provided by the manufacturer does not correspond to reality due to the contribution of factors such as the efficiency of the device itself or the operating temperature.

Furthermore, as also happens with cell phones, Portable batteries have a finite life cycle. That is, it will progressively lose capacity. A good estimate of its actual capacity is to approximate it to 60-70% of its theoretical capacity.

Regardless of the phone’s connector, The portable battery charges via the USB port at one end. It is important to know that this cable is not included in many models.

Furthermore, this type of battery is usually powered via a micro-USB or USB-C port. This cable is included with purchase, but not the charger.

Another option in this segment allows you to upload the file cell phone wirelesslysimply by placing the phone on its surface, if it has this functionality.

It is not only important to look for a model that has the appropriate ports, but also to know the number of ports when charging multiple devices at the same time and their specifications: 5W (5V, 1A) is slow while 10W (5V, 2A) is fast.

We must also keep in mind the models that allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time, since they have multiple cables for all types of connectors: from micro USB or USB-C to Lightning from older iPhones.

Although the electric charge is not distributed uniformly, with the tendency to have a fast and a slow gate, this type of battery implements an intelligent system that distributes it.

Charging speed is another important data, but not only regarding charging the phone, but also for the battery itself. If you choose a portable battery with fast charging, you will need to use a charger that allows this.

Anker portable battery (20000 mAh)

In terms of charging speed, connectivity and price, the Anker PowerCore 20100 highlights its main virtues. With a 20,100mAh large-capacity battery, the phones can receive more than two full charges during the day.

Slim and sharp in design, the Anker PowerCore 20100 battery can charge two devices simultaneously via its pair of 2.4A USB ports, and if those devices use PowerIQ or VoltaggioBoost fast charging, it will do so faster.

ADATA C20 battery charger

The Adata brand has 4 different Power bank models, but the ADATA C20 model is very successful in several countries in the region thanks to its extreme quality, durability and excellent price.

According to its features, the ADATA C20 external battery offers a power of 3.7 V / 20,000 mAh (74 Wh), allowing you to efficiently charge up to three devices simultaneously via two USB-A ports and one USB-C port.

Furthermore, the built-in LED indicator provides a clear display of the power status, while the multi-circuit protection mechanisms ensure the safety of the device, protecting it from overcharge, overdischarge, overtemperature, short circuit, overvoltage and overcurrent, providing complete peace of mind for users .

“Unfortunately I have to say that today in Argentina products of totally unknown brands are consumed, what we call “cheap products”… But we must be very careful about this due to two risks, the main one is that absolutely They always end up damaging the battery of our devices that we connect there, and on the other hand there is also a great risk that the internal batteries of these chargers will overheat and explode”, says Fabio Selvaggio, country manager of Argentina and Uruguay for the ADATA brand.

Spica Portable Charger (20000 mAh)

The renowned portable radio brand with more than 60 years of history, Spica, sells its SW-400 portable charger with a percentage indicator that allows you to view the amount of energy.

This power bank has the ability to charge almost all devices (smartphones, tablets, smartBands) through its four connectors USB, USB-C, micro USB and Lightning (iPhone).

With a capacity of 20,000 mAh, Spica guarantees simultaneous charging of up to six mobile devices, tablets, cameras and smartwatches.

Huawei power bank

The other Chinese tech giant also has its products in the portable battery segment. One with the capacity of 13000 mAh that allows you to charge your cell phones, tablets or smartwatches anywhere and at any time.

Depending on its capacity, users can charge an older iPhone 6 five times or any current Samsung or Motorola model up to twice a day. Additionally, it has two USB ports for charging two devices at the same time.