When choosing a power bank, it’s important to understand key specifications, especially if you’ve ever wondered what is mAh in powerbank. Many face this question when selecting the most suitable capacity for their devices. In this article, we will explore what mAh means, how different capacities can impact your usage, and offer practical guidance to help you make the right decision.
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
What is mAh in Power Bank?
mAh stands for milliampere-hour. It tells you how much power a battery can store. The higher the mAh number, the more energy it can hold. That’s exactly what is mAh in powerbank — it’s the size of the power bank’s fuel tank.
How Much mAh Do You Need?
Here’s the tricky part: not everyone needs a huge power bank. Let’s break it down for common Malaysian lifestyles:
- Casual User (Whatsapp, TikTok, calls): 5,000mAh–10,000mAh is enough. You can charge your phone once or twice. It’s small, light, and fits in your pocket.
- Heavy User (Gaming, Netflix, work): 10,000mAh–20,000mAh is better. You get two to four charges, good for long days or short trips.
- Travel or Power User (multiple devices, tablets, laptops): 20,000mAh and above. Perfect for road trips, balik kampung, or business travel. Some power banks even go up to 30,000mAh or more, but they’re bigger and heavier.
Do Bigger mAh Numbers Mean Better?
Not always. Bigger capacity also means the power bank is larger and heavier. If you want something easy to carry in your pocket, go for 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh.
But if you travel often or use your phone a lot for games and videos, then yes — a 20,000mAh power bank will last you much longer.
How to Calculate the Right Size
Want to know exactly what size you need? Here’s a simple formula:
- Check your device’s battery size (in mAh). For example, most smartphones have 3,000mAh–5,000mAh batteries.
- Decide how many times you want to charge your device before recharging the power bank.
- Multiply your phone’s battery size by the number of charges you want.
- Add 20% to cover energy loss (power banks are not 100% efficient).
Example:
Your phone battery = 4,000mAh
You want 2 full charges: 4,000 × 2 = 8,000mAh
Add 20%: 8,000 × 1.2 = 9,600mAh
So, a 10,000mAh power bank is just nice for you
What Else Should You Consider?
- Portability: Bigger mAh means bigger size and weight. If you travel light, stick to 10,000mAh or less.
- Flight Rules: Most airlines allow power banks up to 27,000mAh (100Wh) in hand luggage. Anything bigger, you cannot bring on board.
- Charging Speed: Look for power banks with fast charging (like USB-C PD or Quick Charge) if you want to power up quickly
- Number of Ports: Need to charge more than one device? Choose a power bank with multiple USB ports.
Popular Power Bank Sizes in Malaysia
|
Power Bank Size |
Typical Use |
Number of Phone Charges |
|
5,000mAh |
Light, daily use |
1 charge |
|
10,000mAh |
Every day, travel |
2–3 charges |
|
20,000mAh |
Long trips, work |
4–5 charges |
|
30,000mAh+ |
Power users |
6+ charges |
Final Thoughts
That’s all you need to know about what is mAh in powerbank! Picking the right power bank capacity is easy once you understand your phone’s battery and your daily needs. Whether you want a light one for short trips or a big one for long days out, there’s a perfect power bank for you.
Make sure to shop smart, check the mAh carefully, and you’ll never run out of juice again!