We all carry around with us some sort of portable device, whether that is just our phones, headphones, wireless earbuds, tablets and laptops, even electronic handwarmers etc. Whilst all these devices may have different functions, they all have one thing in common – they need power to run, and that generally means the batteries need recharging. As we go about our daily business it is not always possible to find a mains outlet to plug our devices in to give them a charge. Therefore, I always have a small portable charger in my bag so that I can charge my phone and earbuds wherever I am, without the need to look for a plug socket. There are plenty of portable chargers around, but I have been using the iWALK PowerSquid as it has 3 different types of charging cables built right into the device.
The PowerSquid is a light and compact 9000mAh 18w portable universal fast charger. It has three built-in cables so that you can charge your iPhone or Android phone, USB-C devices and micro-USB devices all from the same charger without having to look for cables. Also, it even has a USB-A output so that you can plug in a cable to charge other devices such as a smart watch that uses a different cable. As I said, the PowerSquid has 3 cables: Lightning cable, USB-C cable and Micro-USB cable. These are permanently attached into the charger and tidy away neatly into the housing of the charger when they are not in use.
The iWALK PowerSquid is a compact portable charger (powerbank), only very slightly larger than a bank card, measuring approx. 5.5cm(W) x 10cm(L) x 3cm(D). Equipped with a 9000mAh battery, it means that it has enough power to fully charge an iPhone 14 1.8 times, or a Samsung Z Flip4 1.5 times. It can charge a Samsung S22 up to 50% in just 30 minutes. You can charge one device at a time or charge 3 simultaneously. It is available in black, white or pink.
The PowerSquid is a portable battery to charge other devices. Before use it also needs charging. Charging of the PowerSquid takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and for this you will require and extra cable. A USB-C to USB-C charging cable is supplied but not a wall plug, although everybody has at least one in house so isn’t a problem for most people. It is no different than charging your phone, just plug in the USB-C cable into the base and it will start to charge. Featuring a LED number display on the front of the charger that lets you see the percentage of charge (the numbers on the display will flash to indicate charging and at what level the power is at). Whilst it is charging, you can still charge your phone through it, although charging on both devices will be slower – it features pass-through technology, meaning that you can charge your phone while the PowerSquid is being charged (with priority charging given to charging your phone).
Whilst it can charge phones and other devices quickly if they support fast charging, it can also charge low powered devices such as Bluetooth headsets, bands, and smart watches with just as much ease. It features a trickle charge mode. Just press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to place the PowerSquid into trickle charge mode (you will see a green charge symbol on the display when it is in this mode). Why use the trickle charge mode? It charges slower to prevent overcharging and protects batteries, perfect for low powered devices.
Overall, I think that the iWALK PowerSquid Portable Charger is a fantastic compact portable charger. Whilst it isn’t the most powerful of portable chargers (it has 9000mAh battery, my old larger and heavier powerbank has 20000mAh) it has enough power to give your phone at least one complete charge. It is universally compatible as it has 3 different attached cables so that you can charge most devices on the go, no more hunting around for the correct cable or power outlets. A perfect device for keeping in your bag when out and about as it is compact and lightweight, so you can give your devices a battery top-up on the go.
I love that it has different cables attached so that I can charge different devices easily. And I love that they are not just hanging loose, looking untidy (a bit like a squid). Cables are neatly stored in the body of the PowerSquid. The Lightning cable and the Micro-USB cable are on each side (labelled L and M) and are very easy to remove and put back in, the USB-C cable is on the rear and is a bit more difficult to remove but easy to put back in – all three cables just pull out and push back in. All the cables do have a very short length which some will see as a negative, others will see as a positive – it all depends on your outlook and how you use the charger. The cables measure between 8 and 9cm. Personally, I think that they are a good length with the way I use it. I use the USB-C cable the most for my phone and tablet, whilst the Micro-USB is perfect for my Kindle. I find that the cables are a good length to plug in my devices whilst being able to hold both devices in one hand and still use my device without trailing cables getting in my way. Others might prefer a longer cable depending on their needs. If you do require a longer cable, you can always plug in a USB-A cable into the top of the charger and use it that way (although that then means carrying another cable around with you).
And if you do a lot of travelling, it is even safe to take with you onboard a plane. There are rules regarding travelling with batteries, that includes powerbanks and portable chargers – you can find out more about that here.
Running out of battery power on your phone and other devices when you are out and not near a power outlet can be a problem, but with the iWALK PowerSquid you don’t need to worry anymore. You will have enough power in your pocket or bag to recharge your device on the go and you will always have the correct charging cable.
I love the PowerSquid portable charger. It is a solidly constructed device and it charges fast with no need to worry about trying to find the correct charging cable. I think that is an excellent little power bank for keeping in my bag for when the inevitable happens and my phone battery is running out. I believe that it is a accessory that everybody should have in their bag. And you are always aware of how much charge (in percent) is left in it as it has a number LED display on the front.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £34.99
For more information, visit www.iwalkworld.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.