A power bank (or portable charger) can mean the difference between stressing over your phone’s battery life. Or being able to use it all day long without worry. The best power banks for Samsung phones can fast charge and provide all-day power.
Xcentz xWingMan Dual 5000 and ZMI PowerPack 10K USB-C
This guide will help you get the best power bank for these Samsung phones:
- Samsung Galaxy S8
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
Skip to the recommended power banks.
Choosing the Right Portable Charger For You
Unlike wall chargers a portable charger allows you to recharge your phone anywhere. As they have their own rechargeable batteries you aren’t tethered to a wall outlet. With the right power, the bank can charge your phone as fast as any wall charger. And have enough power to get you through a busy day or weekend camping trip.
The lithium batteries used in a portable charger do add weight, bulk, and cost compared to a wall charger. And of course, a portable charger can only offer a finite number of recharges before it runs out of power itself.
With all that in mind, the three things to look at when buying a portable charger are capacity, output, and price.
Capacity – Only Carry What You Need
All things being equal more capacity means more uptime for your phone. But you can end up with too much capacity. More capacity also means a higher price tag and more weight. You don’t want to pay for and carry around a power bank that recharges your phone 4 times. When you really only need 1-2 recharges. The best power bank for your Samsung phone is one that meets your uptime needs. But not much more.
Milliampere hours (mAh) is a measure of a battery’s capacity.
- 5,000mAh | 1 recharge | 3-5 oz
- 10,000mAh | 2 recharges | 7-8 oz
- 20,000mAh | 4 recharges | 13-16 oz
- 26,800mAh | 5 recharges | 16-21 oz
I recommend a 5,000 – 10,000mAh power bank. Most likely you only need to top off your phone to get through the rest of the day. Even if supporting two phones on the go a 10,000mAh is enough to top them both up. Smaller power banks will be lighter and cheaper. And tend to be designed with smartphones in mind.
A 20,000mAh power bank allows you to recharge your phone all week long. Before having to recharge the power bank itself. Some prefer the convenience of carrying less weight. Larger power banks are also a good idea when camping or otherwise away from civilization.
Output – Enabling Fast Charging
All Samsung phones include a fast charger. But buying any random power bank does not guarantee you’ll get the same fast charging experience. You need one that supports compatible technology. With the best choices, you’ll be able to charge from 0-50% in 30-40 minutes (more time for the larger models).
Adaptive Fast Charging
Most Samsung phones with USB-C use Samsung’s Adaptive Fast Charging technology. It can charge the phone up to 15W, verses up to 10W on a regular USB-C charger. While proprietary tech it mimics Quick Charge. This means Quick Charge 2.0/3.0/4+ and PowerIQ 2.0/3.0 chargers will generally fast charge Samsung phones.
USB Power Delivery
While not listed in their specs, the Samsung S8 and onward do support USB Power Delivery. It is limited to 15W (5V/3A). So no faster than using Adaptive Fast Charging or Quick Charge. But it gives you more options.
Samsung Galaxy S9
There are reports that non-Samsung chargers don’t always fast charge the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+. The phone fast charges initially, but soon drops to normal charge rates. But other S9 owners report no problems with Quick Charge. I don’t have any conclusive data on the issue. If you own an S9 be aware and test new chargers before your return period lapses.
Samsung Galaxy S10 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S10 5G is the first Samsung phone to list USB Power Delivery in its official specs. It uses the PPS technology to charge up to 25W. Compared to 15W of other Samsung phones.
So What Do I Need?
You can use Quick Charge, PowerIQ 2.0 from Anker, or USB PD for most Samsung phones.
For the S10 5G, you want a power bank that supports 18W (or more) USB-C Power Delivery. Ideally, support PPS.
Almost any other power bank that doesn’t support a compatible fast charging tech will still charge your phone. The charge rate will be slower, but serviceable. If you top off more than full recharge then fast charging is of less concern.
Learn more about fast charging.
Enable Fast Charging On Your Samsung Phone
Having the best power bank for your Samsung Galaxy doesn’t help if fast charging is turned off. By default, fast charging should be enabled on your phone. But you may want to double-check.
- Go to Settings -> Device maintenance -> Battery -> Advanced settings
- Toggle on Fast cable charging
If you don’t see fast charging settings search for them and your exact model phone.
Best Power Banks for Samsung Phones in 2019
You’ll notice all these power banks support USB Power Delivery. As well as Quick Charge 3.0 or PowerIQ 2.0. On most of them, their USB-A port will be the best option for your current Samsung Galaxy. USB Power Delivery over USB-C will be best for the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G. It will also future proof you, should your next Samsung phone also support USB Power Delivery.
Pocket Size:
5,000mAh power bank with 18W USB-C PD and Quick Charge 3.0. Among the smallest fast charging power banks on the market.
- Good for 1 full recharge of your phone
- USB-C fast charges Samsung S8 and onward models
- USB-A fast charges newer and older phones, except the S10 5G
- Can charge two phones at once, but won't fast charge either
- Can fit in a men's front pocket (tight fit) or small purse
- Includes a USB-C to USB-A cable
- Dimensions: 3 x 1.4 x 1.1 inches | 3.5 oz
Review of the Xcentz xWingMan Dual 5000
Compact:
10,0000mAh power bank with 18W USB-C PD and regular USB-A. And supports trickle charging for your Bluetooth earbuds or fitness tracker.
- Good for 2 full recharges of your phone
- USB-C fast charges Samsung S8 and onward models
- USB-A fast charges at a normal rate only
- Can charge two phones at once, fast charging the one on USB-C
- Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and travel pouch to help offset higher price
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 2 x 1 inches | 6.8 oz
Review of the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD
No products found.
Review of the Xcentz xWingMan Dual 10000
10,0000mAh power bank with 18W USB-C PD and Quick Charge 2.0. Also doubles a USB-C to USB-A adapter for your laptop. And supports trickle charging for your Bluetooth earbuds or fitness tracker.
- Good for 2 full recharges of your phone
- USB-C fast charges Samsung S8 and onward models
- USB-A fast charges newer and older phones, except the S10 5G
- Can charge two phones at once, but won't fast charge either
- Includes a USB-C to USB-A cable
- Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.3 x 1.1 inches | 6.5 oz
Review of the ZMI PowerPack 10K USB-C
Large Capacity:
No products found.
No products found.
Review of the RAVPower PD Pioneer 26800
Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-04-29.
Don’t see a power bank you quite like? Or is available in your region? Take what you’ve learned here and check out my larger power bank comparison listing.
USB-C Cable
If using the USB-C port on a portable charger you’ll need a USB-C to USB-C cable. There are lots of cables available for under $10. Stick with a USB-C 2.0 cable. They are cheaper and USB 3.1/3.2 does nothing in terms of charging.
If using the USB-A port for Quick Charge then you’ll need a USB-C to USB-A cable. The one included with your phone works. Or get a second one if the portable charger doesn’t include one.