Silicon Power QP70 Review

Silicon Power QP70
Silicon Power QP70

Silicon Power QP70

Silicon Power QP70 - A palm-sized power bank for fast charging phones and handhelds

Summary

The Silicon Power QP70 offers portable, fast charging in a compact form. For added thickness, it can fit better in a pocket.

Overall
4.8
  • Performance
    (4.5)
  • Design
    (5)
  • Safety
    (4.5)
  • Recharge Time
    (5)
Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)

Pros

  • Fast charges iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, LG, and Motorola phones
  • Charges Switch while you play
  • Fits in most Switch carrying cases
  • Travel-friendly design
  • Includes a USB-C to USB-A cable for Quick Charge devices
  • Charge two devices at once, but no fast charging
  • Within FAA limits for lithium batteries and flights

Cons

  • Can’t use USB-C PD and Quick Charge at the same time
  • Quick Charge 3.0 over USB-C is against USB-C specs
  • Can’t be recharged by Nintendo Switch AC Adapter
  • Doesn’t include a USB-C to USB-C cable

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Silicon Power provided the product in this review.

Available directly from Silicon Power

Model: QP70
Tech Specs:
  • Ports: USB-C, USB-A, micro-USB
  • USB-C Output:
    • 18W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A)
    • Huawei FCP
    • Apple 2.4A
  • USB-A Output:
    • 18W Quick Charge 3.0
    • Huawei FCP
    • Apple 2.4A
  • Input:
    • 18W USB-C PD (5V/3A, 9V/2A)
    • 18W micro-USB Quick Charge 3.0
  • Capacity: 10,000mAh | 37Wh
  • Size: 3.5 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches | 88 x 57 x 21 mm
  • Weight: 5.9 oz | 168 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:
  • Silicon Power QP70
  • USB-C to USB-A cable, 8-inches
  • Travel pouch
Silicon Power QP70 box and contents

Silicon Power QP70 box and contents

Good For:
  • Commute
  • Travel
  • iPhone
  • Android
  • Nintendo Switch (handheld)
  • iPad Pro (pre-2018)
Estimated Number of Charges:
  • iPhone 6/7/8/SE: 3 charges
  • iPhone X/XR/12: 2 charges
  • Samsung Galaxy S8/S9: 2 charges
  • iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S10/S20: 2 charges
  • Nintendo Switch (2019): 6.5 hours of play
  • Nintendo Switch Lite:  7 hours of play

First Impression

The Silicon Power QP70 looks like one of the smallest 10,000mAh USB-C power banks I’ve come across. By weight and volume, it isn’t much different than many other models. But the choice in dimensions gives it that palm-sized feel. The width and length are shorter, opting for more thickness in exchange.

Add to that it comes in several metallic colors and it is an attractive portable charger. All USB ports are on the same front panel, with a typical power button to one side and four LEDs on the other. There are no advanced functions. But if you want a simple and compact fast charger, this fits the bill.

 

Compared To Similar Power Banks

ChargerSilicon Power QP70Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux

Review
No products found.

Review
No products found.Novoo PowerCube Mini 10000

Review
PortsUSB-C, USB-AUSB-C, USB-AUSB-C, USB-AUSB-C, USB-AUSB-C, USB-A
Output18W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
18W USB-C PD18W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
20W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
18W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
Capacity10,000mAh10,000mAh10,000mAh10,000mAh10,000mAh
CableUSB-C to USB-A cableUSB-C to USB-C cableUSB-C to USB-C cableUSB-C to USB-C cableUSB-C to USB-A cable
Dimensions3.5 x 2.2 x 0.8 in
5.9 oz
4.2 x 2 x 1 in
7.0 oz
4.1 x 2 x 1 in
6.4 oz
4.4 x 2 x 1 in
6.7 oz
2.9 x 2.3 x 1 in
6.3 oz
Price$19.99Price not availableNo products found.No products found.Price not available

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-03-19.

 

You can see more USB-C power banks here.

Device Testing

Check with your device’s manufacturer to verify which charging standards it supports.

USB Power Delivery & Quick Charge 4+ Phones

  • Apple iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/SE/11/12
  • Apple iPad Pro
  • Essential Phone
  • Google Pixel
  • LG ThinQ/V30
  • Razer
  • Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10/S20
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9/10
  • Xiaomi Mi 8/9
  • ZTE Axon Pro 9/10

 

Using an iPhone 8 for testing, we find USB PD phones will fast charge over the USB-C port. iPhones will need to use a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included. And Android phones will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, also not included.

For iPhones, the USB-A port supports Apple 2.4A. An older but still functional fast-charging standard. Older iPhones (4-7) can fast charge using USB-A. Newer iPhones will charge ~15 minutes faster using USB-C.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

  • HTC
  • LG
  • Motorola
  • Nokia
  • Samsung Galaxy
  • Sony
  • Xiaomi Mi 5/6
  • ZTE

 

Using a Moto G6 for testing, we see Quick Charge will fast charge over the USB-A port. Any QC supporting Android phone with USB-C can use the included USB-C to USB-A cable.

Nintendo Switch

 

Fast charges all model Nintendo Switch in handheld mode.

  • Nintendo Switch (original) – Charges while you play, but the original model Switch underdraws at 12V. So it won’t charge as fast as a similar charger offering 9V or 15V (12W vs 18W).
  • Nintendo Switch (2019 update) – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.
  • Nintendo Switch Lite – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.

It will not support the Switch’s dock, as it doesn’t offer the required output.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

No Fast Charging With Two

If you connect two devices to the power bank, it will disable all fast charging tech.

Both ports will only support 5V. Which removes fast charging options outside of Apple 2.4A standard. There is a 15W total output limit shared between the two USB ports.

When you connect a second device, you’ll notice the charging resets on the first. The power bank is stepping down to a lower output level. If you disconnect the second device, you’ll want to unplug and replug the first. To make sure fast charging turns back on.

This limitation is typical of many power banks. A few can allow for one fast charging and one regular charging. Fewer still allow for dual fast charging, and those are always large and heavy. There is a limit to how much current can cross its circuits without extra hardware. That adds size, weight, and cost.

Whether you should fast charge one device or more slowly charge two depends on battery levels and your immediate needs. The closer both are to 100%, the less impactful not fast charging becomes.

Summary

The Silicon Power QP70 offers standard fast charging performance in a palm-sized product. Get it for the shape and look if you’re looking for an inexpensive portable charger without any bells or whistles.

Fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/SE/11/12, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel.

Fast charges LG, Motorola, and any other Android which supports Quick Charge.

Nintendo Switch fast charges in handheld mode while you play. Due to the 12V power profile, the original model Switch charges slower than it should. But still enough to power the Switch with the most demanding games. The newer models (August 2019 and later) are not affected.

Silicon Power QP70 ports

Silicon Power QP70 ports

If you don’t prefer a thin power bank, this is as small as you’re likely to find. The added thickness is not noticeable compared to other offerings from major brands. But the length and width differences are unmistakable. All iPhones and many Androids will fast charge as well as with any other portable charger. If you have a launch model Nintendo Switch, you may want to go with a 9V only model for better performance.

The USB-C to USB-A cable probably isn’t the best for traveling if you have others available. It includes a ferrite core, the cylinder in the middle. That reduces electrical interference to other devices. Such interference isn’t typical, and most people will be happier with a thinner, lighter cable.

About Silicon Power

Silicon Power (SP) has U.S. based support (web, email, phone) and a 13-month limited warranty on their power banks. Founded and headquartered in Taiwan with branch offices in the USA (California), Netherlands, Japan, and Hong Kong.

Bottom Line

The Silicon Power QP70 offers pocket-sized fast charging in one of the more compact forms I’ve seen. The metallic color options allow for an attractive power bank. The fast charging performance is good, but nothing remarkable.

Buy if you:
  • Need a pocket friendly portable charger for your handheld devices
  • Want a budget friendly fast charger for occasional travel
  • Care more about size or looks than advanced functions
Don’t buy if you:
  • Prefer thin over compact
  • Wanted to fast charge a launch day model Nintendo Switch as fast as possible

Available directly from Silicon Power

You’ll want a USB-C wall charger to quickly recharge this USB-C power bank. If you want to stick with the same brand I recommend the Silicon Power Boost Charger QM15.


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