REASONS TO BUY
Large display
USB-C port
Fast charging capable
REASONS TO AVOID
Large
Poor performance in our recharge test
INIU BI-B5 Review
This portable charger has a large display and a USB-C port, but we weren't too impressed with its performance in our capacity test
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Our Verdict
Overall, we weren't particularly thrilled with the INIU BI-B5's performance in our portable charger tests. While it has some nice unique features, like a large display, integrated flashlight, and compatibility with some of the newest fast-charging standards, it delivered mediocre results in our resistive load capacity test and is a bit large and clunky to carry around.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on March 7, 2022, to supply further product comparisons and recommendations.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Overall, we weren't impressed with this model for our charging needs. The INIU BI-B5's unique feature is a separate USB-powered flashlight, which can be useful if you need even more illumination than what the integrated LED can provide.
Performance Comparison
This battery includes a few extra convenience features.
Credit: Laura Casner
Portability
Our first series of tests for these chargers focused on how portable they are. We based scores on the size and weight of each charger, as well as how comfortable they are to carry around in a pocket. The INIU BI-B5 is one of the larger and heavier chargers of the group, earning it a below-average score.
This INIU BI-B5 measures 5.25 inches long by 2.5 inches wide by 1 inch thick. It tips the scales at just over 12 ounces — considerably heavier than average. Overall, we don't think this charger is comfortable to carry around in a pocket. It's about the same size as three smartphones stacked up and is definitely noticeable in the front or back pocket of a typical pair of pants. It is particularly uncomfortable to sit down while the INIU BI-B5 is in a back pocket.
We like the large digital display on this portable charger.
Credit: Laura Casner
Charging Efficiency
Next, we looked at the charging capacity of each portable charger, using both a resistive dummy load and by looking at the number of device charges we could get out of each power pack compared to the manufacturer's claims. Unfortunately, the INIU BI-B5 again scored quite below average.
The INIU BI-B5 is rated as having a 20,000 mAh capacity, but we got considerably less than that in our test. We set the dummy load to a 2.4 amp draw, and the INIU BI-B5 was completely depleted after 2 hours and 22 minutes. This meant it only provided 5699 mAh or 28% of its rated capacity.
The BI-B5 did much better in our device charging tests. We were able to completely charge a Samsung Galaxy S8 5 times, outperforming the claims of 4 charges made by other 20,000 mAh battery packs.
The included accessories with this battery.
Credit: Laura Casner
Added Convenience
Our next metric focused on any other features these chargers might have that make them more convenient to use, such as if you can charge multiple devices simultaneously, if there is a flashlight, and if there are any integrated cables/plugs. We also looked at the warranty period for each charger. The INIU BI-B5 added features earned it a decent score here.
This portable power pack can charge up to three devices at once with its pair of USB-A ports and a single USB-C port. It has a built-in flashlight, as well as a USB-powered brighter light. It also has a large digital readout that shows the battery level.
This battery can charge multiple devices at the same time.
Credit: Laura Casner
Recharge Time
Our last metric scored each charger on how long it took to recharge, comparing the manufacturer's claims with our measured results. The INIU BI-B5 again did alright, earning a score just above average.
This battery took around 360 minutes using the included USB-A to C cable plugged into a typical charger, which aligns quite well with the manufacturer's claims. They state that the INIU BI-B5 should take around 6 hours to charge with an 18-watt power adapter, 10 hours with a 2 amp charger, and 20 hours with a 1 amp charger.
All in all, we weren't overly impressed with the performance of this portable charger.
Credit: Laura Casner
Should You Buy the INIU BI-B5?
While the INIU BI-B5 does have some interesting and unique features, its overall performance makes us reticent to recommend it, and we found other portable chargers that we vastly preferred.
What Other Portable Chargers Should You Consider?
One of our favorite overall portable chargers was the INIU Portable Charger 10000, which is an all-around high performer that also won't break the bank. Those seeking to charge larger devices, like laptops, should take a look at the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD. To get the most bang for your buck, we recommend the 2-Pack Miady 10000, which includes two chargers for a low price.
—
David Wise and Austin Palmer
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