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I’ve fallen in love with BMX power banks powered by solid-state batteries. These banks ditch the older lithium-ion batteries that contain flammable liquid electrolyte and instead use a solid-state battery that is significantly safer (I know, I’ve inserted a screwdriver into a fully charged battery and nothing happened).
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BMX Solidsafe 10K There’s another in the company’s line that doesn’t disappoint, and it’s the SolidSafe 5K’s bigger – and in my opinion, better – brother.
So, why do I like solid-state batteries so much? The main reason is that they are more secure. Much safer. Like, you can break a fully charged battery pack, and all you’ll get is a puff of smoke. No fires. No plume of smoke. no play.
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But solid-state batteries have some other advantages, too. The first is lifespan. While a standard lithium-ion battery is good for about 500 recharge cycles, a solid-state battery is good for at least 1,000 before the capacity drops to the point that the battery life is considered exhausted.
It’s a large power bank, but the magnets do a good job of keeping it in place.
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Another thing I like about solid-state batteries is that they perform much better in cold temperatures than regular lithium-ion batteries. Plus, they can be recharged at lower temperatures, which is an advantage when you’re off-grid and have no heat. If you have traditional power banks, you have to put them inside your clothes to warm them up for charging.
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The BMX SolidSafe 10K is a 10,000mAh/38Wh portable power bank that measures 4.0 x 2.7 x 0.6 inches and weighs 7.4 ounces. These measurements are certainly heavy for a magnetic power bank (it’s a few ounces heavier than a standard power bank). If you are expecting an accessory of this size to be easy to travel and store, this may be a problem, as it may seem bulky compared to most accessories of its kind.
However, part of that heft is due to the bank’s beautiful anodized aluminum and polymer shell.
The device features a Qi2 wireless charging pad that can provide up to 15W of power to a compatible handset. The magnets are strong and can keep the power bank in place no matter how rough your life is, even if your phone is in a thick case like mine.
I’m a big fan of dual USB-C ports.
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The SolidSafe 10K also has two USB-C ports (the 5K model had one), and it supports pass-through charging. The ports support a maximum of 30W output and 27W input. The dual-port setup is a boost because I can travel with a small single-port charging block. Then, at the end of the day, I can plug the charger into the wall and use it to charge the power bank, as well as wirelessly charge my iPhone and other devices through the second USB-C port.
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There’s a button on the power bank to turn it on, and a color display on the front that shows the power level and charging/discharging power. The display is crisp and clear, and shows all the basic information.
The SolidSafe 10K comes with a cord that is actually a short USB-C-to-USB-C cable. This feature is a nice touch because it means there’s a good chance I’ll have a cable when I need it.
The cable retainer does a good job of staying in place.
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The retaining clip that holds the cable in place is quite simple. The clip has resisted all my fumbling – and it hasn’t broken or given way, leaving the power bank bouncing in the air.
ZDNET’s shopping advice
The power banks come in four finishes – black, blue, orange, and silver – and you can buy one for $79.99 (which is $20 less than the full price). For that money, BMX Solidsafe 10K This is a great power bank. yes, this bank is more expensive instead many Other magsafe power banks. However, the device has two USB-C outputs (a rare feature).
It’s also a sturdy power bank that actually delivers what it promises, and the solid-state battery provides a safer experience, longer lifespan, and better cold-weather performance (if that’s important to you).
