Exploring Silicon Power’s New QP-Series Power Banks

Today, we’re doing something a little different with our tech coverage and sharing an overview of Silicon Power’s new line-up of QP-series power banks. This isn’t a review, because I’ll be sharing the whole line-up instead of the one power bank I’ve used consistently for months. That bank, the QP60 has proven to be excellent, however, so when Silicon Power asked if I’d like to see the rest of the line, I jumped at the chance. That said, even though these devices each stand on their own, they share enough technology that I’m confident my experience will the QP60 will be mirrored between them.  

If you’re like me and find yourself needing power on the go, sifting between the different options (many from brands you’ve never heard of) can be challenging. Before coming to the QP60, I assumed all power banks were virtually the same. I grabbed a cheap 10,000 mAh charger on Amazon and proceeded to be disappointed that a) it was a brick that was irritating to carry and b) it couldn’t actually fast charge my phone. It was also a brand I had never heard of before and, now that I’ve tried Silicon Power’s 10,000 mAh banks, seems to die mysteriously fast. Hmmm.

The Silicon Power Power Bank QP Series

Enter the QP series. As I mentioned, they share a lot of technology, so let’s start by discussing some of their shared characteristics. Two of the most important is that each has a 10,000 mAh capacity and support 18-watt fast charging. This wattage enough to kick my Note 20 Ultra into “fast charge” mode, while still falling short of the 25-watt wall wart that came included in the box. The charge time is slightly more, but it’s well worth the trade-off to note be tethered to the wall or a bulkier “super fast” charger. At about 20% battery, which is where I usually plug in, you can expect 60-90 minutes of charge time. Since batteries charge faster the more depleted they are, however, if all you’re looking for is a top off to get back to a comfortable level, even charging for 30 minutes will get you well past 50% battery life. 

The second thing to know is that each of these chargers supports Power Delivery. This is important if you plan to use the charger with a variety of devices, such as a mirrorless camera. Even though virtually all mirrorless cameras support some form of USB, there is an increasing trend to require PD to actually charge the battery within the camera. My Canon M6 Mk.II, for example, will actively drain the battery while connected to a computer, but when plugged into any one of Silicon Power’s chargers, it will instead draw on the full 10,000 mAh battery capacity.

Third, Silicon Power has equipped these chargers with a suite of features to maximize charging speed and safety for both you and your device. Here’s the breakdown:

smartSENSE

smartSENSE is an intuitive and universally-compatible charging technology that maximizes charging speed and auto-pairs with nearly any device. It’s compatible with Quick Charge (QC3.0), Power Delivery (PD), Apple Fast Charging, Samsung Fast Charging, and more to charge at the fastest possible speed. The auto-pairing function is an added convenience that facilitates the “plug-in-and-go” lifestyle with one less button to press.

smartBOOST

smartBOOST is a dual-engine speed-enhancing technology that utilizes advanced high-speed charging rates via PD or QC3.0. Simply plugging in a fast-charge-enabled mobile device will allow the power bank to automatically adjust itself to the fastest possible charging speed; that means up to 2.5 times faster versus conventional charging speeds. smartBOOST was designed for PD/QC3.0 models not only to maximize speed, but also to maximize time.

smartFOCUS

smartFOCUS is an advanced calibrating technology that stabilizes voltage currents throughout the charging process to sustain maximal charging power. Generic power banks are not equipped to handle fluctuations in voltage currents, which leads to under-utilization of charging power and therefore longer charging times. smartFOCUS cuts charging times by maintaining a steady stream of full charging power.

smartSHIELD

smartSHIELD is a comprehensive 12-point safety guard that ensures total protection against vulnerabilities for both users and devices. That means protection from overcharging, overheating, fires, and even explosions – plus more, for unmatched peace of mind. smartSHIELD eliminates the risks of charging with generic power banks by implementing a safety system that was designed to keep both users and devices protected. 

If you’re like me, the first time you read through these, you might write them off since all power banks are the same, right? Not so fast. As of this writing, I’m only one week out from needing to replace my smartphone because a cheap car charger overpowered my battery and damaged the motherboard. Features like these allow the each QP power bank to sense the optimal load the device can receive at a given point in its charge cycle and the deliver power at a safe yet consistent level. Think of it this way: you spent hundreds of dollars on your phone. Are you willing to put that at risk to use a cheap, off-brand charger? Don’t destroy your device trying to save a few dollars like I did. 

With that out of the way, let’s take a closer look at the QP line-up.

The QP60 Line – QP60, QP65, QP66

Starting off with the QP60 we have a solid aluminum body that feels solid and durable in the hand. Having used it for quite a while, I can also say that it’s resilient to drops. This is more of a traditional rectangle shape and is fairly inconspicuous. It features two USB Type-A outputs and a single Type-C output capable of 2.5A. Each of these can be used simultaneously for a maximum output of 3A, but fast charging is only possible when a single device is connected (USB C and A both support Fast Charging). It charges via micro-USB or USB-C; however, when charged via USB-C, it can be entirely replenished in 3.5 hours.

The QP65, on the other hand, is a much more stylish device. It shares the aluminum body but instead tapers down at the sides and is thinner to more easily slide into a pocket. For thickness, the QP60 is like a smartphone in a case whereas the QP65 is closer to naked. The unit I was sent is also much more stylish with a two tone finish of rose gold and black that looks great. It features single USB Type-A and Type-C outputs and can also be re-charged via micro-USB or Type-C. 

Finally, we have the QP66, which resembles the QP60 in thickness but has its own visual identity thanks to its ridged external shell. This version also features a lightning port for added connectivity. 

Each of these devices also include an LED battery indicator to keep a quick eye on your charge level.

The QP70 Line – Unique Features

Where things really get unique is in the QP70 line. Beginning with the QP70 itself, this is a much more compact version of the QP60, coming in at only 3.4 x 2.3 inches — roughly the size of a credit card. It’s a bit thicker than the prior banks at .8 inches versus their .4-.5, but it’s a fair trade off considering how easily it fits into a pocket or bad. It features the same inputs and outputs as the QP65, as well as the same capacity and 18W of power delivery.

Finally, we have the QP75. Unlike the prior power banks, it features a rubberized exterior that’s also ridges for added grip. This does make it stick in tighter pockets a bit more and has a tendency to hold bits of dirt and dust but also makes it less likely to be dropped and more shock absorbent if you do. For inputs and outputs, it more closely mirrors the QP60 while having the same overall capacity and output. The unique feature here on this model is the embedded charging cables. A micro-USB and USB Type-C cable slot seamlessly into tracks along the left and right side, so you’ll never have to worry about a forgotten cable for charging your device again.

Impressions 

As I mentioned, I’ve been using the QP60 now for quite a while and it’s worked reliably and consistently on a daily basis. It immediately pairs with my phone and begins fast charging, and I’ve noticed no slowdowns or reduced capacity so far. The real selling point is how slim it is, which is true for all of these devices except the QP70 which makes up for it in overall size. I’m able to carry both in my pocket when necessary or, as is more common, carry them in my hand without feeling like I’m juggling a small brick alongside my smartphone. 

Looking at the whole line-up, each power bank seems well made and durable. Since they share so many features, I would expect my experience with the QP60 — and the peace of mind of the built-in safety and compatibility features — to be mirrored throughout this line-up. 

These devices don’t currently appear to be for sale but are expected any time at the Silicon Power website and Amazon storefront. If you’re in the market and need something small with added assurance that your phone will be safe and reliably charged, these are solid options that offer a lot of variety to meet exactly what you’re looking for at this capacity level.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.