EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh) Review
As a photographer and content creator, I often find myself needing a reliable, compact power supply that I can keep in my bag to charge up my camera batteries, iPhone, or my Gameboy (lol). I decided to test out the new EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic Power Bank on my recent trip to Japan - which is what I am basing this review on.
First Impressions: Design and Portability
Right from the unboxing, the sleek and minimalist design of the EcoFlow power bank stands out. EcoFlow has clearly prioritised portability without compromising on functionality. The compact form factor allows it to slip effortlessly into any bag, whether it's my camera bag, backpack, or even a jacket pocket. This is a huge plus for someone who values traveling light and efficiently. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still got a bit of thickness to it (because it’s a 10,000 mAh battery), but there have been some great design considerations such as a built in USB-C cable which, at first glance I didn’t even realise was tucked away at the bottom of the device.
The MagSafe attachment feature is a standout. It provides a strong and secure connection to my iPhone, eliminating the need to carry around additional cables. This magnetic feature not only simplifies the charging process but also adds a layer of convenience that I didn't realise I was missing. No more fumbling with tangled cords or worrying about accidentally disconnecting while on the move (and also, my charging port on my iPhone is temperamental so being able to just stick this on is so much more convenient than trying to jiggle the cable until it starts charging).
What I Love: Key Features and Benefits
Compact and Lightweight:
The importance of a lightweight and compact design cannot be overstated. In my line of work, I'm often carrying a substantial amount of gear, and the last thing I need is a bulky power bank adding to the load (as seen below - they both offer the same amount of battery storage, however my old Anker power bank requires additional cables on top of the bulky size). The EcoFlow's design is perfect for minimising bulk while maximising power capacity.
Strong Magnetic Attachment: The magnetic connection is more than just a gimmick; it's a game-changer. And I’ll be honest, I was a bit skeptical at first as I have previously tested the MagSafe Apple Wallet and found it to become disconnected more easily than I was comfortable with. The reliability of this connection means I can trust it to stay in place, providing a consistent charge. This is particularly useful when I'm using my phone for navigation or capturing behind-the-scenes content and need it to charge simultaneously.
Fast Charging Capabilities: The term "Rapid" in its name is well-earned. This power bank charges my devices quickly, which is incredibly valuable when time is of the essence. Whether I'm topping up my phone between shoot locations or ensuring my camera's battery is ready to go, the fast-charging feature saves me precious time.
Versatility Across Devices: While the magnetic attachment is optimised for iPhones, the power bank's versatility extends to other devices as well. The inclusion of a USB-C port means I can charge a variety of gadgets, from my camera accessories to my MacBook Pro, making it an all-in-one charging solution.
In-built Kickstand:
The EcoFlow Rapid has a hidden kickstand! The silver section that displays the EcoFlow logo actually pivots out so that you can keep your iPhone upright in either landscape or portrait orientation - super handy if you want to watch something/be on FaceTime while also charging your phone.
Real-World Performance - Taking it to Japan
A big reason I decided to get a smaller power bank was because of my trip to Japan that I was preparing for. I was planning on just carrying around a small sling (review for the one I used) which I wanted to hold my camera, a spare battery, some other accessories, and a power bank.
One of the most significant benefits is the peace of mind it offers. There's no longer that nagging worry about my phone's battery dying at a critical moment, whether I'm navigating to a location, communicating with clients, or capturing spontaneous shots. This reliability has not only made my work more efficient but also less stressful.
Most days, I barely knew I even had this power bank in my bag, but came in handy many times when we were navigating the train system over there and were running low on battery, but needed to Google how to get from point A to point B. Also, my iPhone battery was draining quickly throughout the days because I was using Google Translate A LOT to figure out everything from how to ask where the toilet is, to trying to understand what was on the label of the food I was about to eat from 7-Eleven.
Final Verdict: Would I Recommend It?
Yes, absolutely. The EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic Power Bank is an outstanding product that I definitely recommend to anyone who values convenience, efficiency, and reliability in their mobile power solutions. It's particularly well-suited for professionals like myself, who depend on their devices throughout the day and need a power bank that can keep up with their demanding schedules.
In conclusion, the EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic Power Bank is a small but mighty device that delivers on its promises. It's an investment in convenience and reliability, and it has quickly become part of my everyday carry.