Zendure A5 power bank review (2nd Gen with zen+ technology)

The Zendure A5 is one of eight in the Zendure power banks series, currently there second biggest power bank with a capacity of 16,750 mAh. Now if you’re familiar with power banks you will know that the capacity is not a clear indication of actual performance. Due to circuit resistance and other circuit operations (lights and displays) most power banks loose up to 30% of there total capacity. This means there total energy conversion rate (TECR) is only around 70%. Zendure power banks come into there own giving you a (TECR) of 80%, thus giving you 10% more capacity.

The extra 10% gives you a usable 13,400 mAh which will comfortably charge an Apple iPhone 7 around 6.8 times.

You can buy the Zendure A5 from Amazon (UK) for around £47.95 coming in two colours black or silver. Within the box you will also receive a micro-USB cable, cloth pouch and the A5 comes with an 18 month warranty.

The price of the A5 however is more than twice the price of similar capacity power banks on Amazon, but you certainly get what you pay for in terms of capacity efficiency and it’s other key features.

The 2nd generation A5 now has two 10.5W USB outputs where as before you only had one 10.5W port and one 5W port. This means you can now charge bigger devices such as tablets in either port however the (Max) output stays the same at 5V 2.1A.

This is where the new Zen+ power management technology comes into play, instead of a straight 50/50 split between the two USB outputs. The Zendure A5 will automatically detect your device and sets the output charge to charge your device at maximum speed.

Another key feature of the A5 also allows the user to charge multiple device’s while the A5 is being charged itself. This gives you the ability to use the A5 as a USB hub and maintain full charge, a feature which is uncommon in most other power banks.

The Zendure A5 also offers,

• Auto power on feature – As you plug your device into charge Zendure will turn on.
• Exceptional durability –  The batteries are made from (Polycarbonte + ABS) a very durable composite and can go over 500 full charge/discharge cycles. Thanks to it’s five lithium-ion cells with incredibly high energy density.
• High performance casing – The A5 has gone through extensive testing and even been ran over by a car multiple times.
• Dual USB ports – Charging two devices at the same time as fast as possible.
• Long term standby – Zendure claim that 95% of the batter charge will remain after 6 months, giving you the ability to charge the A5 and rely on it when it matters.
• Charge indication lights – Four-LED system is used to show how much power remains. One light being 5% – 25% charge and all four lights on showing a 75% to 100% charge.

Our Opinion

I have been testing out the Zendure A5 for some time now and I have to say I’m very impressed. Zendure have designed a power bank that seems to do it all and do it really well. While being on the more expensive side I do feel due to all of it’s special features it is worth every penny. However by having a capacity of 16,750mAh it makes the A5 slighty to big for the average pocket. It is amazing if you need that much power but if your needs are smaller I would check out the Zendure A2 or the A1.

Pros

• 80% TECR.
• Zen + technology.
• unique charge-through function.
• Duel USB ports at (2.4A Max).
• Maintains 95% charge on standby.
• Turns on automatically.
• Extremely durable.

Cons

• Double the price of rival power banks.
•  The iPod nano, Asus tablets, LG G2 and some other GPS and Bluetooth devices are not supported.

Specifications

• Capacity – 16,750 mAh – 62.0 Wh
• Internal Cells – 3.7V super high density lithium-ion
• Dimensions – 5″ x 2.8″ x 1″
• Material – ABS/PC Composite plastic
• Input – Micro USB 1.5 A (7.5 W)
• Output – 2 x USB
• Maximum Output 2.1 A (10.5 W)
• Accessories – USB Cable & Cloth Carrying Pouch
• Warranty –  18 Months
• Colour – Black/Silver
• Price – £47.95