The Re-load Magnetic Power Bank: A Lifesaver for Your Smartphone on the Go

The Re-load magnetic power bank from Action, priced under $15 USD, is a compact device designed to fit in your pocket, offering convenient cable-free charging for your smartphone. At first glance, it appears to be the ideal gadget for individuals with busy lifestyles who often find themselves unable to charge their smartphones throughout the day. Intrigued by its affordable price, I decided to purchase one and put its everyday performance to the test.

A Power Bank That Blends Seamlessly into Your Day

I didn’t have high expectations for a magnetic power bank costing less than $15 USD, especially since magnetic charging often comes with a premium price tag. However, the Re-load pleasantly surprised me.

This device boasts a 5000 mAh capacity and, according to the manufacturer, supports wireless charging at up to 15W. It’s also equipped with a USB-C port for traditional charging, a strong magnetic attachment, and a foldable kickstand. All these features are housed in a simple, minimalist casing available in black and white.

The most significant advantage is the ability to charge your phone without cables. Simply attach the power bank to the back of a compatible smartphone, and the magnets securely hold both devices together. This means you can easily slip the combination into your pocket or continue using your phone without the hassle of a cable protruding from a charging port, offering unparalleled convenience.

Understanding 5000 mAh: What It Really Means for Your Device

The 5000 mAh battery capacity is a point of discussion. While many power banks on the market offer two or even four times this capacity, a larger battery typically means increased size and weight. The Re-load, however, prioritizes portability and ease of use above all else.

The trade-off for this convenience is that, in most cases, the Re-load will provide approximately one full charge for a typical smartphone. Therefore, it’s not the ideal device for extended trips far from civilization, but it’s important to have realistic expectations for such a small and affordable power bank.

It’s also crucial to remember that the manufacturer’s stated 5000 mAh capacity doesn’t directly translate to the same amount of energy delivered to your phone. A portion of the energy is lost during voltage conversion and the wireless charging process itself. Even if your smartphone’s battery capacity is similar to the power bank’s, you might not always achieve a full 0-100% charge. This efficiency loss is a common characteristic across all power banks, particularly those utilizing wireless charging technology.

For more insights into useful gadgets, check out our articles on ranking of technology gadgets that sound like a joke but are real and top 4 affordable Bluetooth gadgets to make your life easier.

Minor Glitches: Two Annoyances to Consider

While the Re-load offers significant advantages, I did encounter a couple of minor issues during my usage:

1. The Foldable Kickstand: In theory, the integrated kickstand should allow you to prop up your phone on a surface, which seems like a sensible idea for watching videos or making video calls while charging. However, in practice, this feature proved to be largely ineffective. The kickstand lacks an additional magnetic mechanism to stabilize its position, causing the entire setup to often topple over when I tried to position my phone. While some patience might lead to finding the perfect angle, after a few attempts, I generally gave up. I now consider it an auxiliary feature I could easily do without.
2. Intermittent Charging: The power bank occasionally “forgets” it’s charging the phone. Even though it remains securely attached to the smartphone’s back, the charging process sometimes pauses unexpectedly. Fortunately, a quick press of the power button usually restores it to normal operation. This doesn’t happen frequently enough for me to consider it a major flaw, but it is an occasional minor inconvenience.

Is the Action Re-load Power Bank a Worthwhile Purchase?

After a month of consistent use, I have no significant doubts: for under $15 USD, the Re-load is a very sensible purchase, provided you approach it with the understanding that it’s a relatively simple device whose greatest strength lies in its convenience.

I wouldn’t recommend it to someone seeking a high-capacity battery for a multi-day trip or for rapidly charging multiple devices simultaneously. The Re-load is better suited as a solution for everyday emergencies rather than a complete replacement for a traditional wall charger.

Nonetheless, within its category, it performs surprisingly well. And given its affordable price point, I’m inclined to overlook its minor imperfections. It’s not perfect, but it’s convenient enough that I’ve been regularly using it for the past month.

Source: Original work. Opening photo: Action / Press materials.

About Post Author

Sankesh Verma

Sankkesh Verma is a technical guy who brings a unique combination of strategic, creative, and technical expertise to identify elements that constitute success, propose solutions, and help build them. He is the founder of “Webbpearl” which is a highly-acclaimed web development agency that offers web design and development, mobile app development, and digital marketing. More importantly, he is the admin of Techtiper.

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