Anker PowerCore+ mini 3350 Review
Pros: Tiny, inexpensive, extremely portable
Cons: No added features, low discharge rate
Manufacturer: Anker
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
The mini 3350 finished just behind the Anker PowerCore 5000 and ahead of the PowerCore II Slim 10000 in our overall results. The PowerCore 5000 and the 3350 both cost about the same, but the 5000 does have slightly higher overall capacity and discharge rate, usually allowing you to completely charge a totally dead smartphone. However, the 3350 is definitely more compact and portable. The PowerCore II Slim 10000 has more capacity than either of them and can charge phones faster, but it is a bit more expensive and much less convenient to carry.
Performance Comparison
In our quest to find the best portable charger of them all, we began by undertaking a rather extensive research project to pick out which batteries had the best shot of claiming an award. Once we identified all the products that had the most potential, we bought them all to test them head-to-head. We grouped the various tests into four weighted rating metrics, with the mini 3350's results discussed below.
Portability
The first set of tests that we conducted ranked and scored how easy it is to carry each of these batteries, which account for 40% of the total score for each power pack. The score for this metric is based on how much each battery weighs and its overall volume, as well as how comfortable it is to carry around in a pocket. The Anker PowerCore+ mini 3350 did exceptionally well, meriting a 10 out of 10 for its superb performance.
The 3350 is easily the smallest and lightest portable power pack that we have tested, weighing a little more than half as much as the next lightest battery pack.
It is also the smallest battery pack of the bunch, with a cylindrical form factor that measures a little under an inch across and 3.75" long.
This compact size makes it super comfortable and convenient to carry in almost any size pocket. It's so small that it is easy to forget you are carrying it.
Capacity
Following our portability tests, our capacity tests came next in terms of significance, accounting for 30% of the final score. For this metric, we tested out any claims regarding the number of charges you could get out of the 3350 and measured the total number of milliamp-hours that we could pull out of this device using a digital multimeter and a resistive load. The 3350 did fairly well, earning a 5 out of 10.
For our discharge tests, we usually conduct them with the resistive load set for both a 2.4 amp and a 1 amp discharge rate, but the 3350 has a maximum output of 1 amp, so we restricted our testing to that single discharge rate.
At this rate, we were able to pull 1941 milliamp-hours out of this battery, or about 58% of its stated capacity. In general, this is about average for these products. This battery is claimed to charge a completely dead Samsung Galaxy S6 to 80% or charge an iPhone 6 1.3 times, when the phone is not in use while charging. This held up to testing, as we were able to charge a Galaxy S8 to 70%, which is about equivalent to 80% of an S6, due to the S8's slightly larger battery charger.
Added Convenience
Next, we moved on to scoring any additional features that make it easier to use this battery, such as if it has an integrated cables, plug, or flashlight, as well as its warranty and if you can charge multiple devices at the same time. Unfortunately, the bare-bones nature of this product didn't deliver a stellar performance in this metric, earning the 3350 a 3 out of 10.
This tiny portable charger only has a single USB output, so it is restricted to charging a single device at a time.
It doesn't really have that much of a battery level indicator, only having a single LED, rather than a series of them. It doesn't have a built-in flashlight and also lacks integrated cables or a charging plug, requiring you to use your own USB wall brick.
However, it does have one if the longer warranty periods of the group that offers limited coverage over 18 months.
Recharge Time
For our final metric, we timed how long it took each of these portable chargers to recharge when they were completely depleted. The Anker PowerCore+ mini 3350 did fairly well in this metric, which is responsible for the remaining 10% of the total score, earning a 6 out of 10.
While this battery is one of the smaller ones of the group, it doesn't charge at a particularly fast rate, so it takes almost five hours to completely recharge.
However, this is still a bit faster than the average time of the group.
Value
The PowerCore+ mini 3350 is a solid value, offering excellent performance at a low price if you are searching for a compact charger.
Conclusion
The mini 3350 is our top recommendation for anyone that cares most about their portable charger having a compact form factor and being lightweight.
— David Wise and Austin Palmer