Gadget Weekly
Join Namerah Saud Fatmi as she explores the cool, weird, and sometimes weird world of smartphone accessories, gadgets, and other smart toys each week.
Most smartphones and mobile technology use lithium-ion batteries. The problem with this is that the liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable. Slowly, though, the next generation of battery technology is on its way to the mainstream.
What makes strong banks so great
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It’s easy to understand why BMX SolidSafe Qi2 power banks are safer than traditional lithium-ion power banks. Solid-state batteries, or “dream batteries” as Samsung calls them, replace that flammable liquid component with solid materials such as ceramics, sulfides, and polymers. These batteries can be more expensive, but reduced safety hazards (fires and inflammation) and higher energy density are some of the best features.
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However, these power banks are not 100% solid state. Semi-solid-state batteries, meaning that about 10% of the battery still contains liquid electrolyte. While this may be a little sloppy in the safety realm, it’s probably why the BMX SolidSafe 5K and 10K solid-state power banks aren’t ridiculously cheap.
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A standard Qi2 power bank with a capacity of 5,000mAh from a brand like Anker will cost you around $45 to $50. The BMX SolidSafe 5K Solid-State Magnetic Power Bank costs only $10 to $15 more. It charges at 15W wirelessly and 20W via USB-C.
Meanwhile, the larger BMX SolidSafe 10K Solid-State Magnetic Power Bank is priced at $80. It supports 15W wireless charging and 30W wired charging via USB-C. Similar lithium-ion Qi2 power banks on the market cost around $60 to $70. Again, that’s only an extra $10 to $20.
For a small premium issued, these semi-solid-state power banks from BMX ensure a very safe user experience. They don’t overheat and have better temperature stability.
The difference between lithium ion and solid state batteries
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Another big draw with solid-state or semi-solid-state batteries is longevity. Not only do they charge quickly, but they are also able to save heat and have better durability in extreme weather. These are not just marketing talking points; is based on scientific research.
In addition, solid state batteries have a high density. Therefore, they can store more power in a compact form factor. So a solid 10,000mAh power bank can be as small, thin, and heavy as a 5,000mAh lithium-ion power bank.
This is evident with the incredibly slim BMX SolidSafe Qi2 power banks. I found that the 10,000mAh solid power bank from BMX is much smaller than the lithium-ion ones with the same or smaller capacity from high-end brands like Anker, UGREEN, INIU, and Baseus.
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Another great advantage of solid-state batteries is that they have a long lifespan. Just as car engines lose horsepower over the years, so do lithium-ion batteries.
Most lithium-ion batteries have a high limit of charge cycles they can charge before losing a few ponies. This is why battery life deteriorates over time. When it comes to solid state batteries, however, they can last for more charge cycles.
In fact, Jerry Hildenbrand estimated that a solid-state battery should deliver 45,000 charge cycles on paper, theoretically doubling the lifespan of an average lithium-ion battery.
All things considered, anyone can choose a safe, durable, and long-lasting option when presented with a choice between a lithium-ion and solid-state battery.
While a solid-state power bank can be expensive, the 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh semi-solid state options from BMX are more affordable. Even though up to 10% of their composition contains flammable liquid electrolytes, they are still very safe and boast a longer lifespan than conventional lithium-ion alternatives.
BMX includes attractive features such as 15W wireless charging, 20W/30W wired charging, Qi2 support, a compatible USB-C cable that works as a cloth, and three fashionable colors. With just ten or two more options, you get a modern, portable, and lightweight power bank with all the latest features and a compact form factor.
This is just the beginning of a revolution in battery technology. I can’t wait to see more solid state battery products hit the market. Perhaps we may even start to see silicon-carbon battery power banks hitting the shelves, diversifying the safe battery options for all of us.
BMX SolidSafe 5K Solid-State Magnetic Power Bank
Smooth charger
The BMX SolidSafe 5K Solid-State Magnetic Power Bank supports 15W wireless charging, Qi2 magnet, and 20W wired input and output charging via USB-C. A type C lanyard type cable is provided.
BMX SolidSafe 10K Solid-State Magnetic Power Bank
More power on the go
If 5,000mAh won’t be enough, grab the 10,000mAh variant of the BMX SolidSafe Qi2 power bank. It has all the same great features as the 5K version, but doubles the battery capacity and has a faster 30W wired input and output charging speed.