REVIEW - According to recent statistics, nearly seventy-five percent of the world population uses a cell phone. The market for cellular technology has been exploding since the early two-thousands, and had seen an even more dramatic increase since the dawn of the smart-phone. Long have the days passed since we, as a modern society, have used our cell phones simply for making phone calls. They can tell us about the current weather. They can take high-definition photos and video, as well as post them to all of your favorite social networking sites. They can harbor popular and high-graphic games. They can even give you directions and tell you which of your friends are nearby. It's no secret that the power of smart-phones is quickly increasing, as so too is the demand for products and accessories capable of sustaining the mounting amounts of energy we use each day for that power.
While cell phones today have a much longer battery life than they did years ago, the market for cellular battery improvement is still growing. We use our phones for everything, and are constantly finding ourselves taking our phone chargers everywhere we go. Can't find and outlet to plug it in? Looks like you're screwed.
Consumers today are finding the phone battery-life issue more commonplace, and many are utilizing an ever-growing solution: Cell Phone Battery Cases. The idea: Use the case to protect your phone from damage, and charge your phone when necessary with the battery built right into the case itself. Genius! It seems the most sensible solution, whereas the need for wires on the go will become obsolete, and your stress level might fall at least a bit knowing your phone's battery should survive the day.
So which products are the ones consumers should be looking for? The market for cell phone case/chargers is growing fast, and there are several options floating around the inter-webs. Here, we've compiled six of the most popular producers, specifying the specs and the varying differences between the products.
1.
BOOSTCASE
BoostCase.com
$79.95 - $99.95
iPhone 4(s) / iPhone 5(s)
Battery: From 1500mAh to 2200mAh Capacity
Weight: 8.2oz
Aside from its sleek look, the Boostcase iPhone Hybrid Battery Charging Case is also quite functional, capable of extending your phone's battery life for several hours. The case is somewhat bulky, according to consumers, but does redeem itself in having a separate click and snap design, allowing you to interchange the charging system as desired.
The case comes in a "single-shot" or "double-shot" version, the latter providing better battery life. Though a bit pricey, the Boostcase is a contender in the phone charging industry.
Pros:
Up to 150% Additional Battery Power
Dual Charging (Phone and Case)
Stylish Look
Cons:
Long Charging Time
Bulky Feel
Some Functionality Errors
Overall Rating:
2.
ETÓN Mobius Black
Etón Webstore
$59.99
iPhone 4(s)
Battery: 1800mAh Capacity
Weight: 3.4oz
The Mobius Black is somewhat revolutionary in the world of cell phone chargers, in that it is not only a mobile charging station, but is one which harnesses the power of the sun to do so. Along with the case's rechargeable battery pack, the Mobius features a high-efficency monocrystal solar panel. The device is moderately priced - good for consumers not looking to spend too much.
Though solar power seems massively convenient, some consumers do complain about the phone's limited capabilities when charging the phone - i.e. the phone should not be charged while the solar panel is attached. The Mobius Black os only available for the iPhone 4(s).
Pros:
Solar Powered
Removable Battery
USB Syncing Capability
Cons:
Limited Battery Capacity
Mediocre Case Durability
Charging Limitations (solar)
Overall Rating:
3.
POWERSKIN
Power-Skin.com
$49.99 - $79.99
iPhone 4(s) / iPhone 5(s) / Samsung Galaxy SIII / Samsung Galaxy S4 / Samsung Galaxy Express / Blackberry Z10 / HTC One X/X+/XL / Windows Phone 8X
Battery: From 1500mAh to 2000mAh Capacity
Weight: 1.92 to 3.53 oz
The PowerSkin Cell Charging case has taken the battery-powered phone case to several different mediums on the market. PowerSkin has more cases for more phones than any other producer, and has developed some quality products to boot. The look is sleek and modern, and the case itself is one of the most durable on the market.
Consumers have stated in some cases that the phone takes a long time to fully charge and that the battery power is not competitive enough for its competition.
Pros:
Multiple Product Options
Sleek Design
Durable Case
Cons:
Only up to 70% extra Battery Charge
Bulky Feel
Long Charging Time
Overall Rating:
4.
THIRD RAIL
thirdrailmobility.com
$89.99
iPhone 4(s)
Battery: From 1250mAh Capacity
Weight: Case: .85 oz - Battery: 1.4 oz
Perhaps the most positive aspect of the Third Rail's TRIO Charger for the iPhone (Positive, but not for everyone) is that its battery is completely detachable, leaving the phone thin and lightweight when not in use. The battery pack, or multiple, stackable battery packs can be easily clicked onto the phone when it needs juice. The charging wire is universal, therefore useful in charging many other devices if needed.
The downfall: just not a very attractive product. Most negatives pertained to the case's design and durability, as well as its lack of efficient power.
Pros:
Detachable Battery
Universal Battery Charger
Light-weight
Cons:
Low Battery Capacity
Poor Design
Poor Durability
Overall Rating:
5.
MOPHIE
mophie.com
$79.95 - $129.95
iPhone 4(s) / iPhone 5(s) / Galaxy SIII / Galaxy S4
Battery: From 1500mAh to 2300 mAh Capacity
Weight: 2.44 to 4.59 oz
The Mophie Cell Phone Charging case is easily the most popular on the market right now, and for good reason. According to average users, the case is durable, sleek, and gets the job done. There are currently 3 versions of the case for the iPhones, each worth a different capacity for charging power, and 2 designs for the Samsung Galaxy phones. The Mophie boasts 120% additional power and an easy on/off switch.
Most complaints about the Mophie include the lack of accessory access, including that for headphones and USB cables.
Pros:
Sleek Design
Up to 120% Additional Battery Power
Durable Case
Cons:
No Syncing Access (Must remove Case)
Headphone Jack less accessible
Product gets Hot when Charging
Overall Rating:
6.
PHONE SUIT
phonesuit.com
$79.95 - $99.95
iPhone 4(s) / iPhone 5(s)
Battery: 2100mAh Capacity
Weight: 2.78 oz
The PhoneSuit Elite Battery Case for the iPhone is certainly one of the most appealing charging cases on the market. The case is durable, and the size is preferred over many other cases given its slim look. The charging jack gives the option for charging or syncing your phone, and the fit offers access to most headphone jacks, regardless of shape or design.
Overall, the product is often edged out by companies like Mophie because of the product quality. The PhoneSuit works well, and looks great, but doesn't seem to last as long as other products before pieces start breaking down and breaking off.
Pros:
Sleek Design
Up to 16 additional Hours talk-time
Quick Charging Technology
Cons:
Mediocre Durability
Too Expensive
Short Product Life
Overall Rating:
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