Gadget Weekly
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Most smartphones and mobile tech use lithium-ion batteries. The issue with this is that the liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable. Slowly but surely, though, the next generation of battery tech is on its way to the mainstream.
What makes solid-state power banks so great
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It’s fairly easy to understand why the 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 part with solid materials like ceramic, sulfides, and polymers. These batteries can be quite expensive, but the reduced safety risks (fires and swelling) and higher capacity density are some of the many worthwhile upsides.
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However, these power banks are not 100% solid-state. They are semi-solid-state batteries, meaning that about 10% of the battery still consists of liquid electrolytes. While this may slightly chip away at the safety factor, it is probably why the BMX SolidSafe 5K and 10K solid-state power banks aren’t abhorrently expensive.
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A standard Qi2 power bank with a 5,000mAh capacity from a brand like Anker will cost you around $45 to $50. The BMX SolidSafe 5K Solid-State Magnetic Power Bank is only $10 to $15 more expensive. 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. Once again, that’s only about $10 to $20 extra.
In exchange for the minimal premium slapped on, these semi-solid-state power banks from BMX guarantee a far safer user experience. They are a lot less flammable and have better temperature stability.
The difference between lithium ion and solid-state batteries
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Another big draw with all-solid-state or semi-solid-state batteries is longevity. Not only do they charge faster, but they are also more heat-efficient and have better durability in extreme weather conditions. This isn’t just marketing talking points; it’s grounded in scientific research.
In addition to that, solid-state batteries have a higher capacity density. Thus, they can store more energy in a more compact form factor. So a 10,000mAh solid-state power bank can be just as small, slim, and lightweight as a 5,000mAh lithium-ion power bank.
This is clearly evident with the BMX SolidSafe Qi2 power banks that are unbelievably slim. I found that the 10,000mAh solid-state power bank from BMX is slimmer than lithium-ion ones with the same or lesser capacity from top-tier brands like Anker, UGREEN, INIU, and Baseus.
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Another fantastic advantage of solid-state batteries is that they have longer lifespans. Just like car engines lose horsepower over the years, lithium-ion batteries do too.
Most lithium-ion batteries have an upper limit of charge cycles they can hit before losing a few ponies. This is why battery life gets worse over time. When it comes to solid-state batteries, however, they can last for more charging cycles.
In fact, Jerry Hildenbrand estimated that a solid-state battery should deliver 45,000 charging cycles on paper, theoretically doubling the lifespan of an average lithium-ion battery.
All things considered, any individual would choose the safer, more durable, and more long-lasting option when presented with the choice between lithium-ion and solid-state batteries.
While an all-solid-state power bank would probably be more expensive, the 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh semi-solid-state options from BMX are quite affordable. Even though up to 10% of their makeup consists of liquid electrolytes that are flammable, they are still significantly safer and boast better longevity than standard lithium-ion alternatives.
BMX includes enticing specs like 15W wireless charging, 20W/30W wired charging, Qi2 support, a compatible USB-C cable that acts as a lanyard, and three trendy colorways. For just a tenner or two more than standard options, you get a modern, portable, and lightweight power bank with all the latest specs and a compact form factor.
This is just the beginning of the battery tech revolution. I can’t wait to see more solid-state battery products hit the market. Maybe we might even start to see silicon-carbon battery power banks hit the shelves, diversifying safe battery options for all of us.
BMX SolidSafe 10K Solid-State Magnetic Power Bank
More power on the go
If 5,000mAh won’t suffice, 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.
