REVIEW – Portable charging power banks feel like a dime a dozen with very little in the form of variety. But once in a while, an interesting feature pops up, like AUKEY’s Basix Pro Wireless Charging Power Bank.
What is it?
The AUKEY PB-WL02 Basix Pro is a combination wired/wireless 10000mAh power bank with a unique standout feature — a built-in stand for displaying your Qi-enabled phone’s screen while it charges wirelessly.
What’s in the box?
- AUKEY PB-WL02 Basix Pro Wireless Charging Power Bank
- USB-A to C Cable
- User Manual
- 45-Day Money Back Guarantee
- 24-Month Product Replacement Warranty Card
Hardware specs
- 10000mAh Capacity, charge iPhone 11 Pro 2.6 times, iPad Air (2019) 0.9 times, or Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 1.8 times
- Max Power Output: 18W
- Supports 5W, 7.5W, and 10W wireless output levels
- Dimensions: 155 x 75 x 15.5mm / 6.10″ x 2.95″ x 0.61″
- Weight: 242g / 8.54oz
- USB-C Input: (Power Delivery 3.0) DC 5V 3A / 9V 2A
- USB-C Output: (Power Delivery 3.0) DC 5V 3A / 9V 2A / 12V 1.5A
- USB-A Output: (Quick Charge 3.0) DC 5V 2.4A / 9V 2A / 12V 1.5A
- LED Indicators shows battery level and charging status
- Dedicated wireless charging indicator
- Flip-out stand for easy display while charging
- Model: PB-WL02
Design and features
Having owned several of AUKEY’s products, I knew what to expect going in… solid performance. And that’s exactly what I got. However, I was thinking about power banks, recently, and aside from the number of ports or the capacity, what can you really do to stand out in this arena?
The Basix Pro power bank features one USB-A and one USB-C port, as well as Qi-enabled wireless charging. It’s almost exactly the same size as my iPhone XR, and a couple of ounces heavier. It’s a solid little battery pack, with almost zero flex when attempting to twist or bend it. It doesn’t feel like there’s any wasted space, and seems small for a 10000mAh capacity.
In an attempt at novelty, AUKEY added in a (rather flimsy) kickstand on the back and a drop-down lip on the front, creating a stand for your phone, so you can access your display while it’s charging.
If you thought the stand on the back of a Nintendo DS was wobbly, you’re not going to like this one very much. It does lock into place with a click, and creates about a 40º angle for your phone to rest against. The lip that the phone rests on has a rubber coating to prevent it from outright slipping, but if you happen to have a case on your phone, even a very thin one, you might have some difficulty in getting your phone to stay. Caseless, it was fine.
Placing your phone on this stand seems most useful when watching videos or perhaps playing a game with a wireless controller. Otherwise, it’s probably best to just place the charger flat when juicing up your device.
Aside from this standout, albeit anemic, feature, the Basix Pro power bank is pretty great. You’re likely to have a USB-C charging cable handy, such as one that comes with a newer laptop or iPad Pro. It feels like the number of micro-USB cables I have in my house is finally starting to diminish! It charges up quickly.
To activate the output, simply pair a cable or place your Qi-enabled device on the rubber circle and press the power button. After a couple of seconds the LED lights will pop on, displaying the amount of battery power left and indicate that the device is charging.
However, forgetting to press that power button will result in nothing, so you’ve got to double check that you’ve truly got a charge going. It makes sense to force the button to be pressed, but it’s just one more step that’s easy to forget.
A small attempt at innovation aside, AUKEY sticks to its guns with this high-quality, easy to use power bank.
What I like
- Nice and compact
- USB-A and USB-C ports are handy
What needs to be improved
- You must remember to press the side button to start charging
- Stand base is a bit narrow and wobbly, just barely useful
Final thoughts
Incorporating a stand into a portable charger for watching videos is one of those concepts that seems like a good idea on paper but ends up a bit flawed in execution. However, the other features and performance of the AUKEY Basix Pro are rock solid and would find a good home in your backpack.
Price: $42.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by AUKEY.
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“However, I was thinking about power banks, recently, and aside from the number of ports or the capacity, what can you really do to stand out in this arena?”
It’s obvious: get USB-IF certification–that greatly increases the probability that the USB C specs have been followed (unlike most non-compliant and potentially damaging power banks, including some (not all) of Aukey’s). Follow Nathan K’s reviews on Amazon and read his articles in Medium.
Hi! Any idea when this will launch? It doesn’t seem to be available on Amazon or Aukey’s website.
Thanks!
I think it may have launched with a limited stock and sold out quickly. Since they sell through Amazon, mostly, it doesn’t have an indication on when they’ll be back in stock. Best I could find was their community page for this product on their website: https://community.aukey.com/t/pb-wl02-basix-pro-wireless-charging-power-bank-10000mah/5668