Anker has already updated their new PowerCore line of power banks. The PowerCore+ 13400 can be recharged with a Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 wall charger if you have one in hand. This reduces recharge time down to 5 hours (compared to 16+ hours with a computer USB port).

PROs

• What’s new with “PowerCore”? Anker’s new PowerCore line of external batteries feature new Panasonic battery cells and a matte finish (as compared to the shiny finish on the Astro line). They also feature “VoltageBoost” to send a more stable current through your charging cable.
• What’s new with “PowerCore+“? The PowerCore+ features the ability to recharge the power bank itself with a Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 charger, which is not included with this unit. However, if you have a Quick Charge 2.0 wall charger, you can recharge the 13400mAh capacity in 5 hours. For comparison, using a normal computer USB port to recharge this unit could take 16 hours or more to recharge the unit. A tablet charger (2 amps) could charge this power bank in 8 hours.
• 13,400mAh capacity: This Anker unit packs a lot of power. 13,400mAh is enough to recharge an iPhone about 5-6 times and an iPad about 1.5 times. This makes the unit great to have on hand when you’re traveling and won’t have access to a power outlet for a couple days.
• Compact size: The PowerCore 13400 is sleek and has a smooth, matte finish. It’s not a fingerprint-magnet like some of Anker’s earlier power banks. While it may be too big for your pocket, it fits nicely in a backpack or laptop bag.
• PowerIQ: This smart identification technology from Anker means that the unit can adapt to basically any device you plug it into it. In my video, you can see that the PowerIQ port provides 1 amp to my iPhone 5S, which is the maximum it can handle. I then use the same port with my iPad Air 2 and the Anker unit adapts, providing the 2 amp charge that my iPad needs to fast charge.
• 2 USB ports: This allows you to charge two devices at the same time, with each port receiving up to 2 amps. For example, you could charge your phone and a tablet at the same time, or you could share the second port with a friend to charge both of your phones simultaneously.
• 2 amp input: This Anker unit has a 2 amp input, so if you don’t have a Quick Charge 2.0 charger, you can still charge this unit in about 8 hours by using a tablet’s charging brick on a “smart” charger that can supply 2 amps of power.
• Charge gauge: Tapping the power button and a ring around the button lights up to indicate the remaining capacity of the Anker unit. This makes it easy to see if you need to charge the unit before your next trip.
• 18-month warranty: I used Anker’s customer service one time in the past when I had an issue with a charger and they were friendly and efficient.

CONs

• No Quick Charge 2.0 output: Although you can charge this power bank with a Quick Charge 2.0 wall charger, the power bank itself does not send a Quick Charge 2.0 charge to compatible Android phones.
• AC charger not included: This is typical with most power banks, but I thought I would point out that there is no AC charger included with this unit.

Anker’s known for their high quality power banks, and the new PowerCore+ line from Anker is no exception. The solid construction and powerful performance in this PowerCore+ unit is great for keeping your gadgets charged while you’re on the go. And I like the dual USB ports that allow me to charge my phone and a friend’s phone at the same time.

Check out the Anker PowerCore+ 13400 on Amazon

— Sample provided for review