I’ve tested dozens of power banks, but I haven’t seen one quite like this

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Cuktech P-series 25,000mAh power bank is on sale now on Amazon for $89.
• It looks good, works well, and has a build quality that makes it a truly high-end product.
• It’s rather bulky for carrying in a pocket, and the device’s finish tends to pick up dust.

It’s hard to come across a power bank that impresses me anymore. Most are mundane plastic enclosures with a few ports. However, the Cuktech P-series 25,000mAh power bank is a game-changer. With its stylish design and advanced technology, it pushes the envelope of what a power bank can achieve.

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Cuktech P-series 25,000mAh tech specs

• Total max output: 210W
• Cell capacity: 88Wh/90Wh 3.6V
• Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A
• Battery: Automotive-grade lithium-ion polymer battery good for up to 1,000 recharges
• Display: TFT
• Input
  Type-C1: 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 12V⎓3A / 15V⎓3A / 20V⎓5.5A
  Type-C2: 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 12V⎓3A / 15V⎓3A / 20V⎓2.25A
• Output
  USB-A1 & Type-C1 & Type-C2: 5V⎓6A / 9V⎓6A / 12V⎓6A / 15V⎓6A / 20V⎓9A, 210W max
  USB-A1: 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓2.23A / 12V⎓1.67A / 5~11V=3A, 30W max
  Type-C1: 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 12V⎓3A / 15V⎓3A / 20V⎓5A / 28V⎓5A, 140W max
  Type-C2: 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 12V⎓3A / 15V⎓3A / 20V⎓3A. 60W max
• Charge protocol support
  Type-C1: PD3.1, PPS, QC5, and DCP
  Type-C2: PD3.0, PPS, QC4, and DCP
  Type-A1: QC3.0, FCP, AFC, and DCP
• Low-current trickle mode: Yes
• Dimensions: 55.1 x 55.1 x 59.9 mm
• Weight: 630g
• Along with the power bank, you also get a 6A/120W E-Marker chip USB-C cable, travel pouch, and instruction manual. 

After using it on a week-long trip away from home, I was amazed by its durability. Everything about the P-series power bank feels premium and stylish; from the packaging to the design. There’s even a futuristic pulsing blue light on the front while the power bank is in use that looks very sci-fi. 

Also: The best power banks you can buy: Expert tested

OK, enough about the look and feel, let’s get into the specifics. There are certain metrics that I test as a matter of course for every power bank. First is capacity. Testing this involves discharging and fully charging the power bank several times while it is connected to a USB meter. No problems on this score with this power bank.  

The same goes for the input and outputs of the USB ports. It’s common to come across manufacturers who overestimate the capabilities of their products. Also, I’ve come across a lot of power banks that can hit the rated outputs but falter when they are kept at that level for extended periods. Again, this power bank passed these tests with no concerns. 

Also: This $30 USB-C meter will tell you if your iPhone chargers are genuine or not

Finally, lets talk about safety. It’s shocking to see how many power banks still get hot to the point of being dangerous when pushed hard for prolonged periods. The P-series power bank showed none of these issues, staying cool even when pushing out the maximum 210W of power.

I must admit that my inner geek loves the TFT display on this power bank. It displays important — at least to me! — information such as battery level, power, voltage, and current. A tap of the button brings up a graphical display of the input and output wattages.

I love having this information at my fingertips because it transforms the unit from being a generic power bank into a full-blown charging computer, and this is handy for someone like me who uses USB meters to test devices.

Also: Why you should stop using your solar-powered power bank

Need to trickle-charge something? No problem! Just double-tap the button to put the unit into low-current mode. 

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Cuktech P-series 25,000mAh power bank has come out of left field to being one of my favorite power banks. From a technical standpoint, everything about this unit is top notch, from the fit and finish, the modern, sci-fi look, to the tech built on the inside. 

Beyond the bulk — and every 25,000mAh power bank is going to be bulky — and the fact that the finish picks up and shows every speck of dust, I can’t fault this product. Additionally, it’s on sale right now for $89, making it an unbeatable value. 

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