Thrunite C2 (V1) review

Thrunite asked me to review this little powerbank and I gladly said yes!

Before the review continues two things:
1 HJK made an in depth review, check for graphs and such here: Test/review of Thrunite C2 power bank and charger
2 I have been using the power bank since it came to market, the problems of it not being able to power low drain devices became clear and I asked if I could wait posting it until it was clear what the C2 V2 would do. I mean it is nice to bring something new to the table besides user experience :wink:
So, 150mA is what the new version can power at the low end, Thrunite confirmed two days ago, so there you go :wink:
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Normally a review of a free received sample means investing only time, but in this case this review actually cost me money since I wanted to spice things up and so I bought an almost similar Anker power bank, a good Anker wall adapter and a good Anker USB cable to dive a little deeper into this C2 and compare it.
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The C2 is both charger and power bank.
It comes with a Thrunite wrapped cell of (Liitokala Li500 tested) 3380mAh
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I really like that one can change the cell, the C2 wins hands down compared to the Anker here.
The C2 charges all cells I used in it to 4.19V a nice safe value IMHO.
If there become better cells available in the future, one can simply replace it in the Thrunite where the Anker is sealed.
If the cell loses capacity, th Thrunite allows us to change it, the Anker slowly gets less usefull.
So in terms of future proofing, the Trunite win BIG.
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The Thrunite s slightly shorter and a little bit wider at the knurled ends so they both take up an equal amount of real estate, tied!
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Operation is done via 1 button, and both have the same USB port configuration, tied!
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It is said, the Thrunite will shut off when the power draw is low. I was about to post the review when this became clear from other users.
Low power drain, hmm, I have nothing that draws little power. OK a Xiaomi USB LED light does not use a lot of power, my wife has one in her notebook. it uses 0.08/0.11/0.17/0.21/0.45mA so the three highest modes will work with the new C2 V2. The Anker stays on so this round goes to Anker.
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But let us look at my actual use. charging my phone.
My phone has a 4000mAh battery and the C2 pushes it to 80% (with the phone off from when the phone has shut itself down due to low battery).
The Anker gets to 64%
This means two days operation for my typical use on the Thrunite versus needing to charge with the Anker.
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We have used a few 10 meter warm white USB strings with Christmas this year.
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The Thrunite kept the one connected to it on for more then 24 hours, the Anker did not reach a whole day.
Nowadays I use the Thrunite C2 to charge my phone (phone on), draining the C2. I charge the C2 on a simple low amp wall charger and can use the phone for 2 more days. So every two days this cycle repeats and is very useful since I do not need a fixed position and can carry the phone while charging.
So in not low drain situations this round goes to the Thrunite C2 big time.
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Then there is the charging and now it gets interesting, hard to test with my limited gear, but it is clear the Thrunite can deal with more input. Charging faster is the power is given.
This is an awesome feature for me. When I have the time I like to charge cells slow but sometimes I need or want a cell to be charged fast, in these cases I pop the 18650 into the Thrunite C2, hook it up to the high amp outlet and it gives me the fastest charging of all my devices capable of charging.
In terms of fast charging a cell when I want it works better then any charger I have (mainly Liitokala)

But wait! The Liitokala chargers have a power bank function as well. Hmmm
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The Lii100 preformed dramatically as powerbank, so I tried 2 26650 5000mAh cells in the Li300
Nope the not easy to carry setup could not charge my phone more then half of what the sleek Thrunite C2 does.

So well for me the Thrunite C2 V1 is a clear cool winner that suits me very well. The Anker does not get used.
I often prefer and use the Thrunite C2 over a serious cell charger.
The finish is very good, it feels nice, it works easy and good for my uses, yeah I am very happy with it.
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Oh and Thrunite asked me to post these links and code:
5% Discount! Coupon Code:THRUNITE, For Official Website Only

Amazon US: Amazon.com: ThruNite (link is external)
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/shops/A1BNV2EQ2FFXQR

I currently am looking to replace a sealed single cell power bank. In order to keep the one I have from being accidently turned on in my pack I keep it in a prescription bottle which prevents the side button from being hit.

How susceptible is the power bank to being turned on accidentally? Does it have a manual lockout function?

Very nice review. Thanks for posting it.

Bob

thank you
No it does not lock out, but the top (or bottom, whatever you look at it) screws of easy so a little piece of tape over the end of the cell will prevent it from accidentally turn on.

Thanks for the quick reply.

Bob

Oh it took me a while to find a low powered USB device
What is the stuff people encounter not working (or what do you want to use it for that demands low amps)?