Xiaomi Mi 5200 Portable Charger for mobile phones.
Prologue:
So, after my well invited and applauded review of Canon MP 287 Printer with ESYINK ink tank system, I'm back with another review... But, I wasn't sure about writing this review. Why?
Because, would you think twice before spending just Rs. 799? Many people I know would gladly throw their money on this thing without thinking twice.. But maybe some might not.
Secondly, would you pursue a product that's out of stock most of the time? Damn. Tough questions.
I purchased this from a famous online store, which is a partner of Xiaomi, popularly known by their logo tag, Mi. It was out of stock, but I kept email notifications on. And when it was "in stock", I immediately logged in and purchased it!
About the company & its marketing strategy:
Xiaomi, or Mi, is a Chinese electronics company from Beijing, but unlike what we associate this country's companies with, this is a well reputed brand. This company is known for good products at very cheap prices. It sells its products around the world, including Singapore, India, etc.
Hmm... Good products for cheap prices? Sounds yummy? But any commerce student would ask, "there will be High Demand, right?" And I would say, "Yes".
This company's major products like mobiles, portable chargers, etc. have such high demand that they aren't available easily. We have to participate in Flash sales.
Flash sales means that you have to register online on Flipkart, 1-2 days in advance for the product, for a known quick sale on a predefined date and time. Then before the sale date and time, you have to log in and be ready. When the countdown reaches zero, you see and immediately click on the "Buy Now!" button. If you're lucky, and your internet's fast, you get a sale. Often there are 3,00,000+ registrations, but only 20,000-60,000 phones to be sold. So, it becomes a chaotic situation that some buyers are beginning to hate too.
The plus point is that the company's reputation goes high, by making headlines like, "60,000 Redmi 1S' sold in just 5.2 seconds".
About the Portable Charger:
This charger came in a simplistic box. No extra BS here. See some pics of the box:-
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7214_zps6013ed5c.jpg
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7215_zps7c1124b1.jpg
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7217_zpsb84f2915.jpg
On opening the box, you find the following things inside the box:
1. Portable charger, with built in battery,
2. USB to Micro USB cable, usable for:- 1. charging the Mi 5200, or 2. charging another phone/ tablet using Mi 5200.
3. User Manual.
See the pics of unboxing:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7219_zpsaabcf842.jpg
Further unboxing we observe the objects in detail:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7223_zpsf857d0cb.jpg
*image.dhgate.com/albu_706479693_00/temp2.0x0.jpg
(The above 1 image has been taken from internet. Rest are all my own images.)
Honestly, USB cable is a little too short, right? A charger is missing, right? Well, that's something costing just Rs. 799. So... you get the drift?
See this battery's size in my hand:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7225_zps2f0c4226.jpg
We remove the plastic protective covering on the battery to use it:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7227_zps65e2ce59.jpg
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7228_zpsc083594c.jpg
Mi 5200 has a battery built in, plus circuitry to ensure effective management of current. Why is this circuitry required? Well, because a direct bigger battery to smaller battery charging will not be efficient, as the voltage will be more in the starting and less in the end of its charge.
The voltage provided to your tablet or mobile phone must be constant. And this Mi 5200 doesn't disappoint. I didn't experience loss of charging or any error message in the devices I tested.
Charging the Mi 5200.
First, this portable charger charges itself using the below shown port:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7231_zps3253a497.jpg
How much time does it take to charge the Mi 5200?
Well, it depends on the charger you're using to charge Mi 5200. Check your mobile's original charger's output. It will show a voltage around 5V and current in Amperes.
2A will charge your Mi5200 in around 5 hours. Above 2A current is not recommended.
1.3A which I got with my Nokia 808 Pureview, charges this battery in around 8 hours.
1A will take 10 hours. 0.5A will take 20 hours to charge, same as USB 2.0 in PC/ laptops.
Pretty much long times, but I suggest you avoid PC charging, and see your mobile's original charger.
For me, 1.3A is not a problem, as it charges the charger in around 8 hours. It means I set it for charge in the night, and wake up in morning, with it fully charged.
See the four LED lights? When it charges, the number of lights indicate how much charge is done already. For example,
1 light means 0-25%
2 lights mean 25-50%
3 lights mean 50-75%
4 lights mean 75-100%. And the last light in each case, blinks while it is being charged.
When not charging, pressing the power button on the Mi 5200, informs you of the remaining charge using these lights only. No LCD display or so.
Using Mi 5200 to charge your mobile/ device:
Your mobile/ device must have a Micro USB port to benefit from this Mi 5200. This device's charging value is 5200 Mah.
Theoretically, how much your device gets charged depends on its battery's Mah (Milliampere hour).
My Nokia 808 has a 1400 Mah battery. So, we expect that my mobile can be full charged approximately 3.7 times, on one full charge of Mi 5200.
That's because 1400 x 3.7 = 5200~ Mah.
See below how a device gets charged:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7229_zpsfd4103f2.jpg
Practically, there is a loss of current due to mobile battery's age & condition, and normal losses. So, in real conditions, my 808 Pureview gets charged about 2.5 times completely.
Going by this equation, if you have a tablet with 10,000 Mah battery, like iPad or so, then this Mi 5200 will be able to charge it upto approx. half way only. This is a problem for big battery users though..
In short, here's a usability summary expressed in an image:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7228help_zpsd7e53a83.jpg
The overall fit and finish of the product is sturdy, and its outer shell is very durable.
(+) Plus points:
(-) Minus points:
----
Conclusion: So, there you go. The concept is clear. If you often find yourself in a situation when you don't have a charger, but the phone is about to die, then this can be helpful. Charge it once, keep it in your bag, and use when required. So, you might never run out of battery again.
Its a very good cheap alternative, because for 5200 Mah life, you will not get a charger from a reputed company below Rs. 2000 or so.
So, if you want one, try your luck here.
But if you have a very big tablet or device, you might need more number of charge times, or charge life... Then, its better to go for Mi 10400, which is sold here. It has a larger size, but the concept is the same though.
If any of the above devices are "Out of Stock" (they are, most of the times), submit your email on the above links and when they're in stock, you'll be informed. I've submitted my email on both of the above devices' status.
-------
My Next Review?
Do you wish to know about My next Review? Well... it might be a Xiaomi Redmi 1S. The high end phone which has specs found in Rs. 12000 phones (like Moto G), but it itself costs Rs. 5999 only.
I'm not given these units by the company as complementary. I participated in the flash sale and purchased it for myself.
Check Redmi 1S specs, and let me know... Would you be interested in its review? I'll surely post if its needed to anyone.
Also, any feedback or constructive comments on my reviews are most welcome....
Prologue:
So, after my well invited and applauded review of Canon MP 287 Printer with ESYINK ink tank system, I'm back with another review... But, I wasn't sure about writing this review. Why?
Because, would you think twice before spending just Rs. 799? Many people I know would gladly throw their money on this thing without thinking twice.. But maybe some might not.
Secondly, would you pursue a product that's out of stock most of the time? Damn. Tough questions.
I purchased this from a famous online store, which is a partner of Xiaomi, popularly known by their logo tag, Mi. It was out of stock, but I kept email notifications on. And when it was "in stock", I immediately logged in and purchased it!
About the company & its marketing strategy:
Xiaomi, or Mi, is a Chinese electronics company from Beijing, but unlike what we associate this country's companies with, this is a well reputed brand. This company is known for good products at very cheap prices. It sells its products around the world, including Singapore, India, etc.
Hmm... Good products for cheap prices? Sounds yummy? But any commerce student would ask, "there will be High Demand, right?" And I would say, "Yes".
This company's major products like mobiles, portable chargers, etc. have such high demand that they aren't available easily. We have to participate in Flash sales.
Flash sales means that you have to register online on Flipkart, 1-2 days in advance for the product, for a known quick sale on a predefined date and time. Then before the sale date and time, you have to log in and be ready. When the countdown reaches zero, you see and immediately click on the "Buy Now!" button. If you're lucky, and your internet's fast, you get a sale. Often there are 3,00,000+ registrations, but only 20,000-60,000 phones to be sold. So, it becomes a chaotic situation that some buyers are beginning to hate too.
The plus point is that the company's reputation goes high, by making headlines like, "60,000 Redmi 1S' sold in just 5.2 seconds".
About the Portable Charger:
This charger came in a simplistic box. No extra BS here. See some pics of the box:-
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7214_zps6013ed5c.jpg
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7215_zps7c1124b1.jpg
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7217_zpsb84f2915.jpg
On opening the box, you find the following things inside the box:
1. Portable charger, with built in battery,
2. USB to Micro USB cable, usable for:- 1. charging the Mi 5200, or 2. charging another phone/ tablet using Mi 5200.
3. User Manual.
See the pics of unboxing:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7219_zpsaabcf842.jpg
Further unboxing we observe the objects in detail:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7223_zpsf857d0cb.jpg
*image.dhgate.com/albu_706479693_00/temp2.0x0.jpg
(The above 1 image has been taken from internet. Rest are all my own images.)
Honestly, USB cable is a little too short, right? A charger is missing, right? Well, that's something costing just Rs. 799. So... you get the drift?
See this battery's size in my hand:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7225_zps2f0c4226.jpg
We remove the plastic protective covering on the battery to use it:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7227_zps65e2ce59.jpg
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7228_zpsc083594c.jpg
Mi 5200 has a battery built in, plus circuitry to ensure effective management of current. Why is this circuitry required? Well, because a direct bigger battery to smaller battery charging will not be efficient, as the voltage will be more in the starting and less in the end of its charge.
The voltage provided to your tablet or mobile phone must be constant. And this Mi 5200 doesn't disappoint. I didn't experience loss of charging or any error message in the devices I tested.
Charging the Mi 5200.
First, this portable charger charges itself using the below shown port:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7231_zps3253a497.jpg
How much time does it take to charge the Mi 5200?
Well, it depends on the charger you're using to charge Mi 5200. Check your mobile's original charger's output. It will show a voltage around 5V and current in Amperes.
2A will charge your Mi5200 in around 5 hours. Above 2A current is not recommended.
1.3A which I got with my Nokia 808 Pureview, charges this battery in around 8 hours.
1A will take 10 hours. 0.5A will take 20 hours to charge, same as USB 2.0 in PC/ laptops.
Pretty much long times, but I suggest you avoid PC charging, and see your mobile's original charger.
For me, 1.3A is not a problem, as it charges the charger in around 8 hours. It means I set it for charge in the night, and wake up in morning, with it fully charged.
See the four LED lights? When it charges, the number of lights indicate how much charge is done already. For example,
1 light means 0-25%
2 lights mean 25-50%
3 lights mean 50-75%
4 lights mean 75-100%. And the last light in each case, blinks while it is being charged.
When not charging, pressing the power button on the Mi 5200, informs you of the remaining charge using these lights only. No LCD display or so.
Using Mi 5200 to charge your mobile/ device:
Your mobile/ device must have a Micro USB port to benefit from this Mi 5200. This device's charging value is 5200 Mah.
Theoretically, how much your device gets charged depends on its battery's Mah (Milliampere hour).
My Nokia 808 has a 1400 Mah battery. So, we expect that my mobile can be full charged approximately 3.7 times, on one full charge of Mi 5200.
That's because 1400 x 3.7 = 5200~ Mah.
See below how a device gets charged:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7229_zpsfd4103f2.jpg
Practically, there is a loss of current due to mobile battery's age & condition, and normal losses. So, in real conditions, my 808 Pureview gets charged about 2.5 times completely.
Going by this equation, if you have a tablet with 10,000 Mah battery, like iPad or so, then this Mi 5200 will be able to charge it upto approx. half way only. This is a problem for big battery users though..
In short, here's a usability summary expressed in an image:
*i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag255/samarth619/IMG_7228help_zpsd7e53a83.jpg
The overall fit and finish of the product is sturdy, and its outer shell is very durable.
(+) Plus points:
- Small Size,
- Works as expected, charges devices without electricity in emergency/ other situations,
- Very low price,
- Good quality,
- Durable, the outer shell can take a lot of weight & beating, Fit and Finish up to the mark. Even USB slots are rated at high insertion/ removal cycles...
(-) Minus points:
- Too high demand, mostly it is seen as "out of stock",
- No charger bundled with it, you must use your own charger to charge this Mi 5200,
- USB wire is too small,
----
Conclusion: So, there you go. The concept is clear. If you often find yourself in a situation when you don't have a charger, but the phone is about to die, then this can be helpful. Charge it once, keep it in your bag, and use when required. So, you might never run out of battery again.
Its a very good cheap alternative, because for 5200 Mah life, you will not get a charger from a reputed company below Rs. 2000 or so.
So, if you want one, try your luck here.
But if you have a very big tablet or device, you might need more number of charge times, or charge life... Then, its better to go for Mi 10400, which is sold here. It has a larger size, but the concept is the same though.
If any of the above devices are "Out of Stock" (they are, most of the times), submit your email on the above links and when they're in stock, you'll be informed. I've submitted my email on both of the above devices' status.
-------
My Next Review?
Do you wish to know about My next Review? Well... it might be a Xiaomi Redmi 1S. The high end phone which has specs found in Rs. 12000 phones (like Moto G), but it itself costs Rs. 5999 only.
I'm not given these units by the company as complementary. I participated in the flash sale and purchased it for myself.
Check Redmi 1S specs, and let me know... Would you be interested in its review? I'll surely post if its needed to anyone.
Also, any feedback or constructive comments on my reviews are most welcome....
