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SJS Smart Start Charger 12V (SSC05) review

12800mAh stated capacity. Priced at $169.

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CHOICE Expert Rating

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What is the CHOICE Expert Rating?

CHOICE Expert Rating

This is the product's overall performance score, based on key tests conducted by our industry experts in the CHOICE labs.

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Good points

The product's best features and benefits

Bad points

Drawbacks or issues you need to know about
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Recommended View more details.

We recommend power banks with a CHOICE Expert Rating of 75% or more.

CHOICE Expert Rating View more details.

This overall score is made up of performance (70%), ease of use (15%) and display (15%). Note: Discontinued models were tested using a different methodology. As such, these test results should be used as a general guide.

Performance score View more details.

Each power bank is connected to an electronic load reference instrument, which is set to draw the maximum supported current from the fastest charging USB-A port. The voltage is determined by the power bank itself and recorded in the output, and data is graphed to show capacity drain over time. This gives us the total milliamp hours that the battery supports.

Ease of use score View more details.

Based on port labelling (are inputs like USB-A, USB-C and fast charge clearly labelled?) and quality of instruction manual.

Display score View more details.

This score takes into account the position of the display on the unit and how easy it is to view and understand at a glance.

Multiple device score View more details.

This refers to the power bank's ability to charge multiple devices at once, if more than one port is available. Higher scoring models showed a limited drop in charging performance when two or more devices were plugged in. This does not contribute to the overall score. In 2022 this method was altered to be a general performance test observed over the course of 30 minutes.

Pocketability guide View more details.

This is a broad guide based on our experience handling the devices.

Power bank charge time View more details.

We drain a power bank to the point where it won't charge a smartphone, then record how long it takes to recharge. Older models were charged using a low-end, one amp USB wall socket. Recent models were assessed with a two amp or 30-watt charger. Speeds will increase if you use a USB to wall-socket converter with a higher amperage.

Usable capacity, measured (mAh) View more details.

For USB-A power banks, we use a a Maynuo M9712 DC electronic load reference instrument to work out the total milliamp hours that the battery supports. For USB-C power banks, we calculate what 80% of the battery capacity of our test phone is, then we use the power bank to charge the test phone to 80%, multiple times, until the power bank is fully discharged. We multiply the number of charges (including partial charges) by the 80% phone battery capacity value to give the usable capacity of the power bank. See our article on 'How we test power banks' for more information.

Fastest charging 5V USB port (amps) View more details.

The output that can be reached from the power bank's fastest port.

Slowest charging 5V USB port (amps) View more details.

The output that can be reached from the power bank's slowest charging port.

Maximum combined output (watts) View more details.

The maximum power output that can be achieved by the power bank when two devices are being charged simultaneously. 'N/A' ('Not applicable') is given to power banks with only one USB output.

Overload protection View more details.

A safety feature that deactivates the power bank if it begins to overcharge to prevent damage, fire or an explosion. Overcharge point measured in amperes.

Short circuit protection View more details.

A safety feature that activates protections/deactivates the power bank if it detects a short circuit.

Date tested View more details.

The 'Multiple device' test method was altered in 2022. Though this doesn't contribute to the overall score, it does mean this aspect of the test is not directly comparable to models tested prior to 2022.

pre-2022
Availability View more details.

'Tested model' refers to power banks that are currently available in shops and online. 'Discontinued model' refers to power banks that are no longer available in shops, but may be available in second-hand stores. Note: Discontinued models were tested using a different methodology. As such, these test results should be used as a general guide (if you want a power that's no longer for sale).

Discontinued model
Price View more details.

Recommended retail price at the time of testing.

$169
Stated capacity (mAh) View more details.

Most of the latest smartphones have a battery with around 3000mAh, so a 10,000mAh power bank should be able to charge the smartphone up to three times and a 20,000mAh power bank more than six times. Stated capacity is the capacity given by the vendor in milliamp hours (mAh).

12800
Battery type View more details.

The technology of the battery that's used. 'Not stated' means the vendor hasn't made it clear which technology is used.

Lithium polymer
Weight (g) View more details.

The weight of the power bank in grams, without any cables or packaging.

1018
Size (mm, H x D x W) View more details.

Measured to the nearest millimetre.

39 x 165 x 80
Quick charge output View more details.

Whether or not the power bank supports quick charging technology in any of its ports.

No
Wireless charging View more details.

Lets you charge your smartphone by placing it on the power bank, rather than plugging it in. Your smartphone must also support wireless charging for this to work.

No
Charge indicator View more details.

This refers to the type of display present on the power bank a Digital display is best, showing remaining charge in a percentage.

LEDs
Country of origin
Not collected
Number of USB-A ports View more details.

While additional ports are handy, it doesn't guarantee that the powerbank actually can charge multiple devices at the same time at full capacity.

1
Number of USB-C ports
0
Can charge a laptop via USB-C
Not tested
Can charge a Nintendo Switch View more details.

A Nintendo Switch requires at least 18W from the powerbank to not only power the device but also charge the battery.

Not tested
Over-charge protection View more details.

The ability of the power bank to stop charging once it's reached capacity. 'Not stated' means the vendor hasn't made it clear this protection is in place.

Yes
Other features
Jump-start kit for a car battery.
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Average rating

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