The iPhone 5’s battery sucks. That is a blunt statement that most of you would probably agree, especially if you’re using it as your primary phone. Having an LTE-capable phone with only 1,440 mAh of battery is just underwhelming. This is the very reason why the “phone bank” or external battery industry is booming.
A few weeks ago, we’re introduced to a new premium device that is not just the most pocketable, but can also charge the iPhone 5 up to 125%. This is the Phonesuit Flex, a pocket charger with 2,600 mAh battery for the iPhone 5.
Unboxing Video and Photos
[youtube width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaU9shKP4Q8[/youtube]
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Review
The charger is elegantly designed. It fits very well on the pocket; and doesn’t ruin the iPhone 5’s design when it’s attached. Its built-in Micro USB port allows you to use your standard USB chargers to juice up both the charger and the iPhone 5. I find this an awesome addition as this can totally replace the lightning connector if you accidentally forgot it.
The charger also has an electrostatic touch power/meter button to tell you the remaining power the charger has. An electrostatic touch button can only detect finger, similar to capacitive to touch screens.
The pocket charger has ‘Quick Charge’ Technology, which fully charges the iPhone 5 within 2 hours at 1% per minute. I tried this during our tests and it did fully charge the phone after 2 hours (100%), with 1 power-light remaining on the pocket charger.
It can also charge the iPad Mini, but it obviously failed to juice it up fully as it has 67% for battery capacity (4490 mAh) than the iPhone 5.
Verdict
I find Phonesuit Flex the best looking pocket charger for the iPhone 5. It can easily be placed on the pocket without making you look like you pick-pocketed an elephant. But since I am not a ‘pocket charger’ fan, I would still prefer a battery case than this one. Too bad, Phonesuit’s battery case for the iPhone 5 isn’t available yet.
The electrostatic button is a good addition, but it isn’t something to rave about. Also, the removable cover that protects the base with lightning connector can get lost easily.
Priced at PhP2,750, it isn’t the cheapest you can find to charge your phone. But don’t get me wrong – it’s a respectable price as this is a quality and excellent purchase. This will be available in September in the Philippines. This is now available at Switch, AShop, Mobile1, Gadgets in Style, Ava.ph and Pormada. If you wish to know more updates about this device, like PhoneSuit Manila’s Official Facebook page.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
