With a good number of batteries now popping up in the 10,000mAh to 15,000mAh range, iBattz has decided to outdo them all with the largest capacity external battery pack we’ve ever covered: Mojo Battstation Optimus ($130) weighs in at a staggering 20,400mAh. The power cells are held inside a relatively small 5.5″ by 2.8″ by 0.87″ plastic package, with supposed 2.1A and 1A USB outputs. Not surprisingly, it’s dense, and takes an extremely long time to recharge. With a self-provided 2A charger, it’ll refill in about 15 hours. In addition to a micro-USB charging cable, one 30-pin Dock Connector adapter is included, along with one for a Samsung Android device.
Physically, Mojo Battstation Optimus is pretty impressive. In the same size enclosure as many smaller capacity batteries, iBattz has packed Panasonic automotive grade battery cells.
It weighs more than 12.5 ounces, but that heft is to be expected. We appreciate the smooth, soft-touch exterior, and the rubber accent displaying the capacity and brand name is a nice touch. The USB outputs are found on opposite ends of the pack, while the micro-USB input, power button, and built-in flashlight are all along the back. A series of blue LEDs on the top of the unit show the remaining power, and the last light blinks when it’s almost drained.
To test a pack with such a huge capacity, we started by fully draining an iPad Air. Then we connected it to the 2.1A port and let the charging begin.
Eight and a half hours later, the tablet was at 100%. That’s about twice as long as it should take at full speed, leading us to believe the port wasn’t putting out the full advertised power. The next day, once the iPad’s battery had been drained again, we restarted the process, switching to the other port to see if it’s possible they were mislabeled. After five jours and 43 minutes, Mojo Battstation Optimus was finally drained, having delivered another 69%, for a total of 169%.
Based on past tests, iBattz’ battery just barely exceeded output expectations. Unfortunately, it did so much more slowly than it should have, and its own recharge time is crazy, too.
