Anker PowerCore 26800 at a glance
Key specs
Capacity
26800 mAh
96.48 Wh
Dimensions (LxWxH)
7 x 3.2 x 0.9 in
17.78 x 8.13 x 2.29 cm
Weight
17.5 oz / 496 g
Charging technology
Charging time: 6.5 h
High speed charging
PowerIQ
PBE metrics
Affordability
388.46 mAh/$
Average
324.40 mAh/$
Portability
54.03 mAh/g
1531.43 mAh/oz
Ports
USB Type A
USB Type A
USB Type A
Micro USB
Micro USB
Flight status
Under 100 Wh
Status: Safe
The power bank is safe to take on board. It's under the specified TSA limit of 100 Wh. Read more about taking power banks on planes.
Other features
LED power indicator
Overheating protection
Short circuit protection
Surge protection
Protective pouch
Charging cable
Charging capacity calculator
Use the search bar below and find out exactly how many times can the Anker PowerCore 26800 charge your smartphone battery
Anker PowerCore 268000mAh Portable Charger Review
From Anker, America’s leading USB charging brand comes the PowerCore 26800 which, as its name suggests, possesses 26800 mAh of charging power for your mobile devices. This is of the biggest power banks from the PowerCore series in terms of capacity but stands out from other models because of its speed and duality. If you’re looking for a big-size power bank capable of powering up to 3 devices at the same time, this review is for you.
Unboxing video
Capacity & Charging speed
The PowerCore 26800 boasts a conversion rate of 91%, which means its true capacity is close to 24400 mAh. This is enough to power the regular smartphone at least seven times. It comes with three 5V/6A USB ports capable of delivering 3A each, which is the maximum charging speed.
However, having three ports can be a disadvantage given that when the three are in function, each one of them outputs 2.0 A, which is below the required charging speed of several high-capacity devices like iPads (2.4A), and thus it will take a bit longer to recharge them.
The PowerCore 26800 does not support passthrough charge, which is to say, it cannot charge any devices while it’s being charged. This has been implemented to preserve the battery’s integrity and to ensure a 7-hour maximum time to full charge, as well as to ensure safety to the devices plugged-in and the power bank itself.
On a positive note, due to its sheer capacity, the PowerCore 26800’s battery would take a long time recharging on a single input, so unlike other models like the PowerCore+ 26800 PD, Anker added the now not unusual characteristic of two 5V/2A Micro USB charge ports, for a maximum of 4A input power. With this feature, the PowerCore 26800 can go from empty to fully charged in just 6.5 hours, perfect for leaving the device charging overnight.
Not that you’ll need to recharge it very often, because it’s one of the few devices that can brag about being able to fully charge a dead iPad and still have plenty of juice left on it for your phone. In fact, it can support up to ten iPhone 6s or six Samsung S6 full charges, which means it could go a full week without needing to recharge.
Besides, like other models from the Anker PowerCore series, this power bank does not have Quick Charge technology; instead, it has been equipped with Anker’s exclusive PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technologies, which enable it to support Quick Charge 2.0 and Quick Charge 3.0 devices, including all Apple phones & tablets.
Look and feel
The design looks simple but in reality, it’s more functional than fashionable. The Anker PowerCore 26800 is characterized by its matte black finish and rounded profile. It sports an aluminum shell and plastic ends for minimum weight without sacrificing strength.
Something that catches the attention is that the two micro-USB input ports are placed vertically while the three USB output ports are lined up horizontally.
Furthermore, the device features a convenient four-light LED indicator for easy reading. You can tell is fully charged by glancing at the display and seeing the four dots on.
Lastly, it also comes with a button on the side panel that serves a double function: to turn on the charge display and to turn it off.
Portability
The Anker PowerCore 26800 is not as convenient as other power banks in the market; however, at 7 x 2 x 3.9 inches and 495g, it’s bulky but not that encumbering to carry around in your bag or even into your pocket.
Due to its size, the Anker PowerCore 26800 is not intended to be carried on everyday activities like morning runs. Even though the Anker PowerCore 26800 is not the smallest out there, you can place it in your carry-on bag and you should be able to take it on your next vacation just fine, including aboard commercial flights because it clocks in at 99.16Wh, just shy of the FAA 100Wh restriction limit on lithium-polymer batteries.
All in all, sacrificing a little portability for a higher capacity seems reasonable considering that there are power banks of much lower capacity that are both heavier and bigger.
Durability & Construction
The PowerCore 26800 contains LG lithium-polymer cells and a premium voltage protection circuit technology, dubbed MultiSafe Protection System by Anker, all of which guarantee safety for your devices against voltage surges, short circuits, and overheating.
When it comes to the material of fabrication, the PowerCore 26800 is made out of a lightly varnished plastic that holds quite strongly. However, due to its weight, it’s prone to damage if it drops from considerable heights.
In case of any malfunction, you will be supported by an 18- month warranty. Sadly, as the case with other power banks, such does not cover fall-related damages.
Pros
Long lasting high capacity
3 Output Charging Ports
2 Input Recharging Ports for faster Recharging
Compatible with a wide range of brands (includibg Apple devices)
Cons
Heavy and bulky
Risk of over heating
Final thoughts
Despite being a bit expensive, with the Anker PowerCore 26800, you will keep your devices going for a long time. It is one of the most powerful power banks in the market, but you need to make sure you need so much power for charging just a single smartphone. Our suggestion is to purchase it only if you have more than one device or if you need to use it when a power outlet is not at your reach for several days.
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