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Review: Anker 2nd Gen Astro3 12000mAh Portable Charger Backup External Battery Pack



Overview : PowerIQ™: Full speed charging. Every device, every time.
Not all charging ports are created equal. Standard ports only charge Apple OR Android devices at full speed. Our solution? Triple smart port, powered by PowerIQ™ technology, intelligently identifies your device and speaks the language it needs for full speed charging. Coupled with an industry-leading 4 Amp output, charge multiple devices all at full speed.

Packed with power.
We figure, the more power, the better. Packed with 12000mAh of juice, and featuring an energy efficiency rate 10% above previous generation Astros and many current standard alternatives, the new Astro3 charges the iPhone six times and large-capacity phones like the Galaxy S4 almost four times.

Double take.
Chic and minimalistic, the new Astro3 may feel reserved at first. But, a friendly "shake" reveals its warm inner light to display the power level or begin your charge. Generous, cool, and delightfully intuitive, the new Astro3 is perfect for your next adventure, or just the daily grind.

For optimal use.
- For simultaneous, max-speed charging of your Astro and other devices, check out Anker's new 25W 5-Port Wall Charger.
- To ensure complete safety and best performance, we strongly recommend using your device’s original cable, a third-party certified cable (such as MFI) or our included cable.
- Compatible with all Apple and Android smartphones, tablets and other USB-charged devices. The iPod nano, Asus tablets (not include the Nexus 7), the LG G2 and some GPS and Bluetooth devices are not supported.

Features :
  • One smart charging port, powered by PowerIQTM technology, intelligently identifies each connected device and speaks its language - guaranteeing the fastest charge time for EVERY device. Two additional ports charges Android smartphones at full speed. (Max speed of 4 Amps among 3 ports).
  • 12000 mAh of capacity and an energy efficiency rate 10% above previous generation Astros and many current standard alternatives charges the iPhone six times and large-capacity phones like the Galaxy S4 almost four times.
  • A "shake" starts a charge or displays the remaining power level. The ultra-low power consumption (100000 shakes consume less than 1%) 10-LED power meter balances accuracy and aesthetics.
  • Sturdy construction and matte finish withstand bumps and drops. Grade A cells and premium chips ensure reliability. Input: 5V / 1.5A; Use a 1.5A adapter (not included) with the included USB cable for the fastest charging time (9 hours).
  • Package contents: Anker® 2nd Generation Astro3 External Battery, webbed travel bag, micro USB cable, user manual. (Apple adapters and Samsung 30-pin adapter not included)
Specifications :
  • Capacity: 12000 mAh / 3.7V
  • Input: 5V / 1.5A
  • Smart Output: 5V / 2.4A (min 50mA)
  • Universal Output: 5V / 4A (min 50mA)
  • Total Output: 5V / 4A
  • Dimensions: 4.4″ x 3.3″ x 1.0″ (111 x 83 x 26mm)
  • Weight: 11 oz. / 300 g

Quality/Usability : Being out on the field with no access to an outlet to charge your phone or tablet can be a pain. Even if you fully charged your items before heading out, there may be times where you're out longer than expected and lack of service, GPS, texting or data usage can cause your battery to drain drastically leaving you high and dry.

There have been times where I used my phone and tablet as a wireless viewfinder or to view images transferred via Eye-Fi and this can drain the battery on your device as well. So I've been looking for a reliable battery pack.

I've seen deals on portable battery packs but they cost like $20 or so but haven't seen many reviews. I don't mind spending a little extra if it has great reviews and does what it's suppose to do. I've been hearing about Anker battery packs and decided to pick up their 2nd Gen Astro3 12000mAh battery pack as well as a Pwr+ AC adapter. The AC adapter is optional but makes charging of the battery pack a lot quicker.


The Astro3 includes the external battery pack, webbed travel bag, micro USB cable and user manual. It's available in black or white.


The Pwr+ AC adapter doesn't come with anything except for the charger. With the AC adapter, it takes about 2 hours to fully charge. With the included USB cable, it can take 5-6 hours.


The Astro3 has nice sleek design with a matte finish. It also has a rubbery feel to it that can withstand bumps and drops. There are no exterior buttons. The front has the Anker logo and near the top are 10 LED power meters form a circle and is hidden behind the black casing.


These 10 LEDs (10% increments) is your battery level indicator. With a slight shake, the LEDs light up to reveal how much battery is left. The more battery you use up, the less LEDs are lit up. When its down to the last bar, it will start to blink informing you that it will need to be recharged.


There are four ports on the Astro3: one Input, one Smart and two Universal. *NOTE: White version has three Smart charging ports.

The difference between the Smart and Universal is that the Smart port detects the type of device connected and provides full-speed charging of up to 5V/2.4A. The two Universal ports charges most devices at up to 1.5A (4A max). When I purchased this, I didn't know that the white had all Smart ports. I'm also not a fan of white devices but in this case, I think I would of made an exception. Why are there two versions? No clue but I hope the black version gets updated to all Smart ports soon.

The Input port is where you would plug the Pwr+ AC adapter or USB cable to charge the Astro3 battery pack. A shake of the battery pack will begin the charging process. Charging with the included USB cable can take up to 9 hours to charge. That is why I opted to purchase the optional Pwr+ AC Adapter because it only takes 2 hours. It's definitely worth picking up. Once it is fully charged, all 10 LED indicators won't be lit.


On a full charge, I was able to charge my Samsung Galaxy S3 and LG G3 almost four times (it's rated to charge Apple iPhones up to six times). I was also able to charge my Apple iPad Mini twice. All charging was done when the devices had less than 5% battery life or a completely drained.

Conclusion : Overall, the Anker 2nd Gen Astro3 12000mAh Portable Charger Backup External Battery Pack is a must have item if you're constantly on the go. Not only is this great for when you're not near an outlet during an event but also great if you're traveling for business or on a family vacation.




Manufacturer: Anker
Site: Buy from Amazon

Pwr+ Rapid Charger AC Adapter
Site: Buy from Amazon


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