A power bank is a lithium battery plus a circuit that converts and regulates its voltage to charge your devices safely. Understanding the core technology makes it far easier to compare models and see through inflated spec sheets.
Capacity: mAh vs Wh vs real output
Capacity is quoted in milliamp-hours (mAh) at the cell's 3.7V, but your phone charges at 5V or higher, so the bank must step the voltage up — losing energy as heat. The honest measure is watt-hours (Wh): a 20,000mAh bank is about 74Wh, of which roughly 60–70% actually reaches your device. That's why a 10,000mAh bank realistically delivers around 6,000–7,000mAh.
Fast-charging standards (PD, PPS, QC)
USB Power Delivery (PD) over USB-C is the universal fast-charging standard for phones, tablets and laptops. PPS is a PD extension that fine-tunes voltage for the fastest charging on Samsung and Pixel phones. Quick Charge (QC) is Qualcomm's older USB-A standard. A bank's wattage (18W, 33W, 100W) tells you how fast it can push power — and how demanding a device it can charge.
Wireless & MagSafe
Magnetic banks use a ring of magnets to align to the back of an iPhone and charge via Qi wireless. It's cable-free and convenient, but wireless transfer is inherently slower and warmer than a cable, typically topping out around 15W.
Cells, GaN & safety
Most quality banks use lithium-polymer cells, which are safer and age more gracefully than older lithium-ion packs. Gallium-nitride (GaN) internals run cooler and smaller, enabling 100W output in a pocket-sized body. Multi-layer protection circuits guard against overcharge, over-current, short circuit and overheating.