Sleek power bank is your iPhone’s backup battery [Review]

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Torras Ostand Power Bank attached to iPhone 13 Pro★★★★
Torras Ostand Power Bank serves as a stand and wireless charger for iPhone.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

The compact and slim Torras Ostand Power Bank is a second battery for your iPhone, providing 15-watt fast charging whenever and wherever you need it. It also serves as an iPhone stand and can charge other devices, like iPad, too.

Torras sent me a 5000mAh Ostand Power Bank to try. And it did not disappoint. Doing exactly what it claims to do, the device offers good value — especially while it’s discounted for the Amazon Big Spring Sale (see below).

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Torras Ostand Power Bank (5000mAh)

Torras Ostand Power Bank is a wireless magnetic charger designed primarily for iPhones, although it can also be used with other devices. Its high capacity, sleek design and solid features make it a good choice for anyone who needs some extra juice whenever and wherever you can’t find a power outlet.

The bank sports a clean, functional design. Torras sent me a white one, though it appears to be available on the company’s website and at Amazon in black.

As always, the first thing I did was charge the device via its USB-C cable. LED indicator lights clearly showed it was about half full out of the box, so I simply waited for all four lights to shine, indicating full capacity at 5000 milliamp hours (mAh). The device comes in 5000mAh and 10000mAh versions.

Small but potent power bank

Torras Ostand Power Bank next to iPhone 13 Pro-2
The power bank is small and light enough to slip in a pocket.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Despite its solid power capacity, the Ostand Power Bank is surprisingly compact and lightweight, and only 11mm thick and 4.6 ounces in weight. It is slightly wider than an iPhone but not as heavy, making it easy to carry around.

You can even slip it in a pocket. However, when it’s magnetically attached to my iPhone, I find the pair a little thick for a pants pocket (but fine for a coat pocket or a knapsack’s small pocket).

And yet the device’s compact design does not compromise its capacity. At 5000mAh, it can provide multiple charges to devices like my iPhone 13 Pro, and it does so at a fast-charging MagSafe rate of 15W (not the 7.5W many third-party chargers provide).

Useful kickstand

iPhone 13 Pro on Torras Ostand stand_power bank in Standby Mode
Charging on the power bank in landscape orientation, iPhone goes into Standby Mode.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

One of the standout features of the Ostand Power Bank is its built-in, 360-degree rotatable kickstand. You can use it to turn the power bank into a stand for iPhone, which helps for watching videos or making FaceTime calls.

The adjustable kickstand held my iPhone 13 Pro at any angle I wanted. The ring-shaped kickstand can also act as a grip when attached magnetically to an iPhone. The way it rotates all the way around makes it more adjustable, helping when I needed just the right angle with my handset in either portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) mode.

In landscape mode, iPhone switches to Standby Mode and whatever widgets, photos and clock settings you’ve set for it.

Magnetic charging means no cables (but it also does wired charging)

Another highlight of the Ostand Power Bank is its magnetic charging capability. Neodymium magnets firmly attach the device to the back of my iPhone in its leather MagSafe case. As soon as the handset snaps in place, charging commences. Ostand took my iPhone from 33% capacity to 50% in 20 minutes and up to 80% in one hour. Had it been running on empty with no charger in site, the power bank would have been a godsend.

And at no time did I think the power bank might pop off the back of my iPhone. Torras said the Halbacy magnets’ 12N force is rated to hold a weight of 1.2kg (about 2.65 pounds, heavier than any iPhone).

Torras Ostand Power Bank charging iPad Air 5
Using a USB-C cable, I used the power bank to charge my iPad Air 5.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

In addition to magnetic charging for iPhone and other smartphones, I found I could plug my iPad Air (5th generation) into the power bank’s USB-C port for charging via cable. It took my tablet from 30% capacity to 52% capacity in 20 minutes, but that seemed to take about half the bank’s power reserve. And it warmed up, but it didn’t become hot to the touch.

You can plug in any device that charges via USB-C to the Ostand bank, though of course bigger devices will drain its battery faster.

Safety features

Torras said it goes to great lengths to ensure Ostand Power Bank is safe to use. Its premium battery pack and a high-quality chip extend its lifespan. It also includes a temperature control system and protection against overcharges and short circuits. Graphene provides heat dissipation.

Considering its high capacity, advanced features and sleek design, the Ostand Power Bank offers excellent value. I’ve seen plenty of chunkier, heavier 5000mAh power banks. I’d rather have this one.

Get a discount on Torras Ostand Power Bank

Note that the Torras Ostand Power Bank nets a 4.4 star rating on Amazon, with 86% of reviews giving it either 4 or 5 stars. And right now it’s part of the Amazon Big Spring Sale, priced at $59.99 $49.99 (17% off).

Where to buy: Torras or Amazon

Torras provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out other in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.

★★★★

Torras Ostand Power Bank (5000mAh)
$59.99

This slim and compact 5000mAh power bank and MagSafe portable charger features a 360-degree rotating stand for iPhone 15/15 Pro/15 Pro Max/14/13/12, Samsung smartphones and more.

Buy now
04/27/2024 04:43 am GMT

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