MobileTechTalk Here at MobileTechTalk, we like Tylt products. They are well designed, come in some great packaging, and usually deliver exactly what is required. Our latest product from Tylt is the 6K Smart Charger which, as you might guess, is a 6000 mAh battery – with a couple of tricks up its sleeve. This is our full review of the Tylt Energi 6K Smart Charger.
Firstly, a huge thanks to Tylt for sending this product over for review. For more powerbanks, chargers, bluetooth speakers and more mobile peripherals, take a look at their website, here.
Unboxing & Overview
Unboxing Tylt products is great. Where most companies have a specific design aesthetic for their products, Tylt has one also for their packaging. All products come wrapped in coloured plastic wraps with minimal plastic packaging with the relevant call outs and technical specifications on them.
The Tylt Energi 6K Smart Charger is no different.
In the box is the squared 6000 mAh battery itself with a soft rubberised plastic finish. On the device is some Tylt branding as well as a charge available/status LED. On the back side is the integrated lightning cable, something Tylt are known for on their battery chargers, as well as a USB port for charging other devices.
Finally, on the back side is integrated plug for US households.
In the box comes both a UK and EU adapter which snaps on to the existing US prongs to enable the device to be plugged in and charged.
Finally, there is some included literature relating to warranty and a user guide that you probably won’t need!
The device is quite light, and as mentioned earlier that soft touch finish is just lovely. Grippy, and premium feeling. Not required for a travel item granted, but it’s a nice touch and I appreciated it.
Performance & Use
So let’s start with the major difference to other chargers. Most similar devices, if you’ve used them before, charge from a USB or lightning cable (as in this device) and are also charged via an external charger via USB. This device is plugged in directly to the wall outlets to charge. Is this better, or worse. It delivers less flexibility when on the go…you have to find an outlet and plug it in; however equally it does charge quickly from an AC outlet, “so you pays your money, you takes your choice” so to speak.
That aside, this device is stated to deliver 2.4 amps combined from its ports (lightning and USB port). When both outlets are in use at once, this is throttled, however we managed to hit 2 amps when charging a tablet which is more than acceptable.
The mechanism by which the adapters connect to the device enabled it to be charged from the wall, is slick. I liked the fact that both UK and EU adapters were included; a nice touch. It’s in keeping with the target audience for this device. Those that travel and want something portable to be able to take out with them on a trip and keep their devices charged want something flexible. Tylt has this covered with the interchangeable adapters, but again, as I previously mentioned, not with the charging methods. The ability to charge the device by “a.n.other” USB device would have been handy.
The integrated lightning cable could be a little longer but it clips neatly back into place when not in use which perhaps suggests its sizing is about correct for the size of the device.
The LED indicator is a little difficult to see, with only the tip illuminating to give you an understanding of its remaining charge. I’d have liked to have seen a multiple LED status indicator, or at the very least, the entire button being the indicator. As it is, at least it does give accurate indications.
In testing I managed to completely recharge my LG G Flex 2 smartphone whilst managing to take my Oneplus One to 50%. This indicates a good energy loss ratio which, whilst not the full 6000 mAh, is still quite close. Charging was speedy enough with the phone utilising 1.5 amps when charging. The device itself takes a little longer to charge however taking around 2.5-3 hours to charge fully.
Conclusion
The device does what it says on the tin. It charges via AC wall outlets using the included interchangeable sockets. It charges iOS devices via the lightning cable, and also delivers USB port charging to other devices (Android devices and bluetooth speakers for example) as long as you have a spare USB cable which, let’s face it, who doesn’t nowadays. IT does have an LED notification light, but it’s not the best; but fit for use for sure.
There is one glaring issue I haven’t even mentioned yet however. The price. Coming in at a whopping £62.71 (at time of writing) with a usual RRP of £69.99, this is one expensive 6000 mAh battery pack. As mAh per Pound Sterling go, this is one of the more expensive out there. You’re paying for great design, compact footprint and the brand. Sadly, brand loyalty doesn’t mean as much as it used to and those looking for a battery pack that’s portable could get something similar for around a third/a quarter of the price. It’s also worth noting that if you don’t need the lightning cable, there is a USB-only version for around £10 cheaper.
The product isn’t bad, let’s clarify. It’s very good. It just isn’t £62.71 worth of very good. If you absolutely must have an integrated battery pack/AC adapter setup, then this is one of the best you’ll get. If you are happy to carry around an additional AC adapter which you can charge your battery pack with, then there are cheaper and just as efficient alternatives.
Sadly, this product has been let down by price alone. You can’t fault the design or the performance.
Tylt Energi 6K Smart Charger
£62.71
Pros
- Integrated lightning cable
- Integrated AC outlet
- Great design and feel
Cons
- Limited to charging 2 devices
- Lightning cable might be too short for some
- Price is very steep
- No USB cable included
