INTRODUCTION

   When I first started testing/reviewing powerbanks roughly a decade ago due to their small battery capacities their usage was limited to just providing extra juice for smartphones in case of emergencies. Through the years however higher battery capacity models were introduced into the market and so today there are powerbank models which can be used to recharge pretty much every portable/mobile device available including headsets, speakers, tablets and even laptops (some can even be used to jump start cars). Battery capacity of course has never been the only decisive factor when picking the right powerbank model and so several features like multiple outputs, rugged enclosures, solar battery charging, electrical protections, LED torches and support for new charging technologies like Quick Charge and Fast Charge are also very popular among consumers. Today's review is about a somewhat unique powerbank, the X6 Portable Charger & Hub by Zendure.

   Zendure USA Inc. was founded in 2013 by Tom Haflinger and Bryan Liu. Our mission is to deliver top-quality consumer electronics that exceed consumer expectations using high-end materials, premiere product development partners and user-centric design. Zendure’s first product was the A-Series External Battery, which was supported by over two thousand people in the one-month Kickstarter campaign, making it one of the most successful external batteries projects. For more information please visit www.zendure.com.

   The X6 Portable Charger & Hub (currently available in three different colors - black, white and limited edition white) is based around an massive 20.100mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack (although no brand name is given these cells are premium grade according to Zendure) and features an aluminum housing, 5 USB outputs (USB-C 5-20V 45W, Quick Charge 3.0 5V-6V/3A 18W, 6-9V/2A, 9-12V/1.5A, 5V/2.4A 12W), LED display, X-charge mode (ideal for low-power devices like hear monitors and wireless earphones), USB 2.0 hub mode (while using the X6 to recharge your USB-C laptop you can attach and access USB devices onto its two USB-A ports), UPS mode (can be used to provide uninterrupted power to compatible devices) and an array of electrical protections against short circuits, power surges, overheating and overcharging. So, is this the powerbank to get if you require lots of electrical juice on the go? Let's check it out and see.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The X6 arrived inside a white box that has a large product picture at the front right under the company logo and battery capacity and above its main features.

The contents of the bundle are showcased on the left side.

Another product picture is placed at the rear of the box along with a list of compatible devices, the product specifications and several serial/part numbers and barcodes.

The front of the box opens up like a book to reveal a product picture on one side and the product itself on the other.

Contained inside the box are the X6 Portable Charger & Hub, USB charging cable (USB-C/micro USB), carrying/storage pouch, several stickers, product catalogue and a quick start guide.

THE X6

The X6 is a somewhat large powerbank that weighs 411g and measures 119mm in length, 70mm in width and 42mm in height.

To have a better understanding about its size we placed the X6 right next to the AL420 9000mAh model by Xtorm and the PL3 10400mAh and PL2 6000mAh models by Luxa2.

A small button placed at the top can be used to check the battery status, start charging and switch between the X and H modes.

Zendure of course has placed their logo at the top.

At the front we find the LED battery percentage/mode status indicator (placed at the center), USB-C input/output and 4 colored USB outputs (the green USB port is QC 3.0 compatible).

As with past reviews we'll be using two ways to test the powerbank at hand, via two USB testers connected with completely empty powerbanks and with several portable devices.

CONCLUSION

   If I’m to be honest we didn't plan on doing more powerbank reviews in 2019 but just like several times in the past this review is actually thanks to some of you who brought both the X6 and Zendure as a whole to our attention. That being said since the X6 is the very first product to ever arrive in our lab by Zendure we had no idea of what to expect but after testing it for a total of 22 days by using both USB testers and several portable devices (smartphones, music players, earphones and tablets) we are very pleased by its performance. We were of course unable to squeeze all 20100mAh from the X6 during our tests but we did manage to get between 14-15000mAh and although once again this is not even close to the advertised battery capacity there are many variables that amount to that (most importantly due to conversion from the 3.7V of the battery pack to the V supplied by the USB ports - so that number depends largely on the V used to charge a device). Zendure also did a very good job in terms of build quality since the enclosure is a beast and yes it may not be small enough to fit in your jeans but that's a very small drawback. As for the X and H modes we did end up spending a bit of time using those as well and we didn't come across any issues, still these are most likely features that not many of you will end up using (the USB hub feature especially). Unfortunately, we were unable to properly test the UPS passthrough feature of the X6 with the devices/equipment we have here currently but this is actually a very basic function of this powerbank so we have no reason to dispute what Zendure states on their website and product box.

   The X6 Portable Charger & Hub by Zendure currently retails for USD119.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 112Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk - the white version retails for 100Eur) thus it's not as affordable as many other similar products including some by Zendure with even higher battery capacities. This of course is directly tied not only to the many unique features of the X6 but also its power output which amounts to 45W and is at least 50% over what is offered by most similar products. Overall, we have to admit that the X6 may be somewhat overkill for most consumers but if you can use its extra features and of course use the extra battery capacity, we strongly recommend checking it out which is also why it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality (Premium Grade Battery Cells / Thick Aluminum Enclosure)
- High Capacity (20.100mAh)
- 5 Output Ports (4xUSB / 1xUSB Type C)
- Available Protections (Short Circuit / Power Surge / Overcharge / Overheat)
- Quick Charge 3 Support / 45W Max Output
- Hub / X Charge / UPS Modes
- LED Status / Mode Indicator
- Available Colors

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Overall Size (Still Compact for Its Battery Capacity)