CONCLUSION
Although after 7 days of testing the LAVA CHARGER we can say with certainty that Xtorm has designed and manufactured a solid solar charged power bank not all is perfect. So while on one hand the build quality, size, design and available connectors are things we really liked a lot on the other the capacity still seems as too low especially since even after 4 charge cycles the device could just recharge the NOKIA Lumia 520 twice and some more. To be precise after testing the LAVA CHARGER with various smartphones and tablets we found that the actually battery capacity is at around 3000mAh and not 4000mAh (expected really since no PowerBank offers the exact amount advertised). However after fully charging the device using the solar panels we do see where Xtorm is coming from since it took roughly 7 hours under strong sunlight to recharge the LAVA CHARGER so one can imaging just how long it would take to charge a battery with twice as much juice or more.
Currently you can find the LAVA CHARGER by Xtorm for 79Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) but much like many other EU based manufacturers Xtorm doesn't sell their products in the USA (at least not until the time of this review). Overall largely thanks to its quality, design, size and available connectors (including the hardwired ones) the LAVA CHARGER is a very good solar and USB powered PowerBank even though its somewhat low battery capacity may not appeal to everyone out there. Personally i too think that's the main problem with the LAVA CHARGER which is why it walks with our Golden Award.
PROS
- Build Quality
- Design
- Size
- Solar & USB Powered
- LCD Screen
- Hardwired Connectors
- Bundled Connectors
CONS
- Availability Outside Of the EU
- Battery Capacity