The Acefast Fast Charge Power Bank M2 continues to offer the unique design its predecessor had while increasing the unit’s size, battery, and price.
When Acefast introduced the Fast Charge Power Bank M1, it brought a retro feel to a modern form of charging, but the price and lack of ports held it back.
The Acefast Fast Charge Power Bank M2 brings all the positives that the Power Bank M1 has, but at the same time, it doesn’t resolve the issues it has either.
It may have even added one.
Acefast Fast Charge Power Bank M2 design
The Acefast Fast Charge Power Bank M2’s design is very similar to the Power Bank M1 by offering a build constructed from a flame-retardant polycarbonate (PC). One that smooths the power bank to the touch and crystalizes to the eyes.
At 129mm by 74mm by 31mm (5.07by2.91 by 1.22 inches) in size, the Power Bank M2 is 35% smaller than an iPhone 14 Pro Max — though that is not including width, where it can be compared to two iPhones stacked on top of one another. It weighs 373 grams (13.1 ounces), 153 grams heavier than the Power Bank M1.
On the front is the same 1.5-inch LED screen that displays the current battery percentage, and it is still set behind a transparent plastic that gives a peek into the placement of the internal components of the battery pack. The retro feel from the Power Bank M1 returns with this design.
The only difference with the display from the Power Bank M1 is that the chip inside says 20,000 mAh instead of 10,000 mAh, regarding the battery size.
It still offers a USB-C and USB-A port on the top and a power button on the right side to turn the Power Bank M2 on and off. While a power button may seem inconvenient, it helps preserve the battery when not using the charger.
Both USB ports can output power, but only the USB-C port can input the ability to charge the Power Bank M2.
With all these details, the portable charger still complies with airline safety standards. It is recommended not to drop the Power Bank M2 and keep it out of high and humid temperatures.
Charging the Acefast Fast Charge Power Bank M2
Built inside is a 20,000 mAh battery, which doubles the size of its predecessor, and it can charge at a max rate of 30W. Charge protection is still included, incorporating NTC — Negative Temperature Coefficient — temperature protection.
NTC thermistors are resistors with a negative temperature coefficient, meaning the resistance decreases when the temperature increases. The primary job of these is to be used as resistive temperature sensors and current-limiting devices.
At 20,000 mAh, the power bank should fully charge your iPhone four times, but that depends on your iPhone model. This statistic is based on an iPhone 14.
You can charge the Acefast Fast Charge Power Bank M2 through the USB-C port on the top, which charges at up to 30 watts at most. A USB-C to USB-C cord is included in the box to charge other devices and the portable charger itself.
Like with the Power Bank M1, while the Power Bank M2 is charging, the LED screen will blink the digital number inside. That number will also increase with each percentage of charge added to the battery.
Charging other devices with the Power Bank M2
The Acefast Fast Charge Power Bank M2 offers the same charging speeds as its predecessor, with the USB-C port outputting 30W and the USB-A port outputting 22.5W. If you charge two devices simultaneously while using both ports, the speed rate will fall to 15W.
It isn’t delightful to see that the charging speeds have stayed the same, especially since the body and price have become more prominent and bulkier.
During our tests — where we used an iPhone 13 Pro Max — the battery started at 1%, and we charged it through the USB-C port. After 30 minutes of being plugged into the Power Bank M2, the iPhone was charged 58%, and after 1 hour, the iPhone was at 83%.
Just like when charging the power bank, the digital numbers will blink while decreasing in percentage due to the battery in the charger going toward your device.
With the Power Bank M2 able to charge at up to 30W, it offers fast charging through the USB-C port.
The difference from the Power Bank M1 is that a green charging icon will appear when fast charging through the USB-C port. This icon will not appear when recharging the Power Bank M2 or charging devices through the USB-A port.
Consistent ups, more downs
Just like with the previous version, the Acefast Fast Charge Power Bank M2 offers a charging experience that is smooth and easy to understand, compacted in a design that is beautiful to hold and look at while using it.
It still brings the retro feel by getting a glimpse inside the charger and seeing the internals, and the placement of the ports is efficient and not obstructive of one another. The LED screen is still an excellent addition to knowing the current battery in the charger.
With all that being said, the downsides that the Power Bank M1 had are still apparent in this version of the portable charger.
The number of ports is still the same, and with a bigger battery, the charger should be able to handle another port or two. Also, while USB-A can still be seen as efficient, it is being phased out, and two USB-C ports would be more beneficial to get two ways of fast charging.
While the design is still beautiful, it has become bulkier with the double-in-size battery that it includes. This slightly lessens the Power Bank M2’s portability, and while it won’t weigh down your bag, it is still pretty hefty.
Whether this portable charger will be carried around and used frequently is still in the air. While it still meets all the charging expectations, this version from Acefast’s Power Bank M-series has become heavier and bulkier while still having the same worries.
The fear of throwing the Power Bank M2 in a bag and getting scratched is still apparent, and this charger will still be used more for aesthetic purposes than charging.
If you like the design and want a large-capacity portable charger, then the Power Bank M2 might be the right fit for you, but if you like the design and want something smaller and cheaper, check out the Power Bank M1.
Still, if you are looking for a suitable battery pack, note that there are multiple other power banks out there that offer more ports and battery capacity that you can easily find for cheaper.
Acefast Fast Charge Power Bank M2 – Pros
- Beautiful design
- USB-C input and output charging
- Readable battery percentage screen
- Unique interior design
- Big battery
- Fast charging
Acefast Fast Charge Power Bank M2 – Cons
- Bulky
- Only two charging ports
- High price
Rating: 3 out of 5
Where to purchase the Acefast Fast Charge Power Bank M2
You can purchase the Acefast Fast Charge Power Bank M2 from its website for $59. It comes in cherry blossom, mica grey, mountain mist, and purple alfalfa.
This story originally appeared on Appleinsider