battery case vs. external battery pack

[joy_ng]

I recently cancelled my cellular data package in lieu of using my phone as a hotspot because I wasn't really using the cellular data. I am concerned about running down my battery at the times when my phone isn't plugged into my macbook.

For those who like to have battery backup, which option do you opt for, battery case or extra battery pack?

 

[JT2002TJ]

Personally, I would do battery case first, then if more needed carry a backup battery charger. The reason is, if you do not need more than the case, why carry an extra item when you do not need it. If you go on a trip, then carry both.

 

[jayrflow]

I usually just carry one of those Lipstick size Anker batteries and a retractable Lightning cable. I've had some bad experiences with battery cases where one good drop and it was either my screen shattered or the battery in the case stopped functioning

 

[FazeRN]

I prefer battery cases, I hate lugging around another battery pack, just another thing to lose somewhere. There are already a great selection at power-cases.com

 

[Paco II]

Much prefer battery pack. Can be used with other devices if needed and is future proof. Phone specific battery packs just add to our planets growing trash heaps.

 

[JT2002TJ]

Much prefer battery pack. Can be used with other devices if needed and is future proof. Phone specific battery packs just add to our planets growing trash heaps.

You know you can donate your battery covers to whoever receives your phone right? It doesn't have to be wasted.

I do see a place for an external battery pack, especially when traveling, but do you really want to carry one around everyday just in case? I would find myself leaving it home, making it useless until I travel.

 

[FazeRN]

You know you can donate your battery covers to whoever receives your phone right? It doesn't have to be wasted.

I do see a place for an external battery pack, especially when traveling, but do you really want to carry one around everyday just in case? I would find myself leaving it home, making it useless until I travel.

Great point or you can resell it. I feel like my battery cases last longer and that my power bank gets lost or stolen.

 

[GalFieri]

I prefer an external battery pack because of the flexibility of it. It's nice to just leave it in my bag for whenever I need it. I could use my battery pack to charge my iPad or even my friends' phones when they need it.

Yeah, you could donate/sell the battery case to whoever receives/purchases the old phone, but they're also a lot more expensive and less versatile. Plus I get to keep a thinner case and don't have to constantly swap my case all the time if I need the extra juice.

 

[AlliFlowers]

Most of the battery cases are bulky and ugly. You don't need them all the time, just when you're low on juice. So use the case you like and carry a battery. Even the mega ones are the size of the phone.

 

[Paco II]

A big difference between what can be done, and what we know is happening in the world. These battery cases are a short lived product that are ending up in the trash.

You know you can donate your battery covers to whoever receives your phone right? It doesn't have to be wasted.

I do see a place for an external battery pack, especially when traveling, but do you really want to carry one around everyday just in case? I would find myself leaving it home, making it useless until I travel.

 

[Bromeo]

An external battery pack can be handy, but they, too, degrade. There's probably not much difference between a battery case and an extra battery (if the iPhone had a swappable battery like some of the older Samsung phones)... maybe a bit of extra plastic/silicone to make it into a case. In the end, it's still just a battery pack.

On the other hand, if the battery case makes the phone last longer, that is a net gain.

Aside from my Apple Smart Battery Case on my iPhone 6S, I also have a BioLite LED lantern/flashlight/battery... very handy around the house (and campsite), but not something I take with me everywhere. It will recharge my iPad in a pinch and is standard USB output. It has a couple of 18650 LiIon cells in it, which could conceivably be replaced if necessary.

 

[Pedro12]

I prefer separate battery pack, because iPhone in battery case is too big for me, and case I have to carry even if I don't need it.