PowerSkin Pop'n 3 Video Review: An Attachable Battery Pack for iPhones

[MacRumors]

There are a lot of battery cases and external battery packs available for Apple's iPhone, but PowerSkin's newest offering, the Pop'n 3, is a fairly unique solution that offers the versatility of an external battery pack with the convenience of a battery case.

It's an external battery pack much like the Mophie Powerstation Plus, but it has a suction cup system that allows it to stick to the back of the iPhone, which means the iPhone can still be used as normal for the most part while charging is taking place.

We went hands-on with the PowerSkin Pop'n 3 battery pack and we thought the suction cup system was a handy feature. The suction cups themselves were a bit weak, but an added sticky pad in the middle of the battery pack assures that it sticks firmly to the iPhone.

We also liked the built-in Lightning cable that's just the right length for charging, and the LED indicator that let us know how much charge was left. The Pop'n 3 works best with an iPhone with no case, but it'll also stick to flat, smooth cases.

The Pop'n 3 battery pack has a 4,000 mAh battery inside, which is enough to charge the iPhone 6's 1,810 mAh battery to full twice over, and enough to give the iPhone 6 Plus with its 2,915 mAh battery 1.5 charges. It's only suitable for the iPhone, though -- it won't be enough to fully charge the 7,340 mAh battery of the iPad Air 2.

Like most battery packs, the Pop'n 3 charges via micro-USB. Compared to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, the Pop'n 3 is not quite as wide, allowing it to fit comfortably on the back of the phones. It's 2.36 inches wide, 4.41 inches tall, .49 inches thick, and it weighs 3.81 ounces. That's just over half the weight of the iPhone 6 Plus, so it's quite pocketable.

Compared to several other battery packs on the market, the Pop'n 3 is a bit less impressive when it comes to capacity, but its unique portability and its price point make up for the lack of juice.

The PowerSkin Pop'n 3 comes in three colors to match each of the iPhones and can be purchased from the PowerSkin website for $49.99.

Article Link: PowerSkin Pop'n 3 Video Review: An Attachable Battery Pack for iPhones

 

[Jakewilk]

I would never buy this; my phone can stand not being used for thirty minutes while it charges

 

[patrickcwelsh]

I've been trying to decide if I want to get a backup battery for a while now. I wouldn't use it often (only on trips, etc) so I would want something with a lower price-point, and I wouldn't need it to attach too firmly (i.e. Mophie Juice Pack), so this might be a pretty good option. I'd get about two charges out of it for my iPhone 6, and it wouldn't be that bulky in my pocket or in the car. Combined with the phone, it looks thinner than my wallet.

Anyone have any personal experience with this yet?

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

My wife's work phone is an iPhone 5S, so I got her the Pop'n 1 when PowerSkin was giving it away for 1 cent last November for a Cyber Monday promotion. She uses it all the time, but it requires a case that leaves the bottom of the phone exposed, as it has a unique charging connector. Although the Pop'n 3 has a different style connector, I strongly suggest making sure that it'll fit through the opening of your case, if you're using one.

 

[baryon]

I think you're meant to stick it to the screen, not the back! Suction cups work best on glass.

 

[patrickcwelsh]

My wife's work phone is an iPhone 5S, so I got her the Pop'n 1 when PowerSkin was giving it away for 1 cent last November for a Cyber Monday promotion. She uses it all the time, but it requires a case that leaves the bottom of the phone exposed, as it has a unique charging connector. Although the Pop'n 3 has a different style connector, I strongly suggest making sure that it'll fit through the opening of your case, if you're using one.

Thanks for the advice. I'm currently case-free (and loving it), so that shouldn't be an issue. I'm more concerned with performance, durability, etc.

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

Thanks for the advice. I'm currently case-free (and loving it), so that shouldn't be an issue. I'm more concerned with performance, durability, etc.

While I can't speak about the Pop'n 3 (I don't own one), the Pop'n 1 is definitely a high quality, well-built device, right down to the packaging. I don't expect this one to be any different.

 

[patrickcwelsh]

While I can't speak about the Pop'n 3 (I don't own one), the Pop'n 1 is definitely a high quality, well-built device, right down to the packaging. I don't expect this one to be any different.

Awesome, thanks for that. I hate ordering something and immediately feeling like I've over-paid before even turning it on.

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

Awesome, thanks for that. I hate ordering something and immediately feeling like I've over-paid before even turning it on.

It's worth the $50. Then again, I just spent $100 on a Mophie case, so there's that!

 

[jmh600cbr]

i got a "lipstick" charger from amazon for 16.99 including shipping, it has similar capacity, is less obtrusive and does the trick for under half the price. These batteries need to be cheaper

 

[thegrants82]

Not the dumbest thing that I have ever saw but its in the top 10.

 

[patent10021]

I would never buy this; my phone can stand not being used for thirty minutes while it charges

lol that's why I got a 6+. Lasts all day unless I'm just watching videos for 12 hours which is never.

 

[Kissaragi]

I like the concept but the execution is kind of clumsy.

 

[kreilly]

I don't understand why manufactures like apple keep making products thinner and thinner when customers clearly want longer battery life. Just think how much more battery life these products would have if they were 50-100 percent thicker!!!

 

[nick42983]

I think you're meant to stick it to the screen, not the back! Suction cups work best on glass.

Defeats the purpose of using it while it's charging

I see no need for these things. It's an extra piece of crap to carry around that'll end up in a landfill. I think people who would need this should check their priorities and not stare at a screen all day. Plug it in if you have to.

 

[AppDiggity]

This thing is pretty gigantic comparatively. I can't see many people buying into it.