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As part of the discussions relating to the design of a powerbank device, I should imagine that the balance between size, weight, capacity and functionality has a major role to play.  While some users might consider the device’s size and weight to be top of their wish list regarding vital considerations, other might prefer the unit with the largest battery capacity.  Of course the range of functionality on offer can also affect the way a user’s choice of purchase will go and that is without factoring in the actual price tag.  As a result users are presented with a wide range of choice when it comes to selecting the powerbank that suits their needs.

The latest powerbank to arrive for checking is the Survivor.  This product, developed by the hive of activity known as Sandberg, packs a rechargeable battery with a 20100 mAh capacity into a robust IP67-certified shell.  The Survivor powerbank forms part of Sandberg’s Active range of offerings.  The Survivor provides the means to charge two devices simultaneously using the supplied standard-to-micro USB lead and the lead that came with one of the devices being charged.

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Decorated with a series of V-shaped ridges, the Survivor has dimensions of 160 x 90 x 27 mm (H x W x D) and a weight of 470g.  The front of the unit, mainly black in colour with a couple of embellished green ridges, features six silver studs, a power button sandwiches between four LED capacity indicating lights, and a Sandberg logo.  The rear of the Survivor product has eight silver studs plus labels marking 2.4 and 1.2A outputs along with the unit’s input option.  Positioned on the top of the powerbank are a torch lens and an area that turns out to be a removable panel that was initially protecting the two outputs and the single power input option from outside elements.

At first I struggled to remove this protective panel.  The small Quick Guide booklet was of no help in this respect although it does provide a clue that the panel could be removed but not how.  Fortunately, a couple of arrows embellished on the panel give me an indication, I discovered that pressing the arrows inwards helped free the panel from its restraints.

The Survivor does arrive partly charged.  A quick press of the power button will light up one of the LEDS on the front of the unit while a second LED will flash.  Several hours were required to charge the Survivor fully, so that all four of the LEDs were emitting a steady glow.  With a fully charged battery, Sandberg states you should be able to recharge a typical smartphone up to eight times and I was able to confirm this figure using a mixture of Android devices.

As mentioned earlier, the Survivor powerbank has a torch feature that offers a claimed range of 30 metres for illuminating dark areas.  The torch is turned on by two quick presses of the power button.  A further press of the power button will turn the torch’s steady beam into a flashing light.  A third torch mode is available as an SOS flashing sequence is activated by yet another press of the power button.  Another press of the power button will turn off the torch.

This particular powerbank is aimed at the energetic outdoor type who will appreciate its combination of enormous capacity and a casing that is rugged dustproof, shockproof and waterproof.  Made in China, the Sandberg device lives up to its name and is certainly robust enough to withstand the rigours of an energetic outdoor existence as it provides plenty of spare battery capacity, flashlight and signalling features.  This robust and high capacity Survivor Powerbank is priced at £86.99.

https://sandberg.it/en-gb/product/Survivor-Powerbank-20100