Nitecore NB Air Power Bank Review
The Nitecore NB Air power bank is an ultra-lightweight, portable power bank with a 5000mAh capacity and one USB-C port. The port is for input and output, both.
Official Specs and Features
Here’s a referral link to the Nitecore NB Air power bank product page.
Versions
There’s just one version.
Price
The Nitecore NB Air power bank sells for $39.95 and is available at nitecorestore.com.
What’s Included
- Nitecore NB Air power bank
- Manual
Package and Manual
Build Quality
Much like a previous-generation Nitecore power bank, the NW5000, the Nitecore NB Air power bank uses carbon fiber.
Unlike that other power bank, the NB Air has rounded edges that seem more structurally sound than the squared version.
The rounded edges also make the Nitecore NB Air power bank comfortable to carry.
Size and Comps
Dimensions L-4.41″ x W-1.89″ x H-0.38″
Weight 3.14 oz
Here’s the Nitecore NB Air power bank with two standard-sized flashlights.
It’s a very slim size, with the most important dimension being the 9.7mm of thickness. Everything else is sort of a “fits on your phone” type size.
Below is the Nitecore NB Air power bank with a pen – in this case, the Ti2 Techliner Brass Tiki.
And finally, you can see the Nitecore NB Air power bank compared to another power bank I use a bunch, the NW5000.
Power
The Nitecore NB Air power bank has a built-in 5000mAh LiPO that can charge (input) at 5V or 9V.
Output is 18W max, but can be 5V, 9V, or 12V.
Charging
That LiPO is charged via this USB-C port on the base of the device. There’s just the one port, too, and it’s USB-C. This is an important point. Even if your devices have all adopted USB-C, you’ll need to be sure you want to go USB-C to USB-C.
I would love for a little wireless charging option to be built into the front, for charging Apple Watches and whatever else can charge that way.
Four LEDs describe the current state of charge.
Four constant: 75-100%
Three constant: 50-75%
Two constant: 25-50%
One constant: 10-25%
One flashing: <10%
Above, you can see four LEDs lit in blue. The device is fully charged.
When 9V is available, the Nitecore NB Air power bank will charge at 9V and requires just 1h42 minutes to complete. That’s great!
Output
Below you can see one test of the Nitecore NB Air power bank. Two graphs of the same data, but the first describes a bit of stress testing for output and voltage options, etc. Everything is automatic, so if a device is capable and requests it, the Nitecore NB Air power bank will output 5, 9, or 12V – this is all 18W maximum.
Here’s a duration test – the Nitecore NB Air power bank carries on at around 1.1A and 12V for 45 minutes or so. I then restarted with a lower current and the NB Air ran for another hour or so. This seems like solid output!
User Interface and Operation
You really don’t have to do anything to control the Nitecore NB Air power bank. There’s no switch. Just plug something in and off you go.
Summary and Conclusion
Nitecore seems to make solid and reliable power banks, and the Nitecore NB Air power bank fits that description. 5000mAh is not a HUGE capacity, but it’s certainly enough for an emergency bump on your phone (and it can probably even get your phone to half charge, or so.) The user interface is easy (automatic) and the build quality is great. What’s better is that the price is reasonable!
What I like
- Attachment is very firm
- USB-C port is good for output, too!
- The use of carbon fiber
- Very simple to use
- Price
What I don’t like
- USB-C only
Notes
- This content originally appeared at zeroair.org. Please visit there for the best experience!
- For flashlight-related patches, stickers, and gear, head over to PhotonPhreaks.com!
- Please use my amazon.com referral link to help support zeroair.org!
- Please support me on Patreon! I deeply appreciate your support!