Recommendations for phone portable charger/external battery

My phone does not make it a full day when I'm in Vegas. I need one of those portable chargers/external batteries. Otherwise I could purchase a backup battery, but those are still $100 to get an OEM battery with charger. I'd prefer the portable/external kind.

I have read some reviews online, but wanted to get input from my VMB friends. I want a quality one. I have a Galaxy s4, if that matters.

 

I bought this Anker before my last trip and it served me really well.

http://www.amazon.com/Astro-Ultra-Compact-Lipstick-Sized-Technology-Smartphones/dp/B005X1Y7I2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1412606464&sr=8-4&keywords=phone+charger

It is very simple, fully recharges itself in about 4 hours, and uses the same charging Cord as my galaxy s5. I like the cylinder shape because it fits in a pocket better than a long thin one. Functionally, all you have to do is plug the battery into the phone and it starts charging. Adds another full charge or so to my phone, which allows me to go for two days. Good purchase for 20 bucks.

 

I turn off the network when i am not using it. You can still send and receive texts and calls, just need to push the button to reconnect online when you want to search for something.

 

You could go that route if you want. But, I'd look at changing my settings first. Either spend some time with it on your own or go to an expert like an 8 year old child.

 

I picked up a two-pack of batteries for my phone for Galaxy. Try this for just an external battery. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G52MHCG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've purchased cheap chargers off eBay from Hong Kong. They're cheap but they usually work. But a few in case one is defective. They're cheap enough.

 

The first thing I would do is check your phone to see if you can determine what is using up all the power and if there are things you can turn off. My wife also has a Galaxy S4 and we had to do that for hers because it came with a whole bunch of apps preinstalled that run automatically that she never uses.

Other than that, those little chargers that DutchVelvet linked to work fine. Up here the local 7-11s sell them for $10 each but last month they were giving them away free if you bought a $25+ Google Play or Facebook card.

And lastly: if do go back to your hotel room during the day you can put your phone on the charger while you are in the room, and there are a few things to note there that can help:

First, a USB cable will charge faster if it is plugged in to an electrical socket via an adapter than if it is plugged in to a computer or laptop.

Second, if you are plugged in to a laptop make sure the laptop is plugged in. If the laptop is using the battery instead it will limit how much power it sends to the USB ports or may shut the USB ports off entirely (depending on power settings).

And finally: the length of your USB cord actually affects how fast the item charges. A very short 6" USB cable can charge a phone as much as 4-5 times faster than a 2.5' long USB cable can.

 

Thanks for all of the input!

I am always force closing my apps on my phone (hold the button on the front to see what is running and "close all"). I don't have this problem at home, only in Vegas. In some Vegas hotel rooms, I get a terrible signal. Same goes for in certain casinos. Plus photos and such.

I bought a cheap $10 portable charger online, but it didn't work for crap. I am going to go with Dutchvelvet's recommendation except I am going to get one of the Anker chargers that is a bit more powerful. I always have a handbag so the bigger size doesn't matter to me.

I see that the wall charger that came with my phone is only 1.5A, so I am going to look for a 2A or 3A adapter to charge the portable charger faster.

Thanks again!

 

I have a history of phone problems in Vegas...

Funny story... On our May trip, my phone had gone dead by about 9pm. We were playing at the Cosmopolitan (where we were also staying). I tried to turn my phone on one more time and it was dead dead. I was pretty drunk at this point so I just set it down and walked away. It was worthless to me in my drunken stupor. (This is not the only time I've ever done this.....)

Fast forward to the next morning. My husband and I tore up the room looking for my phone. Couldn't find it and didn't remember setting it down, but figured that is what I did. I called downstairs to see if anyone had found it. They had it! YAY!!! I went to pick it up from the security desk and was so grateful. I threw it in my purse and my husband and I went about our day. A few minutes later, I hear a DING in my purse. We look at each other and are like WTF, my phone is way dead. I pull out my phone and it was FULLY CHARGED!!! I don't know if that is common practice for lost phones or not, but we thought that was pretty awesome.

 

If the phone is totally dead it usually is... that way if whoever lost the phone tries to do anything to contact the phone (call it, text it, use a GPS "where is my phone?" service) that will work, or they can try unlocking the phone and checking the contact information to see if there is a number to call (IE: "Home" or a family member).

 

I second Anker products from Amazon...I have their charging case, something like this...
I have one for iPhone....get a minimum of 5000mAh
there were several available, I saw one "slim profile" it was 4200mAh which isnt bad....
makes the phone a little heavier but htn you dont have to lug the charger and cable with you...recharges right in the case in about an hour.
http://www.amazon.com/5600mAh-Extended-T-Mobile-18-Month-Warranty/dp/B00DZAXV6M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412627987&sr=8-1&keywords=galaxy+s4+anker+case

 

I've had the bartenders at Book 'n Stage plug my phone in to charge while I'm playing....you just have to remember to take it with you when you leave.

 

I'll cast another vote for the Anker portable chargers. I have the lipstick one dutchvelvet posted and another larger one by Powergen that can charge my phone several times or iPad a couple of times which I just throw in my bag when traveling. You're lucky since you use a Galaxy you can use the same microUSB cable to charge your phone and the backup chargers. Those of us with iPhones still have to carry both cables. You're on the right track about buying a high-speed charger, especially if you have a tablet as well get something with around 4A and you can charge both devices quickly. I bought a nice compact high-speed travel one from the AT&T store a long time back which I've ended up using as my primary charger for both home and travel because its so fast.

Personally I'm not a fan of the charger cases because of the added size, one of the things I like about my phone is the minimalist form factor so I don't like to ruin that with any case. But since you're a girl if you leave your phone in your bag then that may be an easier option.

 

I bought an EasyAcc 10,000mAh battery last year for my vegas trip and it has found its way into my daily life. It takes about 8 hours to charge from completely dead to full, It charges an iPhone 5 five times before running out, and it has 2 USB ports (2,1 and 1.5). It also has a power button to avoid leaving it on and draining the battery. It shuts off after 5 seconds if nothing is plugged into it. I now charge it up and keep it around the common area of my apartment so anyone can quickly charge their device when in need. I would say I charge it once a week. Best $25 I've ever spent on an electronic accessory,

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H9BEC8E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Here is a review of the Anker chargers that made me decide to buy one after buying 3 cheap chargers.

http://youtu.be/18ZDxJp0HXk?list=UUMkhrrPkmx7xxlolSP9qEsA

 

Im a fan of Mophie products.
http://www.mophie.com

I have always put my IPhones in a Juice Pack case that has the battery backup... it's nice when I travel to just flip the switch, boom... charges it right back up. I also carry one of the small Powerstation blocks, but have rarely had the occasion to use it. They've yet to come out with the Juice Pack case for the IPhone 6 I just got and I must admit, I'm kinda enjoying the slim design. The Juice Pack case adds some bulk and weight. I may forgo the Juice Pack this time and just use the Powerstation when needed. I've also gotten pretty good at plugging the phone into the USB port in my vehicle and rental vehicles when driving around and that's made a HUGE difference for me!!!

 

I brought my Mophie Powerstation with me on this last trip...worked like a CHAMP.

6000 mAh. I paid $60 for it. TOTALLY worth it. I work in the mobile technology field and deal with the aftermath of "cheap" chargers and battery packs on a regular basis. I only let my family and friends use Mophie. I've seen way too many phones with fried charging ports or overinflated batteries to deal with "cheap" stuff when it comes to mobile power.

Sony actually makes a 10,000 mAh Powerstation as well. $100 for that one, but it has 2 USB ports on it.

Whatever decision you make, make sure the output on the charger/battery pack is at LEAST 2.0 amp. Otherwise, you won't even see a charge on your phone.

 

I just keep a spare battery and charger so I can just switch the battery and away you go.

http://www.amazon.com/Onite-2600mAh-Battery-Samsung-Charger/dp/B00B26ZSL2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1412662394&sr=8-4&keywords=s4+battery+and+charger

 

Just remember, those powerpacks are often bigger (read: bigger than your phone) and heavier (close to 3/4-1 pound) than they look in the pictures...be sure to see a picture of it alongside your device, and look at the weight of the device in the description. The lipstick ones are still 3 inches in a lot of cases. and the lipsick ones do not often have the 2amp port or more than 5000mAh.

Granted the power-cases I suggested do add a little bulk to your phone (and I agree with the comment above that I love the thin form factor of my phone when it is "naked") but in LV the last think I wanted was TWO things in my pocket, plus a charging cable....I am a guy, I don't carry a purse. I do have a "day bag" but I dont carry that around LV.

I found my Anker to not be too horrible as for added bulk from the case and met my needs for such a trip.

Anker vs Mophie? read the reviews on Amazon...I got better ways to spend my extra $20...buddy of mine at work got a mophie case the same time I got my Anker case...his sh!t the bed within a month, mine is still fine and I still have $20 more in my pocket. Anker stands by their product with 18mos warrantee too.

If you do go with a power block/station vs case,they do sell a lot of very short cables (I am talking 3 inch or less) way better for this purpose than your typical 3-6ft cable to shove in your purse or pocket.

 

I appreciate all of the help, everyone!

I didn't realize there were so many options out there, but I bought the following 2 items:

Anker® 2nd Gen Astro E4 13000mAh External Battery Portable Dual USB Charger Power Bank
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BQ5KHJW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Anker® 36W Quad-Port USB Wall Charger Travel Power Adapter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EI8SS4U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The sale prices were excellent! Plus, I will have them by Friday with Prime!

 

I have that charger/port in the corded version, it is nice...

the Astro E4 looks nice...it is over 1/2 pound..and bigger than an iPhone 5! not for the pocket for sure, the purse or briefcase maybe...that being said, it is an excellent device, and you will likely get several phone charges out of it. Just remember to plug it in when you get back to your room.