Zendure SuperMini Lightning review: USB-C and lightning ports

Having one of the best portable battery packs on hand while traveling or on the move is helpful. Especially, if travel days or commutes involve long hours with limited access to power. Cue the Zendure SuperMini Lightning. I've been using this compact external battery for the past few weeks, and it's proven itself to be handy on several occasions. It's compatible with iPhone series 8 through iPhone series 12 and most Android devices. It also works well with Apple AirPods, AirPods Pro, Apple Watch, and portable speakers. It features a USB-C input and output port, as well as a lightning input port to charge all compatible, low-power devices while you're on the go.

Zendure SuperMini Lightning review: Price and availability

Zendure SuperMini Lightning is currently available on Amazon for $60 and Zendure's website for $35. This product includes an external battery and a USB-C to USB-C cable, but does not include a USB-C to lightning cable, or a wall charger. Both of these items are available on the Zendure site for an additional cost, or you can purchase them on Amazon.

Zendure SuperMini Lightning review: USB-C + lightning port, compact, powerful

Zendure SuperMini Lightning includes a 20W USB-C input and output port, as well as a 12W lightning input. It comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging the external battery itself, as well as compatible devices. The lightning input enables you to recharge your SuperMini as well as your phone with the same cable. This is great for those that don't like carrying multiple cables around with them.

This little external battery is compact. It measures 3.1-by-2.2-by-1 inches and weighs 6.35 ounces. It easily fits in my small purse and the front pouch of my backpack. It's lightweight nature and credit card surface size make it an easily packable traveling companion. I like that it only comes in this bright green color (pictured). The color makes it highly visible and hard to lose amongst the sea of my other electronics and cables.

Zendure SuperMini packs a powerful punch for its small size. It has a charge capacity of 10,000mAh, with enough juice to charge Apple's iPhone 12 up to 2.1 times, and enough power to charge an iPhone up to 60% in 30 minutes. The lightning input can accept up to 12W of power, so the portable battery can be recharged in about five hours. Alternatively, the 20W USB-C port can charge the battery in about three hours, which is the method I typically go with.

I've used Zendure SuperMini Lightning to charge my iPhone 8, Apple AirPods Pro, JBL Flip 5, and even my MacBook Pro. If the battery pack is fully charged, I can get my iPhone, JBL Flip 5, and my AirPods Pro from 0-100% in an hour. The SuperMini is designed to charge low-power devices, but it's saved me on more than one occasion by giving my laptop some much needed juice. Charging my laptop with this external battery is a slower process, but it can extend your computer's battery life by a few hours, which is useful nevertheless.

This little battery pack looks and feels durable. It comes with a two-year warranty which is twice as long as the typical one year. Its high-quality construction feels much sturdier than other external packs I've used.

Zendure SuperMini Lightning review: No USB-C to lightning included, bulky

The Zendure SuperMini Lightning includes a USB-C to USB-C cable, but it's annoying that it doesn't include a USB-to-Lightning cable, which is necessary if you want to charge accessories like your iPhone, AirPods, AirPods Pro, or Apple Watch. Zendure does sell USB-C-to-Lightning cables on their website, but I ordered mine from Amazon for much less. It also doesn't include a wall charger, which is typical for electronics, but keep in mind that most wall chargers are typically USB-A to USB-C or USB-A to lightning. This battery pack requires a USB-C to lightning cable.

Additionally, even though this charger is credit card size on the surface, it's much larger in girth. This is to be expected considering how powerful it is, but keep in mind that it's about an inch thick.

Zendure SuperMini Lightning review: Competition

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack is a battery pack that can magnetically latch directly on your iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro, or be used as an external battery with lightning input. It can extend your phone's battery life for a few more hours, but it's not great for quick charging like the Zendure SuperMini. It's more expensive than the Zendure SuperMini Lightning, less powerful, and less encompassing.

OtterBox Fast Charge Power Bank and Lighting to USB-C cable

The OtterBox Fast Charge Standard Power Bank comes in three capacities to suit your needs: 10,000mAh, 15,000mAh, or 20,000mAh. Like the Zendure SuperMini, there are four LED lights to indicate charging status and battery life, as well as a button to power on and off. It's capable of charging up to two devices at once, and both are capable of 18W fast charge output.

Zendure SuperMini Lightning review: Should you buy it?

• You want an affordable, portable external battery pack
• You want USB-C and lightning ports
• You're looking for something quick charging

• You want all necessary accessories included
• You're looking for a slim external battery

You should buy the Zendure SuperMini Lightning if you want an affordable, durable, external battery pack. It has a USB-C input and output port that quick charges at 20W, and a lightning input that recharges the device at 12W. You shouldn't buy this if you want all the necessary accessories included. You must purchase a USB-C-to-Lightning cable and a wall charger seperately. You'll be disappointed if you're looking for a slim battery pack, the SuperMini is a bit bulky at one inch thick.

This is a high-quality, portable, external battery. It has the capability of quick charging your compatible devices with 20W using the USB-C input and output port. If you want to keep the cords you travel with to a minimum, you can recharge this battery pack with the lightning input at 12W. Its fresh green hue makes it stand out and hard to lose. It features four LED lights to indicate charging status and battery life, and an on and off power switch. It's a great option for those looking for a durable battery to charge their low-power devices.