I tested the INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank and found its extra features very convenient, and it offers good value for money too
The INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank has some useful features and a small form factor – but does it offer the best value?
INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank: review
The INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank is a power bank with a large capacity and reasonable power output, capable of fast charging small and medium-sized devices. It cuts a rather inauspicious figure, although it’s sleek enough to stand out from the crowd – especially if you opt for one of the vibrant colorways. Meanwhile, its rounded edges improve ergonomics and portability.
The INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank features a screen for the battery percentage readout and nothing more, which is a shame since its large size would be able to contain more information besides, so it seems like a missed opportunity in this regard. The battery readout is also relatively small, although the digits are at least clear and bright, which makes them easy to read when glancing over from an angle.
It also feels reassuringly solid in the hand, with hardly any flex to the panels. The matte soft-touch material also feels quite premium, while the compact form factor places it alongside the best power banks for portability, given its aforementioned large capacity.
The INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank comes with some handy additional features: there’s a flashlight, which is easily toggled by double-tapping the power button, and an integrated USB-C cable that doubles as a carrying loop.
The latter feels quite durable, despite its thin size. However, the jack is prone to wobbling around while housed in its slot, which had me a little concerned that it might come loose, but it seemed to hold securely during my time with it.
This integrated cable can be used as an output or an input, as can the additional USB-C port. The USB-A port, however, is output only. The INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank has a maximum output of 22.5W, which is enough for fast-charging smartphones and other small devices, while three-way simultaneous charging is also possible.
When it comes to single charging, the INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank managed to charge my Google Pixel 7a, which has a 4,385mAh battery, from empty to full in just over 90 minutes, which is a credible performance. In the process, the battery dipped by 27%, meaning you should be able to get 3-4 charges out of it.
The INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank is a fair price considering its high capacity and additional features. It’s also very portable, which is a real boon for travelers. However, the equally capable Anker Zolo is about the same price, and also features an inbuilt cable – although it doesn’t have an integrated flashlight or a digital display.
It perhaps has the slight edge in terms of build quality, though, and offers slightly more power at 30W. But all things considered, the INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank is perhaps the more rounded choice in this sector.
INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank review: price & specs
Price | $36.99 / £32.99 / AU$58.99 |
Capacity | 20,000mAh |
Total wattage | 22.5W |
Number of ports | 3 |
USB-C | 2 (1 x inbuilt cable) |
USB-A | 1 |
Wireless charging | No |
Weight | 11.5oz / 326g |
Power-to-weight | 61mAh/g |
Should I buy the INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank?
Buy it if…
You want a small form factor
The INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank is impressively small considering its 20,000mAh capacity, and should slide into most pockets with ease.
You want handy features
The built-in flashlight and USB-C cable are certainly useful – the latter even doubles as a carrying handle for added convenience.
Don't buy it if…
You want detailed information
The integrated screen only displays the battery life, which seems like a missed opportunity given its real estate.
You have large devices
The 22.5W power output won’t be enough if you plan on charging laptops and other large devices.
INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank review: Also consider
Anker Zolo 20,000mAh 30W
The Anker Zolo 20,000mAh 30W is close to the INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank in many ways, with a similar price and the same capacity and port selection; it even has an inbuilt USB-C cable. It’s slightly more powerful, though, but misses out on a flashlight, which is a shame. It’s not quite as slender as the INIU P51L-E1 Power Bank either, which might be a dealbreaker for ultra-light travelers. Read our Anker Zolo 20,000mAh 30W review.
