X

Mophie Powerstation PD XL hands-on: Charge your mobile device up to 2.5 times faster

Today's modern smartphones will get you through a day before dying so portable battery packs are still useful. The new Mophie Powerstation PD XL gets you back in action quicker than other existing battery packs thanks to its power delivery technology.
By Matthew Miller, Contributing Writer
mophie-powerstation-pd-xl-1.jpg
1 of 6 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Mophie Powerstation PD XL retail package and contents

Batteries are getting larger in smartphones and processors are getting more efficient, but people are also using their smartphones more so battery life is an important factor. External battery packs are capable of providing a significant portable power source to keep you charged up for days.

The Mophie Powerstation PD XL has a 10,500 mAh capacity and weighs in at just 204 grams with a size of 108.9 x 59.18 x 21.59 mm. Mophie states it can add more than 35 hours to your smartphone.

The compact battery pack comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box. The Powerstation PD XL is available now for $79.95.

mophie-powerstation-pd-xl-2.jpg
2 of 6 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

USB-C and USB-A ports on the Mophie Powerstation PD XL

PD stands for power delivery and devices that support this technology can charge up to 2.5 times faster than through standard power sources. Standard chargers provide up to five watts of power while PD devices like the Powerstation PD XL provide up to 18 watts for charging faster. With a 5W charger you could see up to 19 percent charge in 30 minutes while an 18W charger can provide up to 50 percent in 30 minutes.

There is one USB-A and one USB-C port on the end of the Powerstation PD XL. Use the USB-C port to charge up the battery pack at up to 15W so it can be charged quickly. Both ports can be used to charge up a couple of devices at the same time with up to 18W of power eo either device.

mophie-powerstation-pd-xl-3.jpg
3 of 6 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

LED indicator lights and a status button on one side

One side of the battery pack has a button with four white LEDs to indicate the status of the battery. A matte gray finish surrounds the battery pack while textured black plastic covers the top and bottom.

It's a fairly compact battery pack, which makes it easier to carry around on a daily basis. Given the speed of which it charges up mobile devices, I've been thoroughly enjoying the Powerstation PD XL.

mophie-powerstation-pd-xl-4.jpg
4 of 6 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Textured finish of the Mophie Powerstation PD XL

The battery has a textured finish on both the front and back. While it offers a surface that is not smooth, the battery pack is still a bit slick due to the hard plastic finish.

mophie-powerstation-pd-xl-5.jpg
5 of 6 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Battery pack is fairly compact

This new Mophie Powerstation PD XL is one of the most compact and lightweight battery packs I have tested. It easily fits in your hand, bag, or jacket pocket so you can stay charged up while on the go.

mophie-powerstation-pd-xl-6.jpg
6 of 6 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Charging up an iPhone XS

Mophie sent the Powerstation PD XL to me in advance of CES, but I had a couple of business trips instead and used the battery pack daily to keep my gear charged up. It's nice to have the USB-A port that I've been able to use to power up the Nintendo Switch, Apple Watch Series 4, and several phones.

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes
Holiday lights in Central Park background

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes

21 Photos
Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting
Wooden lodge in pine forest with heavy snow reflection on Lake O'hara at Yoho national park

Related Galleries

Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting

21 Photos
Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes
3D Rendering Christmas interior

Related Galleries

Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes

21 Photos
Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza
img-8825

Related Galleries

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza

26 Photos
A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex
img-9792-2

Related Galleries

A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex

22 Photos
Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup
shutterstock-1024665187.jpg

Related Galleries

Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup

8 Photos
Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'
Full of promises!

Related Galleries

Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'

8 Photos