Mregb’s Solar Power Bank: A Bright Idea That Trips Up on the Details

Orange Armor: Grip, Gaps, and That Compass

Right off, this power bank looks like it could survive a drop or two. Its hard ABS+PC shell wrapped in matte rubber gives a decent grip — no slipping out of sweaty hands. The bright orange color makes it easy to spot in your bag or out on the trail. But check the port cover: it has noticeable gaps, and the included compass is more of a noisy decoration than a reliable tool — rattling around and prone to fogged plastic after a few months.

The labels are simple stickers, so expect them to wear off fast if you toss this in your gear often. The LED indicator that’s supposed to show battery life only has four vague bars that barely move, leaving you guessing how much power remains — not exactly helpful when you’re off-grid.

Portability: Size, Weight & Carabiner Use

This power bank measures about 5.5 × 3 × 0.7 inches and weighs just over 10 ounces, putting it on the heavier and chunkier side for everyday carry. You can slide it into cargo pockets or clip it onto a backpack with the built-in carabiner, which is a handy touch. Just be aware that when hung this way, the ports point downward, allowing dust and moisture to collect under the flap — a slow way to wreck those seals and potentially kill your charger.

If you like packing lightweight and slim gear, this one might feel bulky sooner than later.

AC vs Solar Refill Times

Charging this beast from a wall socket at 5 volts and 3 amps theoretically should be quick, but real-world numbers land closer to 2 amps, meaning a full recharge takes between 8 and 10 hours. That’s a long wait after a long trek.

On the output side, it offers two USB ports sharing a combined max of about 3.1 amps under Quick Charge 3.0. Plug in a phone and tablet simultaneously and expect both devices to slow down to trickle rates — definitely not ideal for heavy tech users or multiple device charging.

The solar panel is a tiny 5.5-volt, 400mA cell that can eke out 1 to 2 watts in perfect sun, which means using sunlight alone to top up takes days, not hours. Cloud cover, angle, and weather conditions will only slow things down. Plus, you can’t charge the bank and your devices at the same time via solar. Treat solar charging as an emergency-only feature, not a practical daily method.

Real-World Recharge Capacity

Although slapped with a 36800 mAh label, don’t expect that kind of juice. Tests and teardown reports put usable capacity closer to 6000 to 8000 mAh. Losses come from internal power conversion, protective battery cutoffs, and voltage regulation.

You’ll realistically squeeze out one full phone charge and maybe some extra top-ups, definitely not the several charges the marketing implies. If you need serious, reliable power for multiple devices or longer trips, this isn’t it.

Flashlight & Compass: Handy, but Limited

Hold the power button for a few seconds to turn on the built-in flashlight at the bottom edge. It’s impressively bright and can run for more than 80 hours if you don’t use the USB ports. Great for nighttime needs or tent fumbling. However, switching modes drains the battery notably faster.

The compass is factory calibrated but sealed behind a plastic window that fogs up and deteriorates over time, making it more a novelty than reliable navigation gear. Relying on it for serious orientation would be unwise.

Water, Shock & Dust Resistance

With an IPX7 rating, you can submerge this in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without killing it, but that depends heavily on keeping the rubber flap around the ports clean and snug. Dirt or sand trapped under the flap will let water sneak in fast.

It resists drops onto grass or soft dirt well enough, but rocks or pavement could crack the case or break the solar panel. Dustproof rating stands up unless subjected to gritty environments for days — then the port seals and compass window get clogged.

Key Shortcomings to Consider

Solar charging only works as an emergency feature in consistent, strong sun — anything less and it’s painfully slow. The true battery capacity is far below the advertised number. Port seals underperform once sand or grit get inside, and the battery level indicators don’t provide clear feedback. Plus, charging two devices divides current unevenly, slowing both down.

If you need dependable, repeatable, or multi-device charging power, look somewhere else.

Who Might Still Choose This?

It fits weekend campers who only occasionally need to top off a single phone and are okay with quirks like a novelty compass and slow solar recharge. Budget buyers willing to swap units every season or after some wear might find it worthwhile.

Anyone relying on it for steady power on long trips, multiple gadgets, or during frequent outages should pass.

Final Take

The Mregb solar power bank looks tough and sports nice extras like a bright flashlight and a good grip shell. But its headline features — high capacity and solar charging — seriously underperform. Real-world battery life falls way short, solar charging crawls, and the compass isn’t much use beyond decoration.

It makes a decent backup gadget clipped on your bag or stashed in an emergency kit. However, don’t trust it to keep your phone alive over a whole weekend off-grid. For reliable outdoor power, go for a more honest, faster, and sturdier power bank. This one’s backup material, not a main player.