I tested a solid-state portable battery for a week - now lithium-ion feels outdated
Source: ZDNet
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- This is a 5,000 mAh wireless power bank powered by solid‑state cells.
- Solid‑state cells are far less likely to catch fire than lithium‑ion batteries.
- At $80, it is an expensive unit, aimed at users who value safety above price.
I’ve tested countless power banks over the years, and they have all used lithium‑ion chemistry. Lithium‑ion cells are cheap and have high energy density, but when abused they can burst into flames—a serious safety concern.
Solid‑state cells vs. lithium‑ion
Solid‑state cells replace the flammable liquid electrolyte found in lithium‑ion batteries with a non‑flammable solid.
Also: Why your iPhone isn’t powered by a solid‑state battery yet – even though it beats lithium‑ion
Design and features
The SolidSafe 5K power bank (5,000 mAh / 19 Wh) is sized for the iPhone (4.0 × 2.7 × 0.4 in / 102.7 × 68 × 11 mm) and weighs 4.8 oz (137 g).
- Wireless charging: Built to Qi 2 standards, delivering up to 15 W for fast charging. The magnetic alignment is strong enough to hold the charger securely to the phone.
- USB‑C port: Supports up to 20 W output and 15 W input, and can operate simultaneously with wireless charging at up to 15 W. Pass‑through charging lets you charge the power bank via USB‑C while it’s wirelessly charging a phone—handy for single‑outlet travel setups.
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- Display: A button activates the unit and a color display shows power level, charging, and discharging rates. The clear readout adds to the premium feel.
- Lanyard with cable: The included lanyard doubles as a USB‑C‑to‑USB‑C cable, ensuring you have a cable when you need one.
The SolidSafe 5K is part of a broader ecosystem. BMX also offers a larger SolidSafe 10K (10,000 mAh) and 3‑bay/5‑bay docking stations for charging multiple power banks.
How safe are solid‑state cells?
To test safety, I disassembled the fully‑charged pack and deliberately punctured the cells with a screwdriver (safety glasses and outdoor setup). The result was anticlimactic: the cells emitted only a few puffs of smoke—no fire or explosion.
DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!
ZDNET’s buying advice
The BMX SolidSafe 5K retails for $79.99 (the 10,000 mAh version is $99.99; the 3‑bay and 5‑bay docks are $49.99 and $69.99, respectively). This price point is higher than most power banks of similar capacity.
However, solid‑state technology is still emerging. Prices are likely to drop as the technology matures, though lithium‑ion’s low cost and high energy density mean solid‑state batteries won’t replace them overnight.
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If you need a power bank with a very low risk of catastrophic failure—such as for frequent travel, biking, motorcycling, or first‑responder work—this solid‑state option is worth considering.