Bought the UGREEN Mini Power Bank 5000mAh 22.5W from Shopee awhile back. Super compact with built-in USB-C connector. Sounds perfect for travel right?
Wrong. If you use thick phone case like Casetify, this powerbank is basically useless. The built-in connector can’t reach your phone port properly. Keeps disconnecting. Super frustrating.
Quick Review Summary
| Category | Rating/Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.5/5 |
| Price (Shopee SG) | ~SGD $30-40 |
| Capacity | 5000mAh (18Wh) |
| Max Output | 22.5W fast charging |
| Weight | 112g (super light) |
| Ports | Built-in USB-C + 1 USB-C port |
| Best Feature | Cable-free design, LED display, compact size |
| Major Issue | Built-in connector too short for thick cases |
| Tested With | iPhone 16 Pro Max + Casetify case |
| Recommend For | Thin cases or no case users only |
Why I Bought This Powerbank
I travel alot. Singapore, Japan, China, Taiwan – constantly moving between countries for work and content creation.
The problem with normal powerbanks? Need bring extra USB-C cable. That cable always gets tangled in my bag. Sometimes forget to pack it. Then stuck with useless powerbank that can’t charge anything.
So when I saw the UGREEN Mini Power Bank with built-in USB-C connector on Shopee, seemed like perfect solution. No cables needed. Just plug the built-in connector directly into phone. Compact 5000mAh size fits in pocket.
Bought it thinking this would be my daily carry powerbank for quick top-ups when I’m out.
What Is UGREEN Mini Power Bank 5000mAh?
This is a compact powerbank with built-in USB-C connector that flips out from the body. Think of it like those retractable cables, but the connector is permanently attached.
Key Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh (18Wh) |
| Built-in Connector | USB-C (flips out) |
| Additional Port | 1x USB-C port |
| Max Output (Built-in) | 22.5W |
| Max Output (USB-C Port) | 22.5W |
| Input | USB-C: 20W max |
| Fast Charging | PD3.0, QC3.0, FCP, SCP |
| LED Display | Yes (shows battery %) |
| Weight | 112g |
| Dimensions | 79 x 38 x 26mm |
| Charges iPhone 16 PM | ~0.6 times (5000mAh to ~3000mAh usable) |
Source: UGREEN official specs
What’s In The Box
- UGREEN 5000mAh powerbank with built-in USB-C connector
- USB-C to USB-C charging cable
- User manual
That’s it. Very minimal packaging.
The Design – Actually Pretty Smart
The powerbank itself is well-designed. Compact rectangular shape, fits easily in jeans pocket or small bag compartment.
Built-in USB-C connector flips out from the top. When not using, it sits flush with the body. When you need charge, just flip it out 90 degrees and plug into your phone.
There’s also a foldable stand on the back. You can prop up your phone while charging. Useful for watching videos or FaceTime calls while device is charging.
LED display shows battery percentage. Not just 4 dots like cheap powerbanks. Actual numbers – 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, etc. So you know exactly how much juice left.
The body has nice matte finish. Doesn’t feel cheap. UGREEN branding is subtle, not obnoxious.
Weight is 112g which is super light. Barely notice it in pocket.
The Fatal Flaw – Thick Phone Case Problem
Here’s where everything falls apart for me.
I use iPhone 16 Pro Max with Casetify case. It’s not even their ultra-thick case – just the regular Impact Case. The case adds maybe 3-4mm thickness around the edges.
When I try plug in the UGREEN built-in connector, it can’t reach the USB-C port properly. The connector is too short. The phone case blocks it.
What Actually Happens
The built-in USB-C connector touches the phone’s charging port, but barely. Like maybe 60-70% insertion instead of full plug-in.
Sometimes it connects and starts charging. Then 2 minutes later, disconnects. Phone makes that charging sound again. Then disconnects again. Keeps going on and off.
Or I need hold the powerbank at specific angle to maintain connection. The moment I put phone in pocket or bag, it shifts and disconnects.
Basically unusable with thick case.
The Connector Design Issue
The problem is the built-in USB-C connector is too short. It sits flush with the powerbank body. When phone has thick case with raised edges around the ports, the connector can’t insert fully.
If UGREEN made the connector stick out 5-8mm more, it would solve this problem. But they went for super compact design instead.
Trade-off: compact size vs compatibility with phone cases. They chose compact. Bad choice in my opinion.
Who This Works For
- Thin cases: If you use ultra-thin 1mm clear TPU cases, probably fine
- No case: If you go caseless (brave soul), works perfectly
- MagSafe wallets: Those stick on the back, don’t block ports
Who This Doesn’t Work For
- Otterbox cases: Forget it, too thick
- Casetify Impact/Bounce cases: Doesn’t work properly
- Spigen Tough Armor: Too thick
- Any case with raised port edges: Will have connection issues
- Rugged cases: Definitely not compatible
My take: If you spent $50-80 on protective phone case for your $1,800 iPhone 16 Pro Max, this powerbank is waste of money. You’ll end up removing your case every time you need charge, which defeats the purpose of “convenient” cable-free design.
Source: Personal testing with iPhone 16 Pro Max + Casetify Impact Case
What Works Well (If You Don’t Have Thick Case)
To be fair, if you don’t have the phone case issue, this powerbank has good features.
Fast Charging Actually Works
The 22.5W output is legit. When it connects properly, it charges iPhone 16 Pro Max at fast speed. Can get to 50% in about 30 mins.
Supports PD3.0, QC3.0, and other fast charging protocols. Works with Android phones too, not just iPhones.
LED Display Is Useful
The digital LED showing exact battery percentage is way better than the 4-dot indicators on cheap powerbanks.
You know exactly when you need recharge the powerbank. No guessing if it’s 50% or 75% based on how many dots are lit.
Extra USB-C Port
Besides the built-in connector, there’s one USB-C port on the side. So if the built-in connector doesn’t work (like with thick cases), you can use your own cable with this port.
Which basically defeats the whole “cable-free” selling point. But at least the option exists.
Foldable Stand
The little kickstand on the back is actually useful. Prop up your phone while charging. Good for video calls or watching YouTube.
It’s small detail but nice to have.
Battery Capacity – The Reality
5000mAh sounds decent, but remember that’s not the actual usable capacity.
Powerbanks convert 3.7V internal battery to 5V output. There’s energy loss in conversion. Real usable capacity is about 60-70% of stated mAh.
So 5000mAh powerbank gives you roughly 3000-3500mAh of actual charging power.
Real World Charging
| Device | Battery Size | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 4685mAh | 0.6-0.7 times (60-70%) |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 3582mAh | 0.8-0.9 times (80-90%) |
| iPhone 16 | 3561mAh | 0.8-0.9 times |
| Samsung S24 Ultra | 5000mAh | 0.6-0.7 times |
| iPad Mini | 5124mAh | 0.5-0.6 times |
So basically this powerbank is good for one emergency top-up during the day. Not a full charge. More like taking your phone from 20% to 80%.
If you need multiple full charges, get 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh powerbank instead.
Charging Speed Test
When the connection is stable (no thick case blocking), the charging speed is good.
iPhone 16 Pro Max charging test:
- 0-30%: Takes about 20 mins
- 30-50%: Another 15 mins
- 50-80%: About 25 mins
- Total 0-80%: ~60 mins
That’s with 22.5W output. Pretty decent for such small powerbank.
Compare that to cheap 5W powerbanks that take 2+ hours to charge same amount. The fast charging actually makes difference.
Recharging the Powerbank
You charge the UGREEN powerbank using the USB-C port. Supports 20W input.
Full recharge from 0-100% takes about 1.5-2 hours with 20W charger. That’s actually pretty fast for powerbank.
If you use slower 5W charger, it’ll take 3-4 hours. So use fast charger if you can.
Build Quality
The powerbank feels solid. Matte plastic body with metal-look finish. Doesn’t feel like it’ll break easily.
The flip-out USB-C connector feels sturdy. I’ve flipped it out and back probably 50+ times, no looseness or wobbling.
The foldable stand is a bit flimsy tho. It’s plastic and thin. Probably the first thing that’ll break if you drop the powerbank. But it still works after several months.
Where to Buy in Singapore
Available at:
- Shopee Singapore: SGD $30-40
- Lazada Singapore: SGD $35-45
- UGREEN official store: Check ugreen.com.sg
- Some electronics shops at Sim Lim Square
Price fluctuates depending on sales. I got mine during Shopee sale for around $30-35. Regular price is closer to $40.
Pro tip: Wait for 9.9, 10.10, 11.11, 12.12 sales. Can get 20-30% discount.
UGREEN vs Other Cable-Free Powerbanks
| Model | Capacity | Price | Connector Type | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGREEN Mini 5000mAh | 5000mAh | $30-40 | Built-in USB-C (short) | Compact, LED display / Too short for thick cases |
| Anker Nano 5000mAh | 5000mAh | $40-50 | Built-in USB-C (foldable) | Slightly longer connector / More expensive |
| Baseus Mini 6000mAh | 6000mAh | $35-45 | Built-in cable (flexible) | Cable can bend around case / Cable may break |
| Regular powerbank + cable | Any size | $20-50 | Separate cable | Need carry extra cable / More flexible, works with all cases |
My take: For the price, UGREEN is decent. But if you use thick phone case like me, just get normal powerbank + separate cable. The “cable-free” convenience isn’t worth the frustration.
Source: Shopee/Lazada Singapore pricing, product comparisons
Airport & Flight Safety
5000mAh = 18Wh (shown on the powerbank label). Well under the 100Wh limit for flights.
Can bring on plane, no issue. Both cabin bag and personal item are fine. Just can’t check it in luggage.
Singapore CAAS rules allow powerbanks under 100Wh without approval. This powerbank is only 18Wh, so totally safe.
I brought it on flights to Japan, China, Taiwan multiple times. Never had problems at security or customs.
Who Should Buy This?
Get it if:
- You use thin phone case (1-2mm thickness)
- You go caseless with your phone
- You want ultra-compact emergency backup power
- You hate carrying cables
- You need quick 50-70% top-up during the day
- You travel light and want minimalist setup
Skip it if:
- You use thick protective case (Otterbox, Casetify, Spigen Tough Armor)
- You use rugged case for work (construction, outdoor)
- You need full phone charges (get 10,000mAh instead)
- You charge multiple devices (this only has 1 built-in connector)
- You want guaranteed compatibility (just get regular powerbank + cable)
Alternatives to Consider
If the UGREEN doesn’t work for you because of thick case, here are better options:
Option 1: Regular 10,000mAh Powerbank + Cable
Anker PowerCore 10000mAh (~$45-55 on Shopee). Bring your own USB-C cable. Works with any case thickness. More capacity too.
Yeah you need carry cable, but at least it actually works reliably.
Option 2: Baseus Mini with Flexible Cable
Baseus has powerbank with flexible cable instead of rigid connector. The cable can bend around thick cases. About $35-45 on Shopee.
Downside: cables eventually fray and break. But more compatible than rigid built-in connector.
Option 3: MagSafe Wireless Powerbank
If you have iPhone 12 or newer with MagSafe, wireless powerbanks attach to back of phone. Don’t need plug into port at all.
Anker MagGo 5000mAh (~$50-60). Works with any case as long as case supports MagSafe. Slower charging tho (7.5W vs 22.5W wired).
Final Verdict – 3.5/5
The UGREEN Mini Power Bank 5000mAh has good ideas. Compact size, LED display, fast charging, cable-free design.
But the execution fails for anyone using thick phone cases. And let’s be real – most people protect their $1,000+ phones with decent cases.
What I like:
- Super compact and lightweight (112g)
- LED display shows exact battery %
- 22.5W fast charging works well
- Foldable stand is useful bonus
- Affordable at $30-40
- Good build quality
What kills it for me:
- Built-in connector too short for thick cases
- Constantly disconnects with Casetify case
- Need remove phone case to use = defeats the convenience
- Only 5000mAh = barely 1 charge for big phones
Rating: 3.5/5
If I didn’t use phone case, this would be 4.5/5. The design and features are solid. But the thick case incompatibility is deal-breaker for most users.
My recommendation: Before buying, test if your phone case will work. Measure how much your case raises around the charging port. If it’s more than 2mm, this powerbank probably won’t connect properly.
For me with iPhone 16 Pro Max + Casetify Impact Case? Not recommended. I ended up buying regular Anker powerbank with separate cable. More reliable, works every time.
The cable-free dream is nice. But in reality, most people prioritize protecting their expensive phones with decent cases. UGREEN should’ve made the connector 5mm longer to accommodate this.
Source: Personal 3+ months usage experience, tested with iPhone 16 Pro Max + Casetify case
