Always Carrying a Power Lifeline

Battery anxiety is a familiar sensation for many tech enthusiasts. It’s the nagging worry that your device will inevitably run out of juice when you need it most. Personally, I’ve been dealing with this anxiety for as long as I can remember. Friends and family can confirm my habit of lugging around at least one charging cable wherever I go. If I’m carrying a backpack, you can bet that a power bank is tucked inside, no exceptions.

The Evolution of Power Needs

As my devices became more sophisticated, so did my expectations regarding charging solutions. In the beginning, I simply prioritized ample USB ports and a substantial battery capacity. Anything below 10,000 mAh never even made it to my shopping list. However, with the rise of USB-C and Power Delivery (PD) charging, I quickly realized that high-wattage output was just as crucial as mere capacity. The landscape of power banks shifted, and so did my purchasing criteria.

Discovering CUKTECH in Australia

While perusing OzBargain in August, I stumbled across an intriguing find: CUKTECH. I was already familiar with the brand from China, which I frequently rely on for travel chargers. Although the brand took its time entering the Australian market — only officially launching power banks, chargers, and solar storage in 2023 — CUKTECH has long been associated with the Xiaomi ecosystem, famously collaborating with ZMI to develop top-selling chargers.

Curiosity piqued, I reached out to Mostly Melbourne, the original OzBargain poster, who kindly arranged a sample of the CUKTECH PB250. This behemoth of a power bank boasts a 25,000 mAh capacity and an astounding 210W output. After a thorough month of medium-to-heavy daily use, I’m here to share my thoughts on its standout features and some potential drawbacks.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The unboxing experience was strikingly minimalistic; everything was compactly arranged, utilizing every inch of space efficiently. Prominently featured on the front of the packaging were the impressive stats: a 25,000 mAh capacity and a staggering 210W output. It felt surreal to see such specifications on a power bank, making me wonder about the real-world situations in which I might truly need that kind of power.

Flipping the box over revealed an exhaustive list of every possible input/output combination, a detail I’ve come to appreciate from CUKTECH. A brand that can clarify the capabilities of each port is a brand I can trust.

Inside the box, I found:

• CUKTECH 25000mAh 210W Powerbank
• 1 × USB-A to USB-C cable
• 1 × USB-C to USB-C cable
• A soft carry pouch
• Manual and warranty information

The inclusion of two different cables proved essential. Using CUKTECH’s specialized A-to-C cable is the only way to unlock the PB250’s unique 100W USB-A output. Attempting to use a standard cable caps the A port at around 20W, a thoughtful design element that prevents confusion at the point of purchase.

Design and Build

The looks of the CUKTECH PB250 adhere to the modern “slab brick” design favored by many high-capacity power banks. Personally, I find it appealing — it slides effortlessly into my cross-body laptop bag without bulging awkwardly. Its sleek grey metallic finish gives off a high-end vibe, reminiscent of MacBook aesthetics, although it’s constructed from plastic.

The included carrying pouch is a step up from my previous ROMOSS power bank, which didn’t offer any protection. The PB250’s design, while attractive, is prone to scuffs, and the pouch serves to keep it in pristine condition.

A True Pocket Power Station

This is no ordinary power bank; the CUKTECH PB250 resembles a portable power station more than anything else. With its impressive 25,000 mAh capacity, you can fully recharge an iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra at least three times, or bring a MacBook Pro from empty to about 70%. For smaller devices such as earbuds or cameras, you could go days without ever needing a wall socket.

Equally impressive is the port configuration:

• USB-C1 (100W out / 100W in): Full-speed charging for compatible laptops like the MacBook Pro or Dell Latitude.
• USB-A (up to 100W with included A-to-C cable): Engineered for fast-charging Xiaomi devices and similar devices.
• USB-C2 (45W out): Suitable for tablets, Nintendo Switch, cameras, or older laptops.

All three ports can be utilized at once, delivering a combined maximum of 210W. This means you can charge your laptop, tablet, and smartphone simultaneously without any throttling issues.

Real-World Charging Performance

Let’s take a look at real-world performance metrics:

• Dell Latitude 5320 (65W PD): Achieved full charge in about 75 minutes when idle; usage while charging extended this time.
• MacBook Air M1 (30W limit): Fully charged from 1% to 100% in 2 hours and 18 minutes. Remarkably, the CUKTECH PB250 still had 37% battery left over, sufficient to fully recharge my phone.
• iPhone 15 Pro Max (via C-to-C): Hit 56% in just 30 minutes.
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (via PPS): Supports 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0.
• MSI Claw 7 handheld (Valheim): Transitioned from typical 1.5-2 hours of playtime to over 4 hours, and with lighter games like Stardew Valley, the runtime exceeded 8 hours.

On the input side, the PB250 accommodates 100W fast recharging. When paired with a compatible charger, I consistently achieved a full charge from 0 to 100% in just under 2 hours, or 50% in approximately 45 minutes. This makes it genuinely practical for last-minute top-ups before heading out.

Everyday Use Cases

Most of my time with the CUKTECH PB250 was spent juggling my laptop, smartphone, and retro handheld gaming consoles. The combination of capacity and output power sets it apart from other options. While many high-capacity power banks can charge multiple devices, few offer sustained wattage across three ports.

If you only need a backup battery for your phone, this might be overkill. However, for those regularly traveling for work, relying on multiple high-power devices, or simply detesting the idea of being tethered to a wall, it feels like carrying your own personal power outlet. Since incorporating this power station into my life, my battery anxiety has lessened considerably; I no longer have to search for charging spots mid-gaming session or when I’m out and about.

The One Missing Feature

If I had a minor critique, it would be the absence of a detailed LCD readout. Many higher-end competitors now include displays that reveal port-specific wattage and charging time estimates. The CUKTECH PB250 resorts to a straightforward percentage indicator. While it works as intended, more detailed feedback would be a welcome addition at this price point.

Pros and Cons

The Good:

• Massive capacity & real-world multi-device endurance
• 210 W fast-charging across three ports
• High-quality Samsung/EVE cells, robust design
• Great value compared to ZMI equivalents
• Comes with accessories and a local warranty

The Bad:

• Bulky — not particularly pocket-friendly
• No detailed LCD; only shows percentage
• USB-A limitations unless using the official cable
• Some fast-charge features are device-specific

Final Verdict

With its impressive 25,000 mAh capacity and 210W output across three ports, including a 100W USB-C1 and a specialized USB-A, the CUKTECH PB250 stands as a benchmark for portable charging, tailored specifically for demanding users. In practical tests, it demonstrated exceptional performance, charging devices quickly and maintaining usability for gaming consoles.

However, it’s important to note that its bulk may not be suitable for everyone, and its simple battery percentage readout leaves some room for improvement. Despite these minor downsides, the CUKTECH PB250 shines as an ideal companion for those juggling power-hungry devices or frequently on the go.

If you:

• Travel often with high-performance equipment
• Depend on multiple devices concurrently
• Prioritize speed and capacity over size

Then this is undoubtedly one of the best high-capacity power banks available in Australia today.

You can find the CUKTECH PB250 for $129.99, or opt for the original ZMI QB826G model for $169.99.