I tested Xiaomi’s sleek new 165W power bank, and it’s a must-have for creatives on the go (with a couple of caveats)

For a creative pro constantly juggling shoots, edits, and deadlines on the move, a power bank isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. So when Xiaomi’s 165W Power Bank 10000 landed on my desk, I was keen to see if this modest-looking charger could keep up with the multitasking madness of a mobile creative workflow. If it does, it'll earn a spot among our recommendations of the best power banks around.

With fast charging, sleek form factor and an enticing price tag, it just might. There are only a couple of little niggles...

Key specifications

Design and build

At first glance, the Xiaomi 165W Power Bank 10000 doesn’t scream innovation. It’s more a whisper than a shout. This is no RGB-laden, intricately sculpted and uniquel designed block of aluminium designed to turn heads in a trendy café. Instead, it’s functional, minimalist, and undeniably understated. The matte-finished slab looks more like a sleek remote than a high-powered charging station. But as any seasoned creative will tell you, looks aren’t everything.

Once in hand, the Xiaomi power bank reveals its true strengths. Weighing just 325g and with an integrated USB-C cable that neatly tucks into the side, this thing is built for portability. It slipped easily into a small inside pocket in my backpack and even a jeans pocket at a stretch, though I wouldn’t recommend that as a long-term carry solution...

Features and performance

One of the standout features on the otherwise unassuming, no-frills Xiaomi 165W Power Bank is the compact display on the front. It’s a small addition, but an immensely helpful one. Instead of guessing whether your power bank has enough juice left to get you through a client call, Lightroom export, and podcast stream, the readout gives you real-time info on charge status and wattage. It’s incredibly useful, especially when you’re trying to ration power between your camera phone and your laptop.

Performance-wise, it punches well above its weight. Xiaomi claims a 165W max output, and while that’s a peak rating under ideal conditions, I was still seriously impressed by the charging speed. My Xiaomi 15 went from dead to nearly full before I’d even polished off a coffee, and my workmates will attest that I don't mess about with the nectar of the gods. This was pure, raw battery power doing some heavy lifting, and for devices that support those speeds, it will top 100W on average through a charge cycle.

But here’s the rub. At 10,000mAh, the capacity is decent but not quite generous enough. I was hoping for at least two full charges for my phone, but I squeezed out just under that. For some users, especially those with more power-hungry gear like tablets or mirrorless cameras, that could feel limiting, particularly on a full day away from a wall socket.

Then there’s the port situation. You get one USB-C output (plus the fixed cable), and that’s it. If you’re hoping to simultaneously top up your phone and your earbuds (or daisy-chain charge with a laptop) you’ll hit a wall. Granted, the fixed cable is convenient and keeps clutter down, but I found myself wishing for just one more port for flexibility.

Price

It’s hard to grumble too much when you factor in the price. Priced at under £40 at the time of writing, this is one of the most affordable fast-charging options in its weight (and battery-size) class. For creatives who need a fast, portable backup power solution and can live with a few trade-offs, it’s an incredibly solid buy. Bargain, even...

Buy it if...

• You want a bargain of a portable power bank
• You value charging speed over sheer capacity
• You work on the move a lot

Don't buy it if...

• You need to charge more than one or two devices at a time
• You need laptop-level capacity
• You want something flashy