Review: Moshi iongo 5K duo is the best portable charger for a night out

Posted:
in iPhone edited January 2021
Moshi's iongo 5K duo debuted at CES 2020 and is now hitting the market as an exceptional portable charging system for iPhone -- complete with integrated USB-C and Lightning cable.

Moshi iongo 5K duo charging an iPhone
Moshi iongo 5K duo Fast Charging an iPhone

A new portable battery

Portable batteries seem to be a necessity these days. Rather than opting for a cold, metal box, Moshi is trying to bring some life back to the everyday accessory.

The iongo 5K duo is a small, palm-sized device that integrates a capable 5,000mAh battery, an MFi-certified Lightning cable, and a USB-C cable.

A USB-C and Lightning cable sit behind a vegan leather covering which is secured via magnets
A USB-C and Lightning cable sit behind a vegan leather covering which is secured via magnets


It doesn't look much like your normal battery. It is slightly tapered and slightly beige in color, with soft, vegan leather wrapping the entire thing, making it feel warm and personal to the touch.

That cover is magnetic and opens up to reveal the two integrated cables that are tucked within. The magnet is sufficiently strong, keeping the sturdy exterior in place.

The exterior faux leather has a soft but smooth finish while the interior is more suede-like.

Moshi logo on the iongo 5K duo
Moshi logo and power button on the iongo 5K duo


An anodized aluminum bar sits on the front and bears the Moshi logo. It also houses the sole button which can be pressed to turn the battery on as well as check if there is a remaining charge still stored.

Powerful charging

Though this battery is small, it is powerful. Internally, it houses a 5,000mAh battery which is a bit on the small size if you are hoping to make it through a weekend, though it's more suited for a night out where it can nestle in your pocket without adding bulk.

  • Moshi iongo 5K duo integrated cables
  • Moshi iongo 5K duo Lightning cable
  • Moshi iongo 5K duo USB-C cable


As far as speeds, the iongo 5K duo can output up to 15W of power at once and supports Fast Charge on more recent iPhones. That means it can do a 50% charge in only 15 minutes.

If you have two devices -- or you want to help top off a friend's device -- the iongo 5K duo can charge both devices at once. One device charges over Lightning while the other does so over USB-C. That USB-C port also is used to recharge the iongo 5K duo between uses.

When the USB-C is plugged into power and the Lightning into your iPhone, it will bypass the internal battery to Fast Charge your iPhone first, then top off the battery itself.

The Moshi warranty

Moshi stands behind its products, and those aren't just words. Each Moshi product comes with a two-year warranty standard, but register the product and Moshi extends that to a ten-year global warranty.

The company guarantees a reply to warranty requests within two days and warranty replacements in two to three weeks.

Say this battery breaks down after eight years and you go to Moshi for service. If the device has long been discontinued, Moshi will repair, replace with a comparable product, or issue store credit (in that order) to make it right.

This really is unparalleled in the industry and such a good sign for the longevity of Moshi's products.

Should you buy the Moshi iongo 5K duo?

If you need a smaller battery pack that you can easily take with, Moshi's iongo 5K duo is an excellent option. It is very compact, has the cabled entirely integrated, and enough juice for sufficient power.

Moshi iongo 5k Duo is an incredible portable battery
Moshi iongo 5k Duo is an incredible portable battery


It is vegan-friendly with soft, protective faux leather, aluminum exterior, and is backed up by a ten-year warranty.

Our only concern is that should the cables break they can't easily be replaced, but with Moshi's warranty, we don't have to worry about this issue.


Pros
  • Simple, humanistic style

  • Wrapped in soft vegan leather

  • Integrated USB-C and MFi-certified Lightning cable

  • 15W Apple Fast Charge support

  • 5K mAh capacity

  • Can charge two devices at once

  • Industry-leading ten-year warranty
Cons
  • Cable can't be swapped

  • Apple users may not have many small USB-C devices to charge

  • 5K mAh isn't enough for multiple charges

  • Cable can be short when charging from the wall

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Where to buy

Pick up the Moshi Iongo 5K Duo 5000mAh battery with integrated Lightning and USB-C cables from Amazon for $74.95.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 7
    apple ][apple ][ Posts: 9,233member
    I had never actually heard of "Vegan Leather" before. I didn't know that was a thing. :#

    So, it's basically faux leather it seems.

    I'm not sure if I would place that on the Pros list, but I suppose that's a matter of opinion.
    GeorgeBMaciOSDevSWEwatto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 7
    GeorgeBMacGeorgeBMac Posts: 11,421member
    apple ][ said:
    I had never actually heard of "Vegan Leather" before. I didn't know that was a thing. :#

    So, it's basically faux leather it seems.

    I'm not sure if I would place that on the Pros list, but I suppose that's a matter of opinion.

    It's definitely a pro thing from the cow's point of view!
    ("Eat More Chicken!"}
    edited May 2020 watto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 7
    fred1fred1 Posts: 1,112member
    Looks beautiful and the pseudo-leather is a nice touch, but I would add “price” to the cons. $75 for 5000 mHa is a bit steep these days. 
  • Reply 4 of 7
    GeorgeBMacGeorgeBMac Posts: 11,421member
    This sounds nice.

    I bought a similar product for my 13 year old grandson and it's proving to be very useful:
    It's an Anker 30watt rapid charger that doubles as a wall charger or portable battery charger.  He began going out on long bike rides with his friends on a local rail-trail and once when the battery on his phone died his parents panicked then, the next day, the same happened to one of his friends and her parents panicked.   Now he throws his Anker charger in the trunk on his bike before taking off and he can charge both his phone and those of his friends (they all have iPhones) while out and about.

    It's become more than a convenience and actually a safety factor:   like all kids they like to stay out as late as they can, but that trail gets real dark, real quick and it can be very difficult finding your way home (that's what happened to his friend).

    Basically, its one of those things easily overlooked as a frill -- but when you need one, it suddenly turns from frill to necessity.
    iOSDevSWEgrayskyzkurai_kage
  • Reply 5 of 7
    Andrew_OSUAndrew_OSU Posts: 573member, editor
    apple ][ said:
    I had never actually heard of "Vegan Leather" before. I didn't know that was a thing. :#

    So, it's basically faux leather it seems.

    I'm not sure if I would place that on the Pros list, but I suppose that's a matter of opinion.
    It’s pro for a few reasons. First, we get a lot of “I wish they used a leather alternative here!” Type comments that shows many people consider this. Secondly, it feels really nice. Who cares if it is vegan or otherwise, it is very soft and comfortable. We like it, no matter what you want to call the material.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 7
    Andrew_OSUAndrew_OSU Posts: 573member, editor

    fred1 said:
    Looks beautiful and the pseudo-leather is a nice touch, but I would add “price” to the cons. $75 for 5000 mHa is a bit steep these days. 
    5000mAh battery for that price, yes. But a USB-C lightning cable and a separate USB-C cable, plus a battery, it isn’t that far off. Especially since built together and with a stellar warranty.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 7 of 7
    How much can it charge the iPad Pro 12.9?
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