Previously we’d tested only one other one-piece battery case, the PowerSkin. The advantages of a one-piece case aren’t going to deter you from considering a Mophie but getting your iPhone in and out of a single shell is easier than with a two-part case.
BuQu Tech PowerArmour Battery Case: battery power
The BuQu Tech PowerArmour boasts a 2,300mAh battery, which carries the largest charge yet for an iPhone 5/5s battery case. The top-end Mophie Juice Pack Plus for iPhone 5/5s packed a 2,100mAh battery. For power enthusiasts this translates as 8.5 Watt hours (Wh), compared to 7.7Wh for the Mophie Plus and Phonesuit. BuQu claims that Apple iPhone 5/5s users can double their talk time with a full charge from the PowerArmour. In our tests the battery case did just that from a completely drained battery. With 2,300mAh at its disposal we’d imagine there’ll be some juice left for an extra charge if you flick the power on switch at the first 20% sign of trouble. The company also claims that it charges 20 percent faster than other battery cases when using a 2.1A USB port.
BuQu Tech PowerArmour Battery Case: design
Unlike the Mophie cases the BuQu PowerArmour is a one-piece case. You fit your iPhone in by pulling out a sliding connector at the base. It feels solid and robust as an iPhone protector, and adds a little more bulk than the Mophie cases. The case is slightly raised to further protect the screen from drops and knocks. The fuel gauge on the back of the case is attractive and lets you know how much extra juice the case has to offer you. Like the Mophie, Phonesuit and Phoneskin there’s an On/Off charge switch so you’re not constantly wearing down the phone’s own battery lifetime. The BuQu Tech PowerArmour comes with a USB charge cable and headphone adaptor for those headphones that have an angled jack. This is the same for the Mophie cases. It’s available in platinum grey, which is utilitarian but won’t win any beauty contests. The button and camera cutouts all offer easy access. Simon was Editor of Macworld from the dark days of 1995 to the triumphant return of Steve Jobs and the launch of the iPhone. His desk is a test bench for tech accessories, from USB-C and Thunderbolt docks to chargers, batteries, Powerline adaptors and Fitbits.
