Preface
The Xtar BC4 model is probably the first model from Xtar that features a 4 bay AA or AAA battery charging, Power Bank function and LED light.
Let’s check out the merits and demerits of this new Xtar BC4 model.
Notes:
- AA and AAA sized batteries featured in this review, does not come with the Xtar BC4.
- The 2 x Xtar AA 1.5V Li-ion batteries featured are new release Xtar batteries that has ~2000mAh (3300mWh) capacity. They are actually 3.6V Li-ion batteries with ~920mAh capacities, with their output voltage being reduced to just 1.5V, which gives the ~2000mAh capacity.
- The review sample was missing the lanyard (supposed to be included with the Xtar BC4).
Packaging & First Impressions
This is what the charger/power bank will come with as shown below.
- Simple packaging that slides open to reveal contents.
- Made of fire-resistance ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) material.
- Strong Dual Magnets to hold the Magnetic Lid and 18650 batteries in place.
- Some flexing is found on the ABS portions of the charger’s translucent cover.
- Positive & Negative terminals are well labelled for all 4 bays and are easily distinguishable.
- Provision of the Battery Strap ensures for easy removal/replacement of AA/AAA batteries as required.
- The charger’s translucent cover is retained in its position by friction fit, it would be nice if it was secured with a magnetic cover like with the Xtar PB2C.
- USB-C Cable provided is of fairly good quality and should hold up to the test of time.
- A LED light is included as a backup option, great for finding the USB cable to charge other devices in the dark.
Front:
Back:
Contents:
Recommended Battery:
Quick Overview (Manufacturer Specifications)
- Body Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
- Maximum Charging: 5V @ 2A (0.5A x 4 Batteries)
- Maximum Discharging: 5V @ 1A
- Battery Charge Voltage: ~1.50V
- 0V activation feature
- Over-discharge, over-current & overheat protection
- Constant Current (Ni-MH battery) & Constant Voltage (1.5V Li-ion) charging algorithm
- Battery reverse polarity protection
- Supported Battery Charging Formats:
- Li-ion (1.5V ONLY) – Do NOT use 3.6V/3.7V Li-ion battery
- N-MH (1.2v)
- N-CD (1.2v)
- Supported Battery Discharging Formats:
- Li-ion (1.5V ONLY) – Do NOT use 3.6V/3.7V Li-ion battery
- N-MH (1.2v)
- N-CD (1.2v)
- Alkaline or Lithum Primary (1.5v)
- LED Output & Runtime (require at least 3 x AA/AAA battery – placed from Left to Right):
- No Information
- Dimension: 80mm (length) x 75mm (width) x 27mm (height)
- Weight: 55g (excluding batteries)
- Accessories Included:
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Lanyard
- Note: BC4 does not come with any AA/AAA battery.
- MSRP: TBC
Form Factor
The BC4 is a fairly compact charger and Power Bank, considering it is a 4 bay AA/AA charger along with USB-A Output and USB-C Input ports. It can fit in larger sized pockets, bag, purse, etc. (away from moisture and dust).
Note: The following AA/AAA batteries shown are not included with the BC4.
Charging Process
The power bank is capable of charging the AA/AAA batteries at ~0.22A to ~0.47A per bay.
The RED indicator depicts charging in progress and GREEN indicator lit depicts charging has completed for the individual bay.
Note: If the battery bay is not in use, the GREEN indicator will be lit.
Discharging – Power Bank Function
The BC4 was able to provide an Apple iPhone 6S with a charging rate of ~0.91A.
Click the button on the right of the BC4 and the lit GREEN indicators depicts discharging in progress. When the batteries are depleted, the GREEN indicator will switch OFF (as seen in the photo below).
Note: All 4 bays must have a battery (AA/AAA) in them before the discharging process can be started.
Beam Style/Beamshots
There is an “emergency” LED light (5mm LED) for this charger.
It will operate on at least 3 batteries (AA/AAA). However, the 3 batteries must be placed from the Left to Right of the battery bays, leaving the extreme right bay empty.
- Hold the side button for ~2 second, to switch ON the light.
- Hold the side button for ~2 second, to switch OFF the light.
With the LED used, the beam as shown below, is best used for recognizing items in the up-close distance.
All of the beamshots taken below are done so with the following camera settings (LOW: 1sec, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB).
Some pictures have been adjusted slightly to depict as close as to what is seen in real life. The distance of the light from the door is 4.6m.
Control shot:
Low:
Scale Comparison (Ruler)
Summary
To sum up, we believe that the most important part of any review is if given the chance to purchase the same charger/power bank for our own usage or to gift to our loved ones out from one’s pocket (wallet), would we still do it?
For this AA/AAA charger/power bank, it is a definite YES.
The battery strap, ability to charge/discharge any compatible (1.5V Li-ion, 1.2V Ni-MH or 1.2V Ni-CD) AA/AAA batteries as required, power bank function even with disposable alkaline AA or AAA batteries, added LED light for emergency usage, simple user interface and USB-C charging are all plus points for this power bank.
That said, it would be nice if the emergency LED light can be activated on as few as 1 battery (AA/AAA), as well.
Here is a bonus size comparison picture with other Xtar products.
From Left to Right: Xtar BC4, Xtar PB2C and Xtar AF1.
As with all gears, two is one and one is none.
Stay safe,
The Lite Review
Disclaimer: Charger and Batteries were provided for by Xtar (manufacturer) for this review. No other compensation was provided.
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XTAR BC4
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