Realme P4 Power as an iPhone Power Bank: A Practical Test
The Realme P4 Power has generated buzz with its headline feature: a massive 10,001mAh battery. Promotional materials highlight its slim 9.08mm profile and 219g weight, comparing it favorably to a standard 10,000mAh power bank. But does this smartphone truly function as a reliable power source for other devices, specifically an iPhone? A hands-on test was conducted to find out.
The Test Setup and Initial Results
A fully charged Realme P4 Power was connected via USB-C to an iPhone 17 Pro with a critically low 7% battery. A monitoring device tracked the charge speed in real-time. To achieve maximum reverse charging speed, the P4 Power's screen was kept off during the test.
The test began with an impressive 22W of power being delivered to the iPhone. Within just 10 minutes, the iPhone's battery had jumped to 23%, while the P4 Power retained 94% of its charge, with the speed slightly dropping to 19W.
Performance Over Time and Practical Use
After 30 minutes, the charge speed moderated to 11W. At this point, the iPhone reached a substantial 48% battery, and the P4 Power's capacity was at 80%. This scenario—a quick 10 to 30-minute top-up for a friend's device—is identified as the most practical and likely use case, providing enough charge to last through the day.
Out of curiosity, the test continued. After 70 minutes total, charging had slowed to 7W. The iPhone's battery reached 70%, while the Realme P4 Power's battery was depleted to 61%. Analysis indicates the P4 Power can fully charge an iPhone 17 Pro once, falling just short of a second full charge due to expected power conversion losses inherent in the process.
Context and Capability
For context, the iPhone 17 Pro supports faster charging with specialized 45W adapters, reaching 70% in about 30 minutes. The Realme P4 Power's reverse charging is advertised at up to 27W, and in this test, the devices negotiated a USB Power Delivery profile. Despite not matching dedicated charger speeds, the P4 Power's performance is notable for a smartphone-based solution.
The utility is clear: even after providing a full charge to another phone, the P4 Power would retain significant battery life for the user's own needs. Furthermore, the P4 Power itself supports 80W SuperVOOC charging for a rapid recharge, though that was not the focus of this particular test.
Conclusion
The Realme P4 Power successfully doubles as a capable emergency power bank. Its standout feature is providing a rapid, substantial top-up—like bringing an iPhone from near-zero to nearly 50% in half an hour—which is often all that's needed in a pinch. While it may not replace a dedicated high-speed charger for daily use, it offers a compelling, integrated solution for users who frequently need to share power on the go, leveraging its enormous battery in a novel and practical way.