If you carry an iPad, iPhone, or any other device that seems to run low at the worst possible time, a portable battery is one of those things that stops feeling optional pretty quickly.
I took a first look at the Journova WayCharger, a larger portable charger built around a 12,000 mAh battery, dual USB outputs, and a design that feels a lot more substantial than the usual plastic battery brick.
Quick Answer
The WayCharger is a big, solid-feeling portable battery with two USB ports, both rated at 2.1 amps. That matters because it should be able to handle larger devices like iPads, not just phones.
The standout points from this first look are the 12,000 mAh capacity, the sturdy build, the included pouch, the charge indicator lights, and pass-through charging, which lets it charge your device while the battery itself is plugged in.
What The WayCharger Is
The Journova WayCharger is a portable external battery designed for people who carry multiple devices and want more power than a small phone-only charger can provide.
This model has a 12,000 mAh capacity, which is a lot of battery to keep in a bag. For comparison, the Mophie Powerstation Duo I normally carry is around 6,000 mAh, so the WayCharger is roughly double the capacity of that unit.
It is larger than the Mophie, but it is not double the physical size. The WayCharger is a little thicker and bigger overall, but the size difference feels reasonable considering the extra capacity.
Ports And Charging
The WayCharger has two USB output ports, and both are rated at 2.1 amps. That is one of the more useful parts of this charger because larger devices like iPads usually need more output than smaller phone-focused batteries provide.
There is also a micro USB port used to charge the battery itself. On the bottom, there are four indicator lights and a power button. Pressing the button shows how much charge is left, and the review unit arrived showing a full charge.
Another useful feature is pass-through charging. That means you can plug the WayCharger into the wall, connect a device to the WayCharger, and charge both at the same time. Not every external battery supports that, so it is a nice practical detail.
- 12,000 mAh battery capacity
- Two USB output ports
- Both USB outputs rated at 2.1 amps
- Micro USB input for charging the battery
- Four-light charge indicator
- Pass-through charging support
Build And Design
The first thing I noticed when taking it out of the box was how solid it feels. I am used to portable batteries with aluminum or plastic cases, but this one feels heavier and more rigid.
The sides have a black leather accent, which gives it a different look than the typical plain battery pack. The rest of the casing feels very tough. I could not confirm the exact material from the first look, but it feels almost steel-like in the hand.
If I dropped the Mophie battery I normally carry, I would worry about it. With the WayCharger, the build gives the impression that it could take more abuse, especially if it is living in a bag with other gear.
What Comes In The Box
The package includes the WayCharger battery, a USB-to-micro-USB charging cable, a small user manual, and a pouch.
The pouch is a nice addition. The charger slides into it, and there is also a front pocket that looks useful for carrying the charging cable. It has a pull tie and a small Journova logo detail near the bottom.
There also appears to be a small opening or loop area at the top of the charger, which looks like it could be used for a strap or possibly to attach it to a bag.
Size Compared To A Smaller Battery
Compared with the Mophie Powerstation Duo, the WayCharger is bigger and a little thicker, but the difference is not extreme. The important part is that the WayCharger offers around twice the battery capacity.
For someone who only needs an emergency phone top-up, a smaller 6,000 mAh pack may be enough. But if you carry an iPad, travel often, or keep a battery in your bag every day, the extra capacity makes more sense.
Journova also offers a smaller battery called the ViewCharger, which appears to be closer to the 6,000 mAh range and more comparable to the Mophie Duo.
Color Options And Price
The WayCharger shown here is the black version, which is probably the safest choice because it matches almost anything. Journova also showed white and green versions in the included material.
The green version looked interesting, and the white model would probably pair nicely with a white iPhone or iPad setup.
At the time of this first look, the price appeared to be around $130, though I would double-check the current price before buying since accessory pricing can change.
Early Impression
My early impression is that the WayCharger is built for someone who wants a serious battery in their bag, not just a tiny backup charger for emergencies.
The combination of 12,000 mAh capacity, two 2.1A outputs, pass-through charging, and a sturdy case makes it a practical option for phones and tablets.
The real test will be using it over several days to see how it performs in normal daily use, especially with larger devices. This first look is focused on the hardware, design, and feature set before the full review.
Key Takeaways
- The Journova WayCharger is a 12,000 mAh portable battery designed for larger charging needs.
- Both USB output ports are rated at 2.1 amps, which is useful for iPads and other higher-demand devices.
- It supports pass-through charging, so it can charge a device while the battery itself is plugged in.
- The build feels very solid, with black leather accents and a tougher feel than many plastic or aluminum battery packs.
- It is larger than a 6,000 mAh battery like the Mophie Powerstation Duo, but not dramatically larger considering the doubled capacity.
- The included pouch and cable pocket make it easier to keep the charger and cable together in a bag.
Watch the Video
The video above above for the full first look, including the unboxing, size comparison, port layout, pouch, and early hands-on impressions of the Journova WayCharger.
