The Chinese corporation Xiaomi is a young company that has become widely known worldwide thanks, first of all, to its gadgets: smartphones, smart bracelets, household electronic appliances and other devices.
The company did not ignore such a common device as an ordinary electric extension cord. What is special about this uncomplicated device from Xiaomi? The main "chip" of the device from a Chinese manufacturer includes the presence of three USB ports that can be used to recharge mobile gadgets. Let's analyze the functionality of the Xiaomi Mi Power Strip in the article and see if it's worth buying.
Package set
Xiaomi Mi Power Extender comes in a long rectangular white cardboard box. The design of the packaging is simple, without any embellishments, on the top side there is the logo of the manufacturer. At the bottom of the package, you can read information about the main characteristics of the device.
The delivery set of the device is not rich. In addition to the extension cord itself, packed in a plastic bag, the manufacturerI put in the box only a brief instruction on how to use the device. However, all questions about the configuration of the device from Xiaomi disappear, it is worth remembering the very democratic price of the extension cord: in China it is something around 8 US dollars. Of course, when delivered to Russia and bought here, the price is no longer so attractive, but you can read about it below.
Appearance of the Xiaomi Power Strip extension
The design of the gadget is simple and that is why it looks fresh and interesting. All elements of the device, including the power button, are made in white. The corners of the extension housing are rounded, and the entire side surface of the device is glossy around the perimeter, which seems to many users a controversial design decision. But the upper and lower parts of the Xiaomi Power Strip are made of nice matte plastic.
On the top panel of the extension cord there are three sockets for connecting electrical appliances (they are universal, suitable for plugs of any standard), three USB sockets and a switch (equipped with a backlight). It should be noted that the openings of the sockets are protected from children by special sliding shutters, which exclude electric shock.
The only flaw in the design of this gadget, and even then, rather far-fetched, is the plug. It has three angled prongs (Asian version) and is not intended to be plugged into a European style outlet. You will have to buy some kind of adapter or adjust another plug yourself.
It will be useful to note the use of a quality three-wire power cord.
The dimensions of the extension are as follows: 225x41x26 mm. The weight of the device is 300 grams.
Device specifications
Let's list the main technical parameters of the Xiaomi USB extension cable:
- maximum power - 2500 W;
- voltage - up to 250 volts (working at a voltage of 110 volts is supported);
- current - up to a maximum of 10 amps;
- availability of USB outputs with a voltage of 5 volts and a current of up to 2 amperes (depending on the number of connected energy consumers).
Disassembly of the Xiaomi electric power strip: what's inside?
In order to disassemble the extension cord on your own (for example, if the user wants to completely change the power cable to a similar one with a suitable plug), you need to remove the plugs on the bottom panel of the device and unscrew the screws hidden under them.
The first thing that pleasantly surprises when examining the insides of the device is the materials used. Only copper is used for the contacts, not some conductive substitute.
Also pleased with the overall accuracy of the assembly of the inside of the device and the amazing quality of soldering. It's hard to believe that such a well-made device can have a low price.
Comparison with similar devices from other companies
For comparison, two devices were selected that are most similar to Xiaomi Power in terms of functionality. So,meet!
First, let's get acquainted with the Orico DPC-4A-4U extension cord. The device has a simpler design than the hero of the review. The device from Orico is a regular rectangular block of chopped shapes. It is both larger and heavier than a similar device from Xiaomi. But the DPC-4A-4U boasts four USB ports for connecting external devices. There are also four electrical outlets, their design is the same as that of the extension cord from Xiaomi, that is, you can use plugs of European, Chinese and American standards. But the plug for inclusion in the electrical network of the Asian standard, you will have to look for an adapter. The advantages of the gadget include the high power of the USB ports (the output current is up to 2.4 amperes).
Ntonpower's second MPS-EU5U4 is truly gigantic. Its dimensions are 242x84x44 mm. But this is justified by the presence of two rows of connectors: five electrical outlets and four USB ports. The power cable is very thick and solid. In this, competitors from Xiaomi and Orico are clearly losing to him. Yes, and the power of the device is rather big, it is up to 2.4 amperes per USB port. The obvious advantages of the device over competitors include the use of sockets and plugs of the European standard. Someone can attribute it to the shortcomings, is it so often required to connect a plug other than the European one?
All presented devices are good in their own way, and the price corresponds to their capabilities: from $12US for Xiaomi (although you can find cheaper) to 28 for Ntonpower MPS-EU5U4.
Gadget Reviews
Users respond positively to the device. The advantages of the device were described above, therefore, for the objectivity of the review, we present the cons of the gadget:
- short power cord length (1.5m);
- use Asian standard plug;
- when connecting a European plug through an adapter, grounding will not be used;
- bright illumination of the power button, in the dark a little distracting from work;
- squeak from Xiaomi power strip when no load;
- under load, the Prior heats up noticeably;
- USB power shortage for some demanding customers;
- inability to connect devices with the new USB standard - Type-C.
Summing up
The Chinese corporation Xiaomi turned out to be an interesting and useful device that combines the functions of an extension cord and a universal charger for a variety of electronic gadgets. The extension cable has an interesting design, supports the connection of electrical appliances with plugs of various modifications.
The disadvantages of the extension cord include the use of an Asian standard plug by the manufacturer, as well as a cable of insufficient length. And the price of the device in the realities of the Russian market is not as attractive as in Chinese auctions.
But in any case, judging by the reviews on the Internet, the device is quite popular with users. Its counterparts, although they canoffer advanced functionality, but are much more expensive and have a less attractive design.
