At a Glance
Expert’s Rating
Our Verdict
The BuQu PowerArmour is a one-piece battery case for iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s that has the most powerful battery pack we’ve seen in a phone case, and feels robust for decent protection. Sadly it’s available in the US only at this time.
Best Prices Today: BuQu Tech PowerArmour Battery Case
The BuQu Tech PowerArmour Battery Case for iPhone 5/5s differs from most other iPhone battery cases in that it is a one-piece case rather than coming in two parts like the Mophie iPhone cases and Phonesuit battery case.
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.
Specs
BuQu Tech PowerArmour Battery Case: Specs
- 2,300mAh battery case for iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s.
Best Prices Today: BuQu Tech PowerArmour Battery Case
Author: Simon Jary, Contributor, Tech Advisor
Simon has over 30 years of expert experience testing and reviewing ever-smaller and more powerful tech accessories, from USB-C and Thunderbolt docks to chargers, batteries, hubs and adapters. A former Editor of Macworld, he has contributed to PCWorld, Tech Advisor and TimeOut, as well as national newspapers such as The Times, Independent and Telegraph.
Recent stories by Simon Jary:
- USB speeds, types and features explained
- The best USB-C laptop PD chargers
- Best power banks: portable chargers for phones, tablets, laptops
