The boom in power stations is unstoppable. A few months ago, only experts like Bluetti, Ecoflow and Jackery presented mobile energy storage units, but now other manufacturers are also jumping on this promising horse. And that is understandable. After all, the demand for mobile and self-sufficient energy generation is virtually exploding. In view of the increasing number of models, it is not surprising that there is now a wide range of sizes to choose from. With a capacity of 1024 Wh, the UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 is a real all-rounder in this respect. The power station does not only want to score with a handy design paired with a pleasant weight, but also with a sufficient battery capacity of 1,024 Wh. Accordingly, it is suitable for camping, van life or the barbecue party in the garden, at least on paper. Thanks to its high performance and robust design, it can also be used as a practical power source on construction sites. In our UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 review, we want to take a closer look at the second power station in the tech company’s lineup.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 340 x 220 x 270 mm |
| Weight | 11.5 kg |
| Inputs | AC, solar, DC/auto charging |
| Outputs | 2x AC (max. 1,200 watts), 2x USB-A (max. 22.5 watts), 2x USb-C (max. 100 watts), car charging port (max. 120 watts), 2x DC |
| App support | Yes |
| Uninterruptible power supply | No |
| Temperature working environment | Discharge: -10°C to 40°C Charging: 0°C to 40°C |
| Price | € 689.95 * |
Scope of delivery
Let’s first take a look at the packaging, which is quite heavy after all. The lion’s share of the weight is of course the 12 kg power station. But besides the mobile energy storage, UGREEN also includes suitable accessories. Among other things, the necessary charging cables are included.
The manufacturer relies here on the typical composition of solar charging cable, AC charging cable and car charging cable. Really practical is the enclosed bag. In this you can safely store the cables, so that none gets lost. The scope of delivery is rounded off by a matching user manual.
UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 review: design and workmanship
- Classic cuboid shape
- Strong carrying handle
- Combination of black and gray
- High processing quality
Even at first glance, even a layman can easily tell that the PowerRoam 1200 is a power station. Thus, the manufacturer relies on the classic design, which can also be seen in other models. This already starts with the design. Thus, the mobile energy storage unit’s cuboid shape is reminiscent of other manufacturers’ models. The transportable approach of the power station is made clear by the handle, which is located on the upper side. This is reminiscent of the Jackery Explorer 500 in its design (test).
The PowerRoam 1200 weighs a whopping 12 kg. This makes it heavier than the AlphaESS BlackBee 1000 (test), for example, which only weighs just under 10 kg. However, this is mainly due to the fact that AlphaESS relies on lithium-ion batteries, while LiFePO4 technology is used in the UGREEN. I am not really a fan of this static solution. After all, this prevents you from putting anything on the power station or stowing it in the trunk to save space. How it goes better, for example, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro (test) proves. Here, the carrying handle can be conveniently folded in.
When it comes to the choice of materials, the manufacturer relies on lightweight plastic. This makes a high-quality impression and feels very good. There are also no nasty “plastic smells” like we had to hear when unpacking the FOSSiBOT F2400 (test), for example. I really like the color scheme with the mix of black and light gray. After all, the Powerstation is much more restrained than, for example, the colorful models from Jackery or AlphaESS. Rather, the colors are reminiscent of the design language of EcoFlow or Bluetti.
UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 test: UGREEN takes the middle path
With size and weight, the power station places itself in the midfield. It is by no means so compact that you can put it in your backpack, as is the case with the Bluetti EB3A (test), for example. On the other hand, it also offers a decent capacity of 1,024 Wh, so it should last for many hours when camping or on the construction site. Thanks to the carrying handle and a not too high weight, it can also be easily carried from A to B over short distances. Here, everyone simply has to know what is more important. The UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 definitely manages to strike a commendable balance. However, a retractable handle would have been the icing on the cake.
UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 review: display
Not only the shape, size and weight are about the same as other powerstations in this size category. Of course, a display should not be missing either. This has meanwhile established itself as a standard for mobile energy storage devices. UGREEN scores points here. The manufacturer has installed a very easy-to-read screen that displays the most important status information. This does not only include the remaining battery capacity. It also shows the current input and output power. I find the Powerstation’s calculation of the battery capacity particularly practical. It not only tells you how long it will take until the battery is fully charged.
On top of that, you can see from the display how long the powerstation will last. If you want to see this data, you don’t necessarily have to look at the screen. Alternatively, you can also use the handy app from UGREEN. The application, which is available for both Android and iOS, allows contacting the power station. Thanks to the WiFi connection, this is also possible when you are on the road. The app itself also scores with its overview. On top of that, you can also make extensive settings here. Throttling the charging power is particularly welcome here. After all, you can ensure that the lifespan of the power station increases even further with a lower and more gentle charging power.
UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 review: connections and operation
- Good connectivity
- Unfortunately, a Qi charging surface is missing
- Unfortunately, UPS is not possible
A total of nine devices can be charged simultaneously with the help of the UGREEN PowerRoam 1200. This is because the mobile energy storage scores with many different connections. But one after the other. On the front you will find the On/Off button. You can use it to switch the power station on and off. Furthermore, you can unlock or lock individual outputs by pressing a button. USB and DC ports are located on the front. Besides 2x USB-A ports (max. 22.5 watts), the mobile energy storage even offers 2x USB-C ports (max. 100 watts). Furthermore, you will find 2x DC outputs and the car output for the cigarette lighter.
These output up to 120 watts in total. Unfortunately, all the ports here are unprotected. A suitable cover would have been nice considering the outdoor approach. There is also a practical lamp here. You can activate it at the push of a button, which should be especially handy when camping. On the right side, there is a concentrated load of AC power. You’ll find a total of two Schuko outlets here, which offer a practical protective flap. These come with a maximum output power of 1200 watts. This also explains the name of the PowerRoam 1200.
Above the power sockets is a large fan, which should prevent the system from overheating. If the Powerstation’s battery ever runs out, you can recharge it via one of the ports on the left side. The corresponding ports for the power plug, the solar cable and the car cable are hidden under a flap. Furthermore, there is an opening through which the mobile energy storage sucks in the air necessary for cooling. And that’s what the Powerstation does really well. It is certain that the PowerRoam 1200 is pleasantly quiet in operation thanks to the large cooling unit. Many models from the competition can’t keep up here.
UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 review: Practical test
After the PowerRoam 1200 has convinced at first glance, it is time to tap the power station once hard. I directly started with an endurance test and tried out my cordless screwdriver as well as other craft devices. Experience has shown that these are power-hungry and can definitely bring one or the other power station to its knees. While smaller electronic devices were no challenge, the circular saw with 1000 watts of power was a little slower to get up to speed. But when it did get going, it rotated just as fast as if I plugged it into my household power outlet. Hobby craftsmen in particular should keep this in mind. After all, the PowerRoam 1200 can easily be used as a mobile power supplier even for energy-hungry tools. The temporary peak power of a proud 3,000 watts also speaks for this.
But even those of you who are not hobbyists will find what you are looking for here. In particular, you have to think about friends of camping and short trips with the extended van. After all, the power station is a reliable power supplier for all conceivable electronic devices that you carry with you. Whether it’s a kettle or an electric grill – you can use it to power everything. Especially for the increasingly popular concept of digital nomads, a power station like the PowerRoam 1200 is ideally suited. After all, you can easily operate important devices such as your notebook and charge smartphones and the like even in the most remote locations. Thanks to the possibility of charging the power station via solar panel, you are not even dependent on an external power outlet as a power source.
UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 review: Unfortunately not a UPS
With the output power of the USB ports, you can immediately feel that the power station is tailor-made for the modern work concept. For example, you can charge your notebook or smartphone at breakneck speed with up to 100 watts via the two USB-C ports. I find it a bit unfortunate that UGREEN does not offer a Qi charging surface on the top. Even the much smaller Bluetti EB3A offers one. However, the manufacturer does not have to explain this since the PowerRoam 1200 has a rigid handle on its upper side anyway. Some will find it much more annoying that UGREEN’s power station does not offer an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). With the help of this feature, a power station can be used as a practical emergency power solution in one’s own four walls when one is not on a camping vacation.
UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 test: LiFePO4 creates longevity
One must positively emphasize the battery technology of the PowerRoam 1200. UGREEN relies here on modern LiFePO4 technology. Thanks to the longevity of this technology, the integrated battery should be able to last for almost 3,000 cycles until the maximum capacity drops to 80 percent. But unlike the now dusty lithium-ion batteries, representatives with LiFePO4 not only score with longevity and sustainability. On top of that, they offer significantly more safety. You don’t have to worry about fire or explosion hazards. When the battery is empty, you can recharge it using either a power outlet, solar power or a car. A maximum of 1,100 watts was possible via a conventional household outlet in the test when using the fast charging function. The battery was completely full after just under one and a half hours. Thus, the Powerstation does not have to hide behind well-known representatives.
The mobile energy storage again reaches the magic limit of 80 percent battery level after just 50 minutes. That is really fast! What I also noticed positively when charging via the wall socket is the fact that UGREEN builds the power supply into the device itself. You only have to carry the handy power cord with you. You can also charge the PowerRoam 1200 far away from public sockets. Here you simply use solar energy with the help of a suitable solar panel. The power station allows a maximum input power of 400 watts via an external PV system. In perfect conditions, you can fully charge it within three hours and become completely independent of other power sources. In the car, it takes six hours with the 24 V plug and twelve hours with the 12 V plug.
Conclusion
The UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 is a really good power station that demands little compromise from its user. It not only scores with a robust and attractive design, but also comes with a pleasingly high build quality. Only the missing covers for the outlets tarnish the picture a bit and do not fit the outdoor approach. Furthermore, the power station offers a lot of power, endurance and a commendable output variety. The only thing I missed here was a Qi charging surface. In terms of sustainability and safety is the use of LiFePO4 batteries. In practice, the power station scores particularly well when used on the road or on the construction site. However, the non-folding carrying handle is a bit annoying. Some people might miss a UPS feature in their own four walls. This is actually standard for the size of the PowerRoam 1200. If you don’t mind the small shortcomings, you’ll get a really good power station here at a real knockdown price of around 1,000 euros.
UGREEN PowerRoam 1200
Workmanship & design
Hardware
Performance
Value for money
89/100
The UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 is a really good power station with two small shortcomings at a great price.
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