Kmart divides shoppers with $19 beach gadget: 'Game changer'

If you’re the type of person who loves spending time outdoors but can’t spend time away from technology, then Kmart has the perfect product for you. Gone are the days of your mobile phone, portable speaker, smartwatch or headphones running out of battery while at the beach or camping with the retailer’s $19 portable solar panel charger.

The budget-friendly gadget allows your devices to be charged on the go with USB or solar charge and fits in your pocket thanks to its convenient size. It has two USB charging ports so you can recharge up to two devices simultaneously and also comes with a power charging cable.

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Kmart recently posted a video showcasing the product on social media which has already racked up over 350,000 views.

“If you’re hunting for a power bank for your devices, stop what you’re doing because I need to show you this portable solar panel charger from Kmart,” the shopper says in the clip.

“It’s super lightweight, recharges in the sun, when you flip it over it doubles as a torch, and has dual USB ports which makes it perfect for a day at the beach, out and about in the sun.”

Does the charger actually work?

Kmart’s Portable Charger with Solar has a 4.3-star review online, with many people describing the product as “awesome”, “absolutely amazing” and a “game changer”.

“I bought this hoping it would be good and it has exceeded my expectations,” one person wrote. “This will be travelling with me from now on, it's eco-friendly and very light. There are many more expensive ones on the market but this one gets my tick of approval!”

“Great while camping just leave in the sun and charge away,” another added, while a third said, “Purchased for an upcoming camping trip but got these out when we had a power cut and was amazing at how quickly they charged the phone to 100%”.

While some people on social media said it was a “great idea” and they were “running to Kmart”, others called it a “waste of money” and the “worst thing I’ve purchased”.

“I bought one of these last year - it ‘melted’ in the heat,” one shopper commented, followed by another who said, “Left mine in the car, it swelled and split open”.

“I bought one a couple of years ago, worked for about 2 months and then the only thing it was good for was a light,” someone else shared, with a different user writing, “Mine charged once and never again!”.

Important note about solar chargers

Many shoppers also complained that the product was “misleading” as it takes longer to charge in the sun than via USB, however, Kmart’s website states that solar charging should only be used “for emergency”.

Essentially, the portable charger should only be charged via USB but solar charging is available if you find yourself without power and your phone is out of battery.

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Kmart also encourages shoppers to “avoid prolonged exposure under burning sun” as it may damage the charger.

“Do not leave the portable charger in a confined space that is open to the sun as this may cause the maximum overcharging temperature to be exceeded,” they add.

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