Japanese charger maker CIO is launching the SMARTCOBY Ex04 Wireless2.2 CABLE SS5K, a 5,000 mAh power bank featuring Qi2.2 wireless charging and a detachable built-in USB-C cable. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is 7,130 yen (tax included). Pre-orders begin on March 27, 2026, through Amazon.co.jp and the CIO official online store, with general sales starting on March 31[1].

Semi-Solid Cells Designed to Resist Combustion

The headline feature is a "semi-solid" battery cell that suppresses the liquid electrolyte responsible for many ignition incidents[1]. CIO uses the term as an operational designation under its own definition, but the goal is clear: reduce the risk of thermal runaway compared with conventional liquid-electrolyte designs.

The cell is paired with two CIO branded safeguards. "NovaCore C2" is a heat dissipation design, and "NovaSafety S2" is a thermal-sensing output control feature[1]. The system continuously monitors body temperature and automatically reduces output under heavy load, aiming to keep heat generation in check during everyday use.

Mobile power bank ignition incidents have drawn significant public attention in Japan, and CIO itself carried out a voluntary recall of some manufacturing lots of the earlier "SMARTCOBY Ex01 SLIM Qi2 & Cable" in January 2025[2]. The Ex04 is positioned as a successor to that model, and its safety design reflects that history.

Qi2.2 Up to 25 W, Wired Up to 20 W

Wireless charging supports the Qi2.2 standard with up to 25 W of output[1]. With a MagSafe compatible smartphone, the Ex04 attaches magnetically to the back of the device and delivers fast charging without a cable. According to CIO, charging an iPhone 17 Pro for 30 minutes via Qi2.2 reaches around 35 percent[1].

Wired charging through the built-in USB-C cable supports up to 20 W[1]. Wired transfer tends to lose less energy than wireless, which suits situations that call for the fastest possible top-up. CIO estimates a 30 minute wired charge to reach 48 percent on an iPhone 17 Pro and 37 percent on a Google Pixel 10 Pro[1].

Wireless charging frees you from cables, but wired output remains more efficient. Being able to attach magnetically for casual use and pull out the built-in cable when speed matters makes the Ex04 a practical pick for daily carry.

Detachable 21 cm USB-C Cable Built Into the Body

The body integrates a detachable USB-C cable about 21 cm long[1]. You no longer need to carry a separate cable, which structurally eliminates the familiar problem of having a charged power bank but no way to connect it.

The cable is detachable, so if it ever fails it can be swapped out without replacing the entire unit[1]. With fully integrated designs, a single broken cable often retires the whole battery, so the modular approach should help the Ex04 stay useful longer.

The Ex04 also supports full pass-through charging, allowing the unit to power a connected smartphone while it is being recharged itself[1]. In everyday use the cable can stay tucked away, keeping the body looking clean when you do not need it.

About 14 mm Thick and 151 g, Sized to Match an iPhone

Despite carrying a 5,000 mAh cell, the body measures roughly 100 × 70 × 14 mm and weighs about 151 g[1]. The footprint fits within the width of an iPhone, so when it is magnetically attached, the combined package still sits comfortably in one hand.

A 5,000 mAh capacity is enough for a single full charge of a typical smartphone. Users who prioritize keeping their daily kit light often find 10,000 mAh class models too bulky, and the Ex04 narrows its focus to one day of top-ups in exchange for a slimmer, lighter body.

Two colors are planned, black and white, though CIO notes that white will arrive later[1]. Buyers on launch day will be picking up the black model.

Summary

The SMARTCOBY Ex04 Wireless2.2 CABLE SS5K combines three highlights in a single 5,000 mAh power bank: a semi-solid battery cell, Qi2.2 wireless charging, and a detachable built-in USB-C cable. The body is around 14 mm thick and 151 g, while output reaches up to 25 W wireless and 20 W wired. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is 7,130 yen (tax included), with pre-orders on March 27, 2026, and general sales from March 31. For anyone looking for a single unit that balances safety with MagSafe style attached charging, it lines up as a strong option.

Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000628.000043212.html

Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000633.000043212.html