When it comes to mobile power stations, names like Bluetti and EcoFlow have long since become market standards. These are manufacturers who understand what their consumers expect and what a mature product should look like, but often ask for a much larger wallet in return.
OSCAL POWERMAX 2400 PRO
Assessment:
What did we like?
What didn't we like?
Meanwhile, newcomer Oscal is trying to go the other way with the PowerMax 2400 Pro - offering a lot of power and a modular approach, deliberately giving up some of the "premium" sophistication, but in return offering a much more attractive price. So what is this model and can Oscal's attempt to establish itself in this market be considered successful?
Unpacking
The PowerMax 2400 Pro comes in a heavy and massive box - but this is exactly the case when the weight is not surprising, but reassuring. After all, a mobile power station of this caliber should not be light. Inside, the device is packed thoughtfully and safely, and I share the unpacking experience in video format.
Assembly quality
Upon closer inspection of the PowerMax 2400 Pro, the first impression remains quite positive. The design is modern, with accent colors, visually neat and at first glance may remind you of a mobile speaker - especially because of the grilles on the sides, imitating speakers. This gives a certain uniqueness and allows the station to not look like an ordinary technical device that you would like to hide from view.
However, after a longer period of testing and use, it becomes clear where the price compromises lie. The plastic used in the housing is simpler than, for example, the previously tested Bluetti Elite 200 V2, and the overall assembly feeling is not as solid. Nothing rattles, does not seem loose or insecurely attached, but the "premium" feeling is clearly less here.
The instructions are in English and, although visually clear and supported by graphic diagrams, they do not answer all practical questions. For example, why does the sound come from only one side, although the "speakers" are visually visible on both? The answer is simple - the speaker is only on one side, and the other is for cooling. This is simply a design decision that imitates symmetry.
On the bright side, if the cheaper plastic can withstand the knocks and daily use of the Bluetti alternative over time, the money saved may be worth investing elsewhere. The PowerMax 2400 Pro is modular - you can connect up to ten additional batteries to it, increasing the capacity from the base 2016 Wh to as much as 22,176 Wh. The process of connecting and removing the modules is simple, convenient and straightforward.
Power and practical use tests
The PowerMax 2400 Pro has a base capacity of 2016 Wh and a nominal output power of 2400 W, with the ability to briefly increase to 4800 W. This means that the station should be able to handle not only small electronics, but also more energy-intensive household appliances or power tools without any problems. But is this realistic?
As long as the total load does not exceed 2400 W, the Oscal behaves as expected - stably and reliably. A vacuum cleaner, an electric saw, a kettle, or charging several devices at the same time did not cause any problems.
However, if you try to exceed this limit, for example by connecting a 2000 W heater together with a 1000 W vacuum cleaner, the PowerMax switches off after a few seconds. So, the protections are triggered as they should be.
I was pleasantly surprised by the number of ports. Unlike the Bluetti Elite 200 v2, there is no shortage of them here: 4 AC outlets, 4 × USB-A, 2 × USB-C, 2 × DC5521, as well as one car cigarette lighter and Anderson connector. It's great that you don't have to look for compromises or extension cords.
UPS function
In the event of a power outage, the PowerMax 2400 Pro also has a UPS function, with a claimed switchover time of just 0.01 s. In practice, this is difficult to verify, as the switchover occurs so quickly that the connected devices simply do not have time to react.
During testing, a power outage had no effect on the TV, phone charging, or even briefly connected more powerful devices, such as a teapot or electric saw. For domestic use, this UPS function works reliably.
Charging
The charging speed doesn't disappoint either. Using alternating current (AC) charging, the PowerMax charges at around 1400W (adjustable in the app from 100W to 1400W), and a full charge takes around 1.5 hours. In comparison, the Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is slightly ahead here with 1800W charging.
However, it should be noted that the cooling is quite loud when charging, so being near the station at that time is not the most pleasant thing. In addition to AC charging, the PowerMax also supports solar charging. Both charging types can be used simultaneously.
As expected in this segment, LiFePO₄ batteries are used. They are durable and retain a large part of their original capacity even after several thousand charging cycles.
App
Oddly enough, Oscal does not have its own separate app and uses the common Smart Life platform. In it, the PowerMax 2400 Pro control is quite elementary - you can turn on individual modules (AC, USB, etc.), monitor charging and discharging information, and update the software. There are no superfluous functions here, but it is enough for basic control.
Additional features
The station also has several additional functions. One of them is an LED strip for lighting. This is not the most powerful spotlight, but it is perfect for background lighting, for example, in a tent. Also, there are 2 places for wireless charging on top. Both of them are 15 W - although the speed is not record-breaking, this is an additional charging option for an endless number of connections.
The Oscal-accented speaker didn't leave much of an impression. Yes, it's useful in situations where nothing else is at hand, but the sound quality is quite poor - lacking bass and overall clarity.
Verdict
The Oscal PowerMax 2400 Pro is a rational choice for users who value power, modular flexibility, and an attractive price. Although the feel of the controls and some details are not as refined as in the premium segment, the overall functionality and expansion capabilities make this mobile power station a serious competitor to more established manufacturers.
