Key Points
- Delivered three hours of Wi-Fi backup during deliberate power-cut tests
- Priced at Rs 949 against an MRP of Rs 2,999 at time of review
- Compatible with 12V DC devices drawing up to 2A including routers and modems
Power cuts are an inconvenience most of us have learnt to manage. A UPS keeps the computer running, but the Wi-Fi router is often left out of the backup arrangement. The result is familiar: the computer remains on, but the internet connection disappears.
I encountered this problem with my iMac. Although the computer had power backup, the broadband equipment needed a separate arrangement to keep the connection running.
Oakter’s Mini UPS Basic addresses this particular problem. The company sent us a review unit, which I used continuously for over three weeks with a four-antenna TP-Link router and broadband modem.
The device has a listed MRP of ₹2,999 and was selling for ₹949 at the time of this review. At that price, the important questions are whether it delivers the advertised three-hour backup and whether the internet connection remains uninterrupted when electricity goes off.
Installation and everyday use
The Mini UPS Basic is compact enough to be placed alongside a router, including installations where the equipment is kept on a shelf or mounted higher up.
Installation is relatively simple, although first-time users may need a few minutes to understand which cable connects where. I found the video tutorials available online helpful in getting the connections right.
Once installed, the UPS can remain connected to the electricity supply. It charges its internal battery while supplying power to the connected equipment.
During testing, the unit did not become noticeably warm and produced no audible noise. It also required no regular intervention after installation.
Does it deliver three hours of backup?
Oakter advertises up to three hours of backup, depending on the router’s power consumption. I tested this claim by deliberately disconnecting the electricity supply, in addition to using the device during three to four actual power cuts.
The UPS delivered the advertised three hours of backup with my TP-Link setup.
More importantly, the Wi-Fi connection remained uninterrupted when the electricity went off. The router did not require a manual restart, and the transition to battery power was seamless.
I continued using the internet on my iMac during the tests. The UPS, of course, does not provide backup power to the computer itself. Its purpose is to keep the broadband equipment running while the computer draws electricity from a separate UPS or other power source.
When mains electricity returned, the Oakter unit resumed drawing power without interrupting the connection.
The device remained connected to electricity throughout the three-week review period. Although I charged it regularly, I did not independently measure the manufacturer’s claimed six-hour charging time.
For my requirements, the ability to handle intermittent power cuts of around 5-10 minutes was particularly useful. The three-hour backup provides additional time when outages last longer.
What could be better?
The most noticeable limitation is the battery indicator.
There is no clear advance warning showing precisely how much backup time remains. An indicator light blinks when the battery is close to depletion, but it does not tell users whether they have another 10 minutes or an hour remaining.
A more informative battery indicator would make the device more useful, particularly during extended outages.
Compatibility also deserves attention. The Mini UPS Basic is intended for 12V DC devices drawing up to 2A. Buyers should check their router’s power adapter before ordering, especially if their broadband connection involves multiple devices requiring separate power supplies.
Oakter also lists several electrical protections, including overcurrent, short-circuit and deep-discharge protection. These were not independently tested during this review.
Key Specifications
| Input/Output voltage | 12V DC |
|---|---|
| Listed amperage | 3A |
| Supported device ratings | 12V/0.5A, 12V/1A, 12V/1.5A and 12V/2A |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion |
| Claimed battery backup | Up to 3 hours |
| Claimed charging time | 6 hours |
| UPS technology | Online UPS with automatic power switching |
| Number of outlets | 1 |
| Connector type | DC power connector |
| Safety features | Overcurrent, short-circuit, overcharging, deep-discharge and high-voltage protection |
| Dimensions (D × W × H) | 24 × 84 × 102 mm |
| Weight | 170 g |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Price in India | MRP Rs 2,999; selling price Rs 949 at time of review |
Verdict: Is it worth buying?
After more than three weeks, the Oakter Mini UPS Basic has proved useful in my everyday setup.
It delivered three hours of backup during testing, maintained the Wi-Fi connection through power interruptions and operated without noticeable heat or noise.
At ₹949, I would consider buying it with my own money. It solves a specific problem without requiring a larger UPS dedicated to the router.
For people working from home, attending online meetings or relying on broadband during frequent short power cuts, it is a practical purchase. Just make sure your broadband equipment is compatible before buying.
Estimated Street Price: ₹949
Your Questions, Answered
How long does the Oakter Mini UPS Basic last on battery?
During testing with a four-antenna TP-Link router, the device delivered three hours of backup. Actual duration depends on the connected router's power consumption.
Is the Oakter Mini UPS compatible with all routers?
It is compatible with 12V DC devices drawing up to 2A, including most home Wi-Fi routers and broadband modems. It is not compatible with AirFiber setups requiring PoE-powered outdoor units.
Does the router restart when power goes off with this UPS?
No. The UPS switches to battery power automatically, and the Wi-Fi connection remains uninterrupted without requiring a manual router restart.
What is the warranty on the Oakter Mini UPS Basic?
The device comes with a one-year warranty from Oakter Riot Labz Private Limited.
