New charging cable. Fast charging: what you need to know about cables and smartphones

USB charging issues usually appear when using foreign (not native) charger. The gadget may charge slowly, not completely, or may refuse to charge at all. Actually, this article is devoted to this problem. But first, I have to make a few important points about USB charging in general.

Oddly enough, some mobile devices do not support USB charging at all mini / micro, although they are equipped with it. For example, some tablets are equipped with a separate (round) jack for connecting charger (memory).
When charging the device from Computer USB it should be understood that USB port capable of delivering a current of not more than 0.5 amperes () or not more than 0.9 amperes (). And if more current is required to charge the device (1÷2 amperes), then the charge time can be painfully long, up to infinity. You will have to look for a memory of suitable power.
To understand which contacts are generally responsible for what in USB connectors and how they are numbered, read the article "". In short: the first pin in USB is +5 volts, and the last pin is ground.

The practical side of the issue is that the gadget sees the voltages it needs on pins 2 and 3, and this is ensured by connecting various resistances between the USB charger contacts. At the end of the article is a drawing of various types of charging port (without reference to gadget models) indicating the voltages on pins 2 and 3. It also indicates what resistances this can be achieved. And right now we will see what certain gadget models are waiting for from the charger port.

Nokia, Fly, Philips, LG, Explay, Dell Venue and many other devices recognize Charger only if the Data+ and Data- pins (2nd and 3rd) are short-circuited or closed with a resistor of 200 ohms or less ▼
You can short-circuit pins 2 and 3 in the USB_AF socket of the charger and safely charge your phone through a standard data cable. The same scheme is supported by the Freelander PD10 Typhoon tablet, but in addition, it requires an increased charge voltage, namely 5.3 volts.
If the charger already has an output cord (instead of an output jack) and you need to solder a mini/micro USB plug to it, don't forget to connect pins 2 and 3 in the mini/micro USB itself. At the same time, you solder plus on 1 contact, and minus - on the 5th (last). ▼

HTC and others " Koreans': one resistor 30 kOhm between +5 and jumper D-D+; another resistor 10 kOhm between GND and jumper D-D+ ▼

iPhone and other products Apple". From the same port, the tablet is willingly charged. Freelander PX1. ▼

Claiming to be universal car charger " Ginzzu GR-4415U” and its analogues are equipped with two output sockets: “” and “ Apple' or 'iPhone'. The pinout of these sockets is shown below. ▼

old Motorola"requires" resistor 200 kOhm between pins 4 and 5 of the USB micro-BM plug. Without a resistor, the device does not charge until complete victory. ▼

Apparatus e-ten("Raccoon") is not interested in the state of these contacts, and will support even a simple charger. But he has an interesting requirement for the charging cable - "Raccoon" is charged only if pins 4 and 5 are shorted in the mini-USB plug. ▼

For power or charge Garmin navigator a special data cable is required. Just to power the navigator through the data cable, you need to short-circuit pins 4 and 5 in the mini-USB plug. For recharging, you need to connect pins 4 and 5 through an 18 kΩ resistor. ▼

separate topic - tablet charging. As a rule, a tablet requires a decent current (1 ÷ 1.5 amperes) to charge, and charging through the mini / micro-USB socket in many tablets is simply not provided by the manufacturer. After all, even USB 3.0 will not give more than 0.9 amperes.
True, some tablet models can be slowly and sadly charged when turned off.
On YouTube, one guy suggests installing a jumper in the 3Q tablet between the first pin of the mini / micro-USB socket (this is +5 V) and the positive (central) contact of the round (coaxial) charging socket. Say, there is enough current from USB for this tablet, just + the USB socket is not connected to the battery charge controller. After installing the jumper, the tablet supposedly charges. In principle, this is the way out if the round charging socket itself is already gouged.
On the contrary, if the round socket is in order, but for some reason you want to take power for charging from a USB computer or a charger with such a connector, then you can make such an adapter. ▼

True, it has nothing to do with the topic of this article.

I repeat detailed information can be found in the article. Here I will also give a summary diagram of the voltages on the USB contacts, indicating the value of the resistors that allow certain voltages to be obtained. Where a resistance of 200 ohms is indicated, you need to put a jumper, the resistance of which should not exceed those same 200 ohms.

Scheme is clickable ▼

So, if you want to convert a regular memory into a USB charger for your phone:

make sure the device outputs about 5 volts DC
find out if this charger is capable of delivering a current of at least 500 mA
make the necessary changes to the wiring of the USB-AF socket or USB-mini/micro plug

Related materials:

for charging from a 12 volt battery
volts on voltage stabilizers

Discussion: 554 comments

Thank you! Very useful stuff.
I bought a USB Carger with 8 ports. It has PC5889 chips on the USB data buses - one for two ports. What is their purpose?

Answer

Bought USB Charger for 8 ports. In it, microcircuits are soldered on the USB data line PC5889- one for 2 ports.
Datasheet in Chinese (almost all). Can you explain the purpose of these chips? There are guesses, but I want confirmation from a specialist.

Answer
1. I'm not familiar with mikruha. Looks like it's an intelligent charging system - sorting through Various types ports, remembers at what type the maximum charge current was and turns on this particular type.
  
  Answer
  1. Here is a similar device, only instead of these mikruhs there are ordinary resistive dividers
    https://lygte-info.dk/review/USBpower%208%20port%20usb%20charger%20YC-CDA6%20UK.html
    looks like "apple" gadgets.
    I'll try to attach a photo of my device
    Thanks for the quick response and trying to help!
    
    Answer
    1. Yes, on a similar device, a fixed port encoding - even outputs are signed (in a household way).
      
      And in the device from the first comment, the ports really adapt to the gadget. On the first diagram, manual enumeration of port types, on the second - automatic.
      Please provide a link to it.
      
      Answer

Are all micro USB cables the same? Why prices can differ several times? What is the best cable to buy? I will try to answer these questions with practical examples and experiments.

This article is dedicated to ordinary consumers who are familiar with physics as part of the school curriculum. But the test results may be of interest to advanced users as well.

If you have an Apple device and you think that this does not concern you, and the big top is not for you, then you are very much mistaken. You will read why at the end.

The speed of data transfer over a micro-USB cable in most cases does not cause any complaints. But with charging devices, the situation is a little more complicated.

Let's first take a look at how the process of charging mobile devices works.

There is a charger that can deliver current with a certain voltage and a certain strength. This is usually USB charging, which provides a current with a voltage of 5 V (there are also fast charging technologies with increased voltage, but we will not touch on them). The current strength (sometimes they simply indicate the charging power) can be different for each memory. For example, with one device in the kit there will be a charger with a maximum current of 1 A, and with another 2.5 A. Naturally, if the device cannot consume a current of more than 1 A, then no matter what charging you connect - 1 A or 100 A , there will be no difference.

There is a mobile device: smartphone, tablet, watch, etc. that needs to be charged. The mobile device has a battery and a charge controller. The charge controller regulates, using its algorithms, the strength of the current consumed.

The charger and the mobile device are connected to each other by a cable. In our case, micro-USB. There are a huge number of offers on the market. Thousands of models from famous and unknown brands. Cables can be bought at a stall near the house, in a communication store, in a large shopping center, on the Internet, just everywhere. There is a strange situation with cables. With one cable, the device charges faster than with the other, under equal conditions. In some cases, the differences can be several times. Basically it's the resistance of the power lines of the cable.

To make it clearer, we will immediately proceed to a practical test.

Our tools will be:

2.5 ohm resistor (5 V, 2 A)

USB tester Keweisi
Adapter micro-USB (female) - USB A (female)
Xiaomi battery pack 5000 mAh and Samsung smartphone Galaxy S5 that I borrowed from my wife
Charger Tronsmart TS-UC5PC. I want to separately note this device. On specialized sites there are disassemblies of this device. This is just an amazing memory. I bought it a couple of months ago at a discounted promotion, replaced my excellent ORICO memory (they also have excellent memory), because. I needed a port that supports Quick Charge 2.0. TS-UC5PC has 5 independent channels. 4 of which are with VoltIQ technology (in fact, this is just a “smart binding” of Data contacts to activate fast charging of any devices with such support, including Apple, a number of Samsung, etc.), and 1 with support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0. This port is capable of delivering voltages of 5 V, 9 V and 12 V. The memory can easily withstand a load of 2 A simultaneously on all 5 ports, I personally checked this with resistors, with very little voltage drop. According to the specification, the device withstands 2.4 A per channel.

We will test in two stages. The first step is to check the power drop at the end of the cable with a resistor. The second stage is to check the current strength that the smartphone will consume samsung galaxy S5 and Xiaomi battery pack when charging.

Our artists:

Cable LG, 120 cm - we will denote it LG1. Comes with many of the same name devices and sold separately. Has markings on the 20 AWG cable for power lines. Thick and very tight. It costs from $ 2 to $ 3 on eBay and Aliexpress, we met offline for both 300 and 500 rubles.

Cable Tronsmart, 180 cm - we will designate it TR1. Comes with some of the same name memory, also sold separately in packs of several pieces. Thick and very tight. It costs about $ 2 (in terms of one cable) on Aliexpress and similar sites.

Cable Sony EC803, 100 cm - we will denote it SO1. Comes bundled with some of the same name devices and sold separately. Medium thickness, tight. It costs about $2.

Cable Sony EC801, 100 cm - we will designate it SO2. Comes bundled with some of the same name devices and sold separately. Medium thickness, tight. It costs about $2.

Cable Sony EC450, 100 cm - we will designate it SO3. Was once bundled with some devices of the same name. Thick and tight, with ferrite rings. Rarely seen for sale.

Cable from the battery pack Xiaomi, 22 cm - we will designate it XI1. Comes with battery packs. Flat, flexible. Appearance not very impressive, because he is a year and a half old.

Noname cable - let's call it QC1, 200 cm. It is this cable that is sold by only one YourCharger seller on eBay (aka YourCable). Perhaps they are made. The Data contacts are already closed, the cable is for charging only. Medium thickness, flexible. This universal cable to activate fast charging (if supported by the device) on any memory. The same seller has similar cables for 3 and 5 meters, both micro-USB and Lightning (for Apple devices). Prices are above average.

Cable noname - we will call it QC2, 65-180 cm, "spring". The seller and manufacturer is the same as the previous cable. The Data contacts are already closed, the cable is for charging only. Medium thickness, flexible.

Cable ASUS- let's call it AS1, 100 cm. specific case Nexus 7 2013), sold separately. Medium thickness, flexible.

Noname cable - let's call it QC3, 40 cm. Sold in the Fasttech store. There is a 18 AWG marking on the cable. Average thickness. The Data contacts are already closed, the cable is for charging only. It costs indecently cheap - about $ 1.

And now purebred strays (or cables from Uncle Liao's cellars). There are just hundreds of them. different types. They are sold everywhere, both online and offline. And even in stores of reputable retailers you can find them. They are often very cheap. For the test I will take 8 different pieces. I have a box at home with about 50 different micro-USB cables that I ordered at different times (looking ahead, this box is with cables that are “garbage” according to tests). Very often they are sold under the brand (of course, counterfeit) Samsung, etc.

Noname cable - let's call it CN1, 23 cm. Triple - microUSB, Lightning, Apple 30-pin. Fabric braid. The thickness is medium, flexible.

Cable noname - we will call it CN2, 300 cm. Fabric braid. The thickness is medium, flexible.

Noname cable - let's call it CN3, 100 cm. Thin, flexible.

Cable noname - let's call it CN4, 100 cm. Flat, flexible.

Noname cable - let's call it CN5, 80 cm. Elastic.

Cable noname - let's call it CN6, 200 cm. Fabric braid. Flat, flexible.

Noname cable - let's call it CN7, 100 cm. Thick, flexible.

noname cable - let's call it CN8, 100 cm. Marking on the cable 26 AWG / 28 AWG.

Power drop

Connect the resistor and measure the power immediately at the output of the memory - 10.2 watts. Voltage 5.17 V, current 1.97 A.

Now let's measure the power at the end of the cables and summarize all the results in a diagram.

LG1 8.82 W (4.82 V, 1.83 A)

TR1 8.34W (4.69V, 1.78A)

QC1 8.33W (4.71V, 1.77A)

SO1 7.97W (4.58V, 1.74A)

SO2 8.19W (4.63V, 1.77A)

SO3 7.42W (4.62V, 1.68A)

QC3 8.87W (4.85V, 1.83A)

QC2 8.22W (4.68V, 1.78A)

AS1 8.19W (4.63V, 1.77A)

XI1 8.27 W (4.75 V, 1.74 A)

CN1 8.9W (4.84V, 1.84A)

CN2 4.56 W (3.48 V, 1.31 A)

CN3 5.42W (3.79V, 1.43A)

CN4 5.34W (3.76V, 1.42A)

CN5 5.73W (3.90V, 1.47A)

CN6 5.84W (3.92V, 1.49A)

CN7 5.18W (3.7V, 1.4A)

CN8 7.83W (4.55V, 1.72A)

So, we see a poor result with the vast majority of cheap and nameless cables. Only the CN1 cable surprised. I never used it after purchase, I just ordered it to the heap.

Now let's measure the current strength with which the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone will be charged (50% charge level). Of course, this is not a laboratory study, but it will give some information. The charge controller in devices works according to its own algorithm. The tester in all cases showed output voltage about 5.2V, so it will only consider amperage.

The result is consistent with the previous test. Branded cables show a decent result. Cheap and nameless cables show incredibly low results. For example, the current strength with the LG cable is 4.5 (!) times greater than with the worst unnamed cable. Sony branded cables show mediocre results.

To clarify the result, let's take another device - the Xiaomi battery pack (almost empty). Let's see what results the cables show with it.

The pattern is repeated.

Quality cables can be considered: LG, Xiaomi, QC1, QC2, QC3, Tronsmart, CN1. Sony and Asus cables show an average result, for branded cables this is not very good. The rest of the nameless cables are 90% (roughly speaking) of what they are trying to sell you for cheap, full of rubbish.

Apple Lightning

In my review, I did not include a test of cables with an Apple Lightning connector, because I did not have the necessary adapter to connect the resistor. But in real tests with devices, the cables behave identically to the described. I have two original cables torn, as is usually the case with cables from Apple, at the base. There are no problems with them. But 3 purchased cables in the range from $2 to $5 show a significant drawdown in current strength. One of these only gives out 0.26 A at all. This does not mean that you need to run and buy a cable from Apple for $ 20. For $20 and cables torn at the base, Apple deserves nothing but a spit in the face. You just need to choose the right and proven cable (I think that there are already enough recommendations on the specialized forums). And in emergency cases I use this adapter for a few cents:

No problem. In combination with the cable, LG charges iPad and iPhone just as well as the original cables.

conclusions

Never buy cables from non-reputable brands (LG, Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, etc.) unless you know exactly what you want. The cable should be thick and tight (of course, there are exceptions - in the review you got acquainted with the QC1, QC2 and Xiaomi cables). If you have a suspicion that this is a fake, for example, a very low price offline - just do not buy such a cable.

All other cables can only be bought if you clearly know that this cable is of high quality (someone tested it). Never listen to the advice of consultants: "But take our proprietary branded cable EurosetSvyaznoyKabel, everyone takes it and is happy." Until the consultant shows you the measurements of this cable by the tester, his words are worthless. Never rely on customer ratings when buying cables, for example, on Aliexpress. If you see a $1 Samsung cable, several thousand orders, and a 98% buyer rating, then chances are that this cable is just fake junk.

To be specific, one of the most optimal cables is a cable from LG. It can be bought in two colors offline in almost any communication store or online (it costs from $2 to $3 on eBay and Aliexpress). If you need a long cable (2, 3, 5 meters), then take a look at the cables from the YourCharger store on eBay (aka YourCable) - the price is a little higher than usual, but you know what you pay for. If you need several cables of different lengths, then buy cable sets from Tronsmart (they are in online stores complete). If you need a short cable for the battery pack, then for example take cheap cable from fasttech.

P.S.. I forgot to write a small note about cables with closed Data contacts from the review (three pieces). These cables may still be of interest to those who charge devices from a laptop. With these cables, many devices think they are connected to the charger and not the computer and start drawing current at their maximum draw. USB ports laptops will give everything they can. For example, my ASUS laptop with such cables it easily gives 1.5 A, although this is not listed in the specifications. At the same time, the old Lenovo is limited to 0.5 A in any case.

P.S.. II. Do you know what is the most popular micro-USB cable on Aliexpress? Here it is for $0.68. 96% of positive reviews out of 21004! Any colors. Familiar? Yes, you read that right, this is the CN4 cable from the review.

Are all micro USB cables the same? Why prices can differ several times? What is the best cable to buy? I will try to answer these questions with practical examples and experiments. Welcome to the big top!

This article is dedicated to ordinary consumers who are familiar with physics as part of the school curriculum. But the test results may be of interest to advanced users as well.

If you have an Apple device and you think that this does not concern you, and the big top is not for you, then you are very much mistaken. You will read why at the end.

The speed of data transfer over a micro-USB cable in most cases does not cause any complaints. But with charging devices, the situation is a little more complicated.

Let's first take a look at how the process of charging mobile devices works.

To make it clearer, we will immediately proceed to a practical test.

Our tools will be:

2.5 ohm resistor (5 V, 2 A)
USB tester Keweisi
Adapter micro-USB (female) - USB A (female)
Xiaomi 5000 mAh battery pack and Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone that I borrowed from my wife
Charger Tronsmart TS-UC5PC. I want to separately note this device. On specialized sites there are disassemblies of this device. This is just an amazing memory. I bought it a couple of months ago at a discounted promotion, replaced my excellent ORICO memory (they also have excellent memory), because. I needed a port that supports Quick Charge 2.0. TS-UC5PC has 5 independent channels. 4 of which are with VoltIQ technology (in fact, this is just a “smart binding” of Data contacts to activate fast charging of any devices with such support, including Apple, a number of Samsung, etc.), and 1 with support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0. This port is capable of delivering voltages of 5 V, 9 V and 12 V. The memory can easily withstand a load of 2 A simultaneously on all 5 ports, I personally checked this with resistors, with very little voltage drop. According to the specification, the device withstands 2.4 A per channel.

We will test in two stages. The first step is to check the power drop at the end of the cable with a resistor. The second stage is to check the current strength that the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone and the Xiaomi battery pack will consume when charging.

Our artists:

Cable Sony EC803, 100 cm - we will denote it SO1. Comes bundled with some of the same name devices and sold separately. Medium thickness, tight. It costs about $2.

Cable Sony EC801, 100 cm - we will designate it SO2. Comes bundled with some of the same name devices and sold separately. Medium thickness, tight. It costs about $2.

Cable Sony EC450, 100 cm - we will designate it SO3. Was once bundled with some devices of the same name. Thick and tight, with ferrite rings. Rarely seen for sale.

Cable from the battery pack Xiaomi, 22 cm - we will designate it XI1. Comes with battery packs. Flat, flexible. Appearance is not very impressive, because. he is a year and a half old.

Noname cable - we will call it QC1, 200 cm. It is this cable that is sold by only one seller (aka). Perhaps they are made. The Data contacts are already closed, the cable is for charging only. Medium thickness, flexible. This is a universal cable for activating fast charging (if supported by the device) on any memory. The same seller has a similar cable for 3 and 5 meters, both micro-USB and Lightning (for Apple devices). Prices are above average.

Cable ASUS- let's call it AS1, 100 cm. It comes bundled with some ASUS devices (in this particular case, Nexus 7 2013), sold separately. Medium thickness, flexible.

And now purebred strays (or cables from Uncle Liao's cellars). There are just hundreds of different types. They are sold everywhere, both online and offline. And even in stores of reputable retailers you can find them. They are often very cheap. For the test I will take 8 different pieces. I have a box at home with about 50 different micro-USB cables that I ordered at different times (looking ahead, this box is with cables that are “garbage” according to tests). Very often they are sold under the brand (of course, counterfeit) Samsung, etc.

Noname cable - let's call it CN1, 23 cm. Triple - microUSB, Lightning, Apple 30-pin. Fabric braid. The thickness is medium, flexible.

Cable noname - we will call it CN2, 300 cm. Fabric braid. The thickness is medium, flexible.

Noname cable - let's call it CN3, 100 cm. Thin, flexible.

Cable noname - let's call it CN4, 100 cm. Flat, flexible.

Noname cable - let's call it CN5, 80 cm. Elastic.

Cable noname - let's call it CN6, 200 cm. Fabric braid. Flat, flexible.

Noname cable - let's call it CN7, 100 cm. Thick, flexible.

noname cable - let's call it CN8, 100 cm. Marking on the cable 26 AWG / 28 AWG.

Power drop

Connect the resistor and measure the power immediately at the output of the memory - 10.2 watts. Voltage 5.17 V, current 1.97 A.

Now let's measure the power at the end of the cables and summarize all the results in a diagram.

LG1 8.82 W (4.82 V, 1.83 A)
TR1 8.34W (4.69V, 1.78A)
QC1 8.33W (4.71V, 1.77A)
SO1 7.97W (4.58V, 1.74A)
SO2 8.19W (4.63V, 1.77A)
SO3 7.42W (4.62V, 1.68A)
QC3 8.87W (4.85V, 1.83A)
QC2 8.22W (4.68V, 1.78A)
AS1 8.19W (4.63V, 1.77A)
XI1 8.27 W (4.75 V, 1.74 A)
CN1 8.9W (4.84V, 1.84A)
CN2 4.56 W (3.48 V, 1.31 A)
CN3 5.42W (3.79V, 1.43A)
CN4 5.34W (3.76V, 1.42A)
CN5 5.73W (3.90V, 1.47A)
CN6 5.84W (3.92V, 1.49A)
CN7 5.18W (3.7V, 1.4A)
CN8 7.83W (4.55V, 1.72A)

So, we see a poor result with the vast majority of cheap and nameless cables. Only the CN1 cable surprised. I never used it after purchase, I just ordered it to the heap.

Now let's measure the current strength with which the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone will be charged (50% charge level). Of course, this is not a laboratory study, but it will give some information. The charge controller in devices works according to its own algorithm. The tester in all cases showed an output voltage of about 5.2 V, so it will only consider the current strength.

To clarify the result, let's take another device - the Xiaomi battery pack (almost empty). Let's see what results the cables show with it.

The pattern is repeated.

Apple Lightning

No problem. In combination with the cable, LG charges iPad and iPhone just as well as the original cables.

conclusions

To be specific, one of the most optimal cables is a cable from LG. It can be bought in two colors offline in almost any communication store or online (on eBay and it costs from $2 to $3). If you need a long cable (2, 3, 5 meters), then take a closer look at the cables from the store (aka) - the price is a little higher than usual, but you know what you pay for. If you need several cables of different lengths, then buy cable sets from Tronsmart (there are a lot of them in online stores). If you need a short cable for the battery pack, then for example, take a cheap cable from Fasttech.

P.S. I forgot to write a small note about cables with closed Data contacts from the review (three pieces). These cables may still be of interest to those who charge devices from a laptop. With these cables, many devices think they are connected to the charger and not the computer and start drawing current at their maximum draw. The USB ports of the laptop will give everything they can. For example, my ASUS laptop with such cables easily gives out 1.5 A, although this is not listed in the specifications. At the same time, the old Lenovo is limited to 0.5 A in any case.

P.S. II. Do you know what is the most popular micro-USB cable on Aliexpress? . 96% of positive reviews out of 21004! Any colors. Familiar? Yes, you read that right, this is the CN4 cable from the review.

Any smartphone comes with a branded cable for charging and synchronization, but in modern life one of them is not enough. We constantly carry a smartphone with us and actively use it, so it may be necessary to charge the device at any time. The reality is that ideally there should be three cables: at home, at work and in a backpack. In addition, like any accessory, cables are often lost or can become unusable.

In general, a spare cable is always relevant. How to choose the right option that will last a long time?

You should always start with this, because if the cable does not fit the connector, you will not be able to charge or transfer data. And if you are too zealous, you can damage the smartphone connector - the cable should always be inserted without additional effort and remain in the desired position.

If you have a smartphone under Android control or Windows, it almost certainly charges through a standard micro-USB port, which means you need one of those cables. At the other end they have a USB port for connecting to a computer or charger.

New Android and Windows smartphones are sometimes equipped with a universal USB-C connector, KNOW-HOW also already has cables for it, for example, Belkin USB-C to Micro-USB.

If you have an iPhone, then you need a cable with a Lightning connector - for example, NewGrade FlatWire. By the way, these cables are universal: they are suitable for both Lightning and microUSB.

Cord shape and material

The shape and material of the cord determine how long it will last and how comfortable it will be to use the accessory.

The simplest option is a round cable with flexible polymer (rubber or plastic) insulation, such as the Belkin Micro-USB Charge/Sync Cable. Its advantages are a relatively low price and compactness (it is easy to roll up and put in your pocket). But such a cable will last less than others, and it gets tangled more often.

Flat cable (NewGrade Fashion, etc.) tangles much less, so it doesn't break as often due to knots. In addition, it is easier to carefully roll it up, it takes up little space.

A spring cable such as the Belkin MicroUSB Cable Charge Sync is another handy option. If you are charging your smartphone with different distance from sockets, carry a power bank with you and regularly synchronize the device with your computer, evaluate its benefits. You don’t need to twist at all - they disconnected it and put it in your pocket! But you should handle it carefully - if the cable still gets tangled, you will have to spend a few minutes to return the wire to its original form.

Braided cable is the most reliable option. So, or its analogues will serve for years. The only drawback is that it is not as compact as other options.

The length of the cable should be taken with a small margin. On the one hand, it’s good if it doesn’t sag much and you can’t catch on to it (which means that the risk of damaging the cable itself and the connected smartphone is lower). On the other hand, if the cable is “stretched”, the plug can come out of the connector at any time, it is more difficult to find a suitable socket, sometimes it is simply difficult to put a smartphone on a table, you have to leave it on the floor or in another place not intended for it.

Short cables, such as USB NewGrade Business, are 1 m long. For charging at home on the bedside table or on the desktop, more is usually not needed.

The average length is 1.2-1.5 m. These are the Apple-certified Belkin Flat Lightning to USB cable, EnergEA Nylotough Micro-USB Quick Charging Cable and other models.

The KNOW-HOW has cables that are even longer - for example, the two-meter Belkin USB-C to Micro-USB Charge Cable. Another option is the Belkin MicroUSB Cable Charge Sync spring cable, 1.8 m long, no need to twist, because it does not sag!

connector material

Even this property matters when choosing a cable for a smartphone. Traditional plastic today is competing with metal: it better protects the most vulnerable area - the plug.

Cables with a plastic plug are inexpensive, and there is a wide choice of them: from the simplest Belkin Flat Lightning to USB to the EnergEA NyloTough Lightning USB Cable in a nylon braid.

EnergEA AluBlaze Lightning to USB cable and its analogues are cables with an aluminum plug. They are more reliable and have a futuristic modern design, the connectors do not loosen over time.

An additional charging cable is far from the most necessary accessory in the house. Many phone owners have been using the bundled cable for years and everyone is happy. But if the cable is frayed, lost, burst, or you just need a spare, you run into the nearest communication salon or a thematic site and ... You find dozens and hundreds of models and manufacturers. How to make the right choice in this case?

Introducing complete guide by choice of cable for smartphone charging.

The first problem that buyers think about is often the choice between the original and non-original cable. On the one hand, the well-known logo seems to be a guarantee of reliability and long service life of the accessory. On the other hand, not everyone wants to overpay for a promoted name. If you have your own reasons not to buy an original cable, but to choose a suitable product from a third-party manufacturer, read below what criteria you should pay attention to before buying.

For Android smartphones

Thanks to standardization, most modern phones have one of two connector types, microUSB or Type-C. The latter is less common, as it began to gain popularity relatively recently.

Connector USB Type-C received a symmetrical shape and, when choosing a cable for it, it is worth considering a very important nuance: what interface the smartphone works with, USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 / 3.1. Often Type-C is just a form, and there will be no advantages in the form of a high data transfer rate or an increase in the maximum current strength, because inside is still the same USB 2.0 with throughput 480 Mbps. Therefore, there will be no point in buying expensive USB cable 3.0 Type-C.

In addition to this nuance, cables with a Type-C and microUSB connector are selected according to the same criteria.

Plug and build quality

Before making a purchase, try to consider the cable as much as possible. If you buy an accessory on the Internet, give preference to sites with high quality photos in high resolution, which can be enlarged. There should be no creases, protruding plastic, crooked contacts of different sizes on the cable. The plug should not hang out and look flimsy.

It is worth paying attention to the connection of the cable and the plug. This is a very vulnerable place for breaks, so you need to give preference to models with a dense, rigid plastic corrugation at the plug.

Shape and length

The most common three forms of cables - flat ("noodle"), round and twisted ("spring"). Each type has its pros and cons. Flat cables are less tangled and more compact, but if the cable is poor quality and too thin, it will break quickly. Round cables last a long time, but you should choose not rigid models, but flexible ones, because. they are more convenient in everyday use. Twisted cables - a good choice for the car, as they will not get under your feet and, if necessary, even reach the rear passenger seat. But if the twisted cable gets tangled, you will have to spend a lot of time to put it in order.

The optimal cable length is determined only by the user, but most often cables for smartphones are a meter or a little more than a meter. And if you need it, then in the assortment of any decent store of mobile accessories there are short USB cables and accessories with a length of 1.8 meters or more.

Braid

Maximum current

Unless you're shopping with a portable USB tester, you won't be able to tell for sure if the cable is delivering the advertised amperage or if the manufacturer is lying to you. But in order to protect yourself from unscrupulous sellers, consider the type and price of the device. Since there are no miracles in the world, a cable for 50 rubles will still not be able to charge powerful smartphone or a tablet, and a USB cable as thin as a thread will not provide a current transfer of 2.4 A. This is contrary to the laws of physics and logic.

But remember that you can buy a defective product both from an unknown Chinese seller and in the company store of an influential megacorporation. Therefore, choose goods in stores that give a quality guarantee and clearly describe the return procedure.

Additional features

If you buy a cable not only for charging your smartphone, but also for connecting mobile device to a computer, choose models that describe the ability to transfer files and compatibility with specific operating systems.

Some cables are equipped with an LED indicator of work, which not only looks beautiful, but also informs the owner about the health of the gadget.

If your smartphone requires recharging all the time, then the daily connection of the cable will loosen the power connector sooner or later. In order not to have to spend money on smartphone repairs, buy a magnetic cable with a detachable plug. The contact pad of this cable is installed in the phone jack and cannot be removed, and when you need to charge the device, just bring the rest of the cable to the plug already installed. And the charge goes on, and the smartphone is protected from dust and dirt inside.

For iPhone

Cables for iPhones can be considered before purchase in the same way as cables with a microUSB connector. However, if you want to choose a proven cable for your "apple", while buying the original is expensive, but you don't want an analogue, there is a way out - look for three cherished letters on the package.

Abbreviation MFI.

MFi stands for Made For iPhone/iPad/iPod. These accessories are designed for Apple products and, most importantly, have been certified by Apple as analog accessories of good quality. The iPhone will not swear on them, and a connection error message will definitely not appear on the smartphone screen. In the Partner online store, you can buy MFi cables, as well as check the authenticity of the certification on the official website https://mfi.apple.com/MFiWeb/getAPS, if you enter the name Partner in the Brand search.

Enjoy the shopping!