Factors of a Charging Cable: Which are Better?

Does The Length Of The Charging Cable Matter?

When it comes to purchasing a new charging cable for your phone, what are some of the most important factors that you consider. This may include; brand, durability, length, amp capacity, color, style, or functionality such as multi-use cables. Different people have different preferences, but we are going to break down the pros and cons of each of these factors. 

Brand

Brand loyalty is something that many companies strive for. For example, Apple can charge $30 for a basic charging cable because they have built a brand loyalty, even though their charging cables are known for not lasting a long time. Other companies have built loyalty on durable products. This is why many good companies have their logos on their products, so people know how to find more just like the one they already have. 

Pros: Good brands typically have a warranty on their products, as well as good customer service. Often these products are a higher quality as well, but not always.

Cons: Usually you will pay more for for a brand name product. Sometimes after building a brand, these companies may get lackadaisical and slack off. This is usually when a competitor will come in and take over their  

Durability

The durability of a cable is something that many people value as important. Usually you do not want to purchase a cable that will need to be replaced in a matter of weeks or months. Sometimes, when you're in a pinch, you will disregard this to have anything that will charge your phone. Many gas stations and party stores sell cables for this purpose. They are only $5 or $10, but usually will not last very long. This does not mean that all of the cables you see at gas stations or party stores are junk though, I have seen some reputable brands carried at these places. 

Pros: Durable cables tend to last longer and are made of a higher quality material. They are less likely to get frayed ends or bent wires that stop them from working correctly. 

Cons: Higher quality materials means a higher cost, but this usually works out when they last you a year or more. 

Length

The length of a charging cable play an important role for many purchasers. They want to be able to plug their phone in and still use it, which generally requires a longer cable. Shorter cables work great in the car, where you don't want a tangle of cords around your center console, or near the shifter. The downside to longer cords, is that you often lose charging speed with longer cords, as they are made from a smaller wire, thus improving their flexibility. Usually the charging brick is what will determine overall charging speed, however. 

Pros: Longer cords are great for people who like to use their phone while it is charging. The length allows for more flexibility while using. Shorter cords allow for faster charging and easier use on the road. 

Cons: Longer cords do not charge as fast, and are easy to get tangled up, thus ripping the charger from the charging port and damaging the charging port. Shorter cords are less flexible and often require your phone to be out of reach when using. 

Capacity

The capacity of the cable is important if you value charging speed. The primary factor for speed in charging your phone is the charging brick. The determines the power output into the cable. Some cables cap out at 2 amps, where others can handle 3, 4 or 5 amps. The capacity of the cable is often determined by wire thickness and length. 

Pros: Higher capacity cables allow for faster charging. 

Cons: The cable will only charge as fast as the charging brick allows. 

Color

The color is simply an aesthetic preference. This may help for children (or adults) to differentiate whose cable is whose. Other than this, the color plays no impact on the functionality of the cable.

Pros: Help to tell cables apart.

Cons: Does not affect the functionality. 

Style

The style of cables may vary. It could be a braided nylon cable, it could be a standard round PVC cable or it could be a flat ribbon cable. There are many different options and varieties to choose from. Generally speaking, the braided cables tend to last longer than traditional PVC cables. This is not always the case though, as some are made from a higher quality PVC, just as some braided cables are made from a lower quality nylon. 

Pros: The right cable style can make a difference in durability and life of the charging cable. 

Cons: Sometimes it is hard to tell a quality style just by looking at a cable through the packaging. 

Functionality

The functionality of a cable is something that many people fail to consider when looking to purchase a new charger. Say you have an iPhone, as well as a pair of Beats headphones. You will need a Micro USB charging cable as well as a Lightning charging cable. Unless you get a cable that has multiple tips or an adapter built in to it. Or maybe you want a charger that will charge the 3 main types of devices (Lightning, USB Type-C and Micro USB) so that when you have people over you can accommodate everyone. 

Pros: A single style cable is easy to use. A multi-use cable can help out in a pinch.

Cons: A single style cable doesn't help for other devices. With a multi-style cable, it can be easy to lose tips and adapters.