When it comes to charging your phone, there are many phone charging cables out there to choose from. But with so many options, how do you know which one is the best choice for you? To help you decide, here are the five golden rules of picking out a phone charging cable to make sure you get the right one.
1) Check the Connector
Make sure you get the right connector. You should have at least one micro-USB, Lightning and Micro-USB cable in your bag. If you have an older phone that uses a 30-pin connector, make sure to pack a 30-pin to USB cable in your bag. For more information on which cables to carry with you, check out our blog post What Type of Charger Should I Bring?
2) Inspect the Wire
Inspect the wire to ensure that it’s not damaged. Look for cuts, burns, or frays in the wire. These will weaken the wire and reduce its life expectancy. Also, be sure that there are no gaps in the insulation and make sure there is plenty of insulation so that it doesn’t short circuit and cause a fire. Be wary about plugs with loose connections as these can easily come undone and lead to electric shock.
3) Ensure Compatibility
Ensure compatibility with your phone and the charger you are going to use. The charger can affect compatibility and some chargers have specific needs such as, Type C chargers require cables with thicker cables to reduce the risk of data loss. Be sure that the cable you choose has an adequate gauge for the speed that you need it for. Generally, the higher speeds on an iPhone will require 2-metre long cables which are much more expensive than 1-metre long ones. Do not forget to check that your cable is MFi certified and meets safety standards. Also make sure it has sufficient thickness so that it will charge properly when plugged into a wall socket.
4) Check the Reviews
Checking the reviews is one of the best ways to make sure you are getting a quality cable. Look at what other customers are saying about it and read the feedback carefully. If there are many positive reviews, this is an excellent indicator that the product is worth your money. There should be plenty of information on Amazon or Google Shopping to help you decide whether it’s worth it or not. You’ll know if people have had any problems with their cables by reading these reviews. Remember, if you’re going to buy something like this, do your research!
5) Go for the Original
The original phone charging cable is the most important aspect to take into consideration. Buying an original phone charging cable ensures you’re getting the best quality and safety. Some sellers may try to sell fake cables, but if you know what to look for it’s easy to spot the fakes and you’ll be able to avoid them.
