USB Charging cable. All you need to know

There are three main types of smartphone charging cables

Apple's original Lightning cable
MicroUSB, which is used in a wide range of devices
New sta ndard, USB Type-C cable
It is essential to understand the differences because each has different characteristics and adopted models.

Apple's original Lightning cable

Lightning cable is a cable used in Apple products. It is used not only as aniphone charger cablebut also as a cable for transferring audio and video. Since it is a cable initially developed by Apple Inc, it can only be used with Apple products. It can be used with an iPhone or iPad and can be shared between the two devices.

MicroUSB is used in a wide range of devices

The cable mainly used in many earlier Android devices is micro USB. Micro USB is found not only in Android devices but also in many other devices.
It is a standard used not only for tablets but also for devices other than smartphones such as digital cameras, kindle type e-readers, mobile routers, gps units, hearing aids, vapes, rechargeable speakers, electronic toys, games and most things with rechargeable batteries. If you have some of these devices, it is convenient to use your Micro USB cable for purposes other than charging your smartphone.

New standard USB Type-C cable

In Android devices, micro USB was the mainstream, but in the last three years, the mainstream is changing to USB Type C charging cable. The USB Type-C cable has features similar to Apple's Lightning cable. In addition to the symmetrical design, there is no distinction between top and bottom, additionally it features data capability for outputting video and audio. New models often use a USB Type-C cable, which can also be used with many devices, just like micro USB cable.

Now available is the magnetic USB charging cable where you can use one cable to charge a multiple of different devices. This is done using multiple magnetic plugs that sit in the devices and the cable magnetically attaches to the end and charging begins automatically once connected. www.thors.co.nz carry such a range of affordable easy to use cables.

How to choose a smartphone charging cable

Chose a cable that matches your devices charging port

First, you must check the charging port on your device to see if it is a Lightning, Type-C or Micro USB type charging cable required. Google is your friend here – type ‘what charging port does my “XX” phone have into your search engine’ If you make a mistake in the cable standard itself, you will not be able to charge it in the first place, so be careful.
If it is an apple device later than iPhone 6 it will be a lightning connection. If it is an Android charging port, check whether it is the old micro USB or the new standard USB Type-C cable.

Choose length according to usage

The length is significant for the usability of the fast charging cable. It is easier to use if it is longer especially if you are using your device in bed, or you sit a long way from a power point, there is an insignificant amount of voltage drop going from a 1m to 2m cable. If you like to charge your device on long journeys in the car consider a longer cable to reach over to the rear seat passengers. If you are elderly and charge your tablet and smartphone next to your chair, then a cable long enough to enable you to easily do this will be a big help. If you want to use your smartphone while charging at home, we recommend using a long one that is easy to find and charge with.
On the other hand, if you do not touch your smartphone while charging, it's convenient to use a short cable that doesn't get in the way, especially if charging on a benchtop. Also, if you travel with your cable, one that is easilybundled up and quickly unrolled, should be a consideration. To select the optimum cable, you need to consider not only the length but also where you will use it and how easily it is to roll up without getting tangled.

www.thors.co.nz carry a range of 1m and 2m magnetic USB charging cables in a variety of colours.

Choose a cable constructed of durable materials

The charging cable is a consumable item, and unfortunately will eventually break from continual use. However, how long it lasts depends on the material of the cable, so you have to pay attention to the construction details.
Consider durability, it is recommended that the cable itself be made of something more resilient than plastic, many good quality cables are now using braided nylon as an outer shield. The ends where the USB connection is also comes under heavy stress, TPU plastic is a durable covering that lasts much longer than the standard plastic finish. Having a cable with a 90-degree connection also puts less strain on the device charging port as well as the cable, thereby extending the life of the cable and the phones port. Once the charging port on your device gets worn the standard cable may not connect every time and so the user may charge their phone only to pick it up and find it still with a flat battery. Once standard cables get worn and split they should be replaced with heavy duty braided cables that will last much longer

www.thors.co.nz cables are rugged and durable and are finished in a heavy duty, yet supple braided nylon, guaranteed for 12 months free from defects. Thors cables also rotate 360° with their unique magnetic swivel attachment and they feature a hinged pivot that allows the user to continue to use their device while it is being charged.

Fast charging
If your device supports fast charging then you can quickly top up your battery with as little as a 10 minute charge. Older devices like iPhone 6 only support 1.6 amps and comes with a 1-amp charger so putting 2 amps into it will not speed it up. However,many of the newer devices deliver up to 2.4 amps safely to your phone. You will need the original wall charger as most laptops only deliver up to 1 amp and a cable capable of handling up to 3 amps. All Thors cables support up to 3A fast charging – even via their unique magnetic attachment system

Smart charging.
If you have a smart charging cable you will find that the cable regulates the amount of charge the battery in your phone receives. This is to prevent overheating of the battery when it is either very low or almost full. Smart cables reduce the flow of charge as the battery nears fully charged to prolong the battery life of your device. All Thors cables carry a 56k resistor in them to regulate the flow of charge to your device and to thereby extend the battery life in your precious device. Visit www.thors.co.nz for more information