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.
There is Charger, which can produce current with a certain voltage and a certain force. 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, 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 - 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 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. It comes bundled with some ASUS devices (in this particular 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 50 pieces of different micro-USB cables that I ordered from different time(looking ahead, this box 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.
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 will 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 unnamed 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.
findings
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 it is a fake, for example, 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 (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. 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? . 96% of positive reviews out of 21004! Any colors. Familiar? Yes, you read that right, this is the CN4 cable from the review.
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 must say a few important notes With regards to USB charging in general.
- Oddly enough, some mobile devicesdo 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, a drawing of various types of charging port is provided (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 will only recognize the charger if the Data+ and Data- pins (2nd and 3rd) are shorted or closed with a resistor of no more than 200 ohms ▼
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 other " 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 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
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.
Reply
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.
Reply
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!
Reply
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.Reply
Thank you! Very useful stuff.
I bought a USB Carger with 8 ports. In it on tires USB data PC5889 chips are soldered - one for two ports. What is their purpose?
Reply
Any smartphone comes with a branded cable for charging and synchronization, but in modern life one 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 charge your smartphone at different distances from outlets, carry a power bank with you and regularly synchronize your device with your computer, appreciate 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 too 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. bedside table or on the desktop is no longer usually 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.
Most modern mobile phones, smartphones, tablets and other wearable gadgets, supports charging via the USB mini-USB or micro-USB socket. True, it is still far from a single standard, and each company is trying to make the pinout in its own way. Probably to buy a charger from her. Well, at least the USB plug and socket itself were made standard, as well as the supply voltage of 5 volts. So with any charger-adapter, you can theoretically charge any smartphone. How? and read on.
Pinout USB connectors for Nokia, Philips, LG, Samsung, HTC
Nokia, Philips, LG, Samsung, HTC and many other brands of phones will only recognize the charger if the Data+ and Data- pins (2nd and 3rd) are shorted. You can short-circuit them in the USB_AF socket of the charger and safely charge your phone through a standard data cable.
Pinout of USB connectors on the plug
If the charger already has an output cord (instead of an output jack) and you need to solder a mini-USB or micro-USB plug to it, then you do not need 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).
Iphone USB pinout
For iPhones, the Data + (2) and Data- (3) pins must be connected to the GND pin (4) through 50 kOhm resistors, and to the + 5V pin through 75 kOhm resistors.
Samsung Galaxy Charging Connector Pinout
To charge the Samsung Galaxy, a 200 kΩ resistor between pins 4 and 5 and a jumper between pins 2 and 3 must be installed in the USB micro-BM plug.
Pinout of USB connectors for Garmin navigator
A special data cable is required to power or charge your Garmin navigator. Just to power the navigator through the 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.
Pinout schemes for charging tablets
Almost any tablet computer requires a large current to charge - 2 times more than a smartphone, 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. Therefore, a separate nest is placed (often of a round type). But it can also be adapted to a powerful USB power source if you solder such an adapter.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Charging Socket Pinout
For the right charge samsung tablet The Galaxy Tab recommends a different circuit: two resistors: 33 kΩ between +5 and the D-D+ jumper; 10 kΩ between GND and jumper D-D+.
Charging port pinout
Here are some diagrams of the voltages on the USB pins, indicating the value of the resistors that allow these voltages to be obtained. Where a resistance of 200 ohms is indicated, a jumper must be installed, the resistance of which should not exceed this value.
Charger Port Classification
- SDP(Standard Downstream Ports) - data exchange and charging, allows current up to 0.5 A.
- CDP(Charging Downstream Ports) - data exchange and charging, allows current up to 1.5 A; hardware recognition of the port type (enumeration) is performed before the gadget connects the data lines (D- and D +) to its USB transceiver.
- DCP(Dedicated Charging Ports) - charging only, allows current up to 1.5 A.
- ACA(Accessory Charger Adapter) - PD-OTG operation in Host mode is declared (with connection to PD peripherals - USB-Hub, mouse, keyboard, HDD and with the possibility of additional power), for some devices - with the ability to charge PD during an OTG session .
How to remake the plug with your own hands
Now you have a pinout diagram for all popular smartphones and tablets, so if you have the skill of working with a soldering iron, there will be no problems with converting any standard USB connector to the type you need for your device. Any standard charging, which is based on the use of USB, involves the use of only two wires - this is + 5V and a common (negative) contact.
Just take any charging-adapter 220V / 5V, cut off the USB connector from it. The cut end is completely freed from the screen, while the remaining four wires are stripped and tinned. Now we take a cable with a USB connector of the desired type, after which we also cut off the excess from it and carry out the same procedure. Now it remains just to solder the wires together according to the diagram, after which the connection is isolated each separately. The resulting case is wrapped on top with electrical tape or tape. You can pour hot glue - also a normal option.
Bonus: all other connectors (jacks) for mobile phones and their pinouts are available in a single large table -.
Almost every smartphone owner has to deal with the replacement of the charging cable. There are many options here: from expensive original accessories to cheap cords of dubious production. Whichever one you choose, there are a few things to consider when buying.
Determine the type of cord
An obvious but necessary step. Smartphone charging cables come in several types. The most common is a wire with a microUSB connector. However, some modern phones use USB Type-C. This plug is different from previous topics that it can be inserted into the connector in either direction. iPhone cords use Lightning. By the way, when buying such a cable, you need to look for the inscription MFi on the package - it says that the product is certified by Apple.
Where to get it
Check the amount of current the cord can carry
The original cords are designed for the amperage that the charger produces. When purchasing an accessory cheaper, be sure to check how much current this cable can carry. If, for example, the charger delivers 2 A, and the cord can only transfer 0.6–0.7 A, then the charging time of the smartphone will increase significantly, and in some cases the gadget may not charge at all. Sometimes due to such cords, the smartphone battery fails.
The strength of the current that the cable conducts can be indicated on the packaging of the accessory or given in the product description in the online store.
Decide on a form
Charging cords are mainly of three types: round, flat and twisted. The first type is the most common. It is characterized by durability and long service life. The second is well suited for travel, as it is less tangled and folded almost does not take up space. The third is designed for charging in cars: such a cable will not get in the way.
Where to get it
Select braid material
The braid of the cord can be made of plastic, fabric, metal, silicone, leather. The most short-lived - cords with a plastic braid. The most durable and reliable - with metal, but they are expensive. Cords with fabric braid are less prone to damage, so they are well suited for constant carrying.