Ultimate Guide to Magnetic Charging Cables

1. Your cable should suit your phone and your power supply. If your phone is new and can support fast charge, then ensure your cable can handle to amps. Check the A rating on the cable to ensure it matches the output of the power supply and input of your phone. Most entry level Android smartphones come standard with USB 2.0 as standard which deliver 1.5A/5V or 7.5W. Most magnetic cables are rated at least 2.0A but some are 1.5A and some are 3.0 or more.
2. Pick a magnetic cable that is easy to use. The round connector plug is a good start as it then does not matter what angle the cable is at when connecting with the plug. The rectangular ones are a little trickier to connect with as they will only connect one way or another.
3. A cable with an articulating swivel elbow allows you to use your device from any angle. Useful for gamers and if your phone is being used on an awkward angle - like in your car. There are cables out there that are a 90º angle and others that are just straight, why not have both options?
4. Check your cable supports smart charging. This is where the smart chip in the cable slows down the flow of charge when the battery is either very low or close to being full. It prevents your phone battery from overheating.
5. Need a versatile data cable as well? This is important for people using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as for people who need to charge drones while they are flying them. Check that the cable supports charging AND data if that is what you require. Often people only need a charge cable as a lot of data transfer is now done via Bluetooth. Be aware though that the data/charge plugs are NOT compatible with the more common charge plugs. It is one system or the other.
6. Some cables are offered in packs with multiple plugs, some have the option of requesting the plugs you require. This is a great way to buy the magnetic charging system as you can change your whole household over at the same time. However why buy 3 different types of plugs when you may need 3 of the same plug ie all iPhone/iPad or all Type C? Look for sellers who give you the flexibility of what plugs you require for your devices.
7. Some cables have a bright light on the end that may prevent sleep. No-one wants their cable to become a ‘night light’ that disturbs their sleep. Some of the cheaper cables have very bright lights that customers complain about.
8. Look for hard wearing quality finishes on the cable. TPU on the ends where the cable meets the plugs is a nice touch as is a hard-wearing exterior finish such as a nylon braid.
9. Look for a supplier who is committed to quality and offers at least a 1-year warranty, no questions asked on all goods. Is this just one of thousands of times they sell, or do they specialize?
10. Check if the brand you are buying is well known and sold by other retailers, does it have a website and where else is it sold? This is an indication that it is a longer-term player in the market rather than a transient trader.

So ultimately what I recommend is find a cable that is easy to us in multiple situations, supports fast charging, is well made from a reputable supplier who offers a decent warranty. Look at the best value multi packs they are offering that allows flexibility for you to choose the plugs that suit your devices and go for it!

Visit www.thors.co.nz to find all the options mentioned above.