USB C Cables and Accessories

[AndyCr15]

There are now a few different phones that use USB C -

OnePlus Two
Nexus 5X
Nexus 6P​

(I can add to this list as they arrive)

I thought it useful to focus all discussion on the cables and accessories of this new tech into one place.

Lets start with the Google Engineers reviews of cables.

I also have for review a Xtorm USB-C Power Bank and will post my findings in the next few days.

 

[Christmas themed thank]

*OnePlus 2

 

[V_R]

There's a great Google Spreadsheet HERE

Original Reddit thread - https://www.reddit.com/r/Nexus6P/comments/3robzo/google_spreadsheet_for_usbc_cables_with_benson/


Also from that Reddit thread someone's put together a website that show the compliant and non compliant cables, its in US prices but great to get a quick look at whats good and whats not - http://usbccompliant.com/


Official specs - http://www.usb.org/developers/usbtypec

 

[Sunbed]

I bought:

Galopar USB 3.1 Type C to Standard Type A USB 3.0.

Not checked data transfer but they work for charging.

 

[AndyCr15]

Awesome. Thanks. I wonder if we can make a UK version of that sheet?

 

[AndyCr15]

Not checked data transfer but they work for charging.

I don't think anyone is saying some don't work. The issue is, some have the wrong resisters(?) and might damage devices and not provide full type C benefits.

 

[Scottland]

As I understand it the issue is thus:

Type A to C cables:
At the Type A end, there should be a certain resistor (56Ω) between 2 points within the plug to stop the phone drawing too much power (3A) than the plug/hub can provide. In theory this could damage whatever the A end is plugged into, but not the phone at the C end.
The cables that don't meet this spec can cause the phone to request 3A from the socket, whereas the correct cables should detect what the socket can provide. Or something along those lines...

Type C to C cables:
These should be 'safer', in as far as they shouldn't bork the USB plug/hub end - but poor cables seem to charge at a much lower rate.

MicroUSB to Type C Adapters:
As above, these seem to be safe but will not work for some devices (Chromebook Pixel 2), but should charge Type C phones ok - albeit at a max of 2.4A.

 

[Rroff]

That image is a bit misleading - the type isn't related to the size directly i.e. micro USB also comes in type B which is currently more normal than type C.

 

[AndyCr15]

That image is a bit misleading - the type isn't related to the size directly i.e. micro USB also comes in type B which is currently more normal than type C.

That image doesn't make any reference to size? The three types... You can then have Micro A and Micro B. Micro B being what we've been using for many years on our phones.

 

[reflux]

Wish he would review the Galopar cables I bought. Not sure if that's even a brand, but that's what they were called!

 

[Scottland]

There is a way you can get an indication yourself via adb commands - but it's not 100% I don't think. Do you have a 6P or 5X?

 

[V_R]

There is a way you can get an indication yourself via adb commands - but it's not 100% I don't think. Do you have a 6P or 5X?

https://plus.google.com/+GeoffHoff/posts/WUVsHmXomuY

?

 

[Scottland]

https://plus.google.com/+GeoffHoff/posts/WUVsHmXomuY

?

Yep that's a generic way, there's another that only works on the 5X too.

https://plus.google.com/+GeoffHoff/posts/eMsr1cyw75s

Somebody has made an app using the above method.

 

[rossk26]

Nice thread

Seems the OnePlus is the best value USB-A to USB-C cable

That Anker car charger also looks nice and only £6 from rainforest UK

 

[roboffer]

Nice thread

Seems the OnePlus is the best value USB-A to USB-C cable

That Anker car charger also looks nice and only £6 from rainforest UK

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I'm assuming you are talking about the one that is on the non-compliant list?

http://usbccompliant.com/

If so, I'm not sure how that can be perceived as anything but terrible value.

 

[Christmas themed thank]

The thing is, I'm pretty sure the OnePlus cable isn't certified because the OnePlus 2 doesn't support rapid charging anyway.

For any other device that does it's not recommended but I think OnePlus were advertising it primarily for the OnePlus 2.

 

[Scottland]

Got a cheap one from eBay today (291571975793). Using the methods above, it doesn't show up as requesting 3000 charging rate - but also only seems to draw 1000 mah even from a 2.4A charger.

 

[Sunbed]

I don't think anyone is saying some don't work. The issue is, some have the wrong resisters(?) and might damage devices and not provide full type C benefits.

OK well for what it's worth, the Galopar one works fine in the car and even 'charges rapidly'. If it suddenly stops then of course I will report back.

 

[AndyCr15]

OnePlus offering refunds for those of us that bought their cable - http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/1...-out-of-spec-will-offer-refunds-to-customers/

I've put my application in.

 

[Mobius 1]

Bought a belkin USB 2.0 A-C cable. Fast charges my 5x on a bog standard galaxy s4 charging plug. Cost a pretty penny though.