USB charging cable
 

Every time you charge your phone, have you ever wonder how much power you are charging through the usb port? Your phone charger probably shows max output 1A or 2A, does it really pump that much amp? and would quick charger apps work? I did some quick testing tonight, let's find out.

I found this "Charger Doctor" online which says it will read the usb voltage and amp. Reviews say it's pretty damn accurate, why not give it a try. I also have this four ports 4.1A charger and WD Hard drive 28AWG micro usb will be used which supposed to handle 2A without problem.
http://feb.imghost.us/JPhI.jpg

but first I will try the PC front USB2.0/3.0 ports
Note2 w/ screen on & USB2.0 (5.0v and 0.42A)
http://feb.imghost.us/JPlc.jpg

Note2 w/ screen on & USB3.0 (5.0v and 0.42A), could be the motherboard.
http://feb.imghost.us/JPlc.jpg

Note2 w/ screen on & 4.1A charger (5.1v and 1.29A)
http://feb.imghost.us/JPrJ.jpg

Nexus 7 w/ screen on & 4.1A charger (5.15v and 1.62~1.7A)
http://feb.imghost.us/JPxy.jpg

S3 w/ screen on & 4.1A charger (5.1v and 0.92A)
http://feb.imghost.us/JPz0.jpg

Hongmi w/ screen on & 4.1A charger (5.05v and 0.48A)
http://feb.imghost.us/JPzd.jpg

Any device w/ screen on using 99cent flat microusb cable(5.14v and 0.09A)
http://feb.imghost.us/JPtX.jpg

iPhone 5 sleep mode & oem 1A charger & oem cable (5.1v and 0.2A)
http://feb.imghost.us/JQ3R.jpg

iPhone 5 w/ screen on & oem 1A charger & oem cable (5.1v and 0.48A)
http://feb.imghost.us/JQ6E.jpg

How about fast charge apps? I tested the following apps on all Android devices and NONE of them increase the voltage or amp...
Faster Charger (Marvin Apps)
Charger Booster (HT soft)
Simple fast charge (TI.UIN)

Quick Summary: Most micro usb cable rarely states the wire gauge, oem cables usually would do the best. If your cable is charging your phone slowly, just throw it away, as you can see low quality cable can take 10x longer to charge than oem cable.

how about portable battery banks? they have 1A and/or 2A ports...

It would also be good to know the battery percentage of each device when you plugged it in. When a lithium ion battery is low on charge, the charger will dump out as much current as it can. Usually up to the specified rating (1A or 2A is the usual rating for chargers these days). As the battery gets full, the current goes down to a mere trickle charge. Therefore, the current going into the battery does not stay constant from 0% charge -100% charge.

Otherwise, very useful information, Kudos to you!

Lifehacker also just have an article about it.. basically the advice is if you want cheap and good quality usb cable, get it from monoprice!

Cables Can Significantly Impact the Charging Speed of Your USB Devices

I knew it! My cat chewed my 4s cord and i bought a cable from somewhere, maybe night market. Tool maybe 3 hours to charge. Used a friends OEM apple cable and took maybe 20-25 minutes
Posted via RS Mobile

I have the CHEAPEST power bank in the market with 500mA & 1A port, the mah is said to be 5400, but I highly doubt it.

However, the voltage seems to be fine.
4.88v
http://feb.imghost.us/JZFo.jpg

0.42A @ 500mA port
http://feb.imghost.us/JZHX.jpg

0.80~0.9A @ 1A port
http://feb.imghost.us/JZIG.jpg

Note2 was at 70%; S3 was at 50%; and the Nexus battery was fully drained, anyway, my point is the huge different between good and cheap cable.

even the oem S3 cable seems to be 3/4 the speed of the WD cable. :suspicious:

only buy one with the wire gauge no. printed on the cable.

my next purchase will be 18AWG cables
http://img04.taobaocdn.com/imgextra/...!!21896723.jpg
http://img02.taobaocdn.com/imgextra/...!!21896723.jpg

0 AWG cables!!
Posted via RS Mobile

For good microusb cables try:

Motorola's EcoMoto: http://www.amazon.ca/Motorola-SKN500.../dp/B003W125RA

Monoprice Premium: Premium USB to Micro USB Charge & Sync Cable 3ft- Black - Monoprice.com

Or ION MicroUSB from NCIX:
http://products.ncix.com/detail/ion-...e-89-78418.htm

I bought like 5 ION ones from NCIX last time they were on sale.

exactly what I bought.. except i got the white 6ft one..