Quiz: What's The Best Charging Cable For The iPhone 12?
A iPhone charging cable is just a cable right? Apparently not. I spent $200 dollars on 8 different cables, charged them a bunch of times, bent them at least 25000 times and tore them apart to figure out that the best cables for the iPhone 12 will either be the ESR braided charging cable or the Apple 2M Lightning to USB-C cable.
Here's something neat: The build quality of the 2 meter cable from Apple is not the same as the cable included with the iPhone.
Here's the Top 3. Using my affiliate links helps keep this channel unbiased and free of sponsored content.
1. ESR Braided Charging Cable (mreh.ca/3jyHMlO)
2. Apple 2 meter Charge Cable (mreh.ca/35D09Bd)
3. Amazon Basics Charging Cable (mreh.ca/3mp5dA4)
Check out how tough the new Ceramic Shield is on the iPhone 12: mnmore.info/bin/video/Z2-uqqh8pGzTeMY
Is the new MagSafe charger faster than other Qi-chargers? mnmore.info/bin/video/ZKitx7ubf3yZrco
In this video:
0:00 Intro
1:04 Lol.
1:56 MFI Certified?
3:09 Bend Tests
6:59 Charge Tests
9:25 Tear Downs
12:59 Final Rankings
#ReviewereNotInfluencer #UnSponseredContent #RealUsage #RealReviews
Here's how the other cables stacked up:
4. Anker Powerline II
5. CHOETECH Nylon Braided
6. Anker Powerline III
7. Apple 1m Cable
We had another cable from a company called Lisen but we bought the wrong head so we didn't included it in the rankings. We did put it through the bend test and it performed like all the other braided cables did.
So the first thing we looked at was the quality of the lightning cable heads. The biggest tell between MFI certified and non-MFI cables is the quality of the leads in the cable head. MFI cables will look clean, smooth and symmetrical, non MFI cables will look very rough.
You guys remember Arthur right? The little machine I built to test how much power the Magic Keyboard on the iPad drew? Well, Arthur has a son whose name is Arthuros who has batted around cables for at least 6 weeks straight now..
Every cable was definitely looser around the pivot point on the cable and the only definite conclusion that I’ve come to is that braided cables are going to be a little tougher from my perspective.
The non-braided cables tend to lose bits and pieces of the cable over time. The worst offenders were the products from Anker.
That’s the primary reason why I think braided cables are better than non-traded cables, they seem to hold together a bit better. And based on what I found out in the tear downs, should last a bit longer.
Alright, lets talk about charge rates. For this video, we measure the time it took to charge an iPhone XS from 20-90%. We choose that range because that’s out of low power mode and not into trickle charging. Why the iPhone XS? Because it was the only iPhone we had free when we started this video two months ago.
Each charge test was done with the an 18W charger, plugged into the same power bar and same outlet.
Out of the remaining 6 cables, the fastest cable before the bend test was the ESR Cable followed by the 2m Apple Cable. The 2nd slowest cable was the Amazon Basics cable and pulling up the rear was the Anker Powerline III.
In second place was the Apple 2M cable 57 minutes 4 seconds and the CHOETECH with 58 minutes and 9 seconds.
Now we did the same charge tests AFTER we bent each cable and here are the results. There was only one cable that wasn’t slower. So if you’re still charging your iPhone with a REALLY old cable like this one, maybe it’s time to get a new one.
Now the last thing I did for this video was to compare the two Apple cables. The diameter difference between the two Apple cables just seemed odd, coupled with the drastic difference in charge times, I just had to know.
At first, I thought it might be the jacket that was the difference but both cables had a jacket that was about 0.5mm thick. Then I realized it was everything else. The 2m Apple cable has more of the braided shielding, more filler and the foil shield was applied on better. I could actually rip the foil shield off with my fingers whereas it basically flaked off with the 1m cable.
The wires on the inside of the cable also had a bit more insulation to them.
So why would Apple do this? I have no idea. Why did they put a sub-par cable with their iPhones? Apple made a big fuss about reducing waste by leaving out the chargers and headphones so it doesn’t make sense.
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MobileReviewsEh
2 сарын өмнө
Just to clarify, the 1m cable I used in this video came with my iPhone 12. It's a USB-C to Lightning cable, not a USB-A.
Yasugi 01
Сарын өмнө
Hey can you do a video on the best USBc power bricks
Transcend
Сарын өмнө
Hello! Will you do an updated best usb-c Wall charger? Is it safe to use my MBP wall charger or is that wattage too high?
Ritean Dan
2 сарын өмнө
What will be the best cable to have for the iPhone 12 Pro (still waiting for my phone from TELUS!? Three weeks now!?), with a 30W Anker Power Brick AND for a bad kitty who likes to chew on them sometimes? Maybe a tougher (braided?), cable so it can’t be chewed through on the first to before I catch him doing it.
Kawauka
2 сарын өмнө
@superfragilisticatexpialidoshmur You can but in this video he's comparing the 1m cable given in the iPhone box compared to the 2m cable that he brought. No clue if the 1m cable you buy will be the same as the 1m in the box.
superfragilisticatexpialidoshmur
2 сарын өмнө
You can buy the 1m cable separately though, can't you???
escargotiskuhol
3 өдрийн өмнө
Your funny intro made me sub!
Keko G
4 өдрийн өмнө
Best dog ever.. he so Interested about what u say
Gabriel Tobing
8 өдрийн өмнө
My samsung cable lasted a year before the outer rubber ripped. Came back to this video, not just for fun this time XD
godZilla Cat
9 өдрийн өмнө
I have a mini schnauzer.. they could almost be twins! THank you for info.. Buying through your site
MOAB FIFA mobile
17 өдрийн өмнө
Bro you’ve got legit pair of testing tool
koZmo .seVen
21 өдрийн өмнө
The ESR cable charges fast but I’ve had two die on me within hardly a week. Stopped working after just laying silently in its own private corner, terrible product.
David Rozali
24 өдрийн өмнө
Amazing video. Is there any different between ESR 1m and 2m?
Michael
26 өдрийн өмнө
I’m confused on how to read the bend test score. Is ESR the worst performer or the best?
victor ayala
26 өдрийн өмнө
Any video on the best box to charge with ?
UnicoRN
27 өдрийн өмнө
Monty is so sweet. I love the way he looks at you and “listens” to your reviews. What a good boy. Lol.
Yasugi 01
Сарын өмнө
Hey can you do this video for USB C power bricks or does it not matter
Mike Patel
Сарын өмнө
Please do the same test with the power bricks, some of the more common once like Anker and Aukey 20w, Samsung 25w, Apple 18w and 20w and just to go extra mile apple 61w and 90w MacBook bricks.
K A
Сарын өмнө
Hi, do you have which best charging brick for IP12 video ?
alwise
Сарын өмнө
The 2m cable is thicker because it is longer and needs to be thicker to have a lower resistance.
aziz trabelsi
Сарын өмнө
i have never seen a youtuber this dedicated
Bennyboy2930
Сарын өмнө
Can you do a new best fast charger video (adapter)? For the new iPhone 12 pro max, Also explain wattages, what iPhones support and difference between usb and usb c? I find your videos very helpful and I’ve ordered plenty of accessories from different manufactures using your codes. Thanks again
Ametis
Сарын өмнө
There is lots more cable that is famous in asia... Ugreen cable is pretty good. There is another brand, called Baseus, rock, and many other cables. U should check it out
John Wayne
Сарын өмнө
wish i would have saw this before i bought a bunch and Anker cables.......
Darwin Jackson
Сарын өмнө
I've sucked the apple 2 meter cable up into the vacuum and twisted it around the beater brush and it's still works
Nelson Marin
Сарын өмнө
I used your link thanks for this video
Duy Anh Nguyen Vu
Сарын өмнө
Your video is crazy detailed. Please do another Pd charger 20w video.
Philly Faibs [TechFill]
Сарын өмнө
Just used your link to get an ESR USB A cable but it doesn’t look like they carry them on Amazon ☹️
mishy
Сарын өмнө
So informative…thank you!
Alexander Wilkins
Сарын өмнө
I like belkin cords personally
Find It And Fix It
Сарын өмнө
the shitty items are usually sponsor by fake reviewer to do promotion on youtube with reviewers. So they can hype up the product to sell too fools.
Piggynice-06
Сарын өмнө
Remember the 30 pin
Robert Pendzick
Сарын өмнө
There might be an obvious reason for Apple to include a bad cable. See look how slowly it charges, what to improve the 'user experience" buy the MAG safe charger system and look how much better the charging is.... (It may not be faster, but see it attaches by magnets, no more frayed cables and pokey bits. )
npgoalkeeper _
7 өдрийн өмнө
I mean, the only thing that seems to suck is the strain relief
Elliot Declet
Сарын өмнө
I just got the esr on an Amazon flash sale for 9 bucks
Phillip Stowe
Сарын өмнө
Have you ever reviewed the titan power plus cable? It markets itself as a VERY strong cable that is built to be fast as well. I am curious about it.
Drucilla Jones
Сарын өмнө
put a crap charger in the box then it breaks you haft to buy another... more money for apple
Vaibhav Singh
Сарын өмнө
You’re doing amazing work.
JJ M
Сарын өмнө
Would you be willing to review wireless charging phone mounts for cars?
Feby Liemor
2 сарын өмнө
thanks for doing all the hard work and review.. adorable dog btw :)
rrt08
2 сарын өмнө
Have good luck with Walmart ONN cable’s.
Eric Eugenio
2 сарын өмнө
I appreciate the bend test but it’s not realistic enough for me. I sleep on my shit
Ivor Šlibar
2 сарын өмнө
Very good video, you should work with somebody who knows a bit of electrical engineering. Would make your videos a lot better. To explain all of the differences and changes. Keep it up buddy!
Keith Barnett
2 сарын өмнө
(CABLE STOPPED WORKING) I got two of the ESR 6 ft cables for My iPhone 12 Pro Max and after a week and just a couple of charging times one cable stopped working . Never had that happen before.
Spencer Blair
2 сарын өмнө
Dude you’re a hero. I definitely trust your reviews to be non-biased. Thanks for doing the heavy lifting for us.
An RN
2 сарын өмнө
i enjoy your reviews! but you mentioned on another video that esr is not an mfi cable...
mark robinson
2 сарын өмнө
Excellent review, well done! Monty is the best!!
Joe Quarrell
2 сарын өмнө
The 2m Apple cable is thicker than the 1m to prevent voltage drop caused by the extra length.
tyler hinton
2 сарын өмнө
Suprised u didn’t talk about the belkin braided cable
Hamidah Mariam
2 сарын өмнө
1:30 I love how you saying that you don’t take sponsors has extended into a whole ad about how you’re not like other MNmorers
Opiophobia
2 сарын өмнө
what the fuck??? Why are you not currently on payroll by apple themselves??
Dzulkifli Husin
2 сарын өмнө
I think ikea Lillhult cable is good too
Bryce Braxmeyer
2 сарын өмнө
The 2 meter cable has better shielding for data communication over the increased length and thicker wires to make up for resistive losses over the increased length. Thats my best guess.
Matt
2 сарын өмнө
the detail in this video is insanE! thanks
J Lastname
2 сарын өмнө
I came back here a week after watching this just to use your affiliate link ❤️
J Lastname
2 сарын өмнө
ESR Is what I went for btw 🙏
Benjamin Malave Jr.
2 сарын өмнө
In my experience the cable doesn't break, the leads get worn, even on expensive cables. Anker makes great chargers but their lightning cables don't last.
Ritza Robelo
2 сарын өмнө
Best power bricks for iPhone 12?
Samuel Ruiz
2 сарын өмнө
I have the perfect solution dont buy a iPhone or Apple use USB C
TomBoyNI
2 сарын өмнө
Great stuff as usual! ESR cable now heading my way, from your links.
dylan langley
2 сарын өмнө
That was awesome, loved your review and style. Thank you
carcrasher89
2 сарын өмнө
apple 2m is better cause you are paying for it. the 1m is of lower quality for a better profit margin when they sell the phones.
Fryman57
2 сарын өмнө
In my experience, cables fall apart because they get folded over 180° at the connection too many times, and because people pull on the cable to unplug it rather than the tip. I was really impressed with your testing machine thing, but thought just flopping the cable over back and forth was going too soft of them. I do really like your channel and your videos. Keep ‘em coming.
bloozism
2 сарын өмнө
Your testing method is too kind. Make it more punishing so we see some failures.
bloozism
2 сарын өмнө
I like Aukey products.
Josh Ommen
2 сарын өмнө
Cool videos! Thanks!
Kynari
2 сарын өмнө
I think a more realistic way to test the cable durability would be to fix the lightning end, and tug the cable, then reset the cable to resting position. It would simulate the extra force needed to pull the cable out of the phone and might give you the same cable fraying you desire. This is also doable with the stepper motor you have (just give it a limited rotation with a rack and pinion “puller”). I’d be willing to help you design and 3D print a fixture if you’d like!
linktlh
2 сарын өмнө
You should checkout Amazon basic's braided cable. it's not much more than the normal, but the quality is far superior.
Aarron Offer
2 сарын өмнө
I am positive that there is a fan that can help with ur code
Tofubi
2 сарын өмнө
I’ve watched you evolve over the years and by far are you a a rarity. No beating the bush here. Seriously keep it up your doing everyone a great service. You even seem to be having a good time doing it too! Thanks for the hard work and creative videos, it’s always a blast :)
Tyler
2 сарын өмнө
Surprised to not see a Nomad one. They have a really nice high quality Kevlar cable, Apple certified.
we need hope
2 сарын өмнө
The 2 M cable is thicker so it can charge as the same speed as the 1 M cable. Its simple physics.
Pingrui Huang
2 сарын өмнө
First of all I wanted to say "Thank You" for all of the product reviews. I am a big fan of yours and your reviews helped BIG time in buying product decision making. Next I have a question. In Anker Powerline III+, it claims that the head of the lightning is rust proof. I am interested in buying rust proof iphone 12 pro max cable, buy don't know how to find it. It didn't really state Rustproof in the other brand cables. Can you make a video on rustproof lightning to usb c cable? Thanks in advance!!! By the way what is your code if I want to buy cables from above video?
Rob Abe
2 сарын өмнө
you should've added a test with Monty chewing up each cable!
Nathan Clark
2 сарын өмнө
Love CircleExpanse to build websites with 🤣
TheOofOre
2 сарын өмнө
canada
Sujan Pradhan
2 сарын өмнө
That dog needs to get more screen time.
Andre A
2 сарын өмнө
how about wall brick comparison from 5W, 12W, 18W, 20W in terms of temperature vs speed, which one is good for iPhone's battery health yet have decent charge speed
mikldude
2 сарын өмнө
Nice in depth into the cables mate , I`m not even an apple user but found it interesting , and that Monte is such a good dog ;) .
don
2 сарын өмнө
this justifies a doesnt hav enough views. your channel is so underrated
M Rav
2 сарын өмнө
Haha love your reviews!
Aedy Ha of Brunei Ds
2 сарын өмнө
Hey there, can iphone 11 Pro (Max) or 12 Pro (Max) charge with cable and magsafe at the same time? Will it charge faster speed then normal?
Gabriel Tobing
2 сарын өмнө
The way this guy disses the sponsors are awesome XD
Hamidah Mariam
2 сарын өмнө
I like your dog and the way he looks at you is so sweet.
Leon Zane
2 сарын өмнө
Idk how my 1m iphone cable which came with my phone 3 years ago, is still going today hella strong without any fraying or any issues at all
Leon Zane
2 сарын өмнө
Honestly it’s basically new minus the dirt colour
Jim Devilbiss
2 сарын өмнө
9:18 and Monty has had enough. Always hold any cable by the plug. Never insert or remove any plug by the cable.
6 String Terror
2 сарын өмнө
Mad respect, when a sponsor ad comes up from any channel it gets paused then switched.... Can't stand that shit!
kashnit singh
2 сарын өмнө
This dog is unreal.
Daneal Brown
2 сарын өмнө
That’s awesome, man, thank you for the shout out! I’ve never had that before. Was a cool feeling haha. But I’m glad to support you, dude! You go above and beyond to test these products and not sell out to the big companies. Thank you for everything you do. Also, the “ad” in this video was hilarious 🤣🤣
stu
2 сарын өмнө
Great review however the testing is an N=1 would be good to see an N=3 at least so we can see measurement variability. Can't say if the charge after and before is real or just method variability. Good stuff, keep up the great work.
Nick Peterson
2 сарын өмнө
LMAO great intro mocking crap sponsorships. Love this Man
Shady Character
2 сарын өмнө
3 years later I'm still using the cable that came in my Samsung Galaxy Note 8 box.
Tyquan Sanders
2 сарын өмнө
i gotta clap it up for this video i honestly didn't expect to dive this deep into the cable comparison but man am i glad
Hunter K.
2 сарын өмнө
why cant these reviews just be positive. I didn't come here for you to diss apple over and over.
Noah Hargett
2 сарын өмнө
Do power bricks
jovian cabrera
2 сарын өмнө
Me in the App Store looking for “crap game mobile
MrWeblz17
2 сарын өмнө
Apple gives you a crap cable in the box because you aren't paying for it. Don't give away quality for free. Then when it wears out ultra fast they can sell you the crazy expensive cable.
The Wishmaster
2 сарын өмнө
Dude, why are you wearing nail polish???
Sneaker Abyss
2 сарын өмнө
Commenting so this gets recommended
Tuomas Holo
2 сарын өмнө
One of the best product review channels!
Ian Owolabi
2 сарын өмнө
@MobileReviewsEh what about Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE USB-C Cable???
Mike Smith
2 сарын өмнө
great testing. just want to let you know that even amazon sells knock off. be sure what you buy is not a knock off. i've ran into several things that are knock off.
Ilissa Lopez
2 сарын өмнө
Wow! I knew Apple was cheap, but to give out weaker cables with the new iPhone is totally insane. And it’s the only thing that the iPhone comes with🤬
Rudy
2 сарын өмнө
Your job is AMAZING, but I'm a new subscriber because of the dog 🐕
thisal abeysekere
2 сарын өмнө
After 3 Official Apple cables and one costly braided cable, I ordered 2 old amazon basic cable with plastic grip threads. Been using that for 3 years now and the other one is still in the package it came.
Ashim Pokharel
2 сарын өмнө
From the starting of the video monte’s watching u like : 👁👄👁
Josue Arriaza
2 сарын өмнө
I think out of all the iPhones people will regret the 12 max pro since either doesn't come with a charging brick or a screen protector already on it and with 1 apple sticker 1 apple sticker. Definitely not getting your money worth.