Types of USB cables and how to keep them from fraying for a lifetime

With the presence of many electronic devices, we now see cables everywhere. Despite the significant differences between them, all cables work in almost the same way. Most USB cables are not only for charging devices, but also have the ability to transfer data. However, there is one undeniable fact, due to the frequent daily use, it is very easy for them to tear and fray from the inside.

Yes, they are not very expensive, and it is easy to buy a replacement at any time, but at the same time, constantly replacing cables one after the other becomes annoying. If we are able to preserve their lifespan, well, that’s great because you will be able to use them whenever you want. That’s why in this article we decided to discuss with you all the famous types of USB cables to see the essential differences between them and provide you with a simple set of tips to preserve them for life.

What are the main types of USB cables?

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In fact, there are many types of USB cables in the commercial market, and despite the existence of types that we may not even know their benefits or with which devices they can be used, there are three main types that we use daily to charge our electronic and smart devices and are familiar with them, they are USB Type-C, the second type, Micro USB, and the third and last type, USB Type-A.

First, USB Type-C cable: It is the fastest charging or data transfer cable we currently use and is reversible, meaning it provides the ability to charge and transfer data in both directions. It can operate at a bandwidth speed of 5Gbps and up to 20Gbps – depending on the speed of the port on the other end.

This cable provides faster charging speeds than ever before. Its popularity has increased significantly with Android smartphones, and all technical sources confirm that it is the standard and future cable as well in the coming decades. The fact that even Apple itself has eliminated all ports in its MacBook except for a USB-C port confirms this fact, and this helped the laptop to be thinner and more portable easily.

Second, Lightning cable: The Lightning cable is specifically for Apple and its technology and electronic devices only, no other company uses it or plans to have it in their future devices. You will only find it in Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and iPods. But even the latest iPad from Apple has decided to abandon it and replace it with a USB-C port and there are many demands in the tech community from iPhone enthusiasts for Apple to have a USB-C port in future iPhones instead of the Lightning port that has been around for more than a decade.

Third, USB Type-A cable: It is the most common and widely used type of USB cable today. For example, you will find all laptops have USB Type-A connectors on one side and you may find other types on the other side or even the same type as well. By using a USB Type-A cable, you can transfer files and charge devices through a USB 1.1, USB 2.0, or USB 3.0 port, and most likely you will find a USB 3.0 port colored blue, while all other standard USB ports are black and operate at speeds starting at 480Mbps up to 5Gbps.

Fourth, Micro USB cable: The Micro USB cable was developed to be the successor to the Mini USB and is much smaller than the standard USB cable and is relied upon with most modern smartphones due to its slim size and thickness. It is almost the same as the Lightning port in Apple devices, but there are expectations that it will be replaced with a USB-C port very soon.

How to choose a high-quality USB cable?

USB cables become useless when their wires stick to each other due to their high temperature exposure and corrosion factors, or of course when the main conductor on the cable ends is cut. When thinking of buying a USB cable, you should consider the materials the cable is made of. Currently, PVC material or what we call braided nylon is being used, which has proven to be of high quality but at the same time, it is not sufficient to protect the cables from the inside.

It is said that Zendure SuperCord cables are the best and strongest USB cables capable of lasting a lifetime, and despite that, their prices are affordable, but they will be expensive when compared to local currencies. But at the same time, there are many high-quality types such as cables from Anker, Aukey, Syncwire, and many others.

But the idea behind Zendure cables and the reason for their higher price compared to all other cables is that the cable’s structure is reinforced with nylon and defensive materials that have proven their effectiveness to the extent that you can tow a car with it, as they are made of very strong and flexible materials, and are 10 times stronger than any ordinary cable. In addition, they provide a lifetime warranty and immediate replacement service in case the cable breaks due to normal wear and tear.

How to preserve USB cables for life?

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In fact, any high-quality cable is capable of lasting a lifetime, but on condition of proper handling and keeping it well. Here are 5 tips you need to hear in order to preserve their lifespan for the longest possible time.

• Wrap the cable neatly and tie it with a belt or strap when not in use.

• Do not try to keep USB cables with other metal devices like keys, for example, as it accelerates their wear and tear.

• Avoid sharp bending and twisting while using the cable.

• Do not leave it in harsh environments such as bright sunlight that causes the cable’s temperature to rise from the inside.

• Do not try to remove it from the socket quickly or pull it from the cable itself, just try to control the socket end and gently remove it so as not to fray it from the inside.