Forum Discussion

MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
May 28, 2016

USB - Micro Cable Durability?

My "issue" (replaces the word "problem" with 2 fewer letters)...

The MICRO side of the connector gets loose and the cord starts falling out.

I search online and find the brand ANKER as being top rated...OK, I find ANKER cords on eBay and AMAZON. Their pricetag tells me they are proud of their merchandise...

The ad...

This is a brand new: Anker PowerLine+ Micro USB (10ft) The Premium, Fastest, Most Durable Cable [Kevlar Fiber & Double Braided Nylon] for Samsung, Nexus, LG, Motorola, Android Smartphones and More

PowerLine Micro USB
The Premium Heavy-Duty Charging Cable

From ANKER, America's Leading USB Charging Brand
? Faster and safer charging with our advanced technology
? 10 million+ happy users and counting

Unrivaled Durability
PowerLine may be the last cable you'll ever need. Proven to last at least 5 times as long as other cables, it boasts a bend tolerance 10 times higher. There's simply no other cable with this level of durability.

End-to-End Strength
Exceptional tensile strength is provided by a kevlar fiber core, double nylon-braiding and precision laser welding. PowerLine+ is built to withstand any yanking, twisting, stretching, or dropping that it might possibly be subjected to.

Customise Cable Length
Wind up PowerLine+ and bind it using the adjustable velcro strap for easy transport and storage. It also allows convenient cable length adjustment to avoid trailing cables across the floor when charging.

High-Speed Charging
Low quality charging cables can reduce charging speeds by over 40%. PowerLine+ is designed with a thick wire gauge which reduces resistance and ensures maximum charging speed.

World Famous Warranty
At Anker, we believe in our products. That's why we back them all with an 18-month warranty and provide friendly, easy-to-reach support.


I looked carefully. What am I missing? There's not one word mentioned regarding the metal USB or Micro connectors. Or, the integrity of the connection itself.

I refuse to spend that kind of cash for an item with unknown properties. Are the connections themselves superior by means of better material in the metal shell? I don't use my USB cables for tow ropes, so the Kevlar would be "nice" but useless without better connectors.

I realize the dimensions of the shell cannot be altered. But instead of using 1010 junkyard steel a nice 4140 would be much more resistant to wearout and deformation.

This is all speculation on my part. Either the ends are better or they aren't. I've seen lots of mighty good answers here from knowledgeable folks. Either I buy Anker cables or I don't on your recommendation...

Thank You
  • GordonThree wrote:
    The cable side connector (male) is designed to be sacrificial, it's easier to replace the cable than it is to solder on a new board connector.

    I forget where I read this, something in the usb spec probably.



    I've worn out a few cables. For slow hard line charging I like official Motorola and Samsung cables. For Fast hard line charging I prefer actual Samsung Fast Charge capable cords for my Samsung S7.

    Wireless charging is all about convenience. It's not faster than a hard line. I have used wireless QI charging on my S3, S5 and S7. With my S7 I converted to high speed wireless charging. It's very convenient to lay the phone down and walk away. This also maintains phone plug integrity.
  • The cable side connector (male) is designed to be sacrificial, it's easier to replace the cable than it is to solder on a new board connector.

    I forget where I read this, something in the usb spec probably.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    YES, not good, All Electronics has a good price on 'em. I plan to buy a dozen next time I order from them.
  • I just read the Amazon reviews. Raves about charging amperage but stitched into the comments are negatives about the micro connection being "mediocre" and cables falling out of ports.

    The Chinese are still in the 17th century utilizing alloy steel. Too bad Germany doesn't enter the arena.
  • Hi,

    Even though it is not efficient (nor fast), I'm looking at using inductive charging. There is a "back" for the S4 that allows it to be implemented.

    I have one S4 that I use almost entirely for Data so it could just sit there forever charging.
  • Check the verified purchases reviews on Amazon. Not fool proof. But should give some indication of what your buying. BTW, I've bought Anker USB chargers, not cables, and never had issues with them.
  • I buy the cheap cables because it is the tiny micro connector pins that seem to wear out. Not the cable or the usb connector on the other end.

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