How do I know if my USB-C cable is fast charging?
Most fast charging cables and accessories will state it right on the package, too. Many cable manufacturers will simply label fast chargers and offer a description indicating what it's capable of. Look for a small description that reads “fast charging.” Another spec detail is “Quick Charge 2.0” or “QC3.
No, not all USB-C cables are equal. USB-C stands for the shape and type of connector, which is the same for all USB-C cables but not all cables support the same kind of protocols and transfer speeds.
Not all USB-C cables are certified to fast charge. Chances are if you have an Android phone from the last couple of years it'll be fast charge compatible with the brick and cable that came in the box, but this doesn't mean that any plug and cable will fast charge it.
All USB-C cables must be able to carry a minimum of 3A current (at 20V, 60W). But for high-power 20V/5A (100W) charging, you need a 5A-rated USB-C to USB-C cable that contains E-Marker chip to identify the cable and its current capabilities.
USB Cables and Gauges
Wires have different limits for currents it can carry, with larger ones being able to transfer more energy in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, while extremely long cables are handy and can keep you connected even far away from the plug, these will slow down your charging by a lot.
- Pick up the cable.
- Look at the connector end.
- Does it have a lightning bolt imprint? If yes, it is a Thunderbolt cable. If no, it is a USB-C cable.
- Satisfyingly place the cable back down.
There are a number of different types of USB-C cables including: USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 2, and Thunderbolt 4. The main difference between all of these is their data transfer rates.
For fast charging, manufacturers bump the voltage up from 5V to 9V or 12V and beyond, or increase amperage to 3A and above. The introduction of USB-C helps accomplish this with support for up to 100W and 20V, which makes faster charging speeds possible.
Cable Matters USB4 USB-C to USB-C Cable
If you want to be future-proof and looking for the fastest possible data speeds, there is no better option than the Cable Matters USB4 cable. It's also one of the few USB4 cables to come in a 3.3 feet size. Most other USB4 cables are only 2.6 feet long.
Anker's PowerPort III Nano is the best, most compact option for sending the fastest possible charge to most phones, capable of delivering 20 watts of power over USB-C.
Is 3.1 a fast charging?
The 3.1amps of power is capable of charging your device with good speed. Extra two USB sockets become very useful when you wish to charge another 2 devices at the same time. The quality materials make it more secure and durable. Multiline chargers are made to rapidly charge your electronics.
You can fast charge your iPhone 8 and later up to 50 percent battery in around 30 minutes. Fast charging works when you use an Apple USB-C to Lightning cable and one of these adapters: Apple 18W, 20W,2 29W, 30W, 35W, 61W, 67W, 87W, or 96W, or 140W USB-C Power Adapter.
Called USB Type-C, it is faster than the commonly used USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 standards that personal computers, laptops and smartphones all use this at the moment. The two advantages that it offers are faster data transfer speeds and also quicker charging capabilities.
USB Type-C also allows faster electricity transfer, which means that devices such as phones will charge faster. Most USB 3.0 chargers still provide 2.1 Amp power. But with an output of 5Amp, USB Type-C can charge smartphones two or three times more quicker than before.