Just Mobile AluCable USB-C to USB-C cable review

I had just purchased a Nexus 5x which incorporates the new USB-C connector for charging and I was looking for a spare cable.  Luckily I was offered the opportunity to check out the AluCable and figured that I’d scored a simple review and could crank out a couple of sentences and then I’d be done.  It is only a cable after all.  Well, it isn’t that simple.I only became interested in the USB-C standard after I purchased my Nexus 5X.  The cable that came with the phone seemed to work fine and I appreciated the fact that it could be plugged in either direction.  It can also carry a higher current, enabling faster charging on the receiving device.  What’s not to like?  The problem is that there has been a rash of fried devices because of cheaply made or faulty cables.  If you search for “USB-C cable problems” on the web you will find there are many stories about the problems and most disturbingly, buying a USB-C cable right now is a crap shoot.  As a matter of fact, Amazon has banned non-compliant USB-C cables and adapters from their offerings.

Apparently, the problem gained visibility when a Google engineer smoked his Pixel using a faulty cable.  He now is testing cables and making a table of those he finds that work.

I am used to buying the cheapest cable I can find online.  Up until now that hasn’t been much of a problem and I’ve saved a bunch over premium priced products.  I have however had some issues and actually smoked an iPod using an aftermarket Lightning cable.  Come to think of it, out of the 5 Lightning cables I’ve purchased, 4 have failed.  Hmm, I’m going to rethink my purchasing decisions.

Back to the review.

I received both a C to C  cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter.  The cables are quality built and have aluminum around the connections.  I had no opportunity to test the adapter cable, so this review is for the USB-C to USB-C cable.

Specifications:

• USB 2.0 Type C male to Type C male
• 6.5ft / 2m long
• Premium aluminum finishing
• Up to 480Mbps data transfer
• Max 3A power output

Although I couldn’t find the AluCable on any list, either good or bad, I tempted fate and plugged it into my Nexus 5x and the charger that came with the phone.  I’ve been charging my phone for the past 3 weeks using the AluCable and so far it’s working fine.  To further test the cable, I purchased a USB-C to USB-A adapter and charged my phone from a battery backup and the USB-A port of my PC.  There are no problems to report.

The Just Mobile AluCable worked well for me using my Nexus 5X.  I appreciated that quality build and the 2 meter length.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Just Mobile. Visit their site for more information and Amazon to order.