Technology
Longer charging cables do not necessarily slow smartphone charging, experts say
July 13, 2026 at 06:58 PM
Coverage
Experts say cable length alone is not the decisive factor; wire gauge, quality, and certification determine charging speed.
- Experts stated that longer cables increase electrical resistance and slightly reduce voltage, but the effect is minimal with certified, high-quality cables.
- The article said wire gauge (AWG) is the most important factor: thicker wires (lower AWG number) reduce resistance and improve charging efficiency, especially in longer cables.
- Experts advised avoiding long cables with thin 28 AWG charging wires and recommended cables with at least 24 AWG for charging.
- The article stated that cables with official certifications such as USB-IF or USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) maintain charging speed even at longer lengths.
