Is it a great way to stay juiced?
Your iPhone has become as much a part of your life as your toothbrush or deodorant. Standard, day-to-day services rely on your mobile device to operate. Many people even use their phones to pay for things at the store. All this means you need a way to keep your device charged, even on the go.
Syncwire produces a variety of charging devices, including a lightning cable and a USB-C fast charger that plugs into a vehicle’s auxiliary power outlet (often called the cigarette lighter). The company sent us a charger and a lightning cable to test out.
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USB-C Fast Charger: Convenient, But Not Fast
The idea of fast charging in a vehicle is an exciting one, but unfortunately, the Syncwire charger did not live up to expectations. While convenient and capable of charging two devices at the same time (one through the USB port and one through the USB-C port), it did not accomplish “fast charge” speeds.
In our tests, the charger worked at a pace of roughly 1% of battery per minute of charging. In 25 minutes of charging, it only charged the phone 29%. According to Apple, fast charging restores 50% of battery power in just half an hour of charging.
Syncwire Tech Specs
The Syncwire charger is packed with features. It supports both PD and QC fast charging protocols and can power two devices at once with up to 2.4 amps per port. The charger can draw up to 24W and recharge up to 80% in 35 minutes, according to its spec sheet—but our testing did not back up this claim.
The charger has a built-in chip that protects against variations in voltages such as over- and under-voltage, short circuits, overheating, and more. This is particularly helpful in a car or truck where the battery might not provide consistent amounts of power.
According to Syncwire, the charger is compatible with a wide range of products up to the iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy S20.
Syncwire Appearance
The Syncwire fast charger is small and compact. It doesn’t stick out far from the auxiliary power port, and its simple black design doesn’t draw a lot of attention. There is a single status light above the QC port, but nothing else.
Despite its simple design, the Syncwire feels good in that it has a bit of weight to it. Unlike many chargers that feel flimsy and fragile, this charger’s heft gives the user a sense of quality. It never rattled in the port and charging cables never came free during use.
Syncwire Lightning Cable
The other half of the package that Syncwire delivered was a nylon-braided lightning cable. This cable is quite impressive; not only does it have a premium feel, but the six-foot length gives it plenty of reach.
Syncwire Cable Tech Specs
The Syncwire Lightning Charger is certified by Apple, which means it doesn’t hold the inherent risks present in many cheaper lightning cables. It transfers both power and data with ease. At no point did it disconnect during testing.
It contains the latest Apple C89 charging chip, which Syncwire claims charges devices up to 20% faster than the standard lightning cable. Where the cable is most impressive, however, is its construction.
Designed with an aramid fiber core, it can reportedly be bent 12,000 times without breaking. This provides it with a tremendous amount of strength that makes it perfect for use on the go. While we did not bend it 12,000 times, the lightning cable feels tough in the hand.
Syncwire Cable Appearance
The lightning cable is braided and light-colored. While it isn’t likely to win many points for flair, it does look better than the standard lightning cable provided with most Apple devices. Its appearance is functional and useful, with a braided exterior.
Is the Syncwire Charger Worth Trying?
Both the car charger and the lightning cable impressed during testing, even if the car charger did not live up to its fast-charging expectations. The two devices combined total a price of just $33, which is significantly less expensive than an equivalent length of lightning cable from other retailers.
The devices work well and do what they need to do at a budget price. If you’re looking for a spare lightning cable, Syncwire’s option is definitely worth your time. You can purchase the cable and the car charger both from Amazon.
