How to Identify Fake and Original USB Cable

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  • Post last modified:February 16, 2022
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Do you really know how to Differentiate the Original USB From Fake USB cables or Cords? Anyway, in this article, you will get the full breakdown of a USB and how to know a fake and original USB. So try to read till the end.

What is the meaning of USB

USB, short for Universal Serial Bus with the aid of cables, connectors, and communications protocols used in a bus for connection, communication, and power supply between two different or same device such as computers and electronic devices. Also, a standard universal external bus (USB) supports at less data transfer rates of 12 Mbps. A single USB port can be used to connect up to 127 peripheral devices, such as mice, modems, and keyboards.

USB also supports Plug-and-Play installation and hot plugging. while some people only use it for charging. Its functionality varies from one cable to another due to differences in its build.

If you aren’t using the quality/original USB cords you will likely experience a delay in charging or experience partial contact while connected to your device, Some of these fake USB cords can also make your device extremely hot when plugged in which can actually lead to total damage of your device. So this made me put this article together to ultimately guide u on how to identify the fake and the original USB.

Understanding USB Cable Types

USB is supposedly universal, however, there are so many differing kinds. Why is this? because it turns out, they each serve different functions, primarily to preserve compatibility and support new devices.

Here are the most common types of USB connectors.

  • USB Type A: a standard flat, rectangular interface that you just notice on one end of nearly each USB cable. Most computers have multiple USB-A ports for connecting peripherals. You’ll notice them on game consoles, TVs, and also some other devices too. This cable only inserts in one way.
  • USB Type B: a virtually square connector, largely used for printers and different powered devices that connect to a laptop. These cords are not quite common these days, because most devices have moved onto a smaller connection.
  • Mini-USB: a smaller connector sort that was standard for mobile devices before micro-USB. whereas not as common these days, you’ll still see these on some cameras, the PlayStation three controller, MP3 players, and similar.
  • Micro-USB: the present standard (though slowly declining in popularity) for mobile and portable devices, which is even smaller than mini-USB. while you’ll still find micro-USB on all sorts of smartphones, tablets, USB battery packs, and game controllers, some have moved onto USB-C.
  • USB Type C: the most recent USB standard, this is often a reversible cable that guarantees higher transfer rates and additional power than previous USB types. It’s additionally capable of juggling multiple functions. You’ll see it on many new laptops and smartphones, as well as the MacBook, pixel phones, and Nintendo Switch professional Controller.
  • USB Lightning: This isn’t a true USB standard, however, is Apple’s proprietary connector for the iPhone, iPad, Air Pods, and more. It’s a similar size to USB-C and comes standard on Apple devices released since September 2012. Older Apple devices use the much larger 30-pin proprietary connector.

USB Version history and specifications

Release nameMaximum transfer rateMax. powerNote
USB 0.7
USB 0.8
USB 0.9Full Speed (12 Mbit/s)
USB 0.99
USB 1.0Full Speed (12 Mbit/s)
USB 1.0-RC
USB 1.1Full Speed (12 Mbit/s)
USB 2.0High Speed (480 Mbit/s)20 V, 5 A
USB 3.0SuperSpeed (5 Gbit/s)20 V, 5 AAkA
USB 3.1 Gen 1 &
USB 3.2 Gen 1×1
USB 3.1 SuperSpeed+ (10 Gbit/s)20 V, 5 AIncludes
USB 3.1 Gen 2
later named
USB 3.2 Gen 2×1
USB 3.2SuperSpeed+ (20 Gbit/s)20 V, 5 AIncludes new
USB 3.2 Gen 1×2
&
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
multi-link modes

How to Identify Original USB Cables/Cords?

We have provided a list of 5 simple ways to easily identify the fake USB from the original USB cords. there can be even more

  • The color of the conductor inside the cable contact box
  • The Connector Size
  • The Shape and Interlocking
  • The USB Symbol Imprint on Connector
  • Dent on the USB Connector

1. The USB Connector Color

Identifying a fake USB is pretty simple using this method, When you look at the Logo side of the USB, you will see two holes that show the inner part of the bus/contact. jut look directly inside the two holes, you will see two plated/coated conductors or connectors. If it’s golding in color then that means it’s copper. Copper has relatively high conductivity and tensile strength than aluminum.

What if the conductor is aluminum? The conductivity power of Aluminum is relatively low, although it has about 60% conductivity power of copper, more importantly, its tensile strength can contain a lot of stress because it means it is very low and could likely lead to fluctuation during usage. These types of cables usually experience partial flow during use.

Please Note: Some usb are extraordinary gold plated, i.e they shine even more than the original gold. Please use your brain.

At this point, I think you should be able to understand which one is fake and which is original. What if yours is gold plated and you are not sure it is the original? Just proceed to look out for other options in identifying original and fake USBs.

Did you know? Aluminum is way cheaper than copper, that’s why manufacturers use it more to produce cheap and inferior products.

2. USB Connector Size

If you have the original USB cable you will note this: There is a significant difference between the USB connector size of an original USB cable and the fake USB cable. The original USB connector is smaller in length and is closer to the body, While the fake USB cable has a larger USB connector and there’s more space between the connector and the body, which is more likely to get broken after frequent usage.

3. USB Shape and Interlocking

The end mouth of the originals is trapezoid in shape with an equal distance, While the fake are square in shape. Also, the interlocking on the original USB is consistently placed, while on the fake USB, interlocks are inconsistently located.

4. USB Symbol Imprint on USB Connector

The USB symbol is slightly imprinted on the connector body. If you have the original Samsung USB cable you will notice the light-colored laser-imprinted symbol whereas the fake one has a darker-colored USB symbol.

5. USB Connector Dent

Probably the picture below will better explain this, Check out the surface of the original USB connector shell. You will note it has a small dent. While the USB connector shell on the fake is just a flat surface.

Conclusion

The above-listed and explained points are currently the 5 tips we currently know. So if you know of any additional tips and comments will be highly appreciated.

I hope this post will guide you on How to Identify Original USB Cables, and also save you the next time you are purchasing any USB Cables. Also do not forget to shear and subscribe for more updates.

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