iEdge 6 Foot USB Cable Review

The iEdge USB cable 6 foot cable version we’ve used for several years, and so, review it here. It costs less than we’ve ever found for an Android-compatible sync and charge cable.

iiEdge 6 Foot USB Cable Review: Intro

The package does not say that this accessory is certified to work well with Blackberry and Android cell phones. But our tests found that it works reliably. It charges phones fast. So it’s a decent high-current handling cable. We paid $3.99 for ours at Gabriel Brothers. This is so much less than similar Blackberry-manufactured micro USB cords. Indeed, this iEdge cord is the most affordable USB 2.0 to micro USB single cable we’ve found so far.

Of the USB 2.0 to micro USB cables we’ve examined, this iEdge® data and charge cable is among the best sync cables for the money; so far, among the cheapest in “the best” class. Though it’s longer than standard four foot sync & charge cables, charging occurs roughly as quickly as with shorter cords, and faster in some cases. All connections remain cool to the touch, and we observed no heating in the cable itself during charging our higher current devices including our Kindle Fire tablet. Plus, the thicker flat rope wire, while a bit stiff, is still flexible enough to wind up into a compact shape when not in use or when traveling. Our Kindle Fire HDX tablet computer consistently and fully charges via this cable, and we never notice any, “not charging” message; unlike what happens with inferior charge cables.

Picture of the iEdge Micro USB Cable, Flat Rope, 6 Foot, Blue and Pink version. — iEdge Micro USB Cable, Flat Rope, 6 Foot, Blue and Pink.

iEdge 6 Foot USB Cable Review: Advantages, Benefits, Pros, and Features

Larger Plug Design

When using other micro USB cables, that featured too-small connector bodies, we often found ourselves fumbling around to insert them. That’s one advantage the older 30-pin dock connector for Apple devices had over the micro USB standard connectors, due to how much easier it was to attach and detach that connector from mobile devices. However, iEdge® has devised in this USB standard product, an easier-to-work version of the micro USB connector. It’s longer and wider, and so, easier to grasp. The connectors on this cable require about the same small effort as the dock connectors, and can be aimed at the mating holes with the same precision.

Plenty of Length

Extra cord in this 6-foot version. Almost 2m. We’re able to use the Fire HDX in the easy chair while charging it with this longer cord. The extra two feet of length here makes this cable lots cheaper per foot than the device specific accessory cables. Its build, including the thicker wires, supplies this iEdge® charger cable with a rugged and durable yet portable and attractive interface between your mobile devices, computers, and wall and car chargers. Though not exactly a “Genuine Android Cable,” these USB cords function about as well, and may even outperform proprietary cords in terms of durability, ease of use, and lower cost per unit.

Long Cord but Still Fast Charges

The blue and pink flat rope-looking cable here works well in high-current USB Apple devices (those requiring more than one amp for charging). Some moderate increase in required times to achieve a full charge in the Kindle is likely. This longer cable does indeed impede faster charging a little. We charged our Kindle Fire from zero percent charge to fourteen percent in just over one hour, while cable and both connectors remained completely cool. Some cables (much more expensive ones) charge at about twice this rate. But if you do not mind slower charges, the cheaper price for this reliable accessory makes the longer charge times justifiable. Though slower, you can still charge Androids and Blackberries overnight, feeding them with this cable.

The iEdge 6 Foot USB Cable is a Thick but Flexible Cord

The cord is noticeably thicker than the one that comes with the stock Kindle Fire USB micro charge cable. So we forecast extended durability. The wire here is notably stiffer, and getting kinks out of it is more difficult. But it is still pliable enough to move around the room with, and quickly wrap up without fear of stressing it. Still though, avoid sharply bending it where you can, as repeated flexing can sever the interior wires.

Works with Universal USB Charger Adapters

Since it features a USB-A male connector, this iEdge® cable works well with most universal USB chargers to charge most any micro USB-accepting devices.

Gold Plated Contact Pins

There’s gold on both the micro USB connector and USB A connector. Nice that gold seems to be the standard these days, even on connectors of these cheaper cables.

Supports USB 2.0 Standard

You can charge your micro USB devices from any current technology or legacy USB AC adapter, so long as it offers a USB A port to connect this cord with.

Low Cost

Less costly a data cable. Since this cable is more “universal” than Apple lightning cords, and is designed to work with a broad array of USB devices and chargers, it’s much more useful, bought more, and thus, is much cheaper than Apple charge cords. Look for it at 1/5th the price.

iEdge 6 Foot USB Cable Review: Concerns, Disadvantages, Cons, Problems, and Limitations

Made in China

No Flexible Strain Relief

The inflexible strain relief at both USB connectors is virtually non existent. What very little there is appears to be built from the same rigid plastic as the connector body itself. So, it’s unlikely that any worthwhile wire protection from breakage due to frequent or hyper bending at the connector ends will be provided. In fact, these little lips may just be a part of the connector bodies, not intended to provide cable strain relief. Reinforced yet flexible strain relief would be an nice improvement.

Only Certain Stores Sell iEdge USB Cables

iEdge® USB to micro USB cables are sold at Amazon and at various Gabriel Brothers outlets.

This iEdge USB 6 Foot Cable Only Supports Single Device Charging

Can charge only one device per cable. Other cables feature multiple charge ports, both USB and lightning ports. But no biggie if all you have is a single Apple phone or tablet.

iEdge 6 Foot USB Cable Review: Our Rating

This iEdge® USB Cable for Blackberry and Android mobile players appears to equal or slightly surpass typical stock USB cables in terms of quality construction, as well as overall ease of use. It’s very much cheaper than those cords made specifically by vendors for these devices, at approximately one fifth the cost. Indeed, this product is in no way excessively priced. We were thrilled to find it for under four dollars. Now that the micro USB interface has grown sufficiently in popularity, decent functioning cables like this one are becoming easier and easier to locate. We rate this cable at 98 out of 100.