Update 07/16: we’ve now included mention of Nomad’s 2-in-1 charger for iPhone and Apple Watch
Look, I get it. Charging cables aren’t exactly the sexiest product in the tech world and I’d forgive you for rolling your eyes – but OnePlus has introduced a new cable at a price point which makes it way more accessible than rivals.
It’s called, rather unappealingly, the OnePlus 2-in-1 SUPERVOOC Cable. It has a USB-A connector at one end, and a USB-C connector at the other. So far, so like any other boring USB charging cable.
But this 1.2m cable has a bonus feature; a built-in POGO pin connector part way along the distinctive red cord.
Why? So you can charge your OnePlus Watch at the same time as your smartphone, without the need for multiple cables or a chunky multi-charging stand.
So how does it work?
The cable can deliver charging speeds up to 80W when connected to a handset (with a supported charging block), but connect a OnePlus Watch to the cable as well and the wearable will draw 10W, with up to 67W heading to your phone.
OnePlus says it’s included an “E-marker smart chip” in the cable to help protect your devices from power surges, which is reassuring to know.
You don’t get the charging block with the cable though, so you’ll need to supply your own with a USB-A port in it.
The POGO pin connector supports the OnePlus Watch 2, Watch 2R and the new OnePlus Watch 3 which launched earlier this year. We expect it will also support the smaller, 43mm Watch 3 when it arrives in the US in the coming months.
What about the Apple Watch?
As OnePlus’ smartwatches use a specific size and shaped charging connector, you won’t be able to charge wearables from other manufacturers with this cable – and that includes the Apple Watch.
Apple and third party manufacturers already offer an array of charging stands for multiple iDevices – you can even get 3-in-1 stands that’ll charge your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch simultaneously. But these can run over $100 in some cases.
These stands also aren’t as handy for travel. A solution does already exist though, thanks to third-party accessory maker Nomad. Its “Universal Cable for Apple Watch” features a charging puck for your Watch (or AirPods case) and a USB C connector for your iPhone.
So what’s the issue for Apple owners? The price. Nomad’s cable is an eye-watering $119. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 2-in-1 cable will set you back $29.99.
What I’m really surprised about is the fact more manufacturers aren’t offering this cable combo.
It feels like Samsung and Google especially are in prime positions with their product portfolios to offer their customers similar solutions. Who knew cables could be so fun.
Via Notebookcheck
