Charging and USB cables

Charging and USB cables for smartphones, suited to anyone who needs a spare or replacement lead for a Nothing Phone or realme handset. The selection in this category is small and tied to these two brands, so it pays to check the connector and charging speed against your phone before ordering.

How to choose a charging or USB cable

Connector type. Most current Android phones, including those from Nothing and realme, charge through USB-C, so a USB-C to USB-C or USB-A to USB-C cable is usually what you need. Check the port on your phone and on your charger before buying, because the two ends of the cable must match both.

Charging power. A cable limits how much power reaches the phone. Basic cables are often rated for around 60W, while cables for higher wattages carry a chip that tells the charger what they can handle. If your phone supports fast charging, pick a cable rated at or above the wattage of your charger.

Fast charging standard. Some manufacturers use their own protocols alongside USB Power Delivery, realme with SuperVOOC being a well-known example. Full speed may need the maker's own charger and cable, so read the phone's specifications before assuming any lead will do.

Data transfer speed. Many charging cables carry data only at USB 2.0 speed, which is fine for occasional file copying but slow for large video libraries or backups. If you move files to a computer regularly, look for a cable that states a higher USB data rating.

Length and build. A 1 m lead suits a desk or wall socket, while 2 m is more comfortable if your socket is far from where you sit. Reinforced connector ends and braided or thick sheathing tend to last longer where a cable is bent often.

Brands we carry

• Nothing Phone: known for the transparent back design and Glyph light interface on its handsets, and for sticking to the USB-C standard for charging.
• realme: known for its SuperVOOC fast charging technology, which is why matching the cable and charger to the phone matters with this brand.

The range here has no subcategories, only a short list of products linked to these two brands.

Frequently asked questions about charging and USB cables

Which cable do I need for a Nothing Phone?

A USB-C cable is what Nothing Phone models use for charging. Pair it with a charger that supports USB Power Delivery to get the fastest charging speed your phone allows. Check the handset's specifications for the maximum wired charging power.

Will any USB-C cable charge a realme phone at full speed?

Not always. Any USB-C cable will charge the phone, but the fastest speeds can depend on realme's own fast charging protocol. A cable and charger designed for that protocol give the best result, while a basic cable may charge more slowly.

Can a charging cable also transfer files to a computer?

Most USB cables can, but not all of them. Some cheap leads are built mainly for charging and carry data only at slow USB 2.0 speed. If file transfer matters, check that the cable states its data rating.

How long should a phone charging cable be?

A length of 1 m suits most people who charge near a socket or a computer. Choose 2 m if you use your phone on a sofa or in bed while it charges. Very long cables can lose some efficiency, so only go longer than you need.