Hi, so from discussions here it's clear not all phone cables are created equal.

 

We are 100% iOS as a family but have tested a few cables and found this one to be the best so far:

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/VPP-601-20CM-Veho-Certified-Lightning-Charge-Black/dp/B016BK5G3I?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

 

It is the perfect length, not too short to be able to handle the phone and not too long that if catches on gear stick. It's black too so it blends a little and doesn't catch the eye as a white one would.

 

Stability of CarPlay with my iPhone 6 seems 100% so far, and phone charges much faster than it did with some other cables.

 

 

Can you close the cover of the "Phone Box" whilst this is plugged into the USB port and the phone is in the "box"?

Yes. I don't but I could.

 

Would be useful if leaving phone to charge in unattended car or something.

That is handy to know as I have been looking at one of these: -

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zeskit-Lightning-Cable-10cm-inches/dp/B00VRJZ2CY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1460023915&sr=8-2&keywords=right+angle+usb+to+lightning+cable

 

My thinking was the right-angle ends should ensure that you can close the cover, my only concern was the length, the big plus is that its Apple Certified so should work. 

 

Nb. Decided to go with one of yours and one of mine and get free delivery

Edited 8 April, 201610 yr by Prykey

The 10cm / 4" ones aren't long enough to rest the phone nicely. Puts mechanical stress on the USB connectors at both end - would be bad news in the long run.

I have got a short cable too for my android phone... i prefer to leave the cable into the car usb socket 24/7 (less wear and tear on the socket) and connect the phone to the cable, but with the short cable its really fiddly to connect the phone in the phonebox as theres not enough cable stack to connect it and then  place it in there due to the size of my phone screen (LG g3)

The 10cm / 4" ones aren't long enough to rest the phone nicely. Puts mechanical stress on the USB connectors at both end - would be bad news in the long run.

 

I'll let you know how I get on when it arrives.

If it's of any help to anyone, I've tried different cables/lengths/adaptors. These are the issues I found...

 

Every straight-USB plugged cable I tried allowed the phone box lid to close without any fouling while plugged into the USB, so I doubt that's an issue for any cable.

 

90 degree plugs and adaptors obstruct the easy insertion and removal of the phone unless you connect/disconnect the USB last/first.

If you do choose this option, make sure you get one that angles in the correct direction.

 

4"/10cm leads are too short.

As with the 90 degree cables/adaptors you end up having to connect the lead to the phone first, insert the phone in the box, then plug in the USB. Then the reverse process to remove the phone.

Inconvenient if you like to keep the cable connected to the USB with or without the phone connected.

 

Anything over 12"/30cm leaves too much excess cable to roll up and tuck out of the way.

 

The cable will need to endure a lot of bending, putting stress on the weak points - which are where the cable feeds into the lightning connector and into the USB connector.

The Apple supplied cable and the Amazon Basics are not suitable. They will quickly break down. They are ideal for home use but not for the car.

As well as ensuring it's certified, also look for a (reinforced) braided cable.

 

My personal choice after trying different cables is the 12" Anker kevlar reinforced cable. It's still faultless after 6 months of regular use in the car.

Edited 8 April, 201610 yr by BillyJim

If it's of any help to anyone, I've tried different cables/lengths/adaptors. These are the issues I found...

 

Every straight-USB plugged cable I tried allowed the phone box lid to close without any fouling while plugged into the USB, so I doubt that's an issue for any cable.

 

90 degree plugs and adaptors obstruct the easy insertion and removal of the phone unless you connect/disconnect the USB last/first.

If you do choose this option, make sure you get one that angles in the correct direction.

 

4"/10cm leads are too short.

As with the 90 degree cables/adaptors you end up having to connect the lead to the phone first, insert the phone in the box, then plug in the USB. Then the reverse process to remove the phone.

Inconvenient if you like to keep the cable connected to the USB with or without the phone connected.

 

Anything over 12"/30cm leaves too much excess cable to roll up and tuck out of the way.

 

The cable will need to endure a lot of bending, putting stress on the weak points - which are where the cable feeds into the lightning connector and into the USB connector.

The Apple supplied cable and the Amazon Basics are not suitable. They will quickly break down. They are ideal for home use but not for the car.

As well as ensuring it's certified, also look for a (reinforced) braided cable.

 

My personal choice after trying different cables is the 12" Anker kevlar reinforced cable. It's still faultless after 6 months of regular use in the car.

 

Thank you Billy Jim for you observations

Hi, so from discussions here it's clear not all phone cables are created equal.

 

We are 100% iOS as a family but have tested a few cables and found this one to be the best so far:

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/VPP-601-20CM-Veho-Certified-Lightning-Charge-Black/dp/B016BK5G3I?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

 

It is the perfect length, not too short to be able to handle the phone and not too long that if catches on gear stick. It's black too so it blends a little and doesn't catch the eye as a white one would.

 

Stability of CarPlay with my iPhone 6 seems 100% so far, and phone charges much faster than it did with some other cables.

Thanks for the recommendation, bought one of these leads and it's as near perfect as you can get in my opinion. Can easily close the flap to conceal the phone.

What's the best cable if you have not got the phone box option? I'm currently using a short anker cable however because of the location of the usb in releation to the phone I feel it will eventually twist and break any straight cables! Is it possible to get angled cables?? Your help is appreciated

What's the best cable if you have not got the phone box option? I'm currently using a short anker cable however because of the location of the usb in releation to the phone I feel it will eventually twist and break any straight cables! Is it possible to get angled cables?? Your help is appreciated

 

As per my post above I have just ordered one of these: -

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zeskit-Lightning-Cable-10cm-inches/dp/B00VRJZ2CY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1460023915&sr=8-2&keywords=right+angle+usb+to+lightning+cable?tag=b0f1c-21

 

This is a short one however they may do longer versions.

The 10cm / 4" ones aren't long enough to rest the phone nicely. Puts mechanical stress on the USB connectors at both end - would be bad news in the long run.

 

I have to say that the 4" lead works fine with my iPhone 5C, call out for Amazon, 2 leads ordered on Friday with their normal free delivery for orders over £20 and they were delivered today