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mardi 6 septembre 2022

These are the Best Lightning Cables to buy in 2022

Even though Apple is slowly migrating from the Lightning port to USB Type-C, many of its older and existing devices still use the Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The company supplies a Lightning cable with pretty much every product that needs it, but Apple cables are notoriously flimsy and very often break. So there is a good chance you will end up in the market for a new Lightning cable at least once in the lifetime of your Apple product.

Apart from being fragile, the Apple Lightning cables are also expensive, and you can easily find a better and cheaper alternative. So if you are in the market for a new Lightning cable because your existing cable is broken or lost — or maybe you need an extra for travel or office — we have handpicked the best Lightning cables that you can buy right now.

You’ll find two types of Lightning cables on the market: USB Type-C to Lightning and USB Type-A to Lightning. The Type-C to Lightning cables are future-proof and offer faster charging speeds, while the Type-A cables are slower, and the Type-A ports are also slowly being phased out. Which one you get depends on what is present on the other end of the device you are connecting with — so check the ports on your charger or computer to see if you need USB A or USB C.

To cater to everyone’s needs, we have selected both USB Type-C to Lightning and Type-A to Lightning cables. You can pick depending on your requirements and which type of port is available on your charging brick.

Best USB Type-C to Lightning Cables

    Ugreen USB-C to Lightning Cable

    Nylon braided

    The Ugreen USB-C to Lightning Cable is a durable charging cable. It’s available in three-feet, six-feet, and 10-feet sizes and comes with dual nylon braiding. Additionally, it can support up to 20W fast charging.
    Ugreen L-Shaped Cable

    Right angle

    If you like to game a lot, the Ugreen L-Shaped cable will come in handy. It doesn’t get in the way and features nylon braiding for durability. Additionally, the cable can withstand over 15,000 bends.
    Spigen DuraSync USB-C to Lightning Cable

    Tangle-free

    The Spigen DuraSync is another great Type-C to Lightning cable that you can buy today. It’s durable and tangle-free. In addition, the cable comes in a single three-feet size, but you can buy it in two colors. The cable also supports up to 30W fast charging.
    Belkin Lightning Cable

    Up to 18W charging

    This Belkin Lightning cable comes in both braided and plain PVC jackets. In addition, you can get it in two colors as well as two sizes. The cable supports up to 18W fast charging and can survive over 10,000 bends.
    Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable

    Lifetime warranty

    The Anker PowerLine II is one of the best lightning cables on the market. It’s durable and supports fast charging. Moreover, you get a lifetime warranty.
    Apple Lightning to USB-C Cable

    The official option

    If you want to stick with an Apple-branded cable, you can buy the Lightning to USB-C cable in one-meter and two-meter sizes. In addition, the cable supports fast charging, so you can use it to fast charge compatible Apple devices.

Best USB Type-A to Lightning Cables

    Anker PowerLine III

    Available in 3-feet and 6-feet

    The Anker PowerLine III is an excellent Type-A to Lightning cable. It comes with textured grooves on the heads for easier plug and pull and is said to withstand over 25,000 bends. The cable is also MFi (Made for iPhone/ iPad/ iPod) certified.
    Native Union Belt Cable

    Interesting designs

    The Native Union Belt Cable jacket comes with five design options, so if you aren’t a fan of plain white cables, this one will interest you. As the name suggests, the cable also includes a belt, which will come in handy while storing it. The cable is available in a single 10-feet size.
    Ugreen L-Shaped Charger Cable

    Available in two colors

    If you use your iPhone while charging and the cable gets in the way, you should try this L-shaped charging cable from Ugreen. The cable can last over 10,000 bends and supports up to 20W charging. You can buy it in three-feet and six-feet sizes.
    Apple Lightning to USB Cable

    The official cable

    This is the Type-A variant of the official Apple Lightning cable. You can buy it in 0.5-meter, one-meter, and two-meter sizes. Just make sure you get the cable from a reputed seller; otherwise, you may end up with a counterfeit.
    Spigen Universal Cable

    Three ports in one

    If you keep multiple cables for different ports, this Spigen cable includes three of the most common ports—micro-USB, USB Type-C, and Lightning. On the other end, you get a Type-A port. The cable is also nylon braided and supports up to 18W charging.
    Nexcon Cable from Nekteck

    The budget option

    This is an affordable braided cable that you can buy in three color options. The cable is one meter in size and comes with MFi certification.
    Belkin DuraTek Plus

    With a strap

    The Belkin DuraTek Plus is a decent Lightning cable that comes with a built-in strap for easier storage. You can buy it in four-feet, six-feet, and 10-feet sizes, as well as white and black color options.
    Anker Powerline Plus II

    3 Pack

    If you are looking for a Lightning cable that can really take a beating, this Anker cable is an excellent option. It’s Nylon braided and comes in a pack of three. In addition, you get a limited lifetime warranty for any issues.
    Scosche Strikeline

    Heavy duty

    The Scosche Strikeline is another excellent heavy-duty Lightning cable that is built to endure everything. It also supports fast charging, so you’ll be getting the top charging speeds on all your devices.

As you can see, there are plenty of good cables on the market. You can pick whichever suits your need. All our recommendations are also MFi certified so that you will get full compatibility with Apple devices.

If you want one specific recommendation, we suggest going for Anker PowerLine II for your Type-C to Lightning needs and Belkin DuraTek Plus for Type-A to Lightning.

Which cable are you planning to buy? Let us know in the comments section. Meanwhile, we have also selected the best USB cables and the best USB PD chargers on the market for your non-Lightning devices. Finally, if you are also looking for some MagSafe accessories for your iPhone, don’t forget to check our excellent roundup of the best MagSafe accessories that you can buy today.

The post These are the Best Lightning Cables to buy in 2022 appeared first on XDA.



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OnePlus 10T vs Apple iPhone 11: Which smartphone should you buy?

Smartphones are increasingly becoming more important in our lives. They’re no longer just phones — in fact, many of us barely use them as phones anymore. Though an essential part of the purchase process is picking the right model for us. The variations are endless, and finding The One can take a very long time. We’re here to help you find your special one. The OnePlus 10T and Apple iPhone 11 are two very different phones from 2022 and 2019 respectively. Which of the two should you get? Let’s find out. Though, if you buy the OnePlus 10T, don’t forget to protect it with a case. Similarly, grab a case if you buy the iPhone 11 — as it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Also, remember that this is a breakdown that aims to help you choose between the two phones. Ultimately, the last say will be yours — as which phone is right for you is a subjective, personal matter. We can only highlight objective facts to lay out the details you need to know.

OnePlus 10T with camera module

Navigate this article:

OnePlus 10T vs Apple iPhone 11: Specifications

OnePlus 10T Apple iPhone 11
Processor
  • Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
  • Apple A13 Bionic chip
Body
  • 163 x 75.4 x 8.8mm
  • 204g
  • 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm
  • 194g
Display
  • 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display
  • 2412‑by‑1080 resolution at 394 ppi
  • HDR10+ and 120Hz support
  • 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display
  • 1792‑by‑828 resolution at 326 ppi
  • True Tone and Wide color (P3) support
Cameras
  • Wide: 50MP, ƒ/1.8
  • Ultra Wide: 8MP, ƒ/2.2
  • Macro: 2MP, ƒ/2.4
  • Front: 16MP, ƒ/2.4
  • Wide: 12MP, ƒ/1.8
  • Ultra Wide 12MP, ƒ/2.4
  • Front TrueDepth: 12MP, ƒ/2.2
Memory
  • 8GB, 12GB, 16GB RAM
  • 128GB, 256GB SSD
  • 4GB RAM
  • 64GB, 128GB SSD
Battery
  • All-day battery life
  • Up to 65 hours of audio playback
Connectivity
  • 5G
  • Wi-Fi 6
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • 4G
  • Wi-Fi 6
  • Bluetooth 5.0
Water Resistance
  • IP54 in North America
  • No IP rating elsewhere
  • IP68
Security
  • Under-display fingerprint scanner
  • Face ID
OS
  • iOS 15
Colors
  • Moonstone Black
  • Jade Green
  • Black
  • Green
  • Yellow
  • Purple
  • Red
  • White
Material
  • Glass back
  • Plastic frame
  • Glass back
  • Aluminum frame
Price
  • Starts at $649
  • Starts at $499

Design: The iPhone 11 is more colorful

oneplus 10t camera

Let’s start by design — (spoiler alert) the only round the iPhone 11 wins in this long battle. Though, worry not — no phones were harmed during this intense war. The iPhone 11 shines over the OnePlus 10T when it comes to three particular design aspects. First, you get to choose between six vibrant finishes instead of just two. So apart from Green and Black, you also get to choose between Yellow, Purple, Red, and White. Secondly, you get an aluminum build instead of a plastic one. This makes the iPhone both stronger and better-looking. Lastly, the rear camera system looks more minimalistic and not as obvious or out of place. The OnePlus 10T looks like a prototype that shouldn’t have gone on sale.

iPhone 11

When it comes to the build, you should also consider water resistance. The OnePlus 10T only has an IP rating in North American markets. Even the IP-rated units of the OnePlus 10T aren’t as resistant as the iPhone 11. So if you tend to drop your smartphone in puddles frequently, you might want to consider the iPhone. Water damage can seriously affect your phone and how you use it. In fact, it could completely brick it and deem it worthless. Even if you buy the iPhone 11, see the IP rating as a Plan B — in case an accident occurs. Don’t intentionally submerge it in water on a frequent basis. Water resistance wears off with time and usage. So even if your phone is marketed as water resistant, it might not be so in a few months. Also, remember that Apple doesn’t cover water damage under its limited warranty. So there’s that, too.


Display: The OnePlus 10T is larger and sharper

oneplus 10t front display

Flipping the phones over, two gorgeous displays are revealed. Both feature an edge-to-edge design with very thin bezels. The most obvious visual difference between the two is the camera cutout. The OnePlus 10T has a hole punch while the iPhone 11 goes for a notch. I’m notch gonna decide which is less distracting — as that’s a mostly subjective matter. Some people prefer the little hole that floats in the middle of nowhere. Other users would rather have the notch that descends from the top of the screen.

iPhone 11

Moving on to the display technicalities, that of the OnePlus 10T has a higher pixel resolution and supports the 120Hz refresh rate. So if you’re a heavy mobile gamer, you might notice the smoother animations on the Android phone. That’s not to mention that the iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch display — which is smaller than the 6.7 inches that the OnePlus 10T offers. If you prefer smaller phones, then the iPhone might be for you. Though, the OnePlus 10T will provide a better display experience.


Performance: The Dragon swallows an Apple

The processors that power the OnePlus 10T and iPhone 11 were released around 3 years apart. So, it goes without saying that the Snapdragon chip defeats the A13 Bionic chip in all relevant performance and power efficiency tests. Additionally, the Android phone has double the RAM included in the iOS one. To be fair, iOS isn’t as memory-hungry as iOS. Though, either way, the OnePlus 10T still performs better than the iPhone 11.

Apple A13 Bionic at WWDC 2019

Another important point to take into consideration is storage. The iPhone 11 only offers 64GB and 128GB variants — which are lacking when compared to the 128GB and 256GB of the OnePlus 10T. So unless you want the iOS phone for ecosystem purposes, it doesn’t make sense to buy the iPhone 11 in the performance department (and most other departments).


Cameras: The OnePlus 10T sees the light

back of the oneplus 10t

Staring into the rear camera systems, it might seem like the OnePlus 10T has four lenses. In reality, it has three — Wide, Ultra Wide, and Macro. Meanwhile, the iPhone 11 only has a Wide and an Ultra Wide one. Those of OnePlus phones have a higher resolution than those the iPhone packs. Notably, there’s almost a three-year difference between the two devices — and that’s a lot in tech years. So expect the OnePlus 10T to outperform the iPhone 11 in the photography field.

iPhone 11

The front-facing camera of the OnePlus 10T has a higher resolution but a worse aperture when compared to that of the iPhone 11. However, the iPhone packs a TrueDepth camera system — which means you get 3D mapping capabilities and Face ID authentication. In terms of security, you get an under-display fingerprint reader on the OnePlus phone. If you’d rather use Face ID over a fingerprint scanner, then the iPhone 11 is the one to choose. If you’re aiming at better photography capabilities, then most certainly go for the OnePlus 10T.


Battery: Lightning-fast charging vs Lightning port charging

With both the OnePlus 10T and Apple iPhone 11 lasting a full day on a single charge with average use, let’s look into their charging speeds. The former phone supports 150W charging — allowing you to go from 0% to 100% in under 20 minutes. On the other hand, the latter device supports 20W charging, allowing you to reach 50% in around 30 minutes. So… you get the difference. That’s not to mention that the iPhone 11 has the inferior Lightning port, which is substituted by a USB Type-C one on the OnePlus 10T.


Bottom Line: Don’t buy the iPhone 11.

As our rounds reveal, the iPhone loses in almost all of them. There are three reasons for favoring the iPhone 11 over the OnePlus 10T:

  • You prefer its design and build.
  • You’re tightly connected to the Apple ecosystem, and an Android phone is a dealbreaker for you.
  • Your budget is too tight, and you’re not willing to pay around $150 more for the OnePlus 10T.

If none of the three reasons apply to you, then buying the iPhone 11 is a horrendous mistake. It’s a 2019 phone that is relatively overpriced when it comes to the internals it packs. The OnePlus 10T is more expensive, but it also has more to offer.

Personally, if I had to pick one of the two phones, I’d go for the iPhone 11. That’s not because it’s the better phone, though — it’s clearly not. However, I prefer its design and smaller build. I simply can’t imagine using a 6.7-inch phone on a daily basis. That’s not to mention that I’m also tightly tied to Apple’s ecosystem. So it simply doesn’t make sense for me to buy an Android phone that wouldn’t play as nicely with the rest of my devices — even if the Android phone is actually superior.

If you don’t actively depend on Apple’s tight ecosystem, then paying the extra $150 is definitely worth it. The OnePlus 10T has more recent and advanced hardware when compared to the iPhone 11. If you really don’t want to spend that much on a smartphone, then the iPhone 11 is not the right option to pick either. I’d consider looking for other alternatives that match your budget. Getting this ancient iPhone at this point isn’t a smart purchase.

    OnePlus 10T
    The OnePlus 10T is a high-end smartphone with a triple rear camera system. It packs the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip and runs OxygenOS 12.1.
    Apple iPhone 11
    The iPhone 11 was released back in 2019. However, it's still a decent phone that packs the A13 Bionic chip and runs iOS 15.

Which of the two different phones will you be buying, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post OnePlus 10T vs Apple iPhone 11: Which smartphone should you buy? appeared first on XDA.



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Apple Watch Series 7: Here are all the Colors and Official Band Options

Apple revealed the Apple Watch Series 7 back in September 2021, during its California Streaming event. One thing you’ll notice about the Apple Watch Series 7 is the abundance of colors and band options it comes in. That’s not to mention that it comes in both 41mm and 45mm screen sizes. So we have broken down the available customizations to help you choose.

Navigate this article:


Apple Watch Series 7: Casing Options

The first thing you need to know before buying the Apple Watch 7 is that you need to first decide which material and consequent finish you want on the main body. The choice of material affects the weight of the watch module, its color and shine, and also have some minor effects on durability. And of course, different materials are also priced differently.

Aluminum

The Aluminum Apple Watch is the cheapest and most popular model. It’s built from recycled, durable aluminum, and it comes in five color options. You can choose from Blue, Midnight, Starlight, Green, and (PRODUCT) RED. Despite it being the cheapest model, the material it’s made from has a relatively premium look and feel to it. Its price starts at $399 in the US.

    Aluminum Apple Watch Series 7
    The Aluminum model is the most affordable and comes in various color options. You can buy both 41mm and 45mm versions from Apple.

Stainless Steel

Apple Watch Series 7 variants

The Stainless Steel Apple Watch comes with a higher price tag for the added shine and durability it brings. It looks more premium than the Aluminum model, but it comes in fewer color options. You can choose from Silver, Gold, and Graphite. These colors have a more formal vibe to them, compared to some of the “fun” Aluminum colors. Its price starts at $699 in the US.

    Stainless Steel Apple Watch Series 7
    The Stainless Steel model is not as affordable, but it is more formal and durable. You can buy both 41mm and 45mm versions from Apple.

Titanium

The Titanium Apple Watch comes with the highest price tag, due to how strong the material is. It’s duller than the Stainless Steel models, but it can last longer under harsher conditions. It’s available in two colors only — Space Black and Titanium. Its price starts at $799 in the US. It’s worth mentioning that only the Apple Watch Edition is available in Titanium. The “Edition” is only a branding for the regular Apple Watch. It doesn’t offer any extras, except for the fact that it’s made out of titanium.

    Titanium Apple Watch Series 7
    The Titanium model is the most expensive, compared to Aluminum and Stainless Steel. However, it is the most durable out of the three. You can buy both 41mm and 45mm versions from Apple.

Apple Watch Series 7: Band Options

Apple offers dozens of different color/material watch band combinations. They have varying prices, colors, build materials, formality levels, and more. Finding a band from Apple that matches your style(s) is almost guaranteed. However, you could also check out third-party options for cheaper and a wider range of design and color options.

Solo Loop

apple watch solo loop colors

The Solo Loop, as its name suggests, is a one-piece band. So there’s nothing to buckle and unbuckle every time you put it on. It’s made from silicone and comes in seven different colors. You can choose from English Lavender, Chalk Pink, Marigold, Clover, Dark Cherry, Abyss Blue, and Starlight. When buying it through Apple, there’s a guide on how to choose the perfect size that matches your wrist. You can either print a strip of paper from Apple that’ll guide you. Alternatively, you can create your own strip, using a ruler, which Apple lists the steps of as well. It costs $49 in the US.

    Solo Loop
    The Solo Loop is a one-piece silicone band that comes in colorful variations. You can buy it directly from Apple.

Braided Solo Loop

apple watch briaded solo loop colors

The Braided Solo Loop is also a one-piece band, but it comes with a more stretchable, braided design. It slips on and off your wrist easily and sits there comfortably. When it comes to materials, this one is made from recycled polyester yarn filaments and silicone threads. There are six color options to choose from — Maize, (PRODUCT)RED, Dark Cherry, English Lavender, Abyss Blue, and Pride Edition. It costs $99 in the US.

    Braided Solo Loop
    The Braided Solo Loop is a one-piece woven band that comes in colorful variations and has a stretchable design. You can buy it directly from Apple.

Sport Band

apple watch sport band colors 1 apple watch sport band colors 2

The Sport Band is the classic Apple Watch silicone band. Unlike the Solo Loops, you don’t need to measure your wrist before buying it. And no matter how much weight you lose or gain on your wrists, it’ll always fit. It’s available in fourteen different color options. You can choose from Clover, Marigold, Dark Cherry, English Lavender, Abyss Blue, (PRODUCT)RED, Starlight, Midnight, Black Unity, Olive Gray/Cargo Khaki (Nike Edition), Ember/Crimson Bliss (Nike Edition), Midnight Navy/Mystic Navy (Nike Edition), Anthracite/Black (Nike Edition), and Platinum/Black (Nike Edition). It costs $49 in the US.

    Sport Band
    The Sport Band comes in over a dozen of color options and isn't custom-sized. You can buy it directly from Apple.

Sport Loop

Apple Watch Sport Loop colors

The Sport Loop is made from woven nylon and offers a hook-and-loop fastener. It is easy to put on, cushions the skin, and allows moisture to pass through. It’s available in nine different color options. You can choose from Maize/White, Pink Pomelo/Tan, Abyss Blue/Moss Green, Dark Cherry/Forest Green, (PRODUCT)RED, Tornado/Gray, Cargo Khaki (Nike Edition), Summit White (Nike Edition), and Black (Nike Edition). It costs $49 in the US.

    Sport Loop
    The Sport Loop comes in nine color options and isn't custom-sized. You can buy it directly from Apple.

Nylon

Apple watch nylon bands

The Nylon bands are Hermès exclusives, and, as you’d expect, they come with an Hermès price tag. They’re available in two different color options. You can choose from Kraft/Orange Jumping Single Tour and Kraft/Lime Jumping Single Tour. Each costs a mere $319 in the US.

    Nylon Band
    The Nylon band is an Hermès exclusive. It's a luxury accessory that comes in a sophisticated design. You can buy it directly from Apple.

Leather

Apple Watch Leather bands 1 Apple Watch Leather bands 2 Apple Watch Leather bands 3

The Leather bands come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and price tags. There are twenty one options in total to choose from. They start at $99 and go to a whopping $849 in the US. Leather bands offer a more premium and professional look than other silicone and nylon ones. Some of them are Hermès exclusives, thus the high price.

    Leather Band
    The Leather bands come in various designs and colors, and they include Hermès exclusives. You can buy one directly from Apple.

Stainless Steel

Apple Watch Stainless Steel bands

The Stainless Steel bands come in two different models — Milanese Loops and Link Bracelets. The former is available in Gold, Silver, and Graphite, while the latter comes in Silver and Space Black. Their prices start at $99 and $349 in the US respectively. Apple also sells a Link Bracelet kit in case you lose any links on your Silver or Space Black Link Bracelet bands and want to add more.

    Stainless Steel Band
    The Stainless Steel bands come in two designs and several colors. They're both durable and professional-looking. You can buy one directly from Apple.

Apple Watch Studio

Apple watch studio 1 Apple watch studio 2 Apple watch studio 3

If you’d like to create your own style by picking a case and choosing a specific band to go with it, the Apple Store offers an Apple Watch Studio online tool just for that. So now you can mix and match however you like!

Apple watch studio 4 Apple watch studio 5 Apple watch studio 6

This tool allows you to pick the casing size, material, and color. Then you are asked to choose a band to go with. You are shown live photos of what the final combo will look like. Once you’re done, you get to buy it in the configuration you’ve chosen. Apple will also save your style on the browser, in case you want to design your watch but buy it later on.


It’s worth mentioning that some special edition Watches are made out of specific materials. The Nike Edition, for example, is only available in Aluminum. So you can’t buy one made out of Stainless Steel. Similarly, The Hermès Edition only comes in Stainless Steel. The regular Apple Watch is available in all three materials — Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Titanium — even though Apple markets the Titanium version as an Edition Watch.

What combination of Apple Watch Series 7 and watch band are you going for? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post Apple Watch Series 7: Here are all the Colors and Official Band Options appeared first on XDA.



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