Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. AUKEY provided the product in this review.

Model: CB-CL02

Tech Specs:

• Power: Up to 18W
• Data: Up to 480 Mbps
• Color: Black
• Length: 3.9 feet | 1.2 meters
• Weight: 1.7 oz | 48 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

• AUKEY Impulse Braided Cable C-L
• Velcro cable wrap (attached)

Good For:

• Additional charger for home or work
• Commute
• Travel
• iPhone
• iPad Pro (pre-2018)

First Impression

The AUKEY Impulse Braided Cable C-L does what Apple’s own USB-C to Lightning cable does. But right out of the box it is easy to see it offers better value. It includes a velcro strap. And its braided nylon design gives it better durability. So it not only costs less, it should last longer. And for anyone worried about going off brand it has iPhone and iPad branding on the box. And I verified it has MFi certification from Apple.

 

Compared To Similar Cables

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-12-03.

You can see more USB-C to Lightning cables here.

Device Testing

Check with your device’s manufacturer to verify which charging standards it supports.

As a USB-C to Lightning cable I plugged it right into my iPhone 8. Using a USB-C PD wall charger I measured ~9.5W. Which is about normal for that iPhone. The important thing was it supported 9V charging. Which enables fast charge for newer iOS devices.

An iPhone 8 through 11 would be able to draw up to 15W. Though 9-10W is more typical. An iPad Pro with Lightning will draw up to 18W.

Older iPhones could use this cable as well. But the USB-C PD charger would need to support Apple 2.4A for them to receive fast charging. And the effort isn’t worth the cost. As a USB-A charger supporting Apple 2.4A would see the same charge rate using a regular Lightning cable.

Braided Nylon & Graphene Skin

Part of AUKEY’s Omni-Power product line. What allows this cable to stand out from their others is the use of graphene skin.

Graphene is a form of carbon with a special set of properties. It is ~100 times stronger than the same thickness of steel. But with much lower density. Used in semiconductors, electronics, batteries, and composite materials. Research for medical applications is also underway.

In the case of this cable a thinner and more flexible braided nylon variant. Braided nylon cables offer more durability. They protect the inner wires from bends and have a longer useful lifespan. But often such cables are thicker than non-braided versions. This restricts flexibility, making extreme bends difficult or impossible. And making coiling the cable for travel more difficult.

This cable is more stiff than non-braided cables with similar specs. But it is one of the more flexible braided cables I’ve come across. And among the first I’d use for travel as it meets my flexibility requirements.

Summary

The AUKEY Impulse Braided Cable C-L enables fast charging of newer iPhones and iPad Pros. By connecting them to a USB-C PD charger or power bank. A USB-C to Lightning cable. It also allows you to connect your iPhone to a newer Mac with USB-C without having to use a dongle.

Compatible Apple iPhones:

• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max

Compatible Apple iPads:

• iPad Pro (12.9-inch)
• iPad Pro (9.7-inch)
• iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 2nd generation)
• iPad Pro (10.5-inch)
• iPad Pro (11-inch)

It is not compatible with iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 3rd generation). That model iPad uses a USB-C port. Check out this cable’s USB-C to USB-C version if you have that iPad.

Older iPhones and iPads with Lightning port can use this cable. But they won’t get any real benefit out of it over a regular Lightning cable.

Where this cable stands apart from others is its more flexible braided nylon design. Which offers better protection of the wires inside. But with less of the inflexibility common with braided cables. While not quite as flexible as a cheaper nylon version you won’t notice the difference. As it’ll bend and coil as needed. You will notice increased durability. Which should lead to a longer lifetime of usefulness.

This cable is Apple MFi certified. Meaning Apple has tested and approved of this cable for use with their devices. Apple started certifying third party USB-C to Lightning cables in 2018. That allowed AUKEY and others to produce competitors to Apple’s own USB-C to Lightning cable. Some compete on price. Others, such as this cable, compete on innovation. Apple doesn’t offer any braided cables. Or include a cable wrap.

About AUKEY

AUKEY has U.S. based support (web and email) and a 24 month warranty. You must have purchased the product either from them or through Amazon for support.

Bottom Line

The AUKEY Impulse Braided Cable C-L allows for fast charging newer iPhones and iPad Pros. Its braided design and cable wrap makes it especially good for travel. Offering better durability, while still being flexible to adjust to strange surroundings.

Buy if you:

• Want to fast charge an iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11 or iPad Pro with Lightning
• Have an 18W or better USB-C PD wall charger or power bank to connect it to
• Are interested in the benefits of braided nylon, but previously found it too inflexible

Don’t buy if you:

• Need to charge the iPad Pro with USB-C port
• Are looking to fast charge an iPhone 7 or older model

Available at:

No products found.

 

Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.

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