Smartphones in 2025 are more powerful than ever. With brighter screens, advanced AI features, and all-day apps, batteries drain faster than most people expect. As a result, fast charging has become essential. However, many customers at Anora still ask the same question:

“Why does one cable charge my phone super fast, while another barely moves the battery?”

It’s a fair question. Many users assume that every cable works the same. However, that’s not true at all. A cable heavily affects charging speed. Even if you use a strong charger—25W, 45W, 65W, or even 100W—a weak cable can slow everything down.

In this updated 2025 fast-charging guide, we explain wattage, amperage, PD vs QC, cable materials, length, and the importance of E-Marked cables. By the end, you’ll understand exactly why some cables charge faster and what to look for when buying one.

Fast Charging Starts With Wattage (W)

Wattage is the foundation of fast charging because it measures how much power moves from the charger, through the cable, into your device.

Formula:
Wattage = Voltage (V) × Amperage (A)

Examples:

• 5V × 1A = 5W (very slow)
• 9V × 2A = 18W (fast)
• 20V × 3.25A = 65W (laptop-level charging)

Why wattage matters

Every device supports a maximum wattage:

• Samsung mid-range → 25W
• Pixel series → 30W / 35W
• Samsung flagship → 45W
• Xiaomi / Infinix → 67W / 120W
• MacBook Pro → 140W

Even so, if your cable supports only 10W, your device will never reach its top speed.

Bottom line:
Your charger + cable + device must all match the same wattage. Otherwise, fast charging cannot work.

Amperage (A) — The “Flow Rate” of Power

If wattage is the total power, amperage is how quickly electricity flows through the cable.

Higher amperage (2A, 3A, 5A) sends more power to your device.

Common cable amperage ratings

• 1A → very slow
• 2A → standard
• 3A → typical fast charging
• 5A → ultra-fast charging (SuperCharge, VOOC, Turbo)

Cheap cables only support 1A–2A, which slows charging immediately.

A good fast-charging cable should state:

✔ 3A for normal fast charging
✔ 5A for high-speed protocols

USB-C Power Delivery (PD) — The Universal Standard

USB-C Power Delivery (PD) has become the world’s most common fast-charging technology. You’ll find it in:

• Google Pixel
• iPhones
• iPads
• MacBooks
• Samsung (via PPS)
• Laptops
• Power banks
• Wireless chargers

PD communicates between the charger, cable, and device to choose the safest and fastest speed automatically.

PD cable requirements

A proper PD cable must:

✔ Be USB-C to USB-C
✔ Support at least 60W (3A)
✔ Support 100W or 140W for laptops
✔ Be E-Marked for 100W+

PPS — Samsung’s special version of PD

Samsung uses PPS (Programmable Power Supply) for its highest charging speeds (25W / 45W).
Without a PPS-compatible cable, your Galaxy device cannot reach its full potential.

Quick Charge (QC) — Fast Charging for Many Android Phones

Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC) is another major fast-charging protocol. It’s still used in older Samsung models and several Android brands:

• Xiaomi
• Redmi
• Tecno
• Motorola
• Nokia
• OnePlus (older devices)

PD vs QC

Most modern chargers now support both PD and QC for compatibility.

Cable Material & Build Quality Matter More Than You Think

Many users think outer material is only cosmetic. However, the inside matters just as much because it affects speed, heat, and durability.

1. Copper Core Quality

High-quality cables include:

• Thicker copper wires
• Multiple copper cores
• Better shielding

More copper = less resistance = faster charging.

Cheap cables often use thin or recycled aluminum cores, which slow power flow.

2. Nylon Braided vs Rubber Cables

Nylon Braided:
✔ More durable
✔ Better heat resistance
✔ Stable power delivery
✔ Tangle-free

Rubber Cables:
✔ Cheaper
✘ Break easily
✘ Overheat faster
✘ Less stable

3. Connector Quality

Reinforced connectors (aluminum or steel) stay firm and maintain fast speed.
Weak connectors loosen over time and reduce power flow.

Yes—Cable Length Affects Charging Speed

Surprisingly, cable length has a big impact on speed. A longer cable increases resistance and slows power delivery.

Charging speed by length

• 0.5m → fastest
• 1m → recommended
• 2m → slightly slower
• 3m → noticeably slower

If speed matters, choose 1 meter or less.

E-Marked Cables Are Essential for 100W–240W Charging

Devices like laptops and high-capacity power banks require high power. For that reason, they need an E-Marked cable.

Benefits of E-Marked cables

✔ Support 100W–240W
✔ Prevent overheating
✔ Provide stable high-speed data
✔ Protect against overcurrent
✔ Required for MacBook and laptop charging

Without E-Marking, your laptop may charge slowly or not charge at all.

Why Some Cables Charge Fast and Others Don’t

Here’s the full summary:

• Low wattage rating
• Low amperage (1A–2A)
• No PD or QC support
• Cheap aluminum core
• Cable length too long
• Missing E-Marking for 100W+

Any weak link slows the entire charging system.

How to Choose the Right Cable (2025 Buying Guide)

For iPhone 15 / 16 / 17

• USB-C to USB-C
• PD certified (60W–100W)
• Nylon braided

For Samsung S23/S24/S25, Fold & Flip

• USB-C to USB-C
• PD + PPS
• 5A cable

For Xiaomi / Redmi / Infinix / Tecno / Oppo / Vivo

• Match device wattage (33W / 45W / 67W / 120W)
• Use 5A cables for super-fast charging

For Tablets / iPads

• 60W–100W PD cable
• Nylon braided

For Laptops

• 100W–240W PD
• E-Marked
• 5A preferred

For Power Banks

• 60W–100W PD
• Nylon braided

Conclusion

Fast charging depends on three things working together:

Fast Charger + Fast Cable + Compatible Device

Your charging speed is only as strong as the weakest link. This is why a ₦2,500 cable will never perform like an ₦8,000 Anora cable.

If you want:

✔ Maximum speed
✔ Safety
✔ Better device protection
✔ Long-lasting durability

Then, a high-quality fast-charging cable with proper wattage, amperage, and certification is the best choice.

Fast charging is only as fast as your cable.