Have you ever found yourself in a pinch, running low on battery while out and about in the UK? It's a common scenario – the urge to pop into a nearby petrol station or discount store and grab a dirt-cheap charger just to keep your device alive for a bit longer. But let me tell you, that quick fix might not be worth the trouble in the long run. Sure, it might save you a few quid in the moment and provide a temporary solution, but cheap chargers have the potential to wreak havoc on your iPhone.
The prevalence of damage caused by subpar charging cables is on the rise. But how can you distinguish the good from the bad? As a general rule of thumb, always opt for accessories bearing an MFi certification (Made for iPhone, iPod, or iPad). This certification ensures compatibility and quality assurance for third-party devices. Here at our store, we offer a range of MFi-certified cables starting from just £9.99.
"MFi cables are crucial because they incorporate a chip within the cable that safeguards your device against voltage fluctuations, which could otherwise spell disaster for your device."
In contrast, cheap charging cables pose a significant risk. These cables often deliver excessive power to your phone, overwhelming its capacity. Over time, this can lead to the burning out of crucial motherboard chips, severely impairing your iPhone's charging capabilities.
Some common symptoms of damage caused by these inferior cables include:
- Failure to charge
- False indication of charging (displaying the charging icon without any change in battery percentage)
- Various iTunes errors
- Random battery drain followed by sudden shutdown
- Incomplete charging (battery reaches a random percentage before shutting down)
Even if you suspect that your iPhone has already suffered damage from using a cheap charger, all hope is not lost. We offer micro-soldering services here at our store, capable of repairing such damage. Feel free to visit us, and we'll guide you through the process.
Of course, it's far simpler to avoid non-MFi chargers altogether. So, the next time you're tempted to plug in a cheap charger into your £800 iPhone, think twice. Your device's longevity may depend on it.