iPhone Charger Cable CL20W1 Review: 20W PD Fast Charging – Is it Worth it?

For weeks, I’ve been putting the iPhone Charger Cable CL20W1 through its paces. This USB-C to Lightning cable promises 20W fast charging and MFi certification, claims backed by the manufacturer. Let’s dive into whether it delivers on those promises and more.

The CL20W1 boasts several key features designed to improve charging speed and durability. The most notable is its 20W Power Delivery (PD) support, crucial for fast charging modern iPhones. The MFi certification guarantees compatibility and safety with Apple devices, eliminating pesky error messages. Additionally, the cable is built with a reinforced connector and thicker internal wiring, suggesting a focus on longevity.

My testing involved charging various iPhones, from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The charging speed was consistently impressive; I regularly achieved the promised 0% to 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes with supported devices using a compatible 20W power adapter. Data transfer speeds were also satisfactory, transferring a 1GB file in under 30 seconds on multiple occasions. While not always exactly 25 seconds as advertised, this is still impressively fast.

While I couldn’t replicate the manufacturer’s 15,000+ bend and 10,000+ plug/unplug tests, my daily use has been rigorous. The cable has shown excellent resilience to bending and repeated plugging and unplugging – no visible signs of wear or fraying after several weeks of heavy use. This durability is a significant plus, contrasting with cheaper, less robust cables I’ve used in the past.

Pros:

  • Fast 20W PD charging speeds
  • MFi certified for safe and reliable charging
  • Durable build quality, showing no significant wear after extended use
  • Excellent data transfer rates
  • Wide compatibility with various Apple devices

Cons:

  • Price point might be slightly higher compared to some non-MFi certified alternatives
  • The advertised 25-second 1GB file transfer time wasn’t consistently achieved, though the speed was still very fast.

The iPhone Charger Cable CL20W1 delivers on its promises. The 20W PD fast charging is genuinely fast, and the MFi certification brings peace of mind. The durability is a significant advantage, and the overall performance is excellent. While the price might seem a bit higher than some competing cables, the added features, quality, and reliability justify the cost for most users. I wholeheartedly recommend the CL20W1 to anyone looking for a reliable and fast-charging USB-C to Lightning cable.

Colour Name USB C to Lightning Cable
What’s In The Box 1 x USB C to Lightning Cable
Wattage 20 W
Model Number CL20W1
Model Name USB C to Lightning Cable
Item Quantity 1