# USB Plugs on Modern Smartphones **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 3, 2017, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-plugs-on-modern-smartphones/790460 "2017-07-03T19:52:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Clarence01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@Clarence01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clarence01)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-plugs-on-modern-smartphones/790460/1 "2017-07-03T19:52:44Z")
some usb plugs work better than others but id like to not have any issue at all. has anyone heard of any modern smartphone having a plug that doesnt let a cable get loose when you simply tap it and stop charging the phone? ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-plugs-on-modern-smartphones/790460/2 "2017-07-03T19:53:48Z")
USB-C phones (like the Nexus 6 or Pixel) tend to be tighter than micro-USB, at least in my experience. I’ve broken at least a couple of USB-C cables and a power pack because they were in too tight and it got yanked. Otherwise, use a wireless charging pad and avoid the connection/disconnection altogether. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-plugs-on-modern-smartphones/790460/3 "2017-07-03T19:56:58Z")
I’ve never had a problem with the Lightning connector getting loose from my iPhone (nor with the previous 30-pin connector). ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-plugs-on-modern-smartphones/790460/4 "2017-07-03T20:04:38Z")
I’ve also noticed that USB-C plugs tend to fit more snugly than micro-USB, though it could be that USB-C tends to have a higher build quality. One thing to [watch out for](https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/how-to-find-safe-usb-type-c-cables) is cheap non-spec-compliant USB-C knockoffs that may fail to properly regulate the amount of current draw, possibly damaging the devices at either end. :eek: It’s not as bad now as it used to be (most reputable retailers are wise to the problem and won’t carry the knockoffs), but check out the tips at the link. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-plugs-on-modern-smartphones/790460/5 "2017-07-03T20:58:33Z")
In my experience it’s not the phone that’s the problem but the cable. Some cables seem to be loose with my phone with others connecting just fine. ---
**Author:** ![anomalous1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-plugs-on-modern-smartphones/790460/6 "2017-07-03T23:31:50Z")
> [@Dag\_Otto](#): > > In my experience it’s not the phone that’s the problem but the cable. Some cables seem to be loose with my phone with others connecting just fine. Agreed, although sometimes the cable that came with/meant for the phone is the culprit that becomes loose. My go to cable is the cloth covered (insulated underneath too) USB charger/sync cables from that Five Below store, they’re like 6 feet long too. The most important part is they fit snugly, since I use one in my car and I don’t need it popping out after going over a speed bump or pothole. Its absolutely worse with those cheapo dollar store cables. ---
**Author:** ![Heracles](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heracles/32/487_2.png) [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2017, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-plugs-on-modern-smartphones/790460/7 "2017-07-04T00:14:01Z")
We have a Samsung Galaxy S7 and a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. Both seem to hold their MicroUSB cable tighter than our previous phones. It may have to do with the fact that these phones are waterproof, I don’t know. We also use induction chargers, they work great overnight but the phone has to be aligned “just so”. So if you’re going to use the screen during charging, the phone may slip out of alignment and stop charging. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2017, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-plugs-on-modern-smartphones/790460/8 "2017-07-04T02:42:13Z")
Nm.