Do you need to use orginal cable for Samsung s21?

blackstar

Hello all,
Just got a Samsung galaxy S21 and was surprised to find only a USB type C cable (both ends) and no mains socket. So I don't have a mains socket Type C adaptor and they cost about £20.00. Do I really need to buy one and use the cable it came with or can I just use a regular type C cable with a usb on the other end plugged into my desk top? The instructions say you must use orginal cable provided. 

mrochester

You can use any cable. 

You can get a USBC charging brick for under £10.

flaneurs_lobster

Some chat about this issue (mostly negative) on the Samsung Community board https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s21-series/power-battery-and-charging-on-the-s21-s21-and-s21-ultra/td-p/2727522

Seems that you can use your existing kit to charge the S21 but you won't get "super-fast" charging and you might have problems with other cables. Don't think there's any suggestion that the phone might be damaged by this.

Not very money-saving but if I'd just shelled out for a S21 I'd be tempted to just get the "official" £20 Type C charger. 

Neil49

25 watt unit currently £11.90 direct from Samsung

https://www.samsung.com/uk/mobile-accessories/wall-charger-for-super-fast-charging-25w-black-ep-ta800nbeggb/#reviews 

matelodave

You may not get the benefit of fast charging if you dont use the appropriate adapter and cable.

The default is around 10watts whereas your phone may be capable of 25w or even more with the correct charger and cable

Have a shufti at this - Charger Not Included: How fast will the Galaxy S21 charge? - Bing video

J_B

All USB-C cables are equal, but some are more equal than others! 

One off eBay would charge my old Moto g7, but not my new g31 🤷‍♂️

matelodave

USB-C cables need to have all the connections wired to ensure that the phone can negotiate with the charger to set the appropriate charging rate. Likewise the charger has to be capable of negotiating with the phone to maximise charging rates.

Theoretically cables and chargers should be backwards compatible but some manufacturers have their own way of ensuring that you can only use their stuff if you want to enjoy the full performance of their kit. 

AFAIK USB-C is a connector standard but there are quite a few subtle variations within the implementation -  https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/explore-the-basics-of-usb-c-and-usb-power-delivery