Belkin Lightning Audio+Charge Rockstar and Lightning to USB Cable Review

The evolution of smartphones had given the birth of mobile accessories. A few people buy mobile accessories to just increase the look and aesthetics of their devices and some to increase the functionality and ease of use. To fulfill the users demands Belkin has a wide range of mobile accessories including dedicated quality accessory range for iPhone users.  And from the pool of their mobile accessories, we got  Lightning Audio+Charge Rockstar and Lightning to USB Cable to review. Let's see how theses two accessories can enhance your smartphone handling experience.

Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar

As we know that iPhone has ditched the 3.5mm Audio port in iPhone 7 series. So now lightning connector is the dedicated for Audio listening and charging. But what if you want to do both at the same time like you are in a situation where you want to listen to your favorite music and your iPhone has a low battery. Here, the  Belkin's Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar comes handy. The Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar makes it possible to listen to Lightning Audio while charging your iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. You can now enjoy the music or talk through Lightning Audio headphones while charging the phone anywhere; at home, at work, in the car or on the go. It supports iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, any Lightning device that runs iOS 10 or later. It does not support syncing or any other USB data, or similar protocol like Serial or UART.

The Lightning Audio+Chargehas metal shield structure to protect delicate circuit board. Its metal shield also prevents electromagnetic interference from circuit board affecting phone signal and wifi. It electrical firmware design makes connectors interchangeable for audio and charging, this means you can plug headphone or charging wire into any connector.

We used the Lightning Audio+Charge Rockstar about a week and we didn't find any compatibility issues or glitches. Although the quality and usability wise this accessory is good but still, you need a 3.5mm converter to use the standard earphones. Also, the cost of Lightning Audio+Charge is Rs 4,999 which means you have to pay a lot to get the dual benefit of iPhone's Lightning connector using this Belkin's solution. But if you do need a way to charge and listen to music now, Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar is here for you.

Mixit DuraTek Lightning to USB Cable Review

Coming to the next product we received to review is a USB cable specially design for rough usage. Generally, the cable USB cable you received with the iPhones has the standard plastic coating and tendency to fray and crack. Here, the Belkin came up with a solution i.e DuraTek Lightning to USB Cable coated with abrasion-resistant nylon a tough outer jacket, and highly flexible insulation to minimizes the damage from friction.

Key Specifications: 

• Length: 6 inches or 4 feet (15 or 122 cm)
• Colors: Space Gray, Silver, Gold
• MFi-certified by Apple
• Aluminum tips, braided cable
• 5-year limited warranty

The cable is designed to tolerate the bent of 180-degrees. It made from flexible TPE, this added length and flexibility helps to absorb stress and reinforce the juncture between the cable and the connector head to prevent separation.   Not just flexible, TPE is also smooth, tactile and more environmentally-friendly than the standard PVC.  The USB end is pretty much identical to the Apple cable in both width and length. Also, it available in multi colors to suite your iPhone.

There is no difference in the speed as compared to the original iPhone's cable come along with your phone and in the MIXIT DuraTek Lightning to USB Cable, but what makes it different is its quality and durability. Also, the price of this 4-meter cable is equal to the Apple's 2-meter cable that is plain white and boring.

So, overall MIXIT DuraTek Lightning to USB Cable comes at the price of INR 2,499. I know the price is a tad high for a USB cable but if you looking for a Lightning to USB cable with some style and extra durability than your average one, then this Belkin's MIXIT Lightning to USB Cable is for you. If the price is more important than looks, then these are not the cables you're looking for.