Ideally, all portable gadgets these days should just use USB-C for charging. The reality today is we have to deal with a mix of Lightning, USB-C, and even micro-USB for older products. The Oatsbasf Magic Box 3-in-1 USB cable has a Type-A input end, and outputs to a multi Lighting, USB-C, and micro-USB cable on the other — all in a neat package.
Quick Specs
- USB Type-A to Lightning, USB-C, and micro-USB
- Braided cable
- Magnetic closure
- Weight: 57g
Whether it's on shopping pages, or the product's packaging, Oatsbasf never fails to mention its Red Dot Design award, won in 2020. The Magic Box 3-in-1 USB cable's main selling point is combining three different charging cables into one compact package, and it delivers on that. Closed, it fits in the palm of your hand, with part of the cable doubling as a strap. It is securely closed using magnets, and gives a satisfying feeling when opening or closing.
However, do note that the official product images portray a metallic finish, which somewhat oversells it. The actual product feels very plasticky and light, unlike the premium look the images suggest. That said, materials aside, the build quality is acceptable — I never felt like it was going to fall apart. I also like the use of a braided cable, which makes it feel that little bit more durable.
During actual use, cables sticking out of a plastic box can sometimes be annoying if you have limited table space. The flexibility of the braided cables mitigates this problem slightly. Ultimately, if you need only one connector, a dedicated USB-C or Lightning cable will be easier to handle. The Magic Box cable supports up to 5V charging. In my own tests, I was only able to eke out a maximum of 5V/2.1A (about 10W) even when using an adaptor that supports faster speeds.
With two phones and a PS Vita, the Magic Box fits my use case as I require all three cable types. If you don't mind the slow charging speed, you can even charge multiple devices simultaneously with this one product. At just S$12.90, the Magic Box 3-in-1 USB cable is worth considering as a do-it-all cable that fits neatly in your bag. If all your products are either Lightning or USB-C, then a cheaper, dedicated cable will be more practical.
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