Samsung is one of the best brands when looking for high-quality phones and phone accessories. If you’re a fan, I’m sure you know the brand tends to release multiple variants of each product to target different market groups. Like with Samsung USB-C 5A and 3A cables, they both can work for power delivery or data transfer.
However, the Samsung USB-C 3A cable is cheaper as the charging speed is relatively slower. The reason for this is that the maximum amount of current and voltage that can flow through this cable is lower than a 5A cable as we shall see shortly.
Keynote:
Samsung USB-C 5A cable is able to take full advantage of the high-current adapters. It supports up to 45W Super-Fast Charging 2.0,
Summary Differences between Samsung USB-C 5A and 3A Cables
| Samsung USB-C 5A Cable | Samsung USB-C 3A Cable | |
| Cable Length | 1 or 2 Meters | 1 or 2 Meters |
| Maximum Current | Up to 5 Amps | Up to 3 Amps |
| Wattage Output | Up to 100W (20v x 5A) | Up to 60W (20V x 3A) |
| Charging Speed | Full Super Fast Charging (up to 45W) | Moderate Fast Charging (up to 25W) |
| Data Transfer Speed | USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mb/s) | USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mb/s) |
| Power delivery (PD) Support | YES (up to 100W) | YES (Up to 60W) |
| Warranty Support | YES | YES |
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High vs Higher Current Capacity
The Samsung USB-C 5A Cable is the best here as it can deliver up to 5 amperes of current. It also supports a high wattage of up to 100W for power delivery (20V/5A) and 45W Super-Fast Charging 2.0.
Thanks to the high amperage and wattage, the Samsung USB-C 5A can work with devices that demand high power. That includes high-end smartphones, tablets, and even laptops.
On the other hand, the Samsung USB-C 3A delivers up to 3 amperes of current. The cable also offers up to 60W (20V/3A) of power delivery and 25W Super-Fast Charging. Thus, not many laptops will work with it. It’s most compatible with smartphones, tablets, handheld consoles, and other smaller devices.
Fast vs Faster Charging Speed
Both Samsung USB-C 5A and 3A cables support Super-Fast-charging standards. But like I’ve just mentioned, the 3A cable supports up to 25W Super-Fast Charging, even when plugged into a 45W or 65W Samsung adapter. It does have a speedy USB 2.0 data transfer at up to 480 Mb/s like the 5A cable, though.
Meanwhile, the Samsung USB-C 5A cable is able to take full advantage of the high-current adapters. It supports up to 45W Super-Fast Charging 2.0, which is only limited to a few devices at the moment. Then, you can enjoy USB 2.0 data transfer speeds of up to 480 MB/s – meaning you can transfer 2GB files in less than 5 minutes
Note:
Your device must support a fast charger protocol to be compatible with the super-fast charging cables. You must also confirm the charging speed rated on the device (up to 25W or 45W) so as not to damage your device or experience issues like overheating.
Heavy vs Heavier Power Delivery (PD) Support
Similarly, both Samsung USB-C 5A and 3A cables support the USB Power Delivery (PD) standard. However, the 5A cable is the best as it can deliver up to 100W PD that used to be the USB-C limit.
I’ve said “used to” as USB-C cables can now offer up to 240W PD for beefy laptops that require over 100W. But in this case, you’ll need a USB-C cable rated 5A/ 48V (or 5A x 48V).
Samsung still hasn’t offered such a cable here in Kenya – only Apple I’ve seen so far (and generic brands).
As for the Samsung USB-C 3A cable, you only get a Power delivery limit of 60W. Thus, not ideal to connect any devices that require over 60W power.
Thick vs Thicker Cable
When it comes to the overall build, the two Samsung USB-C to C cables feel well-made and of premium quality. But you’ll notice the 5A USB-C cable is slightly heavier and thicker than the 3A model.
The Samsung USB-C 5A cable is thicker to handle higher currents safely without issues like overheating, busting open, or even damaging your adapter/ device.
Thanks to the thicker wiring, this also means the Samsung USB-C 5A cable is safer for fast-charging high-powered gadgets over extended periods.
Of course, the USB-C 3A cable can also serve most mid-range power needs. But it may get warmer when you use it for higher wattage under prolonged use.
So, you should use the Samsung USB-C 5A for higher-powered devices like laptops (up to 100W) and fast-charging smartphones/ tablets. But the USB-C 3A cable would suffice if you have a small budget at hand and your device requires 60W of power delivery or you’re okay with 25W fast charging.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a Samsung USB-C 5A cable for my Dell laptop?
Yes, you can use the Samsung USB-C 5A/ 20V cable for your laptop if it requires 100W of power delivery or less. If your laptop is the Dell XPS touch-screen laptop that requires 130W of power, you’ll need its dedicated charger or else the USB-C 5A/ 48V cable.
What’s the Samsung USB-C to C cable price in Kenya?
The price of Samsung USB-C to C cable in Kenya is about ksh 600 for the 5A-speed model and 3A at 400. But we currently have a limited-time offer with the USB-C 5A cable at Ksh 500 and only 320 for the 3A model.
Should I get the Samsung USB-C 3A or 5A cable for my tablet?
Either a Samsung USB-C 5A or 3A cable could work for your tablet on a normal charger or a fast charger. However, the USB-C 5A cable is the best as you can use it with a 45W fast charging adapter for speedy charging.