| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent 15W charging | Pricier than average |
| USB4 | Charging protocol issues at 100W |
| Durable build with full metal head | Stiff and not very flexible |
| Low voltage drop and resistance | Shorter than advertised |
| Solid post-bend performance | Better suited for stationary setups |
Honestly, if you’re on the hunt for a USB-C cable that’s reliable with your iPhone or iPad, the Spigen ArcWire is worth a look. We put it through some intense tests including charge rate sprints, bend stress and corresponding performance degradation. Surprisingly, it came away mostly unscathed. It’s not perfect, but for stationary setups where flexibility isn’t critical, this cable delivers where it counts.
Design
| Advertised Length | Measured Length | Cable Type | Charging Spec | Connector Material | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2m | 1.19m | USB4 | PD 3.1 (EPR) | Full Metal Head | Not flexible |
Spigen went all in on durability here. The ArcWire cable features a full metal head with a clever design tweak as there’s a plastic core that pokes through slightly for added grip and style. It’s rated for 10,000+ bends, which we pushed even further with our own bend test (10% extra, just to be thorough). At 1.19 meters, it came up just short of the advertised 1.2 meters, making it the only cable in our group to fall shy of its own specs. It’s also fairly thick and stiff, which isn’t great if you’re planning to move it around a lot. But it does feel built to last.
Performance
| Test | Pre-Bend | Post-Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage Drop | 0.64V | 0.75V |
| Resistance | 0.143 Ω | 0.22 Ω |
| Large File Write Speed | 238.0 MB/s | 234.0 MB/s |
| Large File Read Speed | 233.0 MB/s | 238.0 MB/s |
| 1GB Folder Write Speed | 239.0 MB/s | 235.0 MB/s |
| 1GB Folder Read Speed | 231.0 MB/s | 238.0 MB/s |
| 5GB Folder Write Speed | 238.0 MB/s | 234.0 MB/s |
| 5GB Folder Read Speed | 233.0 MB/s | 238.0 MB/s |
Before we bent the cable, we tested all its charging and data transfer metrics. Struggles mainly with the 100W (200CA) protocol. Still, it held steady at 15W for iPhones, and performance on iPads was reliable up to 45W. The voltage drop was a solid 0.54V (avg is 0.69V) which is better than the average and resistance was impressively low at 0.12 Ω (avg is 0.21Ω. Data-wise, you’re looking at average speeds: write speeds at 158–170 MB/s, read speeds at 472–590 MB/s depending on the file size. For most users, that’s more than enough.
Durability
| Rated Bends | Bends Tested | Visible Wear | Functional |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 | 11,000 | Slight bulging at head | ✅ Yes |
The real stress test came during the bend trials. Spigen claimed the cable could survive 10,000+ bends. We flexed it over 11,000 times, and while a small bump appeared near the connector head, there was no catastrophic damage. After that torture session, we ran the same tests again. Voltage drop increased slightly by 0.09V, and resistance rose by 0.07Ω. But it still worked just fine for phones and tablets. Data transfer speeds remained nearly identical, which was a bit surprising considering the physical strain.
Value
At $32.99 for a single cable, it’s above the average, coming in at around $27.72 per meter. That does include a small Velcro tie, but you’re mostly paying for durability and USB4 support. We’d say it’s a good pick for home setups where the cable won’t get yanked around too much. For iPhones and iPads, it nails performance. For laptops requiring a reliable 20V 5A connection, though, it might be hit or miss.
Verdict
If you’re after the best iPhone screen protector cable alternative, the Spigen ArcWire delivers solid charging, decent data speeds, and a rugged build. Just keep in mind that it’s stiff and better suited for desk setups than bags or travel. Overall, it’s a solid tempered glass review pick for those who want long-term performance without the sponsorship fluff.