[Galaxy S 4 Accessories] drutort:
I thought I would like to share with others my findings about the USB cable issues and the charging issues also reviewing few products.

I know that it would probably be best with some real table lab equipment but I have tested it with a usb multimeter device : PortaPow USB Power Monitor / Multimeter / DC Ammeter

Showing me Amps and volts.

It is true what is said that the device can detect to a degree the charger

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=53917336

So I used combo of software and hardware testing. I also tested with a S3 and S4 rooted (custom roms), and nexus 7 2013 (unique to this charger that it specs the 5v at 5.2! @ 1.35A and it does push more, to other devise as well)

Not all cables are equal; even not all OEM will work past 1A. It seems that most OEM’s cheat by using a shorter micro USB cable to get better charging results, this is the question many ask why so short cables, the OEM’s are only now slowly moving to thicker power wires IE 28/24 in there OEM usb cables.

Now my findings about the PortaPow USB Power monitor and any of the kind, is that it seems to effect the charging Amps of the device and also effect any smart chargers (will talk about below)

In the past I used to use exclusively the “Battery Monitor Widget” by 3c, lately I went and got also “Galaxy Charging Current Lite” for whatever reason my S3 shows as incompatible? Thought it should work on it, my S4 installed and shows max and reference/average

Test 1: S3 Genuine 100% OEM cable (I know because I bought the S3 new @ t-mobile)

Test 2: Claimed Genuine Samsung Micro USB cable 5 feet ECC1DU6BBE

Test 3: Nexus 7 2013 usb cable (is claimed to be a 28/24 AWG)

I was skeptical about the Claimed Genuine cable, and though it looks and feels just like the real thing, it varies in the logo and length. Performance wise has shown consistently of a 0.1-0.15A lower than the Genuine Samsung cable that I have from S3. This was done with the USB power monitor and with the Galaxy Charging Current Lite app, it even said 860mAh vs 760mAh when I tested the cables, but genuine cable did push up more power and the software was wrong as I have seen over 1.13A with USB Power monitor, but as said the real Genuine cable was better.

The Nexus 7 2013 micro USB cable that is short, performed the best, gave the max Amps out of all the cables. I will test my Monoprice 28/24 cables and update this thread.

Quick tests of chargers:

Car charger form Amazon,

PowerGen White Dual USB 4.2A (20W) Car charger Designed for Apple and Android Devices

I quickly tested to see if this thing will push past 1A and it did at the time I was testing with nexus 7 and its cable with the usb power meter, and It was pulling around 1.13A

Next up single wall charger, I saw this and had to buy!

Blackberry Folding Blade Charger for Playbook rated at 5v @ 1.8A! priced under $5!!!

I tested this one with the software on my S4, it quickly showed after few min pulling 1.4A and Galaxy charger showed maxed out 1900 on all!

I think this one wins for the cheapest and sturdy charger, just shy of 2A!, will become my work charger, the cable is nice and thick along with pretty good length 6ft+!

Next up I had to get me a family charger (4-5 port)

I get tired of short cables on wall chargers, so I went and got

Anker® 40W USB Desktop Charger

This charger claims a total of 40w for 5 ports! With intelligent device detection PowerIQ.

This charger so far (1 day use) has been great, I connected the S3 and the power meter showed 1A, I connected the S4 with the meter and was only getting 1.13-1.3A, the software did not show max, so here is the issue seems the usb monitor will cause the charger to not read the devices to there 100%, after taking it out and connecting it directly the galaxy charger showed maxed 1900mAh

The USB cable used was the nexus 7 one.

What I love about this charger, no lights! Perfect for me for overnight charging, also has standard power cord, the unit itself is quite compact too, now I can have short usb cables 1.5ft or 3ft ones and not worry about reach, as the charger can stay next to your devices, simply use conventional power cable extender on the charger unit, not on your usb devices!

I will conclude that it seems now since we are pushing past the usb spec for charging, that the shortest cable is best, be it 28 awg or 24 awg, and of course OEM’s already knew that, I am pretty sure that the OEMs are switching to 28/24 awg cables

Links:

PortaPow USB Power Monitor / Multimeter / DC Ammeter

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DF2485S/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Samsung ECC1DU6BBE 5-Feet Micro USB Charging Data Cable - Original OEM - Non-Retail Packaging

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DVBB0XQ/ref=oh_details_o01_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Anker® 40W USB Desktop Charger

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GTGETFG/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Blackberry Folding Blade Charger for Playbook (Black)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OZMWUS/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

PowerGen White Dual USB 4.2A (20W) Car charger Designed for Apple and Android Devices

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0088U6OZY/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1