One of the undoubted benefits of USB Type-C is the fact that it’s reversible. It doesn’t matter which way around it is, you can just shove it in your phone and know it’ll work. Of course, it has other benefits too, which is why Samsung’s decision not to use it in the Galaxy S7 series was a little puzzling. Still, you can at the very least get the reversible factor using the right cable. One available option is the SCOSCHE reversible light-up Micro USB which I’ve had for the past month or so.

I’ve been using SCOSCHE’s reversible Micro USB cable to charge multiple devices on my desk, hooked up to this Anker multi-port unit. The key for me here was that the cable was short enough, as to not take over the entire surface of the office desk in a tangly mess, but also have it long enough that it wasn’t out of reach. Being only 10-inches long, the cable I had was perfect for my needs, but there are 3-foot and 6-foot versions as well for those who need a little more leeway.

Reversible connector and indicator lights

Apart from its length, there were two standout features that make this cable fantastic for my use. First off, and one which I think solves a universal problem, was the reversible connector. Undoubtedly one of the worst things about regular Micro USB cables is that you have to look closely at both the port and the connector to make sure you’ve got them the same way around. When you have a selection of Android phones with alternating Micro USB orientations, being reversible is a complete godsend. I can just aim for the port, and I know it’ll fit perfectly. No fumbling, no fuss.

Second was the indicator light which lives inside the casing of the Micro USB connector end. To show it off, SCOSCHE built a transparent collar around the Micro USB end, where the cable joins with the connector casing. While your phone (or device) is charging, a red light pulses slowly and when fully charged, the light turns blue. It’s a really handy visual cue, especially when phones don’t typically show their battery level when in standby mode. It means you can tell if it’s done charging without having to interact with the phone at all.

For the most part, this indicator light system worked reliably and was as described. There was the odd time here and there when the blue light showed even when the phone was still not fully charged, but those instances were few and far between. What’s really cool is that it even works with a wireless charger.

I did have worries that the reversible Micro USB card wouldn’t stay plugged in, or would slip out of the port too easily, but I found it to be pretty sturdy and grippy.

Design and Build Quality

When you’re paying nearly ten dollars for a cable that’s less than a foot long, expectations are high. I have to say that in most cases, my expectations were met. I’ll start off with what I don’t like first though: the flat cable. As much as this kind of design makes the cable impossible to tangle (which is definitely appreciated), and makes it low profile, it also makes it a tad inflexible. When you’ve got limited space, what you need is a cable that bends and can be manipulated easily. I’d be exaggerating if I said it’s impossible to bend, but I get the feeling that it would just rather be straight, and is a little resistant to attempts at bending.

Regardless of my complaints, the cable and connectors are very well made. Both the Micro USB and USB-A connectors are encased in a solid housing. The casing is precisely built with no gaps, and the insulation around the cabling and joining to the connector casings seems durable, like it won’t come loose with lots of use. Having used it for at least a month solid, mine is still going strong, without showing any signs of rippling or wearing.

If you’re looking for a versatile, well-made and practical USB cable for your smartphone, you can pick up the SCOSCHE in the 10-inch model I reviewed for $9.95, pay $14.95 for the 3-foot, or $19.95 for the 6-foot model. Each is available in black, white or blue.