In India, where smartphones fuel daily life for 600 million users, per TRAI data, cheap charging cables—often Rs. 50-100 at roadside stalls—tempt cash-strapped buyers. Yet, beneath the bargain lie risks that outweigh the savings. Here are five reasons to avoid them.

1. Fire Hazards
Low-cost cables skimp on insulation and wiring standards. Faulty builds spark short circuits—India sees 10,000 electrical fires yearly, per NCRB stats, some tied to subpar accessories. A certified Rs. 300 cable, like Anker’s, offers copper cores and safety compliance.

2. Device Damage
Cheap cables lack voltage regulation, frying phone batteries or ports. A 2023 IIT Delhi study found unregulated charging cut battery life by 30% in six months. Branded options—Rs. 500 from Boat—stabilize power, sparing costly repairs.

3. Slow Charging
Thin, low-grade wires choke current flow. A Rs. 50 cable might limp at 0.5A, doubling charge times against a 2.4A-rated Rs. 400 Mi cable. In a nation racing against power cuts, efficiency matters.

4. Durability Woes
Flimsy materials unravel fast—frayed ends or cracked plugs plague cheap buys within weeks. India’s humid summers and dusty streets amplify wear. A Rs. 600 Belkin cable, with braided nylon, lasts years, not months.

5. No Warranty, No Recourse
Street vendors vanish post-sale. When a Rs. 100 cable fails, you’re out of luck—unlike Rs. 350 Ambrane cables with 6-month guarantees. With e-commerce fraud up 25% in 2024, per RBI, untraceable sellers compound the risk.

India’s market teems with fakes; 70% of accessories are counterfeit, says ICEA. Spending a bit more—Rs. 300-600—buys safety, speed, and longevity. Cheap cables don’t just cost rupees—they risk your device and peace.