Introduction
After watching GadgetMatch's unboxing video of ROMOSS products, there was one that really stood out to me and I knew I had to get it. This product is the of course the RoLink Hybrid Cable, which launched just last year and boasts a hybrid micro USB cum lightning connector. This is not the funky lightning cable with micro-usb adapter you often find. There is only one connector and to change it from lightning to Micro USB or vice versa, simply change its orientation. This is not the first time we saw something like this; there was a Kickstarter project with a simiar idea (LMcable) but that ended up getting suspended. The RoLink Hybrid Cable is available on Tmall for only ¥18, approximately S$4. It is also available on ROMOSS's online store and at authorised reseller, but expect to pay more.
Unboxing
My RoLink Hybrid cable came in a very simple cardboard bag with product description on the front. Very simple packaging, but if it helps reduce cost, I am completely ok with it. Tearing apart the cardboard bag, you will find the cable coiled and tied up nicely, wrapped in a transluent plastic bag. There is no instruction manual, which may not be a problem with regular cable but this is no regular cable and not everyone will know how to use it.
Build Quality & Design
I am really impressed by the build quality of the RoLink Hybrid Cable. The housing for the connectors on both sides are made of metal, chromium alloy according to ROMOSS's website. The ROMOSS branding and USB trident icons are engraved on the metal housing, so they should not fade away after a while of use. The cable itself is diamond-shaped, which feels really durable and looks really cool. The cable is only available in one colour, grey, which may be too bland for some people but I love the colour as it is unobtrusive. My only complain would be that the USB connector can be a bit loose. Overall, the RoLink Hybrid Cable exceeded my expectation in terms of build quality and design.
If you need a long cable, you are out of luck here. The RoLink Hybrid cable is only available in one length, 1M. Personally, I am not a fan of long cables as they often create a mess. I am sure there are many people out there that needs 2M cables so that they can charge their phone while lying in their bed reading WhatsApp messages.
Charging & Transfering Data
The thing that makes the RoLink unique is its hybrid connector, which can be used as a lightning or Micro USB connector, depending on the orientation of the connector. For iPhone and iPad users, make sure that the word "iOS" on the cable is facing upwards. For android users, simply test both orientation and see which one fits. Testing the cable on my iPhone SE and Redmi Note 4, both devices had no issues with charging. Both devices were also able to transfer files using the RoLink Hybrid without any hiccup.
On their website, ROMOSS claims that the cable is compatible with Qualcomm's Quick Charge, Huawei FCP and MediaTek's Pump Express but I have no device that supports any of them so I am unable to test if it is true.
In my Cotton On Uptown Cable review, I raised the issue of how the large housing of the lightning connector would not fit into some cases. Even though the housing on the RoLink Hybrid's hybrid connector is slightly wider than what is found on the official Apple lightning cable's, it is not as thick as the Uptown so we should not see such case compatibility issue.
Durability Concerns
A few people I know raised concerns about the durability of the RoLink Hybrid. They claim that the hybrid connector would stop working for iPhones, which some users on Amazon also commented. (It is possible that they do not know that only on side works as a lightning connector) However, after a week of usage, I have not faced such a problem. The thing I am more concerned about is the Micro USB connector. Due to its shape, the hybrid connector does not fit tightly in a Micro USB port, which causes it to be pretty loose. If you like to leave your phone charging in a bag via a power bank, this may not be the cable for you. More often than not, the cable will get disconnected when charging a Micro USB device. This is not due to poor craftsmanship but a limitation of hybrid cables.
Conclusion
Would I recommend the RoLink Hybrid Cable? As usual, it depends on your usage scenario. If you have devices that uses both connectors, you should definitely get one. It is really convenient to only have to carry around one cable for all your devices. For pure Apple fans who do not use any devices with Micro USB, my answer would be maybe. This cable is really well built for its price, even without the hybrid capabilities. But if you do not need a lightning cable in your life, do not get this cable. You can get better Micro USB cables, without the shaky connector, for the same price or less.
In my opinion, the RoLink Hybrid came a bit too late. USB Type-C is overtaking the smartphone industry right now. Within a year or two, we can expect phones of all price point to replace Micro USB with USB-C. I would like to see ROMOSS replace Micro USB with USB Type-C for the hybrid connector in future versions of RoLink Hybrid cables. Due to the shape of USB-C, we can expect the shaking problem to go away. Also, I hope ROMOSS would consider shipping an instruction sheet with the cable to avoid confusion.