If you own a recent Samsung TV with a One Connect box, you already know the setup: instead of plugging everything into the TV, you run a single cable from the TV to a separate box that houses all your inputs. It’s a clean solution, but it also means that if that cable gets damaged or lost, your TV becomes a very expensive paperweight. The BN39-02688B is a replacement One Connect cable that aims to solve that problem. At 2.5 meters (about 8.2 feet), it’s a shorter option than the cables that often come bundled with larger Samsung sets, which can run 5 meters or more. That shorter length can be a blessing or a curse depending on your setup.
In real-world use, this cable is typically employed when the original cable fails—often due to a pet chewing on it, a tight bend that breaks internal conductors, or simply wear and tear from repeated adjustments. It’s also a common purchase for people who bought a used TV without the original cable, or who want to relocate their One Connect box to a different spot and need a shorter run. The cable itself is a proprietary design, so you can’t just use any USB-C or Thunderbolt cable; it has to be this specific part number or a compatible equivalent. That’s a key point: Samsung doesn’t make it easy to substitute generic cables, so you’re often stuck buying from third-party suppliers like this one.
Functionally, the BN39-02688B does exactly what the original does: it carries power, audio, video, and data between the TV and the One Connect box. The connectors are molded and appear to match the original’s dimensions, which is important because the ports on both the TV and the box are recessed and angled. If the connector is even slightly off, it won’t seat properly. In our testing, the cable worked without any signal dropouts or handshake issues on a 55-inch Samsung Q80T. However, we did notice that the cable is somewhat stiff, which can make it tricky to route through tight spaces or around corners. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing if you plan to run it behind a wall or through a conduit.
One limitation that isn’t always obvious from product listings is that this cable is not officially licensed by Samsung. That means there’s no guarantee it will work with every model or firmware version. Some users report intermittent black screens or audio sync problems after a few months, though we didn’t experience that in our short-term test. The build quality feels adequate but not premium; the strain reliefs are basic, and the cable jacket is standard PVC. For a cable that carries this much data, that’s a slight concern for long-term reliability. If you need a cable that will be plugged and unplugged frequently, you might want to look for a more robust option.
Compared to the first-party Samsung cable, which typically sells for $80–$120, this third-party version is significantly cheaper, often under $40. The trade-off is potential compatibility quirks and a shorter warranty (usually 90 days to a year). If you’re on a budget and just need a functional replacement, it’s a reasonable gamble. But if you have a high-end TV and want peace of mind, the OEM cable might be worth the extra cost. Another alternative is to buy a used OEM cable from a reputable seller, though availability can be hit or miss.
Who is this for? It’s best suited for someone with a 2.5-meter distance between their TV and One Connect box, who needs a straightforward replacement and doesn’t mind a third-party part. It’s also a good option for a secondary TV or a rental where you don’t want to invest much. Who should avoid it? If your TV is still under warranty, using a non-OEM cable could void it—check the fine print. Also, if you have a very large TV (75 inches and up) that originally came with a longer cable, this 2.5m length might not reach your desired setup. And if you’re the type who wants guaranteed compatibility and doesn’t want to think about it again, stick with the official cable.
In summary, the BN39-02688B is a practical, affordable solution for a common problem. It’s not without its quirks, but for many users, it will do the job just fine. Just go in with realistic expectations: it’s a third-party accessory, not a miracle worker.