Everything you need to know about USB Type-C. How to switch to USB Type-C and why to do it

Recently, more and more phones and smartphones have been appearing on sale that, instead of the traditional Micro USB, use a new connector called USB Type-C. This type of connector appeared not so long ago and there is still little understanding of what it is and how it works.

If you also have questions related to USB Type-C, we suggest you read this article. Here you will find out what USB Type-C is, how it differs from Micro USB and what is better to choose. If you are also interested

What is USB Type-C in phones and smartphones

USB interface logo.

In order to understand what USB Type-C is, you need to make a short excursion into the history of this interface. is a computer interface that appeared in the mid-1990s and has since been actively used to connect peripheral devices to a computer. With the advent of smartphones, this interface began to be used in them, and a little later USB began to be used in ordinary mobile phones with buttons.

Initially, the USB standard included only two types of connectors: Type-A and Type-B. The Type-A connector was used to connect to a device on the side of which a hub or USB interface controller was used. The Type-A connector, on the contrary, was used on the peripheral device side. Thus, a regular USB cable included two Type-A connectors, which connected to a computer or other control device, and Type-B, which connected to a peripheral device.

In addition, both Type-A and Type-B have smaller versions of connectors, which are designated as Mini and Micro. The result is enough big list different connectors: regular USB Type-A, Mini Type-A, Micro Type-A, regular Type-B, Mini Type-B and Micro USB Type-B, which was commonly used in phones and smartphones and is better known as Micro USB.

Comparison of different connectors.

With the release of the third version of the USB standard, several additional connectors appeared that supported USB 3.0, these are: USB 3.0 Type-B, USB 3.0 Type-B Mini and USB 3.0 Type-B Micro.

This whole zoo of connectors was no longer responding modern realities, in which easy-to-use connectors such as those from Apple were gaining popularity. Therefore, along with the USB 3.1 standard, it was introduced new type connector called USB Type-C (USB-C).

The advent of USB Type-C solved several problems at once. Firstly, USB Type-C was originally compact, so there is no need to use Mini and Micro versions of the connector. Secondly, USB Type-C can be connected to both peripheral devices and computers. This allows you to abandon the scheme in which Type-A was connected to the computer, and Type-B to a peripheral device.

In addition, USB Type-C supports a lot of other innovations and useful functions:

  • Data transfer speeds range from 5 to 10 Gbit/s, and with the introduction of USB 3.2 this speed can increase to 20 Gbit/s.
  • Backwards compatible with previous USB standards. Using a special adapter, a device with a USB Type-C connector can be connected to a regular USB of previous versions.
  • Symmetrical connector design that allows you to connect the cable to either side (just like Apple's Lightning).
  • The USB Type-C cable can be used to quickly charge mobile phones, smartphones, and compact laptops.
  • Support for alternative operating modes in which the USB Type-C cable can be used to transfer information via other protocols (DisplayPort, MHL, Thunderbolt, HDMI, VirtualLink).

What is the difference between USB Type-C and Micro USB

USB Type-C (top) and Micro USB cables.

Users who choose mobile phone or smartphone, you are often interested in the difference between USB Type-C and Micro USB. Below we have collected the main differences and advantages of these connectors.

  • USB Type-C is a connector for the future. If you are choosing a flagship smartphone that you plan to use for several years, then you should pay attention to models with USB Type-C. This connector is actively gaining popularity and in the future more and more devices will appear with its support. There is no need to worry about problems connecting to your computer. If your computer is not equipped with this connector, then you can always connect your phone using an adapter.
  • USB Type-C is convenient. Thanks to its symmetrical design, connecting USB Type-C is much easier than classic Micro USB. In order to charge a phone with USB Type-C, you just need to plug the cable into it, and you don’t need to look at the connector and choose which side to connect it to. In addition, due to their symmetry, USB Type-C connectors are more stable and rarely damaged.
  • USB Type-C is fast. As we already said, USB Type-C supports data transfer rates from 5 to 10 Gbps. If your phone supports this speed, then you can copy data much faster than when using Micro USB, the speed of which is limited by the USB 2.0 standard (up to 480 Mbps).
  • Micro USB (or rather Micro USB Type-B) is a time-tested connector, the main advantage of which is its prevalence. A charger and cable with such a connector can be found in any office or home. Therefore, with Micro USB you will always find somewhere to charge your phone or smartphone.

Which is better USB Type-C or Micro USB

Let’s conclude the article by answering the question of which is better, USB Type-C or Micro USB. In short, USB Type-C is definitely better. You can buy a phone with USB Type-C just for the sake of a symmetrical connector. Most users charge their phone every day, so something as small as a symmetrical connector that can be plugged in on either side makes life much easier. On the other hand, if you often charge your smartphone outside the home, then the usual Micro USB may be preferable. So you will have less problems with the search for a suitable cable or adapter.

You should also note the data transfer speed. If your phone and computer support USB 3.1, then USB Type-C can transfer data at speeds of up to 10 Gbps, while Micro USB can provide a maximum of 0.5 Gbps.

Most users, choosing new smartphone, tablet or laptop, find an unfamiliar interface in the device description. It's called a USB Type-C connector. What port is this? Few people really know about him. Although USB Type-C promises to become a new trend and will gradually be implemented on all devices that are equipped with classic USB. After all, he offers increased speed and improved functionality. Want to know more? We will be happy to tell you in more detail about USB Type-C and why it is gradually being introduced into many gadgets.

Currently, almost all devices are equipped with a USB connector (more precisely, USB type-A). From PCs to smartphones and various storage devices with laptops. USB is the ubiquitous and most popular standard.

It first appeared in the world in November 1995. The standard itself was called USB 1.0. It did not receive wide distribution. But its “brother” USB 1.1 in the late 90s of the last century began to be present on the back panel of almost everyone. True, manufacturers of peripheral devices did not immediately switch to this standard. It took a couple of years for keyboards, mice, printers and other accessories to begin to come with a USB port.

Finally, in 2001, the USB 2.0 standard was developed, which is still the most widespread today. It provided data transfer speeds of almost 500 Mbit/s. But the real breakthrough was the USB 3.0 specification. After all, the transmission speed within this interface was 5 Gbit/s. What other innovations came with it? 5 additional contacts appeared, and the maximum current increased from 500 mA to 900 mA.

The last step towards the emergence of USB Type-C was the adoption of the 3.1 standard. This happened in 2013. It is this standard that introduced the new Type-C connector (replacing the usual Type-A), with support for power up to 100 W and double the data transfer speed compared to USB 3.0 (up to 10 Gbps).

Learn more about USB Type-C and its benefits

So what is USB Type-C? Essentially, this is a new modification of the standard USB. Moreover, externally this connector looks like a thinner port. Its dimensions are only 8.34x2.56 mm. This is about 1/3 of the “old” USB Type-A. That is, the dimensions are very close to lightning in iPhones and micro usb in Android smartphones.

The shape of the connector is oval and symmetrical. Due to this, users do not have to guess which side to insert the flash drive or end of the cable into the device, as was the case before. This can be done without looking at all, in the dark, or with one hand. Thus, USB Type-C is very convenient. And also safe. After all, you can connect the connector in any position without fear of breaking the connector.

What other advantages does USB Type-C have? There are quite a lot of them:

  1. Versatility and compatibility. Can operate in many modes and support different protocols. That is, if desired, it is easy to connect HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort cables and other options for connecting a PC or laptop to peripherals to this connector. True, special adapters will be required. After all, how else can you “shove” a bulky and huge connector from a printer or mouse into a thin modern port? In addition, the USB 3.1 standard is highly compatible with previous versions of USB. To connect old peripherals to the Type-C port, you only need an adapter.
  2. Compactness. Due to its miniature size, it can be used in netbooks, smartphones, tablets and other various devices. At the same time, by actively introducing the USB Type-C interface, you can make equipment even more elegant, thinner and more compact.
  3. Ability to power other devices. As we have already noted, USB 3.1 increased the maximum transmitted power to 100 W (with the USB Power Delivery specification!). For comparison, the average laptop requires about 60 watts. That is, it can be easily charged via USB Type-C (which has already been implemented on the new MacBook and Google Pixel Chromebook). While the USB 2.0 port provides current transmission of only a maximum of two and a half watts. This is enough for a maximum of incomplete and long-term recharging of a weak smartphone. It turns out that when connecting various peripheral devices via USB Type-C, you can do without an additional power source, limiting yourself to one cord.
  4. High speed. When using the USB 3.1 standard, a data transfer speed of 10 Gbps is achieved. This is truly an excellent indicator. At least it's far from the record. After all, it is not as fast as the Thunderbolt 2 interface, implemented in MacBook Air and Pro models, where the speed reaches 20 Gbps.

What happens? The release of USB Type-C implies a complete replacement of outdated USB connection technologies. This is what this interface was designed for. His “mission” is to make sure that all sorts of options like mini or micro USB do not need to be released at all. Also new standard designed to make all cords that are used to charge devices universal. The idea is good, but how implemented is it now?

Are there any disadvantages?

Does USB Type-C have any disadvantages? It couldn't have happened without them. Experts attribute the following to the disadvantages:

  1. Due to their small size, the physical design of the connector and plug turned out to be quite fragile. Although numerous tests have shown that the mechanical life of the USB Type-C connector is about 10,000 connections. And this is no less than USB 2.0.
  2. Another drawback is that adapters are required to fully work with USB Type C. Otherwise, many devices simply cannot be connected through this interface.
  3. USB Type-C should only work with cables, accessories and gadgets that can withstand a certain voltage level. Otherwise, there is a high risk that the cord and/or device will catch fire. Something similar happened with the flagship model Samsung Galaxy Note 7, during the use of which cases of the device exploding were repeatedly recorded. Therefore, to connect via USB Type-C, you should not purchase cheap products from China. Only reliable, proven brands.

For reference! If you need a cord not only for connection, but also for recharging, then you should check whether it supports USB Power Delivery. In turn, to connect via HDMI, MHL or DisplayPort you will need a USB-C cable with an alternative mode function.

Is there a difference between USB Type-C and USB 3.1?

Is USB Type-C the same as USB 3.1? Of course not. It's correct to say this: USB 3.1 is the main data transfer protocol for Type-C. Moreover, the latter is simply a geometric shape. No more. It can accommodate USB 2.0, and its “descendant” – 3.0. Hypothetically, nothing prevents us from implementing USB 1.1 within this port and plug of the “venerable old man”.

By the way, some manufacturers do this. Take the same Nokia N1 tablet. It is equipped with a new USB Type-C connector, but inside it is still the same familiar and familiar USB 2.0 bus logic.

Modern devices with USB Type-C

Note that there are still few devices with USB 3.1 these days. The technology is new. Therefore, the standard did not have time to be implemented and become widespread. Devices with a USB Type-C cable/connector are not very widely represented on the market.

If we talk about smartphones, then these are:

  • Google Nexus 6P
  • Google Nexus 5X
  • Microsoft Lumia 950 XL
  • Meizu Pro 6
  • Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+
  • LG Nexus 5X, etc.

Of course, that's not all. “USB Type C” with full support for USB 3.1 is available on the MSI Z97A Gaming 6 motherboard. Popular motherboards ASUS X99-A and ASUS Z97-A also support USB version 3.1. (only they don’t have a Type-C connector).

It won’t be difficult to find flash drives with a new port on the shelves of computer stores. For example, SanDisk recently introduced a 32 GB drive with two connectors: the classic USB Type-A and USB Type-C. And this is not an isolated example. Thus, the range of the well-known manufacturer of computer components LaCie includes an external hard drive for a MacBook with support for USB 3.1 Type-C. This interface is also available on the Transcend JetFlash 890.

At the same time, formally the first device equipped with a USB Type-C port was the Nokia N1 tablet. It was then “supported” by a MacBook with a 12-inch display. The creators of the Apple laptop also decided to introduce the public to the new USB Type-C by equipping their model with this connector.

It turns out that USB Type-C is still a rarity? Essentially, yes. But the gradual implementation of this interface has begun and this is the most important thing.

Why is USB Type-C still not popular?

Many experts confidently say that one day USB Type-C will replace the variety of USB port options, becoming the only standard for various devices - laptops, PCs, smartphones, tablets, players, etc. In the future, most likely, this connector will indeed be replaced and a 3.5 mm headphone port, and an HDMI interface, used nowadays for video transmission.

However, why has USB Type-C not yet become mega-popular and widespread? Everything is extremely simple. In case complete transition To meet this standard, all existing equipment will have to be scrapped. Be it a smartphone, tablet, PC, flash drive, etc.

What if you use adapter cables, all kinds of splitters and adapters? This is not an option. If the connected device does not support USB 3.1, then the connection is simply pointless, because the maximum data transfer speed and power support will not be achieved.

Therefore, it takes time for the old ports to become a thing of the past, and for USB Type-C to be able to painlessly replace them. How much will it take? Probably a couple of years. The process can only be accelerated by the support of “big” companies that will actively implement this standard. At the same time, it is possible that progress will soon offer us a new interface that can send USB Type-C into “retirement” ahead of schedule.

Have you ever met a person who enthusiastically said: “My smartphone has Type-C”?

Debates about the modernity and usefulness of the new interface have been going on for quite a long time. Some consider it the future, others - a utopia. The trouble is that both sides have strong evidence that they are right. To understand the situation, it is necessary to comprehensively study the issue.

Development

Not everyone remembers the first USB Type-A connector, which is still used in the latest computers, laptops and tablets. Back in the 90s he had the same physical fitness, but another standard is USB 1.1. In more detail, there were restrictions on data transfer speeds.

In 2001, standard 2.0 was developed, which is the most widespread today. It provided data transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbit/s. At this moment, the era of creating a universal and high-speed connector for connection began.

The first generally accepted connector to become very popular and widespread was Type-B Mini. It is successfully used in phones, cameras, video cameras and allows you to connect devices to a computer. However, this should not be considered a big breakthrough, only the form has changed, the standard remains the same - USB 2.0. In other words, the transfer speed did not increase.

The desire to minimize the size of gadgets led to the creation of the new Type-B Micro. He continues to be the main character of the overwhelming majority modern technology, but cannot offer users much benefit.

A real breakthrough was the USB 3.0 specification, which radically changed the way we look at many things. The new interface made it possible to increase the data transfer speed to 5 Gbit/s. The changes also affected internal structure. The new 3.0 introduces a 9-pin group (in 2.0 there were only 4 contacts).

The final step towards the advent of Type-C was the adoption of the 3.1 standard, which remains the fastest and most efficient today. Users were able to transfer data at speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s. The new standard also allows for 100W charge transfer.

The standard consists of 24 pins: two rows of 12 pieces. 8 pins of the USB 3.1 interface are used for data exchange at high speed. Pins B8 and A8 (SUB1 and 2) are used to transmit analog signals to the headphones (right and left), A5 and B5 (CC1 and 2) are needed to select the power mode. There are also ground (GND) and power (V+) pins.

Benefits of Type-C

It is not so necessary, but is simply another physical modification that has received support for USB 3.1. But don’t rush to conclusions, as there is a whole series advantages that the new connector offers:

  • Safety. The connector is double-sided, i.e. You can connect the cable in any position. This ensures complete safety and security of the gadget from breakdowns that are accompanied by bent or broken contacts.
  • Versatility. Full compatibility with all old generation standards is ensured, starting with USB 1.1.
  • Independence. Type-C, which supports USB 3.1, can supply connected devices with up to 100W of power. Simply put, when connected, there is not just a full power supply, but also recharging the batteries of other gadgets, as from “”.
  • Compactness. The connector has very small dimensions, so it is actively used in the production of modern tablets.

Flaws

From a technical point of view, USB Type-C is almost perfect. So why hasn't it become the most popular yet? Why are manufacturers not in a hurry to equip their equipment with it? There are no obstacles to technical equipment, but there are significant reasons that slow down this process.

First of all, it has a unique physical structure, so to connect most gadgets you need adapter cables, all kinds of splitters and adapters. If the connected device does not support USB 3.1, such a connection simply becomes meaningless, since the maximum data transfer speed and power support will not be provided.

Most of the released computer, mobile, audio and video equipment is equipped with Type-A, Type-B Mini/Micro, which do not support USB 3.1 or even 3.0. The mass transition to USB Type-C will reduce demand for existing products that do not have it. Regardless of the desires and hopes of users, manufacturers deliberately push back effective technology and slow down its spread.

Secondly, even if two connected devices have Type-C, it may not be possible to get all the benefits. This is due to imperfect technology for processing and transmitting information from certain categories of devices. For example, you can synchronize a smartphone and a personal computer/laptop via Type-C. However, data transfer in both directions will be limited because maximum speed will not be able to provide the hard drive.

Yes, new technology is available, it is being used, but a complete transition is still far away. You need to understand that in the event of a complete transition to USB Type-C, you will have to send all outdated equipment for recycling.

Apple's latest MacBook laptop is equipped with a single USB Type-C port. But this form factor is not the corporation's own standard. USB Type-C is a new type of universal port standardized by the international USB-IF consortium. And over time, it will spread to all devices that these days are equipped with a classic (if not “old”) larger USB connector.

The variety of modern Apple MacBooks can be found on the pages of Bayon:

USB Type-C connector tightly intertwined with other new standards: high-speed USB 3.1 and “electric” USB Power Delivery, whose task is to supply sufficient current to power various devices.

In the article we will talk about the differences between USB Type-C and USB 3.1 and how the USB Power Delivery standard and the Type C port are similar.

Type-C is a new form of USB port

By its physical nature, the USB Type-C connector is a thinner port. The connector itself can already support existing standards USB 3.1 and USB Power Delivery (USB PD for short). In fact, 3.1 and PD are “logical” varieties of USB, and Type-C is just the size, shape and type of port.

The most common USB connector belongs to the USB Type-A category. Even when moving from the “ancient” USB 1.1 standard to the long-lived 2.0 (and to the fast 3.0, which is usually marked in blue), the connector remained the same. At one time it seemed miniature, but after years of technological development it looks quite massive. Its other drawback is the ability to connect to the device only with one specific side. Therefore, before attaching the connector to the port, you must ensure that it is in the correct position.

But the USB bus is also attractive for other devices! And a large USB port of a classic form factor physically cannot be placed on the thin edges of smartphones, game controllers, digital cameras and all other gadgets where this data transfer standard begs to be used. This is how numerous connector standards were born, including the now widespread “micro” and “mini”.

A variety of connectors and connectors of the Universal Serial Bus class

“Zoo” of various sizes of USB ports is nearing closing. The reason for this is the new USB standard Type-C, which has a huge advantage: the miniature geometric dimensions of the port. Its dimensions are approximately one third of the “old” USB Type-A. The new form factor can be placed in any device. No more collections of wires: both for an external hard drive and for charging a smartphone you only need one single cable. At the same time, a tiny port can both fit into the body of a mobile device and serve as a source of electricity even for “gluttonous” peripheral devices. The cable ends on both sides with identical USB Type-C connectors.

The beautiful “chargers” of various shapes and colors will not go away, but the cable will be standard.

Unified Type-C standard

That’s right: a single standard, and so many “goodies” at once. There is something else: “Type C” (this is the English transcription of the name) is also attractive for its two-sided nature. You can insert the connector into this connector from either side. You no longer have to consider the direction of the “cord” in order to carefully insert it into the port.
While USB Type-C is just beginning its victorious march, data cables are an indispensable attribute of any computer household.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with our products in this category: USB cables

USB class size Type-C can work in various “protocol” modes. In practice, this means that one and only The port can also connect HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort cables or other types of computer connections to peripherals. Digital USB-C multiport adapter from Apple is a great example of the above. This adapter allows you to connect HDMI or VGA video outputs and large USB connectors of the old standard to your computer. Type-A , and, of course, its native USB inputs Type-C . A bunch of all kinds of USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA and other connectors that now decorate most laptops on all side edges can be replaced with just one type of port. Something similar in recent years happened with mobile computer speakers - they are increasingly connected to the computer via USB, rather than through specific ports.

USB Power Delivery standard

Closely related to Type-C consists of another fresh standard of the consortium - USB PD. What is USB Power Delivery?

Many mobile devices - smartphones, tablets, pocket computers - can be charged from a computer when connected to it via USB. The USB 2.0 class port provides current transmission of up to 2.5 Watts - enough for leisurely recharging, but there was no need to think about more demanding devices: the average laptop, for example, requires up to 60 Watts.

USB Power Delivery specifications allow current transmission up to 100 W. Moreover, the direction of current can be bidirectional, so both devices connected by a USB cable can both send and receive electricity. At the same time as power supply is provided, data transmission is also possible. Both the new MacBook and Google's Pixel Chromebook are capable of charging their batteries when connected via a USB Type-C port. The new USB PD standard will allow you to forget about the numerous types of cables and connectors for powering laptops. Any device can be powered from a standard USB port. The current source for the laptop can be any newfangled “external battery”. You can connect the laptop to an external screen - and this display will share its current with the computer, while simultaneously showing the image sent to it by the computer via a small USB Type-C port.

All you need is support for USB Power Delivery technology. A regular USB Type-C port is not a guarantee of such electrical omnipotence. As Bayon already noted at the beginning of the article, Type-C is just a new geometry of this connector; everything else will depend on the specific manufacturer of the device - whether developers want to equip their devices with Type-C-sized ports with USB PD support.

Relationship between USB Type-C and USB 3.1

USB 3.1 is the next milestone in the development of the USB bus. The theoretical bandwidth of USB 3.0 is limited to 5 gigabits per second. The new iteration, USB 3.1, doubles this figure - up to 10 theoretical gigabits/sec. This beautiful figure matches the speed of the first generation Thunderbolt port.

What is the difference between USB Type-C and USB 3.1?

The first (USB Type-C) is just the geometric shape of the connector, nothing more. Inside this “geometry” you can embed the old man USB 2.0, and its descendant 3.0, and their successor 3.1. In principle, nothing prevents you from placing even the logic of a frankly “museum” USB 1.1 in Type-C.

A practical example of the difference between USB Type-C and USB 3.1 is the Nokia N1 Android tablet. It is equipped with a new USB connector Type-C, however, bus logic 2.0 is located inside (yes, not even 3.0). It also has an appropriate data transfer speed. However, these two technologies are directly related to each other, even if they are not synonymous.

Backwards compatible USB and new standard technologies

From a physical and geometric point of view, the USB Type-C connector is not compatible with its predecessors. And from a logical point of view, the developers have maintained full backward compatibility. In other words, it will not be possible to “shove” an ordinary bulky connector from a printer or mouse into the thin new Type-C connector. It will not be possible to connect a modern flash drive or external HDD equipped with a Type-C cable into the classic USB port of a computer format that everyone is familiar with.

Now let's get back to the good stuff. USB 3.1 standard is fully compatible with previous versions USB, so connecting old peripherals to a USB Type-C port requires only a simple adapter adapter. The devices will work, there will be no problems.

How to live in the era of USB Type-C?

In practice, most new computers will be equipped with both the new USB Type-C ports and the familiar USB Type-A - at least for the foreseeable future. This process has already begun; let’s take the same Pixel Chromebook as an example. There is no need to change old peripherals (printers, scanners, flash drives with mice) to new devices with USB Type-C cables. And even if your future computer is orthodoxly equipped exclusively with USB Type-C ports (as is the case with the MacBook), inexpensive and increasingly common adapters will help solve the problem.

Bottom line: Bayon's thoughts on USB Type-C

A timely and long-awaited update, this new connector. The pioneers of USB Type-C are the MacBook developers, but this technology will soon spread far beyond the Apple universe. Over time, other ports will become a thing of the past, and the transition to new era will be as painless as possible. Whatever the readers' opinion about Apple, this time they have given way to a new standard that will be useful to everyone.

Moreover, the USB Type-C port can replace the Lightning interface, which is used only by smartphones and tablets of this corporation. Lightning has no special advantages over USB Type-C - it is beneficial Apple only because it receives royalties for its use.

Smartphones with USB Type-C have been on the market for a long time, but many consumers know almost nothing about the new port on Android devices. In this article, I will explain what USB Type-C is and what it can be used for.

What is USB Type-C?

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a cable standard that allows you to synchronize data and also charge your mobile device. The first generation was announced back in 1998 and until now we have seen the emergence of improved versions of the port. The latest solution is USB Type-C.

Each USB version has a data transfer speed and limit electric current, which can pass through it. Previous generation USB Type-A and Type-B connectors have only 4 pins, while the modern Type C connector has all 24, allowing it to conduct more electrical current and transfer data at very high speeds.

The familiar MicroUSB 2.0, for example, is currently used on most Android devices, and it supports 5V (volts) / 2A (amps) and transfer speeds of 480 MB/s. USB Type-C (3.1), on the other hand, already offers 20V/5A for electrical current transfer and speeds of up to 10 GB/s.

Benefits of USB Type-C

Obviously, the new standard boasts amazing data transfer speeds, but it also has other advantages that interest us. The Type-C connector is double-sided, meaning it doesn't matter which side you connect it to, and has the same pins on both ends of the cable.

What's more, the next generation of HDMI is fully compatible with USB 3.1, meaning you don't need to buy an expensive adapter or adapter. In the future, all laptops and desktop computers will be equipped with such convenient connectors.

Are there any disadvantages of USB Type-C?

Not all manufacturers are adapting to the new USB standard. Some cables have Type-C connectors, they look like Type-C but only support USB 2.0. Such cables can be dangerous for devices.

Just don't buy cheap Chinese accessories to keep your phone safe. It's best to buy official USBs from the smartphone manufacturer.

Another problem facing USB Type-C is the small number of devices that work with this standard. At the moment, not many phones or other devices use new technology, and if you're at a friend's house and looking for a charger, good luck finding the right cable. You may also be disappointed by the fact that USB Type-C chargers and cables are not very cheap, but this will change in the future.

  • Beware of Cheap USB Cables
  • Even if your smartphone has a USB Type-C port, it may not support the 3.1 standard, so make sure before purchasing
  • Always use the original cable