If you are considering about changing your mobile, you should know that your new acquisition may already incorporate the new Type C USB connector. This new version of USB presents some differences concerning the previous connectors, with numerous advantages and some inconvenience. Yes, indeed, a new connector involves more wires.
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Or different cables, to be more exact. That means that you can no longer use any cable you have at home (usually micro USB if you are Android ) to charge your new phone. You will need the new connector. We read everything you need to know about this type of connector.
USB Type C It is a special connector …
First of all, it should be noted that the USB Type C is a type of connector different from the habitable (we have from the classic Type A to the lightning connector that uses Apple on your iPhone ), as you can see in the image above.
But beyond this kind of connection, the important thing of the matter is the standard that uses this new connector habitually. The rules allow some or other functions, and it is desirable that the cable with connector USB Type C comes accompanied by the standard of USB 3.1, which is where we will focus, as it is the most usual and the biggest advantages.
Why 3.1 and not 4.0? Because, although it incorporates numerous improvements, this standard is not just a redefinition of the previous one. We will have to wait for a complete turnaround in this area.
With all this, first reflection: for us to be the last, the USB connector Type C should be standard 3.1. They exist with old standards (2.0), but this will imply fewer advantages.
Advantages of USB Type C with 3.1 standard
Let’s begin to analyze the advantages of this type of connector, always in conjunction with the standard USB 3.1.
First, and may seem a mere decorum (but it is not), this is a reversible connector. Yes, it ended up applying Murphy’s law that should say something like ‘ when you try to connect your micro USB to the mobile, you will always need a second attempt because you will put it backward first .’ The USB Type C is reversible, so it does not matter where you connect it.
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Second, this type of connector permits a transfer speed of data far superior to their predecessors. In fact, it can reach 10 Gbps, twice as much as its predecessor:
- USB 1.0 : 12 Mbps
- USB 2.0 : 480 Mbps
- USB 3.0 (or 3.1 Gen 1): 5 Gbps
- USB 3.1 Gen 2: 10 Gbps
- USB 3.2: 20 Gbps (as of 2019)
Thanks to this higher speed of data transfer, since it supports several protocols (like HDMI). It can be used to transmit another type of data that require more flow like, for example, videos with resolution up to 4K.
Third: This type of cable and connector allows to transmit a greater amount of energy. That means you can charge devices faster, but also that you can power gadgets with higher battery.
For example, the new Apple MacBook incorporates this connector to charge the notebook. In fact, it is capable of loading two devices at a time with an energy of up to 100 W (they have to have the USB Power Delivery specification).
Disadvantages of USB Type C
We have seen that this new connector. That you will find in many of the new smartphones. It has many advantages that will bring the better use of your mobile.
However, it also has some drawbacks, and it is important to be aware of them.
The first, and quite evident, is that the connector itself is not compatible with previous connections. That is: we will not be able to connect a Type C USB cable to a Micro USB device.
Single Standard
Also, as noted above, the Type C USB cable can use one standard or another (recommended 3.1). Therefore, it is important to look at the specifications of the cable at the time of purchasing one or another element: if it is 3.1 will bring greater advantages.
To all this is added another important factor: the cable can be manufactured differently. And we enter marshy ground: for a user of a foot ‘s hard to know the specifications of the wire, as many times are not indicated in the package.
In fact, in the same standard USB 3.1, already has two generations, i.e. Gen 1 (actually is USB 3.0 renamed to 3.1 Gen 1) and Gen 2.
Finally, as we have explained, these cables are capable of transmitting a greater amount of energy. That is why the cables must incorporate a resistor, which regulates the transmitted power. The problem is that not all wear or is of the same quality.
That implies, as Google engineer Benson Leung has discovered and related, that you can ‘fry’ (overheat and even damage) a device if you use the wrong cable. It happened to him himself with a Pixel computer and a cable that he did not touch.
Conclusion: Which one to buy?
As we have seen, the new USB Type C is somewhat lousy. In short, we will say that it is a new type of connector that has many advantages. Provided that its standard is USB 3.1 (but, will have the same capabilities as the 2.0, but with a different connector).
Its pros are numerous and more and more manufacturers are adopting.
But as we have pointed out, each cable can be the world, depending on the manufacturer. Usually, we say that it is advisable to use USB Type C cables from the same manufacturer as the device (that is, the one that comes with the mobile or tablet in question is ideal).
If you want to buy a spare part. It is best to consult with the specialists of the store to make sure that we buy the right one.
Nor should we forget that it is better to always rely on the first brands, lest by a transmission of wrong energy we run out of mobile.
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