Smartphones with USB type c connector. The cheapest smartphones with a USB Type-C connector. The best devices with USB Type-C

The rapid development of computer technology affects not only the main components of systems. The possibilities are increasing, including various interfaces. As for the most common method of connecting peripheral devices - USB - here, in general, we can state a multiple increase in productivity in recent years. The throughput of the universal serial bus increases and functionality expands. The connectors used to connect various USB devices are also undergoing changes. Today, many people hear about USB, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the solution - the topic of this article.

Modern computer connectors

Looking around the body of almost any laptop, you can find a number of different ports located on the sides. Among them there is always USB, almost always HDMI and some others. Modern models are often equipped with the latest USB Type-C port. Many people don’t know what kind of connector this is, but it would be worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the port. Presumably, the connector will replace many other solutions in the future and become a truly universal standard. This is facilitated by the technical characteristics of the new method of pairing a computer and peripherals. The USB Type-C port offers users faster data transfer speeds, improved functionality, and a new level of usability. In short, the future of the standard looks very promising.

Multiple uses for one cable

The creators of USB Type-C used a very simple idea when developing the standard. The user must have a single type of cable, and his computer equipment is equipped with one type of port. By using a unified interface, you can connect anything you want. For example, using a USB Type-C cable, you can connect inherently different devices, such as hard drives, monitors, audio interfaces, smartphones, and tablet PCs. Among other things, it becomes possible to use the connector in question even to charge a laptop.

USB-A

Today, almost all peripheral devices are connected to a PC via the usual USB-A connector. This port has firmly entered the computer world, has a familiar rectangular shape, and its use has become almost a standard for connecting flash drives, external keyboards, mice, hard drives, printers and many other devices to PCs and laptops. This monopoly is likely to be broken soon - the USB Type-C cable already takes its rightful place among the solutions used to connect many devices.

Change of concept

Various cables are used to connect devices to the now standard USB-A port. The main difference between them is the connector located on the opposite side of the cable connected to the computer. This is almost always a different type of connector. For example, micro-USB is used for smartphones, while mini-USB is often used for other gadgets. To connect the printer, you will need a USB-B cable, and to connect storage devices, you will need a micro-USB-B cable. This variety causes some inconvenience and difficulty, because a user who owns several devices always needs to have a whole set of cables at hand. Designed to be uniform for all devices, i.e., the universal USB Type-C cable greatly simplifies this situation.

New format

With the development of the standard, it became possible to install a single connector design for all devices, as well as the same connector at both ends of the cable. How can you tell when you pick up a USB Type-C cable that this is it? The solution is a thin connector, oval in shape and significantly smaller in size compared to previous cable and connector formats of this type. In addition, USB 3 Type-C received the most important characteristic represented by symmetry and reversibility. In general, it is very similar to the Lightning solution from Apple - very convenient, because you don’t need to waste time manipulating the cable to find the right way to connect.

Future

Probably today we can say that after a certain time, the USB Type-C connector will turn into the only universal port for all peripheral devices. Thus, there will be a replacement for USB-A, B, micro-USB and mini, which make the lives of ordinary users so difficult today. All cables should become the same and be able to be used for any device. Of course, quick unification will not happen; too many functional devices with connectors other than USB Type-C are in use today and will be in use for several more years.

At the same time, we should not forget: the expansion of new solutions has already begun. For example, a USB Type-C flash drive is no longer uncommon on the shelves of computer stores. In addition, the fact that flagship devices from the most famous brands are being released, equipped with the port in question, suggests that the described situation, i.e., the displacement of outdated connectors from the market will occur sooner or later. For compatibility with older solutions, you will have to use a USB Type-C adapter for now.

Compatibility

After reading the above, you can think about what to do with already purchased devices equipped with connector types other than USB Type-C. It must be said that this issue should not cause much concern. A wide variety of adapters have already been developed, produced and sold, allowing you to connect any device with a USB connector, regardless of its type. Adapters such as mini-USB - Type-C, micro-USB - Type-C and others are already widespread and perform their functions perfectly. The security principle, which has been used in computer technology for many years, no one is going to violate. If a new laptop or computer has a USB Type-C port, an adapter for other types of connector is a completely applicable and effective solution.

Learn more about the benefits of the connector

Of course, a simple revision of the design of the connector and port will not be a compelling reason to encourage the user to upgrade all of his existing peripherals, but performance is far from the only advantage of the new solution. The new format supports the most modern USB 3.1 protocol, which brings with it an increase in data transfer speed and greater versatility compared to previous versions used on devices equipped with USB-A.

Speed

More than two decades have passed since the presentation of the first version of the connector. At that time, the maximum speed at which data was transferred was 12 Mb/s. Today, we can say, considering USBType-C, that this is the fastest interface for connecting peripheral devices from existing solutions. The USB 3.1 standard is capable of providing a data transfer rate of 10 Gb/s.

Performance

Additional advantages of the standard under consideration, of course, include performance, represented by the ability to provide power transmission of up to 100 W. This figure is enough to power almost any laptop, not to mention smartphones, tablets and other gadgets. In addition to energy, the new format supports the transfer of a huge amount of data per unit of time. For example, today video signals in 4K resolution are successfully transmitted via USB Type-C.

Versatility

The universal nature of the newest standard opens up a wide range of practical applications. A lot of useful functions can be provided with a single cable. For example, you can connect a USB-C-equipped laptop to an externally powered monitor and charge the laptop's battery while watching video content. In the case when storage devices, such as an external drive, are connected to the display, you can access the information stored on the media from the laptop.

Disadvantages of USB Type-C

This connector is a brilliant new format that is sure to become a ubiquitous solution in the very near future. However, the initial stages of distribution and development, in which the standard is currently still in, do not provide a complete absence of dangers, as well as some confusion when using the connector.

Cheap accessories

The main problem that a user who decides to join modern trends may encounter is cheap, low-quality accessories and cables. Due to the large amount of power transferred through USB Type-C connectors, using cables of insufficient quality may damage the paired devices. This factor must be taken into account by users without fail. When purchasing cables and adapters, you should choose products from reliable, trusted brands.

Confusion about standards

Another unpleasant issue that USB Type-C users may encounter today is caused by the fact that the standard in question relates more to the type of connector used than to the specifications of the interface itself. Therefore, it is quite likely that a device connected to a new connector will not work as fast as the owner of the device expected. The first generation uses USB 3.0 technology, providing a maximum speed of 5 Gb/s. The second generation of USB-C supports the 3.1 standard, the data transfer speed through which reaches 10 Gb/s. Problems with each of the ports arise because they look the same, but when producing ready-made solutions, brands use different components, even in lines of similar models. In other words, before purchasing a device with a USB Type-C connector, you need to check whether the actual technical characteristics of the port correspond to the required indicators.

The USB Type-C port is the successor to the original micro USB port; today it can already be found in smartphones in 2017, as well as external batteries, headphones and other devices. Galagram tells why the new Type-C is better than regular micro USB, as well as what bonuses owners of equipment with the new port standard receive.

3 Key Benefits of USB Type-C

It charges gadgets faster

The USB Implementers Forum, which is the industry association behind the development of the port, worked out the bugs in its micro USB creation and created USB Type-C with better specifications. Chargers with the new port are faster and typically charge smartphones at 15W. This is five times faster than most chargers using the old port. And most importantly, it does not put extra strain on your battery.

Charging both ways

Not only do both ends of the cable look the same, they can also do the same thing on both ends, meaning you can tell which direction the current is flowing. In some cases, this leads to funny results when your smartphone starts charging the power bank.

If you have a lot of battery left, you can help a friend by charging his smartphone using just a Type-C cable. To do this, connect both smartphones with this cable and direct the current in the desired direction, that’s all!

Transfer data from smartphone to smartphone

You just need to open the file explorer on the device where you want to receive the files. This is a pre-installed application on many smartphone brands, but otherwise you can simply find it in the settings.

How USB Type-C works

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard that defines cable, connectors, and digital communication. Its first version appeared in 1998 and replaced the PC interfaces that were popular at that time. The USB Type-C connector appeared in 2014. It has more pins than its predecessor, and they are arranged symmetrically. As a result, it doesn't matter which way you insert the cable - it's double-sided and works the same way.

This is a two-way 24 pin port

There are many differences between USB connectors and versions. They have different electrical characteristics, power ratings and data transfer rates. USB A and B connectors only have 4 pins, while USB 3.1 Type-C has 24 pins (standard pinout), which are needed to support higher currents and faster data transfer. In addition, the USB 3.1 standard increases data transfer speeds up to 10 Gb/s, and it also has innovative ways to charge devices.

The Type-C port specification requires the connector to withstand 100,000 connections per connector without signs of wear. If you connect the port, for example, two to three times a day, the cable should last more than 12 years. To meet these requirements and handle increased power flow, USB-C cables are usually made thicker than a classic micro USB cable.

What is Type-C for?

Many Android smartphones still have a micro USB port. In most cases, devices are charged through it at a voltage of 5V and a current of 2A. Faster charging speeds can only be achieved outside of the USB specification: Qualcomm Quick Charge, OnePlus Dash Charge, Oppo Vooc and Samsung Adaptive Fast Charge are manufacturer standards that only work on devices of a certain brand.

Transfers more power than micro USB

The Type-C port provides up to 100W of power using an open, free, common power system limited only by the cable, power supply, or charging target. To minimize heat buildup and wear on electronic components, Type-C compatible devices constantly match voltage and current to each other. To recognize them, look for the USB logo on the charger, which was adopted in August 2016.

Can transmit HDMI and audio signals

Type-C connectors can replace many other cables. The certification process for many signals and protocols has already been completed. These include VGA, DVI or HDMI, where the Type-C port simulates a display port, including protocol conversion. Of course, this requires appropriate hardware and software on the device, but this is up to the equipment manufacturers.

Xiaomi and LeEco are getting rid of the 3.5 mm port in favor of Type-C

USB tape C in Xiaomi Mi6

For years, most smartphones charged and transferred files using Micro-USB. Today, a new standard is very common - USB Type-C.

According to experts, this technology provides faster connectivity, capabilities and data transfer speeds. Due to its popularity, let's look at which modern smartphones are equipped with USB Type-C.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

An expensive smartphone with a wide range of modern functions, which, however, device owners do not always use. However, it is one of the most capable Android smartphones in 2017 and comes with a stylus.

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

When it comes to camera, processor, and software, the Pixel 2 (right) and Pixel 2 XL (left) are first in line to be crowned the best devices. At first glance, they are almost the same, but the difference lies in the screen diagonal, its technology and price. Both devices are good, but it's worth noting that the Pixel 2 XL has screen issues that Google is currently fixing.

OnePlus 5T

5 months after the launch of OnePlus 5 in June, OnePlus has released an updated version of the . The new product has a 6-inch display and a dual camera, which ensures the creation of higher quality photos in low light conditions. At the same time, OnePlus 5T received the processor, battery and software of its predecessor.

LG V30

The smartphone has everything a user needs in 2017: an excellent camera, a fast processor, a huge OLED screen, long battery life, moisture protection, wireless charging, microSD. This device can be called an inexpensive alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus and Google Pixel 2 XL.

Essential Phone

The smartphone is made of glass, titanium and ceramic and has a magnetic connector on the back that works with the upcoming collection of additional accessories. You can connect a camera module, docking station, etc. to the device.

Essential Phone is not yet aimed at the Russian market, but it has caused a little hype in the West. The smartphone was developed by the creator of the Android operating system, Andy Rubin.

HTC U11

U11 has become not only a stylish smartphone, but also a unique one. For example, in order to launch the camera, you just need to squeeze your smartphone. Long-term compression turns the flashlight on/off, activates Wi-Fi and other applications.

Samsung Galaxy S8

Among the smartphones of the Korean brand, it became the first device to receive USB Type-C. It was "rewarded" with a 5.8-inch display, Snapdragon 835 chipset and Bixby digital assistant.

Sony Xperia XZ Premium

The XZ Premium has an amazing screen, a top-end processor and a unique slow motion video recording mode.

Moto Z2 Play

The Moto Z2 Play, which we introduced just recently, has a beautiful screen and a capacious battery that lasts all day. There is a headphone jack and the ability to expand memory.

Xiaomi Mi 6

Xiaomi Mi6 () received a 5.15-inch display and curved edges at the back. Unlike its predecessors, it is equipped with a 12 megapixel dual camera, 6 GB of RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset.

Google Pixel and Pixel XL

A couple of the best Android smartphones you can buy today. They have a fantastic camera and sleek design. And the Google Assistant package makes these devices also “responsive.” And, of course, they got USB Type-C.

LG G6

A bright 5.7-inch screen, dual camera including wide-angle lens, Google Assistant, and water resistance make this device first-class in its kind.

Motorola Moto Z

Works with Moto Mods magnetic accessories, which allow you to expand the functionality of the device. Very balanced devices in terms of price/quality.

BlackBerry DTEK60

Stylish design, good battery life, 21 megapixel camera capable of recording video in 4K format, all this speaks of the premium nature of the device.

Huawei Honor 8

The smartphone takes excellent photos thanks to the use of a dual photo module. At a low price, it is equipped with a fingerprint scanner and has a unique rear panel design.

Xiaomi Mi Mix

The Mi Mix's stylish bezel-less design combined with a ceramic back panel gives the smartphone a luxurious feel, not to mention the fact that the base model's memory capacity starts at 128 GB.

Samsung Galaxy A7, A5 and A3 (2017)

The new family of mid-price smartphones from Samsung boasts a striking design, water resistance and other useful features. You can choose any screen diagonal: from 4.7 to 5.7 inches. Moreover, each smartphone is equipped with USB Type-C.

LG V20

With a large 5.7-inch display, Android 7.0 Nougat and dual cameras, the V20 was LG's most premium smartphone last season.

Sony Xperia XZ

The Xperia XZ looks stylish and good, is not afraid of liquids spilled on it, and handles heavy games.

ZTE Axon 7

To date, this model is considered the best in the ZTE range. It has a powerful processor, ample storage space and good speakers.

Asus Zenfone 3

Featuring a Snapdragon 625 processor, a 5.5-inch display and a 16 MP camera, ZenFone 3 is the optimal smartphone in the mid-price category.

HTC U Ultra and Play

The stylish glass body makes these two the most beautiful devices on the market. They received a 5.7-inch display, a notification screen and HTC BoomSound technology.

Huawei Mate 9

The Mate 9 has great potential, an incredible camera and a good battery. This is a great option for those looking for a smartphone with a large screen.

HTC 10 Evo

Despite the fact that the smartphone does not have a headphone jack and you will have to use an adapter, the HTC 10 Evo can be called a decent smartphone (waterproof, great speakers).

Moto Z Play

Even if you're not interested in the modular features of the Moto Z Play, it's still the most affordable smartphone in Motorola's Z series. In addition, the smartphone boasts a capacious battery.

USB tape C in Xiaomi Mi6

For years, most smartphones charged and transferred files using Micro-USB. Today, a new standard is very common - USB Type-C.

According to experts, this technology provides faster connectivity, capabilities and data transfer speeds. Due to its popularity, let's look at which modern smartphones are equipped with USB Type-C.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

OnePlus 5T

LG V30

Essential Phone

Essential Phone is not yet aimed at the Russian market, but it has caused a little hype in the West. The smartphone was developed by the creator of the Android operating system, Andy Rubin.

HTC U11

Samsung Galaxy S8

Among the smartphones of the Korean brand, it became the first device to receive USB Type-C. It was "rewarded" with a 5.8-inch display, Snapdragon 835 chipset and Bixby digital assistant.

Sony Xperia XZ Premium

The XZ Premium has an amazing screen, a top-end processor and a unique slow motion video recording mode.

Moto Z2 Play

The Moto Z2 Play, which we introduced just recently, has a beautiful screen and a capacious battery that lasts all day. There is a headphone jack and the ability to expand memory.

Xiaomi Mi 6

Xiaomi Mi6 () received a 5.15-inch display and curved edges at the back. Unlike its predecessors, it is equipped with a 12 megapixel dual camera, 6 GB of RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset.

Google Pixel and Pixel XL

LG G6

A bright 5.7-inch screen, dual camera including wide-angle lens, Google Assistant, and water resistance make this device first-class in its kind.

Motorola Moto Z

Works with Moto Mods magnetic accessories, which allow you to expand the functionality of the device. Very balanced devices in terms of price/quality.

BlackBerry DTEK60

Stylish design, good battery life, 21 megapixel camera capable of recording video in 4K format, all this speaks of the premium nature of the device.

Huawei Honor 8

The smartphone takes excellent photos thanks to the use of a dual photo module. At a low price, it is equipped with a fingerprint scanner and has a unique rear panel design.

Xiaomi Mi Mix

The Mi Mix's stylish bezel-less design combined with a ceramic back panel gives the smartphone a luxurious feel, not to mention the fact that the base model's memory capacity starts at 128 GB.

Samsung Galaxy A7, A5 and A3 (2017)

LG V20

With a large 5.7-inch display, Android 7.0 Nougat and dual cameras, the V20 was LG's most premium smartphone last season.

Sony Xperia XZ

The Xperia XZ looks stylish and good, is not afraid of liquids spilled on it, and handles heavy games.

ZTE Axon 7

To date, this model is considered the best in the ZTE range. It has a powerful processor, ample storage space and good speakers.

Asus Zenfone 3

Featuring a Snapdragon 625 processor, a 5.5-inch display and a 16 MP camera, ZenFone 3 is the optimal smartphone in the mid-price category.

HTC U Ultra and Play

The stylish glass body makes these two the most beautiful devices on the market. They received a 5.7-inch display, a notification screen and HTC BoomSound technology.

Huawei Mate 9

The Mate 9 has great potential, an incredible camera and a good battery. This is a great option for those looking for a smartphone with a large screen.

HTC 10 Evo

Despite the fact that the smartphone does not have a headphone jack and you will have to use an adapter, the HTC 10 Evo can be called a decent smartphone (waterproof, great speakers).

Moto Z Play

Even if you're not interested in the modular features of the Moto Z Play, it's still the most affordable smartphone in Motorola's Z series. In addition, the smartphone boasts a capacious battery.

Let's start with the new standard. USB Type-C. designed to unify connectors on many devices from coffee makers, cameras, televisions to smartphones with computers.

Just imagine a world in which one standard reigns. You don’t need to take a bunch of adapters with you on a trip or think about whether your friends have the necessary cable at home when you go to visit them. In a world where USB Type-C reigns, you can always charge your device, anywhere and anytime.

Standardization is perhaps the most important trump card of USB Type-C and almost all users will ultimately experience it. Well, for the fact that the connector can be inserted from either side, special respect to the engineers who developed this standard.

More powerful charging

Charging your phone using a cable from a camera or from a computer is not the coolest thing USB Type-C can do. Initially, the standard specification included the ability to pass a huge amount of energy through the cable, up to 100 watts of power. Of course, such current is not needed in smartphones yet, but it’s still nice to know that such powerful potential is already built into the USB-C standard.

Some manufacturers have already managed to implement their fast charging standards based on Type-C. For example, OnePlus' Dash Charge can deliver up to 5 volts at 4 amps, which equals 20 watts of power. Qualcom's Quick charge 4 also works on the basis of Type-C and produces about 18 watts at peak. It is possible that in the future some graphene supercapacitors will require a current of 100 watts to charge in a couple of minutes, and in this case Type-C will not rust.

Sound output

Based on the Type-C connector, you can implement a huge number of different interfaces, from a basic and banal audio connector to advanced Thunderbolt 3 or pci express. We won’t go far for examples. The market is already full of devices that simply do not have a standard 3.5 mm mini jack. It was successfully replaced by a digital interface based on USB Type-C.

LeEco was one of the first to show the public the advantage of this method of sound transmission. Their CDLA technology allows you to transmit lossless digital Hi-Fi audio and implement the coolest noise reduction systems without additional power.

Video signal transmission via USB Type-C

But smartphone manufacturers have found another interesting use for Type-C. After all, the connector can transmit not only sound, but also video. And at the same time, feed the device with energy. As a result, we saw a number of docking stations that turn the smartphone into a full-fledged system unit.

Microsoft first implemented this idea in its lumia. Later, devices from HP Elite x3 were added to them. They are all very limited in their functionality. Windows in continuum mode does not spoil the user with many possibilities, but still in this mode it is already noticeably more convenient to browse, work with texts and watch videos on YouTube. And just recently it entered the market with a similar station.

To summarize, thoughts come to mind about the future and how cool everything will be when a full transition to USB Type-C does take place. But looking around, I understand that this very future has already arrived. Type-C can be found in the most unexpected places. In consoles, cameras, TVs and cameras, even in some inexpensive laptops. There is just a little time left before the full-scale transition. We can only hope that engineers and manufacturers don’t come up with something new.