Although users do not usually give it the importance it deserves, the USB cable that we use to charge the mobile has a close relationship with the charging speed of the mobile, as well as with the results it offers us. For this reason, it is important that we know the different technology at our disposal, from the most basic to the most advanced that we can know about these cables.
Between so much connector and technology it is easy for us to get confused, that is why the European Union wants to create a single standard that would be directed to USB Type C. However, this is not easy and we will still have to wait several years for it to become a reality or to arrive. the moment that wireless charging technologies dominate the landscape of mobiles and other devices.
Different USB connectors for mobiles
Since the first USB was born back in 1996 by such important companies as Compaq, DEC, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, NEC and Nortel. This connector takes us to today, with a surprising evolution. This has led us to go from a classic USB port that although modified is still valid, to adaptations such as USB Type C that allow us more possibilities, speed and other more relevant changes.
The variety of USB connectors that we find can be overwhelming, although not all of the ones we show you have been used in mobile phones and much less are used today. However, it is important to know all of them to know the differences between USB cables in current phones or those of past generations.
- USB Type A : This is the input that has been used since the origin of these meters to charge mobile phones, although it does not connect to the smartphone. This standard that is still in force today is the one that is used mostly as the opposite end of the mobile. It allows us to charge the mobile and transfer data, depending on the speed of its generation.
- USB Type C : The most current input and output connector in mobile phones. It is expected to become a universal entry, being valid for charging the mobile and transferring data at high speed. One advantage it has over its predecessors is that it is reversible and therefore it does not matter which side we use it on.
- Mini USB : This is the standard that was used in the first smartphones and digital cameras, however it did not last long in the market and was quickly replaced, in addition to being surpassed by the next.
- Micro USB : This connector sure does sound to most users, since it was the one that was part of the great progress in mobile phones. It is the charging connector that gave birth to brands like Xiaomi and is part of such legendary models as the Samsung Galaxy S3. Its disadvantage compared to USB Type C that has overcome it, is that the speed of loading and file transfer is limited and is not reversible, with connectors that are easily damaged.
- Lightning : We cannot forget the classic Apple connector, which is only used in their mobiles and devices. It is reversible and although it is a good solution, it has not evolved as much as if USB has and Apple resents not using it.
Other connectors that have never been used in mobile phones are USB Type B and USB Micro B, which have been designed to connect peripherals to the computer.
Technology differences in USB cables
USB 1.0
The first USB standard that we knew in 1996 offered us an upload speed of 1.5 Mbps, which was increased to 12 Mbps in the USB 1.1 version. Currently it is very difficult to find one of these cables that luckily for our mobile have passed away or on the contrary it would be impossible to enjoy fast charges.
USB 2.0
A great leap forward we could see with the arrival of USB 2.0 that offered us speeds of up to 480 Mbps. This, however, did not last long, since the technology of mobile phones and other devices was advancing by leaps and bounds and improvements were needed.
USB 3.0
In January 2010 we had the pleasure of knowing the cable with USB 3.0 technology and data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps . This step forward was a great revolution in the mobile sector, starting to be able to enjoy the first fast charges with 2.5 W of power.
USB 3.1
Although it might seem like a minor improvement, the new standards for mobile cables and connectors with USB 3.1 technology offered another important step in the industry to allow 10 Gbps in the first generation and in the second generation under the name USB 3.2, allowing a charge fast up to 20 Gbps.
USB 4.0
The last generation presented to date and which allows us to upload a maximum speed of 40 Gbps is a hope thanks to the Thunderbolt 3 compatibility. This standard for cables is the step that was missing for fast mobile charges to be what We all dream of up to 100 watts and we are already beginning to see in some manufacturers. For now it is almost impossible to find it, but it is expected that in 2021 it will be more common and we will begin to enjoy its advantages linked directly to the USB Type C connector.
