USB-C ports were first introduced to the market in August 2014. They were developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), an organization that oversees and promotes USB technology standards.
USB-C ports feature a reversible design, meaning they can be plugged in any orientation, making connecting devices simple.
Since their introduction, USB-C ports have become increasingly common, displacing other types of ports and are used on a wide variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, peripherals, and other electronic devices.
However, despite the advantages of standardization, there is a growing problem that is affecting users.
In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using USB-C ports.
Advantages of USB Type C
Reversibility:
Its big advantage! Unlike its predecessors, which can only be connected in one specific way, the new USB Type-C standard is notable for its ability to connect in any orientation without compromising functionality.
Functionality:
The USB Type-C connector is versatile in terms of signals, as it can transmit data, video, music, photos and connect to HDMI ports on TVs or monitors, as well as to devices with D-Sub outputs, USB 3.1 data (Gen 1 and Gen 2) and Thunderbolt 3, without the need for intermediate adapters.
Greater Energy Efficiency:
This standard allows two devices to be charged simultaneously when connected to a 100-watt power supply, making it easy to charge, for example, a smartphone and a tablet without the need to carry multiple cables.
Higher Data Transfer Speed:
Despite some similarities to USB 3.0, USB Type-C offers considerably faster data transfer speeds, reaching peak speeds of 10 gigabits per second, double the 3.0 standard.
Disadvantages of USB Type C
Potentially Dangerous Cables:
Due to their relative newness, some manufacturers have released cables with USB Type-C connectors, but using the USB 2.0 standard, possibly to reduce production costs. This has posed a risk of burning devices connected to chargers of this type, due to the voltage differences between these standards. Hence the importance of choosing only trusted manufacturers like Lensun .
Incompatibility with Fast Charging Systems:
Users who use fast charging systems and power banks may encounter issues, as USB Type-C doesn't use the data line for power; instead, it has a dedicated channel. This means that, while it charges the battery faster, it isn't compatible with these fast charging devices.
It went from being a near-universal standard to a proprietary standard
And this is the most reported problem these days, after verifying that the results of charging power tests vary greatly depending on the manufacturer.
Brands like Apple say goodbye to old ports
So you'll have to buy a cable with a USB-C port if you don't have one, because manufacturers are forcing it. For example, Apple has already abandoned traditional ports on products like the MacBook and MacBook Pro, but it hasn't done so yet on iPhones.
However, it has already been leaked that the next iPhone 15 will replace the Lightning connector with USB-C on all 4 models, although it may be supplied in the box.