The difference between USB-C and USB-A

USB Type-A (USB-A) is the most common and widely recognized USB standard. The USB-A connector was introduced in the mid-1990s and has been a consistent element of several generations of USB, from USB 1.0 to the present. A USB-A port is a host port for devices that provide data or power, such as desktop computers, laptops, game consoles, and power banks.

What is USB-C

Introduced in 2014, USB Type-C (USB-C) is the newest and most advanced type of USB connector. It is compact, reversible, and high-speed, making it increasingly popular in new devices. An important feature of USB-C is its reversible plug orientation, which allows it to be plugged in either way, making it user-friendly.

In addition, USB-C offers higher data transfer rates and power delivery than its predecessors. With USB 3.2 and later, USB-C offers data transfer rates of up to 20 Gbps and power delivery of up to 100 watts. USB4 uses only the USB-C connector, increasing the data transfer rate to 80 Gbps.

The difference between USB-A and USB-C:

1. Appearance and shape

The Type-C interface is a small, double-sided interface, while the USB-A interface is larger and can only be inserted on one side. The design of Type-C is more modern and meets the needs of thinner and thinner devices, while the USB-A interface is larger due to its earlier design.

2. Functional characteristics

The USB-A interface appeared earlier and has more versions, such as USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. The supported data transmission speed is relatively low and the power supply capacity is relatively weak.

The Type-C interface supports more functions, such as higher data transmission speed (such as USB 3.2, USB4, etc.), stronger power supply capacity (up to 100W or even higher), and video output (such as DisplayPort, HDMI, etc.). Its versatility allows it to connect to a variety of different devices, including mobile phones, computers, tablets, etc. Although the USB-A interface has strong compatibility, its functions are relatively single and it is mainly used for data transmission and charging.

3. Application scenarios

USB-A interface is widely used in various traditional devices, such as computers, mice, keyboards, USB flash drives, etc.

Type-C interface has gradually become mainstream in new computers, mobile phones, tablets and other devices due to its high performance and convenience.