All about micro USB! Explaining its shape, types and features

Micro USB is a small USB connector that is widely used in many digital devices, including smartphones and tablets. Due to its compact shape and high prevalence, it is one of the standards that you will frequently see in daily life. In this article, we will explain in detail the features, functions, compatibility, and differences between Micro USB and other USB standards.

What is micro USB?

Micro USB is a portable version of USB 2.0, an even smaller version of the mini USB, which is a mini version of the USB connector. The connector is about the size of the tip of a finger and has a trapezoidal shape. It is widely used in Android smartphones, mobile batteries, pocket wifi, digital cameras, PCs, game consoles, etc.

Micro USB Functions

Data Transfer : Send and receive data at high speeds, typically up to 480 Mbps, which is the maximum speed for USB 2.0, but actual speeds may vary depending on the device and cable quality used.

Here are some example devices and their transfer rates:

• Smartphones: A typical Android smartphone (with a micro USB connection) has a USB 2.0 transfer speed of 480 Mbps.
• Tablets: Tablets with a micro USB port (such as the older Samsung Galaxy Tab) also support USB 2.0 and also have transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps.
• Digital cameras: Many digital cameras use micro USB and operate at USB 2.0 speeds for transferring image data.
• External storage devices: Portable hard drives and flash drives with a micro USB port are also limited to USB 2.0 transfer speeds.

If you need faster transfer speeds, you'll need to look at other connection standards, like USB 3.0 or USB-C devices.

Charging : Widely used to charge smartphones and tablets, convenient with compatible adapters and cables.

OTG function : Devices that support USB On-The-Go (OTG) allow you to directly connect USB devices (such as flash drives and keyboards).

The OTG function is mainly used for the following purposes:

• Connect external storage: Connect a USB memory stick or external hard drive to transfer or back up files.
• Connecting peripherals: By connecting a keyboard and mouse, you can operate your smartphone or tablet like a computer.
• Connecting a Game Controller: You can connect a controller for gameplay.
• Camera connection: Connect your digital camera directly and transfer photos instantly.

Micro USB Compatibility

Cable compatibility: Micro USB is a standard, so cables and chargers from different manufacturers are compatible, but whether they support fast charging depends on the cable specifications.

Compatibility between devices: Devices with micro USB ports (smartphones, tablets, cameras, etc.) can use the cable to transfer data and charge.

OTG function: OTG-compatible devices can connect USB memory sticks and peripherals, but not all micro USB devices support OTG, so you need to check the compatibility.

Use an adapter: You can use a micro USB to USB-C or USB-A adapter to connect to devices of other standards.

As such, micro USB is widely used in many devices and has high compatibility, but you need to pay attention to the specifications of the equipment and cable you use.

Types of micro USB

USB 2.0 micro-A: This is a common micro USB connector, which is widely used mainly in smartphones and tablets.

USB 2.0 micro -B: Often used in some devices, especially digital cameras and portable speakers, and also in external storage devices such as removable disks.

USB 3.0 micro -A/B: A special connector that has both types (A and B) of ports and is found on devices that support OTG functionality.

These types have different physical shapes and can connect to different devices, so you need to pay attention to compatibility when choosing.

Here are some examples of devices that fit each type:

USB 2.0 micro-A :

• Smartphone (e.g. Samsung Galaxy series)
• Tablets (e.g. many Android tablets)

USB 2.0 micro -B :

• Digital camera (e.g. older model Canon or Nikon)
• Portable speakers (e.g. some Bluetooth speakers)

USB 3.0 micro -A/B :

• Some OTG-compatible Android smartphones (e.g. some Samsung Galaxy models)
• Tablets (e.g. some ASUS and Lenovo products)

There are no significant differences in functionality or transfer speeds between the different types of micro USB (Type-A, Type-B, and Type-AB). All micro USB types are essentially USB 2.0 compatible and offer transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps. However, depending on the specific device, the availability of the OTG function may vary. Micro USB Type-AB often supports OTG, while other types vary depending on the device.

Advantages and disadvantages of micro USB

The advantages and disadvantages of micro USB compared to other USB standards (USB-A, USB-C) are as follows:

merit

• Small size: micro USB is small and suitable for thin devices, so it is widely used in smartphones and tablets.
• Durability: Thinner and less likely to fall out, it is durable. It has strong durability against insertion and removal.
• Popularity: It is used by many devices and has high compatibility.
• Cost: Micro USB cables and chargers are generally inexpensive and readily available.

Disadvantages

• Transfer speeds: Typically limited to USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mbps), which is slower than USB 3.0 and USB-C (up to 10 Gbps or more).
• Unidirectional: Similar to micro USB, Type-C is flat, circular and reversible. The micro USB connector can only be inserted one way and is not reversible like Type-C.
• Durability: The connector part is prone to wear and tear and may break depending on frequency of use.
• Limited functionality: Compared to USB-C, it does not support the latest data transfer and charging features (e.g. fast charging and high power delivery capabilities).

What is Type-C micro USB?

Type-C micro USB refers to an adapter or cable that converts a micro USB connection to a Type-C port. This adapter allows you to connect a micro USB device to a device with a USB Type-C port (for example, a new smartphone or laptop). This allows data transfer and charging, but it depends on the performance of the original micro USB device. Therefore, the transfer speed does not change. However, if the device connected to the USB Type-C port supports USB 3.0 or USB 3.1, it may be possible to transfer data faster. In other words, converting to Type-C does not improve the speed, but it depends on the standard of the device to which it is connected.

summary

Although micro USB is small, highly compatible, and widely used in many devices, it is inferior to the latest standards such as USB-C in terms of transfer speed and functionality. In particular, if you are looking for fast charging or high-speed data transfer, we recommend considering other USB standards. However, due to its low cost and high penetration rate, it is still important for everyday use. It is important to choose the appropriate standard depending on your application and needs.