When comparing USB-A vs USB-C, a side-by-by-side comparison is a must. There’s an excellent reason why these are the most prevalent sorts of connectors on current computers: Data and power may be transferred between devices using USB ports and connections.
However, you may not be aware of how USB-A and USB-C stack up — and that’s critical to know when it comes to purchasing the ideal laptop or computer for your requirements.
USB-A and USB-C seem to have distinct connection types at first glance. In the former, the horizontal connection is flat and rectangular, but in the later, the rectangular connector is smaller and circular in shape.
It’s important to know the distinctions between USB cables since each one has a different set of capabilities. As a result of this, you’ll know whether your USB device is compatible with the port you want to put it into and what you can do with the device.
Without further ado, here is a detailed comparison of USB-C vs USB-A.
What does USB-A stand for?
Most people are acquainted with USB-A ports and cables since they have been around for a long time. On the bottom side of USB-A connections, there is a rectangular horizontal port with pin connectors. This implies that if the cable is put incorrectly, the connection will not operate. There will be resistance if you attempt to enter the cable the incorrect way—don’t push it!
In 2014, USB-C was introduced, and although many current gadgets still contain at least one USB-A connector, USB-A has fallen out of favour since its release. Numerous peripherals and gadgets continue to use the USB-A connector. Even though USB-A is an older connection type, it won’t be phased out anytime soon.
What is USB-C, and how does it differ from USB-A?
The USB-C connector (also known as USB Type-C) is steadily taking over as the standard port for personal electronics. USB-C is now standard on almost all new laptops, tablets, and smartphones. There are less issues with USB-C now than there were with USB-A. A number of new and improved features are also included.
As compared to USB-A, USB-C ports are more compact and thin. There is no need to worry about which direction you plug the cable into a port because of its symmetrical construction (thank goodness). A USB-C to HDMI adapter enables backwards compatibility with USB-A and a variety of other connection types.
Large electrical devices, such as laptops, may now be charged over USB-C thanks to the availability of Power Delivery support. USB 3.0 and above compatibility for SuperSpeed and SuperSpeed+ enables greater data transfer rates. It’s common for laptops and desktops to include USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 connectors, which means that the port may be used with either Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 cables.
So, what exactly are USB 3.0 and later?
These protocols are used to describe the data formats that the USB port can process, such as 3.0, 3.2, or 4.0. USB devices that support more than one version should be clearly marked on their packaging or in the instruction manual.
The newer USB protocols, on the other hand, enable for quicker data and power transmission speeds. Most of us won’t notice the difference between USB 3.0 and USB 3.2, but knowing how it all works is interesting nevertheless.
USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 are both capable of transmitting data at rates of up to 5 Gigabits per second (or 5 Gbps). USB 3.2, on the other hand, has two 10Gbps channels and can therefore achieve 20Gpbs.
Since a USB port has both a connection type (USB-C or USB-A, or round vs. rectangular) and USB standard that exposes how capable it is, it’s easy to get things mixed up while utilising USB-C or USB-A devices.
In contrast, the most current USB 4.0 specification, which is only available in USB-C form, has a maximum bandwidth of 40Gbps.
When it comes to connecting devices, which is better, USB-A or USB-C?
Because of its faster data transfer speeds, capacity to charge big gadgets, and symmetrical connecting port, USB-C is clearly the better connection type. Because of this, it’s quickly becoming the industry standard and will soon be commonplace. USB-A, on the other hand, isn’t utterly pointless. You may require it over USB-C in certain situations.
There are still tens of millions of USB-A-enabled gadgets on the market. If you don’t have a USB-A adaptor, new MacBook Pro 14-inch and Dell XPS 13 Plus machines might put you at a disadvantage. After all, if you can’t use USB-C, an external HDD or SSD with a USB-A connection is useless. It is also possible to transmit huge files via USB-A, which was originally built for USB 3.0, as long as you have the patience.
There will still be plenty of room in the computer industry for both types of USB-A and USB-C, even if USB-C is clearly superior.