It's a shame that mobile phone manufacturers continue to release devices with micro-USB ports. In this day and age of technology, USB Type-C has emerged as the standard for electronic devices, especially with smartphones. Any customer or smartphone user would most likely be disappointed if a certain smartphone isn't equipped with a USB-C port.

Perhaps one reason that makes USB-C better is due to its symmetrical design in comparison to micro-USB. Plugging in your devices has never been this easy with USB Type-C. More importantly, it's mainly because of the bandwidth it can carry. USB-C takes universality to the next level by being an all-in-one connector for almost any purpose including data transfer, power and charging, and audio/video connection.

However, not all USB-C cables are created equal. The fact that USB-C cables might have varying speeds adds to the confusion. So, what specific USB-C do we typically need? See the graphic below for a quick guide.

Usb C Infographic

USB-C is much more compact and simple, which can be found on mice, keyboards, and a variety of other peripherals and devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It's perfect for usage with external hard drives and other external data storage devices for people who need high-speed data transfer, especially those who have big video footage or large datasets.

Furthermore, USB-C cables can also be used to supply power. They mostly carry at least 20V at 3A, for a total of 60W of input power. Some cables may carry 20V at 5A, resulting in faster charging times. The more powerful cables such as Thunderbolt 3, on the other hand, feature an 'E-Mark chip' that signals the device that they can handle the extra power. The most significant distinction between 3A and 5A cables is that 5A cables can typically power laptops and monitors, whereas 3A cables cannot.

It is wise to note that all these things are happening at the same time through a single cable/port. With the right 'docking station', you can connect all your extra displays, USB devices, memory cards, hard drives, and Ethernet while also charging your laptop up to 100W.

You might be asking how it could be much better with the incredible bandwidth, power capabilities, and various modes now accessible over USB-C. Well, increasing the cable length that USB-C can efficiently accomplish is currently one of the key areas of focus.

Ultimately, USB-C embarks a truly universal connector that will serve as the industry standard today and in the foreseeable future.