Understanding different types of USB cables for mobile charging

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and is used for connecting, communicating, and charging devices. Smartphones come with different connector ports, although most of them today have a USB-C. This is common on all new Android devices across all OEMs and price segments. However, Apple’s iPhones feature the company’s proprietary lightning connector. That was the case till the iPhone 14 series, because the latest-generation iPhone 15 lineup switched to USB-C.

Types of USB cables for charging

The USB-C port is the most important feature on any smartphone. It can be used to top up the battery of a device, and also to transfer files between devices. Depending on the smartphone, there are a few types of USB cables for charging as outlined below.

1.USB-A to USB-C

2.USB-C to Micro-USB

3.USB-C to USB-C 

4.USB-C to Lightning port

1. USB-A to USB-C cable

This is the most common type of cable and widely used in smartphones, tablets, TWS earphones, and more. The USB-A connector is a standard port found on computers, chargers and power banks. On the other hand, USB-C is found on newer and modern devices. It is a reversible connector, meaning you can flip it by 180 degrees, and it will still connect normally and work fine. This type of cable often offers decent charging speeds and also high-speed data transfers.

2. USB-A to Micro-USB cable

This is on its way to becoming obsolete as OEMs move to the faster USB-C standard. However, the USB-A to Micro-USB cable is quite helpful if you own an older smartphone. However, the charging speed is often slower.

ALSO READ: What is a USB cable?

The Micro-USB port is still found on ultra-affordable smartphones and feature phones. USB-A to Micro-USB cable also comes in handy for charging older devices like Bluetooth speakers and headphones.

3. USB-C to USB-C cable

This type of cable features USB-C connectors at both ends. Basically, it is a step up from the USB-A to USB-C cable. A charger with USB-C port can deliver higher charging speeds to a USB-C-connected smartphone compared to its USB-A to USB-C counterpart. It is also capable of offering higher power delivery, and hence used with faster USB-PD chargers.

4. USB-C to Lightning cable

Apple devices up to the iPhone 14 series and some older iPads have a lightning port. The USB-C to Lightning cable is designed just for this. The lightning connector goes into the Apple device whereas the USB-C connector is plugged into a compatible charger. Such a cable also provides fast charging capabilities for the iPhone when plugged into the right charger that meets the necessary power requirements.

ALSO READ: What is USB Type-C?

It’s worth noting that every type of USB cable is not in use anymore. USB-C is the latest standard, and from fast charging to high-speed data transfers, you will most likely need a USB-C cable more than the others going forward.