A Beginner Guide to Micro USB

What is Micro USB?

A micro-USB is a miniature form of standard USB that goes into the micro-USB port of your smartphone or tablet. Now micro-USB comes in three different types- Micro-A, Micro-B, and Micro-C. They all differ in terms of shape, speed, and manufacture. While A and B don’t have much functional difference, Type C, on the other hand, is set to bring the next technological revolution in the coming years.

Now that we understood what is micro USB let’s know about its types in detail.

Type of Micro USB

Micro- USB- A

Type A micro USB comes with a flat and rectangular shape. 

On one side, it has the Type-A connector, aka A-male connector, that goes into the host (device). The port that accepts the A-male connector is known as the A-female port. Type-A ports are primarily found in host devices such as desktops, laptops, smartphones, consoles, laptops, etc. 

Micro-USB –B

The other end of the standard USB cable is known as the Type-B connector. It is also known as the Type-B female. The USB port that accepts the Type-A connector is known as Type-B female. It is plugged into peripheral devices like printers, smartphones, external hard drives, etc.). 

Note: Smartphones are categorized as both host and peripheral devices as you can transfer and receive data from both ends.

Micro-USB – C

Most technical experts believe that USB Type-C will phase out TYPE A and B in the coming 5-10 years. Type C receptacles are found on specific android devices, laptops, video gaming controllers, and other new-age products. 

Coming to its build, TYPE C USB comes equipped with connectors on both sides of the cable. Meaning, you can plug in your USB cord from any side. The shape of USB Type-C is more oval and can be plugged in either side.

In coming years it can (in most cases, it has already) replaces connector cables of printers, digital cameras, HDMI, gaming consoles, smartphones, laptop charging ports, etc.

On top of that, it offers a far superior data transfer rate of between 5 and 10 GB per second, along with providing 100 watts of charging power. 

That’s not all. You must also know about its OTG feature that lets you comfortably transfer data from your mobile device. 

What is Micro USB OTG?

Micro USB OTG or On-The-Go is a USB feature that allows a device to read data from a USB device without using a system. Simply put, a few years back, you could use a pen drive on a PC or laptop. However, with micro USB OTG, you can connect a pen drive to your smartphone for transferring or copying data, provided your device supports USB OTG. If not, you can purchase a USB OTG adapter.

End Thoughts 

Now that you know what is micro USB and its types, it will be easy for you to make an ideal selection for your requirement. Just make sure to give priority to quality over price. After all, you would never like to buy a second one within a month of purchase.

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