Android is a popular operating system for smartphones and tablets, developed by Google and other companies. Android devices come in various shapes, sizes, and features, but they all need to be charged regularly to keep them running. However, not all Android chargers are the same. There are different types of chargers for different devices, and they have different names, shapes, and capabilities. In this article, we will explore what the old Android charger is called, and how it differs from the new ones.
The old Android charger: Micro USB
The most common type of charger for old Android devices is the Micro USB charger. This charger has a small, rectangular connector that plugs into the Micro USB port of the device. The Micro USB port is usually located at the bottom or the side of the device, and it is used for both charging and data transfer. The Micro USB charger can also be connected to a computer or a power outlet using a USB cable or an adapter.
The Micro USB charger was first used on smartphones in 2008, and it became the standard for charging and data transfer for Android devices ever since. It was also adopted by other devices, such as digital cameras, e-readers, and game controllers. The Micro USB charger is compatible with most Android devices, except for some newer models that use a different type of charger.
The new Android charger: USB-C
The new type of charger for Android devices is the USB-C charger. This charger has a reversible, oval-shaped connector that plugs into the USB-C port of the device. The USB-C port is usually located at the bottom of the device, and it is used for both charging and data transfer. The USB-C charger can also be connected to a computer or a power outlet using a USB cable or an adapter.
The USB-C charger was introduced in 2014, and it became the new standard for charging and data transfer for Android devices. It was also adopted by other devices, such as laptops, tablets, and monitors. The USB-C charger is compatible with most new Android devices, but not with older models that use a different type of charger.
The advantages of USB-C over Micro USB
The USB-C charger has several advantages over the Micro USB charger, such as:
- Faster charging: The USB-C charger can deliver more power to the device, allowing it to charge faster. For example, the USB-C charger can provide up to 100 watts of power, while the Micro USB charger can only provide up to 15 watts of power.
- Faster data transfer: The USB-C charger can transfer data at a higher speed than the Micro USB charger. For example, the USB-C charger can support up to 40 gigabits per second of data transfer, while the Micro USB charger can only support up to 480 megabits per second of data transfer.
- Reversible design: The USB-C charger has a reversible connector, which means that it can be plugged in either way. This makes it easier and more convenient to use, as there is no need to worry about the orientation of the connector. The Micro USB charger, on the other hand, has a fixed connector, which means that it can only be plugged in one way. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially in low-light conditions.
- Versatility: The USB-C charger can be used for a variety of devices, not just Android devices. The USB-C charger can also support other features, such as video output, audio output, and power delivery. This means that the USB-C charger can replace multiple cables and adapters, making it more convenient and cost-effective. The Micro USB charger, on the other hand, can only be used for Android devices and some other devices, and it cannot support other features.
The disadvantages of USB-C over Micro USB
The USB-C charger also has some disadvantages over the Micro USB charger, such as:
- Compatibility: The USB-C charger is not compatible with older Android devices that use the Micro USB charger. This means that users who have both old and new Android devices need to have two different types of chargers, which can be inconvenient and confusing. The Micro USB charger, on the other hand, is compatible with most Android devices, except for some newer models that use the USB-C charger.
- Cost: The USB-C charger is more expensive than the Micro USB charger, as it is a newer and more advanced technology. The USB-C charger also requires more expensive cables and adapters, as it has higher specifications and features. The Micro USB charger, on the other hand, is cheaper and more widely available, as it is an older and more common technology.
Conclusion
The old Android charger is called the Micro USB charger, and it has a small, rectangular connector that plugs into the Micro USB port of the device. The new Android charger is called the USB-C charger, and it has a reversible, oval-shaped connector that plugs into the USB-C port of the device. The USB-C charger has several advantages over the Micro USB charger, such as faster charging, faster data transfer, reversible design, and versatility. However, the USB-C charger also has some disadvantages over the Micro USB charger, such as compatibility and cost. Therefore, users who have Android devices need to be aware of the type of charger that their devices use, and choose the appropriate charger accordingly.