Micro USB vs. Mini USB

Micro USB vs. Mini USB

What's the difference between micro and mini USB?

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a power and data transfer system for electronic devices. USB is the standard for connecting computer devices like keyboards, mice, and printers. We also use a USB to charge and transfer data between phones, laptops, cameras, and other electronics. USB ports can power many more things than you'd think! Although 'universal' is in the name, there have been many iterations of USB connectors since its inception. Two of the oldest and most commonly used for personal electronics are the micro USB connector and the mini USB connector. Similar in size and shape, these USB connectors were designed for smaller devices like digital cameras, mobile phones, and GPS devices (remember when everyone had a mounted GPS device?). For the casual user, the difference between micro and mini USB can be confusing. Let's review some of their similarities and differences.

What is a Mini USB connector?

The mini USB was introduced in the early 2000s as a smaller version of the USB type A connector. Although it did not provide as much power as type A, its dramatically smaller size (about two-thirds the width of the type A connector) made the design of portable devices like digital cameras and mobile phones much simpler. There are three mini USB types– type A, type B, and type AB– with type B being the most widely used. The mini USB was very popular following its launch and was found on various MP3 players, digital cameras, and other devices. However, there were some problems with the mini USB. Besides the power decrease mentioned above, the mini USB was notoriously delicate, with a lifetime of 5,000 insertion and removal cycles. That may sound like a lot, but it is a rather poor rating for a connector cord for mobile devices. These issues with the mini USB led to the invention of the micro USB in 2007, and these days the mini USB is deprecated– fancy computer talk for 'no longer useful'– and manufacturers have ceased producing devices with mini USB ports.

Mini USB Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Size: The mini USB has a smaller connector than USB Type-A

  • Portable: A shorter cord length made the mini USB more portable than its predecessors

Cons

  • Durability: The mini USB is infamous for its fragility, with a lifetime of 5,000 insertion and removal cycles

  • Mobile incompatibility: The mini USB is not compatible with On The Go mode for mobile devices

  • Deprecated: The mini USB's have been largely phased out, so cords and devices featuring a mini USB are hard to find

What is a Micro USB Connector?

The micro USB connector was launched in 2007. An improvement on the mini USB, the micro USB had all of the functionality of the mini USB in a smaller and improved package. The micro USB quickly took over the world of USB connectors for smaller electronics and could be found on practically any portable electronic device not manufactured by Apple (who manufacture and sell their own model of USB connector). The connector of the micro USB, while around the same length as the mini, was only half the width, making it the smallest type of USB connector. Additionally, it was rated for 10,000 insertion and removal cycles, double that of the mini USB! Another plus for the micro USB is that it was launched with USB On the Go, a feature that allowed smartphones to act as hosts for devices like keyboards and flash drives. That gave the micro USB mobile compatibility that the mini USB could not match. The micro USB has type A and type B; we use type A for connecting to computer software and type B for connecting printers, phones, and other smaller devices. The micro USB has taken over the USB connector scene; however, the latest USB development, the USB-C, is quickly closing the distance.

Micro USB Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Durability: The micro USB was rated with the potential for 10,000 insertion and removal cycles, a large improvement from the mini USB.

  • Updated design: The micro USB's design largely rid itself of the mini USB's mechanical flaws. It also featured a passive latching mechanism to keep the connector from unplugging, which the mini USB did not have.

  • Mobile friendly: On The Go USB compatibility meant the micro USB was better for mobile devices like cellphones and MP3 players.

  • Size: the slimmer micro USB is easier to incorporate into devices than the mini USB.

Cons

  • Efficiency: Although the micro USB connector was once most efficient for smaller electronics, the advent of the USB-C ended its reign. The USB-C offers an exceptional transfer speed of up to 10 Gbps, whereas the micro USB can only offer 480 Mbps.

Micro USB or Mini USB?

As you've seen, when it comes to micro USB versus mini USB, the micro has almost entirely replaced the mini. It's easy to understand why since the micro USB was planned to emulate the successes and improve upon the shortcomings of the mini USB. However, with its improved efficiency and versatility, the USB-C will likely replace the micro USB in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What devices use a micro USB charger?

A: Many devices use micro USB chargers, such as smartphones, MP3 players, GPS devices, printers, digital cameras, and more. As the standard for charging and data transfer on portable electronic devices for over a decade, many devices use micro USB.

Q: How can I tell if I have a micro USB or mini USB?

A: Micro USB connectors are smaller than mini USB connectors. The connectors have a similar trapezoidal shape, but the mini USB, besides being taller, also has crimped sides.

Q: Are micro and mini USB interchangeable?

A: No. Micro USB connectors will not fit into mini USB ports, and vice versa.

Q: Are all USB chargers the same?

A: No. Even among the same type of connector, different USB chargers can have different amp ratings, data transfer speeds, durability, and cord length. It's important to consider each of these factors in your purchase.