USB Ports and Phone Charging

The type of USB port you use to charge your phone will have an impact on the charging speed you are able to achieve.  Understanding the different ports will allow you to optimize your charging equipment.

What is USB?

USB C is a standard connector for transmitting power and data on one cable.  It was developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF).  The USB-IF is a group of companies that develops, certifies and manages the USB standard.  It has over 700 members, including Apple, Microsoft and Samsung.

One of the most common uses of USB technology is in charging ports for phones. Physically, USB ports have evolved over time, from the rectangular USB A to the teen-tiny Micro and, ultimately, the super-sleek, and most recent, USB C.

Different USB Ports and Charging Speeds

Apple’s adoption of a USB C charging port starting with the iPhone 15 has broadened the prevalence of USB C ports.  While the physical difference is easy to note, the difference in charging speed may not be so intuitive.  However, the maximum charging speed varies greatly by connector type as evidence by the chart below. 

*18W with Quick Charge Technology

With the right equipment, USB C ports have the ability to charge up to 5x faster than their USB A and Micro predecessors.

USB A Vs. USB C in Phone Charging

In reality, most phones max out at charging speeds well below 100 watts so the full charging capacity of a USB C cable is never fully reached.  However, that is not to say that there is a big difference in charging speed between USB A and USB C, the two most common charging ports.

Here is a summary of the maximum wattages by device using USB A and USB C cables.

*Requires 5A cable

In short, USB C technology enables significantly greater charging speeds, sometimes over 3 times faster, versus USB A.  

Choosing the Right Charger and Cable to Maximize Charging Speed

Instead of the cable it is your charging source that largely determines how fast your phone will charge.  The standard Apple wall charger (aka “the white brick”) that previously came with the phones charges at 5W.  Most charging supply companies now offer options that charge at 20W or 30W, which are 4x and 6x faster than the standard 5W brick.  A 45W charger will get you to the maximum charge speed of almost any phone.

 
What is important to note is that all the faster chargers have a USB C, not USB A, port. As a result, to get the fastest charge on your phone you will need a USB C to USB C cable.

An Opportunity to Enable Fast Charging

When you are outfitting a new phone be sure to including chargers and cables with USB C ports and connectors.  While your existing USB A port charger may offer convenience, in the long run you are limiting your phone’s charging capacity, a performance feature that will become more important the longer you get into your battery life.

Discover the Ventev brand’s fast-charging USB C chargers here.

To enable your phone’s full data transfer and charging speeds, check out Ventev USB C to USB C cables here.