Most smartphone manufacturers now equip their devices with a new USB connector called USB type C. But what is different from other conventional USB sockets? Is it compatible with older devices? Are there any precautions to take before using it? Here are all our explanations..
What is USB Type C?
When we talk about USB port we necessarily think of the micro USB socket that equips our smartphones. This miniature version of the USB connector is used daily by millions of users around the world. It is used both to recharge the phone battery and to exchange data with another device.
But things are changing. We have been witnessing for several months the appearance of smartphones with a new USB type C connector . For those who do not know USB type C, it is actually a new socket a little larger than a conventional micro USB. But unlike its counterpart, it has the advantage of being reversible..
Concretely this means that you can plug in the cable without worrying about whether it is facing up or down. 
No need to respect a particular direction of connection to connect it to a key or charger. This should make life easier for many people.
Transfer speed
Before addressing the issue of speed, it is important to differentiate between connector and speed standard. Indeed, USB type C is only a socket in which it is possible to transit different versions of the USB protocol..
Today we find on the market, smartphones like the Nexus 5X or 6P with USB type C compatible with the USB 2.0 standard . This means that they have a theoretical speed of 480 Mbit / s. But we also see USB type C ports appearing using the USB 1.1 protocol. And in this case the transfer speeds are much less efficient (12 Mbits).
You will understand that having a smartphone with a USB type C port does not necessarily mean that you will benefit from very high data rates. It's up to you to be vigilant and to read the technical specifications of your smartphone.
The great strength of USB type C lies in its ability to be able to pass several types of data. It can be used for video streams (HDMI, DisplayPort, support for 4K), audio streams, to supply energy to all types of devices (standard charge, fast charge) and of course to exchange data between several devices.
Dangerous cables for your device
The press has echoed several mishaps that have occurred to people who have used poor quality USB Type C cables. The use of these accessories has caused significant damage and even made some devices completely unusable. How can such a situation be explained? This problem stems from the fact that despite their resemblance the USB type C connectors have very different characteristics.
The models built into laptops do not have the same energy requirements as those installed on smartphones. To protect them from the risk of overvoltages, they are therefore fitted with small electronic chips used to identify their maximum electrical power.
Unfortunately some cables (first prizes) do not meet the standards and specifications established by large electronics groups. As a result, they do not ensure a correct charge and can thus cause material damage. It is therefore advisable to be very suspicious when it comes to the quality of cables sold commercially or on the internet.
Note also that this new standard is not compatible with the old USB ports. It is impossible, for example, to charge your phone on the USB terminals available in shopping centers, trains and cars. You must use an adapter.