[Review] Tronsmart QC 2.0 Dual & Quad Port Car chargers, 3 Port QC 2.0 Wall Charger
Tronsmart Quick Charge 2.0 Product Reviews
Disclaimer: I was sent these items in exchange for an unbiased review.
I will update this OP with any changes, issues, or other information as it comes up.
Tronsmart 3 Port 42W Quick Charge 2.0 Wall Travel Charger
Overview
I have accumulated a lot of devices that for better or worse need to be charged during the day sometimes all at once. For this reason, I usually carry a small battery pack or multi-port wall charger, along with some cables, adapters, and various other things. Tronsmart made a nice compact wall charger that is ideal for people who travel or on the go. I usually have a mullti-port charger or two at home (Tronsmart Titan 90W 5 port hub on my desk), and another multi-port hub on my nightstand. I always need more ports for one reason or another hence why I like having the most compact, powerful chargers that I can.
What’s in the box
-Tri-port charger
-Documentation
-Micro USB cable
Build & Design
Tronsmart makes one of my favorite looking chargers out there. The edges have a glossy finish to them that leads you into matte colored body. On one side you will see Tronsmart’s logo along with a small LED light that will light up to indicate when you’re charging. If you look at the opposite side the rated inputs/outputs for each port are specified along with a label for which ports have VoltIQ, and QC 2.0. One of the best features of this charger besides its 3 ports is the folding plug which makes it ideal for traveling/on the go.
Charging
The Quick Charge 2.0 port will allow you to charge any compatible QC 2.0 enabled device at a range of voltages/rates depending on how low the battery is. I was able to charge my S7 Edge at 9V/1.67A just like the stock Samsung Adaptive Fast Charger does. Since the S7 Edge is only rated for 9V/1.67A (15.03W) it won’t charge at a faster rate than that no matter how powerful the charger. The other two ports use VoltIQ which is another way of saying it will tell the device to charge at it’s maximum 5V rate up to 2.4A. I tested this with my S7 Edge and was able to get ~5V/1.7A which is the same output as the factory charger at the battery level I tested. Since this charger is rated for 42W which means each port can output its maximum rate simultaneously for maximum charging efficiency with multiple devices.
Charging breakdown by port
QC 2.0: 5V/2A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A
2x Standard Port (with VoltIQ): 5V/2.4A each
Summary
This is yet another great charger from Tronsmart (I have a lot of others that were reviewed as well) that has a nice overall design. This charger has a lot to offer in a small package coupled with a solid build that should last for a long time.
Tronsmart 4 Port Quick Charge 2.0 54W Car Charger
Overview
There is always a time that I need to charge things as I mentioned above when outlets are limited. I have a dash camera in my car that occupies one of my power outlets, so I only have 1 other easily accessible place to plug in a charger. When I go on road trips it’s nice to be able to charge my phone as well as my wife’s along with a tablet or two thanks to the wide array of ports offered with this charger.
What’s in the box
-Tronsmart Quad Port 54W Car Charger
- 3.3[ft] micro USB cable
-Documentation
Build & Design
The charger is made from plastic, but it has a nice texture to it just like the tri-port wall charger. I’ve owned and used another Tronsmart car charger (Type-C/Type-A) since December without any issues. It has really come in handy over the past couple of months thanks to its versatility, just like this one will. While this charger is quite large it packs a punch with its 4 ports while still compact for what it offers. It’s not easy to fit a large number of ports in a charger that has to fit in a confined area, but I like the overall way Tronsmart designed this one. I had no issues fitting the charger in my car, and using all of the ports, but that depends on where your outlet is located.
Charging
I tested each of the ports simultaneously with 3 of my phones, and a battery pack to ensure the charger worked as intended. I had no issues charging all 4 devices from the charger making this ideal for anyone that needs to make use of their car charger.
Charging breakdown by port:
Ports 1,2,3: 5V/2.4A (Max)
Port 4 (QC 2.0) Quick charge 5V/2A, 9V/2A , 12V/1.5A (Max)
Summary
This large 4 port charger might not be for everyone, but if you need to power a large amount of devices simultaneously than it’s an ideal choice due to its large power output.
Tronsmart 36W Dual Port Quick Charge 2.0 Car Charger
Overview
This charger is a much more compact, but still versatile dual port QC 2.0 enabled (on both ports) car charger. The overall quality/materials remain the same as the previous 4 port car charger which is a good thing. I switched from my Type-C/Type-A 33W car charger to this one in order to see how it works, and because I can still charge both my S7 Edge and Nexus 6P from it. So far over the past couple days of using this one I haven’t encountered any issues, but I will update the OP if I do.
What’s in the box
-Tronsmart Dual Port 36W Car Charger
- 2x 3.3[ft] 20AWG micro USB cables
-Documentation
Build & Design
The ports are colored (green or blue usually indicate QC 2.0 on Tronsmart chargers) while the back ports are the standard VoltIQ. For this particular one, both ports are green which is indicative of a QC 2.0 charger. There is ample spacing between both ports to accommodate any size cable that I have including: Tronsmart, Choetech, Aukey, Samsung, Google, i-Orange, Asus, Anker and many others. I haven’t found a set of cables that won’t work side-by-side in this charger. Unlike other chargers, this one doesn’t sit flush with the outlet which to me is a good thing. I always find it hard to remove the chargers that don’t protrude slightly, so I appreciate that part of the design.
Charging
Each port is capable of a 18W output which is the maximum you will ever need on a QC 2.0 enabled device. The S7 Edge can only take 15.03W (9V/1.67A), so this charger will fast charge it at the same rate as the Samsung Adaptive Fast Charger. I tested both ports with my multi-meter to ensure they lived up to their ratings.
Charging breakdown by port:
5V/2A, 9V/2A , 12V/1.5A
Summary
I have no issues with the overall design or build of this car charger, plus with the added versatility of a second QC 2.0 port it has a lot to offer. Not all chargers offer their full power output while charging multiple devices, but thankfully this one does. I don’t see any reason not to recommend it because it’s been great.
Tronsmart Micro USB Cable 6 Pack (20AWG)
Overview
I always need more cables because for some reason I either misplace them, or forget to bring them with me. I like how Tronsmart offers a large pack of cables (6 in this set) in varying sizes depending on what you might need. I usually keep the shortest one (1[ft]) in my backpack to go along with an external battery pack I carry with me. The longer ones usually find their way onto my desk or night stand because it’s nice to have the extra length so I can keep all of my devices separate & not clustered together while charging.
What’s in the box
-1[ft] micro USB cable
-2x 3.3[ft] micro USB cables
-3x 6[ft] micro USB cables
Build & Design
These cables have a larger gauge wire (20AWG) which should decrease the resistance thus allowing for less current drop in the longer variants. The connectors work well with any of my 10+ S7E cases, and they are slightly smaller physically than the Samsung one. You won’t have any issues bending these like some higher gauge cables which makes wrapping them up for storage easy.
Charging
I tested each cable length via my multi-meter to see if there was any current/voltage drop while charging my phone. I did not see any measurable drop even for the longer 6[ft] cable, so you should be able to fast charge your phone with any of them without sacrificing cable length.
Summary
I’ve actually owned a pack of these for a while now before receiving this set, and I’ve enjoyed using them. I haven’t had any of them break, fail, or otherwise suffer from flaws during my 5 months using the previous set. I enjoy the large variety of sizes offered because it allows you use a cable that suits your needs rather than one that’s too long/short.
Nice chargers. Quick chargers are very convenient. But where are the product links?
jisddwqs said:
Nice chargers. Quick chargers are very convenient. But where are the product links?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They were omitted because XDA likes to close OP's and mark them as spam if you include the product links as I've found out.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA Labs
A comprehensive review, the chargers' design are nice, I like the round edges and corners.
Gold-plated cables seems high-end, I will search and try one of those chargers & cables.
yes it is a pity that XDA doesn't like to paste the links in the topics but what if we would google them and find them ebay or amazon and they are clones or fake.
so when connected in the car with 12V it gives 1.5A to instead of 2.4A?
Is this as good as the ones from Aukey?
Abelu said:
A comprehensive review, the chargers' design are nice, I like the round edges and corners.
Gold-plated cables seems high-end, I will search and try one of those chargers & cables.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The cables are all still working great; I have them in various areas to charge my numerous devices, headphones etc.
Liquid Li0n said:
yes it is a pity that XDA doesn't like to paste the links in the topics but what if we would google them and find them ebay or amazon and they are clones or fake.
so when connected in the car with 12V it gives 1.5A to instead of 2.4A?
Is this as good as the ones from Aukey?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is unfortunate, and as much as I would like to post them I can't without having the OP get locked like some others I've written up. Even when I buy products and link them it raises flags for some reason, bht thags neither here nor there
The input rating if the charger is different than the output. I charged a AC 2.0 batter pack at 12V/1.5A which is the highest 12V rate that the charger is rated for. I have a Power Partners 30W single port QC 2.0 charger somewhere that will output somewhere around that in terms of the 12V but I've never tested it.
so when used in a car with 12v sigarette lighter plug it will never get higher then 1.5A or is it only this one? Are there other chargers that get more amps though that 12v port then this one?
The reason I ask is because when my phone is connected to the 12v car charger it does not get charged while using it with max brightness, gps, 4g, 2 or 3 apps at the same time, ...
Liquid Li0n said:
so when used in a car with 12v sigarette lighter plug it will never get higher then 1.5A or is it only this one? Are there other chargers that get more amps though that 12v port then this one?
The reason I ask is because when my phone is connected to the 12v car charger it does not get charged while using it with max brightness, gps, 4g, 2 or 3 apps at the same time, ...
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Click to collapse
As I mentioned the input current will be at 12V from the car, but it can also output at 12V via the QC standard. I can charge 2 phones (1 on each port with multimeters connected) to see he max current I can draw which should be the rated 33W if I recall correctly.
Great info you have here. lol
hello!
As we all know usb type-c cable that we have in our phones is really messed up standard that even if on paper is made to "rule them all", in reality most of companies use their own standards and Quality Check, so we can sometimes end up with cable that dont charge, dont send data or even brick phone(it is possible and really common).
So I have few questions for you all.
1. Do you use only cable that was in box of P9?
2. If no, do you got cheaper cable from china, or you got more expensive ones from branded stores(eg MediaMarkt)?
3. Did you had any problems with cables in P9(normal USB or OTG)?
4. Any visible transfer speed changes over older standard and other cables?
Im asking because even if type-C is almost 3 years old, I still finding out that that standard have really bad design flaws that are really visible when you buy cheaper cables.
P9 is my second device with usb-c, and recently I though that "Chinese market should already learn how to make them" and I bought cheaper cable... that bricked my phone for few minutes... Thanks God is working now without a problem but it just show again that times where cable was just few smaller cables inside plastic wrap is long gone, and now we need to really keep an eye on quality of components THAT ARE INSIDE of cable(+ info of power draw that it can take/send)...
With microUSB I could get even crappiest cable on market for 50cents and it would work perfectly for years, and now Im forced to spend more on such simple thing as cable that can cost even 20EURO for damn 1.5m phone cable....
So what is your thoughts about that standard and quality of cables that you use with your p9?
I use the supplied charger and cable for at home, as may 'main' charger, at work or out and about i use an old usb cable with an adaptor like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/231784587260?lpid=122&chn=ps&adgroupid=33676502101&rlsatarget=pla-270397369803&adtype=pla&poi=&googleloc=1006849&device=c&campaignid=707291931&crdt=0
Hi mate. To be honest, both my charger and cable are still boxed, I've been using a 2.0A Samsung charger since I bought this phone. And considering I have dozens of micro USB cables from old Nokia and Samsung phones I simply bought these Type C adapters:
https://www.amazon.it/dp/B01AU5PEZA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.h8yybFFD2XCH
No issue with charging and data transfer. Can't help you with data speed transfer though.
Here's my reply:
Ad1: No. I use my old Nokia cable with USBC adapter, I bought three cables (see at Ad2), everything working...
Ad2: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/201...3-1-USB-C-Type-C-Data-Charge/32676548325.html
Ad3: No, working like a charm...
Ad4: No, the same...
I went ahead and purchased the DEX for my Note 9. I have the ZeroLemon 10,000 mAh case and I also purchased an extender cable because the male plug on the DEX will not reach the female end of the ZeroLemon case, fully. I then went ahead and purchased an extender. While the extender does "kind of" work without the case, it will not work with it. Without the case, it works, but it shorts out a lot by just tapping the wire.
Not sure if this has anything to do w/ it, but with the ZeroLemon case on, I'm able to use the Samsung cable and connect to my Windows PC and transfer files. I've tested at least one third party cable, which does not work in this instance. I'm therefore assuming that DEX should work with the right cable.
Any thoughts on this? Or has ZeroLemon come out and specifically said DEX is not supported?
ive 3 zerolemon cases (cuz I have 3 note 9s) and i also have the current dex model for the note 9.
the zerolemon case does NOT PASS THRU data so dex will not work. had I known this i would not have purchased the case for the spare note 9 i use solely for dex. i also could not get any files to pass through the case, but i was using the charger cable that came with the galaxy 360 camera and not the stock sammy one. perhaps I should go try again since you were able to pass files....
marctronixx said:
ive 3 zerolemon cases (cuz I have 3 note 9s) and i also have the current dex model for the note 9.
the zerolemon case does NOT PASS THRU data so dex will not work. had I known this i would not have purchased the case for the spare note 9 i use solely for dex. i also could not get any files to pass through the case, but i was using the charger cable that came with the galaxy 360 camera and not the stock sammy one. perhaps I should go try again since you were able to pass files....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering if one can get a modded Samsung USB Type C cable to get DEX to work on the ZeroLemon. I don't have the skills to mod cables. I could not find a Samsung Female to Male USB Type C adapter/cable. Maybe there's something special about the connecting pins with Samsung cables? Again, I would "think" that DEX could work if file transfer works. I seem to remember from my old phone something about an extra PIN in the connector. Not sure if this was from the Note 4 or even before that....The DROID RAZR MAXX (which is Motorola, not Samsung). It's worth some investigating. I purchased two other adapters, they should arrive by Wednesday. I'll report my findings.
So Far, Not Compatible
I had purchased three different Female to Male adapters/cables for my Samsung Dex Pad in hopes of seeing if The ZeroLemon 10,000 mAh battery case was compatible. Long story short, so far, it is not, and I give up on it for now. I may try the DEX cable, but I assume I'll have similar results. I was hoping to use the DEX pad so i wasn't limited to only 5 open windows.
USB C Male to USB C Female Adapter Extension/EASTWILD Type C Extender for Samsung DeX, Compatible with Galaxy S9/S9 Plus/Note 8/S8/S8 Plus Macbook air and Macbook pro and All USB C Devices - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074M77HJK/
Plugs all the way into both the DEX and ZeroLemon battery case
Does not charge, therefore no connection for DEX
TUSITA Type-C Extender Dock for Lifeproof Otterbox Case, Female to Male Extension Charger Video Audio USB C Adapter for Samsung Dex Station Galaxy S8 S9 Note 8 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M30824S
Plugs all the way in to the ZeroLemon battery case but not the DEX male plug
Considering the obstruction of some of the plastic doesn't allow it to fully plug in, it does not charge.
UGREEN USB C Extension Cable Type C Extender Cord Male to Female Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 Compatible for Nintendo Switch, MacBook Pro, Google Pixel 2 XL, Samsung Galaxy Note 8 S8 Plus (1.5FT) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074K318JK/
Fully plugs into both the DEX and the ZeroLemon case
Does not charge, therefore no connection for DEX.
I have confirmed that all three adapters/cables tested are not malfunctioning, by plugging them into my charger cable.
If anyone finds something that does work, please chime in.
JOSHSKORN said:
I had purchased three different Female to Male adapters/cables for my Samsung Dex Pad in hopes of seeing if The ZeroLemon 10,000 mAh battery case was compatible. Long story short, so far, it is not, and I give up on it for now. I may try the DEX cable, but I assume I'll have similar results. I was hoping to use the DEX pad so i wasn't limited to only 5 open windows.
USB C Male to USB C Female Adapter Extension/EASTWILD Type C Extender for Samsung DeX, Compatible with Galaxy S9/S9 Plus/Note 8/S8/S8 Plus Macbook air and Macbook pro and All USB C Devices - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074M77HJK/
Plugs all the way into both the DEX and ZeroLemon battery case
Does not charge, therefore no connection for DEX
TUSITA Type-C Extender Dock for Lifeproof Otterbox Case, Female to Male Extension Charger Video Audio USB C Adapter for Samsung Dex Station Galaxy S8 S9 Note 8 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M30824S
Plugs all the way in to the ZeroLemon battery case but not the DEX male plug
Considering the obstruction of some of the plastic doesn't allow it to fully plug in, it does not charge.
UGREEN USB C Extension Cable Type C Extender Cord Male to Female Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 Compatible for Nintendo Switch, MacBook Pro, Google Pixel 2 XL, Samsung Galaxy Note 8 S8 Plus (1.5FT) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074K318JK/
Fully plugs into both the DEX and the ZeroLemon case
Does not charge, therefore no connection for DEX.
I have confirmed that all three adapters/cables tested are not malfunctioning, by plugging them into my charger cable.
If anyone finds something that does work, please chime in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DeX mode won't work while using the case, because the USB-C connection inside the battery case is not designed to output the data needed.. I assume it is not able to output video...
StardustGeass said:
DeX mode won't work while using the case, because the USB-C connection inside the battery case is not designed to output the data needed.. I assume it is not able to output video...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about the case is it? Is there a missing pin in the connector? Does it have anything to do with the fact that the case doesn't support fast charging and therefore no DeX support or is there even a correlation there?
Hello
As the USB in my car is type A port, which cable should I get for a max of compatibility with my S21 Ultra?
Any recommendations in Amazon?
3.1 A-C
This is the cable you are looking for.
Amazon.com: Anker Powerline II USB-C to USB 3.1 Gen2 Cable (3ft), USB-IF Certified for Samsung Galaxy Note 8, S8, S8+, S9, S10, iPad Pro 2018, MacBook, Sony XZ, LG V20 G5 G6, HTC 10, Xiaomi 5 and More : Electronics
Buy Anker Powerline II USB-C to USB 3.1 Gen2 Cable (3ft), USB-IF Certified for Samsung Galaxy Note 8, S8, S8+, S9, S10, iPad Pro 2018, MacBook, Sony XZ, LG V20 G5 G6, HTC 10, Xiaomi 5 and More: USB Cables - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Wow I'm glad you found a cable. I find android auto via the cable notoriously unreliable. Didn't matter if it's the original cable or 3rd party, braided, unbraided, short, long.. whatever. At some point for no apparent reason the cable seems tonfsil, and if you are using gps it stops going through to the car, and yes I have missed a junction or two! My car is new, and I believe the problem is unrelated to either the s21 or the car or the cable. It's a software issue.
FWIW, we've had good luck with cables that convert to a magnetic connector (we've used WSKEN branded stuff from a couple vendors via amazon since our Galaxy S8, for years. Currently working fine with our S21+. I'd give a link but the ones we have are old enough they've been replaced on the market. The magnetic breakaway is nice to have to ensure we never stress the usb-c connector on the phone.
i actually managed to work one in to the D-Dock I got for my GTI such that I can just slide my phone in and the magnets pull the connector on, and it all works. My wife has a RAM mount for her phone and the cable hangs off the bottom and never drops off - the magnet is just about string enough to pick up the phone by itself so holding the cable on is easy.
By the way, yes, it is a very real and weird coincidence that my previous updates were always on the 11th of a month as well.
Update 3 (September 11, 2022):
I used the CalDigit SOHO Dock for a real purpose for the first time. I used its HDMI port to hook up to my 4K LG TV, and I wanted to charge the tablet at the same time as I knew it would be drawing a lot of power.
I used the USB-C cable that was included (~1 foot) with the CalDigit SOHO Dock to go from the Dock's output USB-C port to the tablet.
I tried both the 6-foot Anker Powerline+ II and the 3.3-foot JSAUX cables to go from the Anker 736 100W charger to the CalDigit SOHO Dock's USB-C charge port.
I had a 6-foot HDMI cable going to the TV (I also tested it with a 10-foot HDMI cable just to see, and it also worked fine).
The HDMI display worked fine, other than that the TV cut off the very top and bottom of the image, but it didn't cause many problems, especially with the tablet in Samsung DEX mode. In non-DEX mode, I couldn't see the status bar at all, although using my Bluetooth mouse, I was still able to pull the notification shade down just fine without seeing the top.
However, I had a problem with the charging. The tablet was still losing power faster than it was charging, although it definitely was charging some. I played musical chairs with the USB-C cables and found that the short USB-C cable that CalDigit included, which I believe I had read from their website should handle the dock's maximum of 100W, was the culprit. I know the tablet can only charge at a maximum of 45W, and I know that you can only achieve 45W charging if you're using Samsung's own charger that you have to buy separately, but eliminating CalDigit's USB-C cable out of the equation solved the charging problem. Note that I had hardly touched the Dock since I bought it, except for some basic tests just to make sure it worked, so I doubt if their included cable became damaged - and it was still working for HDMI delivery, just not for a high-enough wattage charging at the same time.
I'm currently using the 3.3-foot JSAUX cable from the dock to the tablet, and the 6-foot Anker between the Anker charger and the dock.
Update 2 (May 11, 2022): Ordered the following:
2x Anker Powerline+ II USB C Cable, USB C to USB C (6ft, 60W) USB-IF Certified Cable, Type C Charging Cable, Fast Charge for MacBook Air, iPad Pro, iPad Air 4, Galaxy, Pixel, and More(Red)
Update 1 (April 11, 2022): Ordered the following:
CalDigit USB-C Gen2 10Gb/s SOHO Dock - Up to 4K 60Hz, HDMI 2.0b, HDR, DisplayPort 1.4, 10Gb/s USB A & USB C, UHS-II microSD and SD Card Readers, Bus Power and Passthrough Charging Support
and
JSAUX USB C to USB C 3.1 Gen 2 10Gbps 100W Cable [3.3ft/1M], [email protected] Monitor Video Cable Thunderbolt 3 Compatible with MacBook Pro, MacBook, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, Pixel and More Type-C Devices-Blue
For USB ports, the dock only has one USB-A port (and one USB-C port available when charging), but I think most of the time this will be enough. Note that the dock manufacturer's site has video and charging firmware updates (from a year ago). I did update my dock to the latest firmware when I received it. As of September 11, 2022, v1.2.7 from December 2021 is still the most recent.
Original post:
I intend this thread for anyone to share their experiences with various USB-C hubs they try with their Tab S8 variants, or even what others are looking for in a hub. I'll be getting a Tab 8 Ultra, but it's estimated it'll be another month and a half (~ April 15th) before I receive my pre-order.
Myself, I'm looking for some hopefully not compromised but not break the bank USB-C hub. If a hub had all the features I list below, I'd consider paying more for one.
Features I've been researching for:
A removable Power Delivery (PD - I believe 3.0 is the latest) USB-C cable, preferably higher power for other or future devices, but 45W minimum. I don't like hubs that have a built-in cable. In one way they're convenient, but a) they're short, and 2) if something happens to that cable, you might as well toss that whole device unless you want to start electrically and mechanically modding it. If I find a hub that matches all my other "wants" below, then an attached cable might not be a deal killer, as long as it's a rugged type, and preferably longer but even without being longer or rugged, I'd consider it as a last resort.
Has at least 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port (10 Gb/s).
Has at least 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 data port or faster. So the device would have the cable going to the Tab 8, a Power Delivery cable powering both the hub and Tab 8, and yet another place for a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 or faster data connection.
A gigabit ethernet port.
At least one HDMI port.
A MicroSD port - I know the Tab 8 Ultra already has a MicroSD port, and I'll likely keep a card in it, but I still want to be able to access another one natively (not through an additional USB adapter connected to the hub).
It would be nice to have a DisplayPort as well, but I'd consider a hub without one.
A 3.5mm audio port would also be nice. Not necessarily a deal-killer without one, but in lieu of one, I'd require at least one additional USB-C port of any type specifically for using USB-C headphones, although I'm willing to test my USB-A ->USB-C adapter, which works fine with my USB-C headphones on my desktop PC.
I'd prefer either at least a well-known brand (like Anker), or if not well known, then I'd prefer to buy either at a local brick and mortar store like Micro Center, Best Buy, OfficeMax, or even Walmart if I must, or at Amazon.com for easy returns if there's an issue early on.
We'll see if I've forgotten something in this list.
You can safely assume I've already done a lot of looking already, but certainly not uber-exhausted every option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B08NDGD2V5 is the one I've been considering. I think it checks all your boxes. I have a smaller Anker USB-C dock, but it has no ethernet and I've been thinking of upgrading.
skrowl said:
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B08NDGD2V5 is the one I've been considering. I think it checks all your boxes. I have a smaller Anker USB-C dock, but it has no ethernet and I've been thinking of upgrading.
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From what I can tell, that one is limited to USB 3.0 (5 GB/s). If it had USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gb/s) I wouldn't hesitate even though it's got the attached cable - at least the cable is ruggedized.
I don't see it on Anker's site so I think it's an old model - might be from before 3.2 Gen 2 was available. They have a model 341 which is much cheaper although doesn't have an ethernet port, and at the same price as that 11-in-1, you can get a newer model that has the 10 Gb/s ports, although no DisplayPort - only HDMI.
It looks to me that the only Anker hubs and docking stations that support at least 10 Gb/s are their model #s in order of the most expensive at the top to lease expensive at the bottom, with the bolded one being the best compromise that I've found so far:
Docking stations - I think the distinguishing feature to separate them from Anker's hubs is that they aren't USB-C powered (I'll add that to my list). That said, I'm not clear if any of them can be alternatively USB-C powered, or at least do so with a limited set of capabilities.
777 (12-in-1) - sold out on Anker's site, available elsewhere but at fairly crazy prices.
575 and 577 (both 13-in-1) - in stock, but although cheaper than the crazy prices for the 777, still fairly crazy.
Hubs:
655 (8-in-1) - Definitely slightly ruggedized built-in cable, in addition to that cable's convenient L-shape, plus an easy place to plug it into to stash when not plugged into a device. Fits most of the bills except only has one USB-C port, which would be in use for powering it and charging your device. Maybe it's possible to at least use some of the features of the device without powering it separately, but I want to be able to power it/charge my Tab 8 and use a data USB-C port at the same time. Definitely a compromise contender. I wish it had one more USB-C port I could dedicate to data or USB-C headphones while still powered/charging.
555 (also 8-in-1) - built-in cable not ruggedized, so to me, not worth the lesser price. I've used non-ruggedized Anker cables before, and I don't recommend them for something that's going to be plugged and unplugged repeatedly, although I do highly recommend Anker in general - especially their ruggedized stuff.
There is also another "old" Anker PowerExpand 6-in-1 with ruggedized cable, but has the two special caveats of not have a MicroSD slot (only full-size, so would always need an adapter), and no ethernet port.
The Anker 655 and 555 are the only ones with a USB 3.2, though you're unlikely to have any accessories that take advantage of that.
Anker 655 - https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Delivery-Ethernet-microSD-Charcoal/dp/B09MF6TJLW
Vs the one I linked above, on the 655 you lose out on displayport, only get 2 USB-A instead of 3, and no USB-C at all other than the power delivery input. Maybe they'll make a refreshed version of the 11 in 1 with USB 3.2 at some point.
Pluggable makes a great one that has everything you want including a 3.2 A and 3.2 C port - https://plugable.com/products/tbt3-udz . . . . . . but it's $339!
skrowl said:
The Anker 655 and 555 are the only ones with a USB 3.2, though you're unlikely to have any accessories that take advantage of that.
Anker 655 - https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Delivery-Ethernet-microSD-Charcoal/dp/B09MF6TJLW
Vs the one I linked above, on the 655 you lose out on displayport, only get 2 USB-A instead of 3, and no USB-C at all other than the power delivery input. Maybe they'll make a refreshed version of the 11 in 1 with USB 3.2 at some point.
Pluggable makes a great one that has everything you want including a 3.2 A and 3.2 C port - https://plugable.com/products/tbt3-udz . . . . . . but it's $339!
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Yeah, that Pluggable's price definitely is in my "scary expensive" range. It looks like it does require an AC/DC power brick, though, so it's not powered by USB-C either.
I'm definitely coming across some interesting hubs - some even with both detachable & rugged included USB-C cables, but then they don't support any higher than 5 GB/s and/or some other things. I know I expect too much, but I keep hoping to at least find something with all but one of my preferences. LOL!
To think outside the box for a minute, I'm pretty sure I could use two PD hubs, one connected through the other, to get most if not all the features I'm looking for, but I doubt if I'm ready to go down that road of variables.
After bunches more research, I'm leaning heavily towards the Anker 655, at least until/if I need something even better, or something to augment the solution if I really need more ports later on. Let us know if you proceed to get any, and what you think of it.
Out of curiosity, what USB thingee are you plugging in that needs > 5gbit / USB 3.0 speed?
Edit - I honestly like the Anker 555 over the 655. You lose the 3.5mm audio jack, but gain a USB-C for $20 less. Not sure if USB 3.1 gen 2 vs 3.2 makes a difference to you. They're both 10gbit.
skrowl said:
Out of curiosity, what USB thingee are you plugging in that needs > 5gbit / USB 3.0 speed?
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Some of my faster USB-A flash drives, and if I can find an extra USB-C port solution (or use an adapter for USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 -> USB-C 3.2 Gen 2) I'd also like to be able to plug my Pixel 6 Pro into the tablet - if one will see the other properly and be able to access its storage fine.
Another possibility I've been considering is a USB-C monitor. If there's ever a time it would be handy to have an external even larger than the 14.6-inch monitor, it might be most efficient to get one that is both powered by and data connected solely via one USB-C connection. No idea if they make PD USB-C monitors - I'm pretty sure they have USB-C monitors with an extra USB port or two on them. Overkill for just a hub, but would be handy if I really needed an extra monitor.
I do have a cheap USB 3.1 Gen 2 (technically the same as 3.2 Gen 2) male USB-A -> female USB-C adapter. It works great for my USB-C headphones, but I haven't tested its data speed capabilities yet. I doubt, though, if such an adapter would work for a USB-C monitor. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if a USB-C monitor wouldn't work through any hub or docking station that wasn't made with that use specifically in mind.
Pixel 6 Pro's USB port is only USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1
skrowl said:
Pixel 6 Pro's USB port is only USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1
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Ah yes, thank you. I think I had read that but forgot. Is there any official source for that information (a link)?
Disregard, found the answer on my own previous thread LOL! https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...en-2-on-the-pixel-6-pro.4350777/post-85815357
@skrowl this is an interesting one, although still doesn't have an extra USB-C port nor a ruggedized cable, but check it out.
Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter – DA310
Dell 7-in-1 USB-C Multiport Adapter - DA310 | Dell USA
Dell DA310 USB-C Mobile Adapter - Shop the widest 7-in-1 ports which offers video, network, data connectivity & upto 90W power pass-through for your laptop.
www.dell.com
What makes any of you think that there's anything in the S8 Ultra pipeline that could possibly come close to testing the limits of USB 3.2 Gen. 1? I think Gen. 2 is totally irrelevant.
hpmoon said:
What makes any of you think that there's anything in the S8 Ultra pipeline that could possibly come close to testing the limits of USB 3.2 Gen. 1? I think Gen. 2 is totally irrelevant.
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Although I am motivated to buy a hub as a result of my pre-ordering the Tab S8 Ultra, even if its USB-C port is also limited to 3.1/3.2 Gen 1, I would still prefer a 3.2 Gen 2 hub as there may be other devices in the next five years which would employ 3.2 Gen 2 or faster, that I would also want to use the hub with.
I don't plan on buying another hub for at least five years unless there is a very strong reason to - such as USB 4.0's fastest generations and Thunderbolt 4+ compatibility - if I manage to obtain any combination of devices and accessories that will support the same fast speed.
I can even do speed tests and comparisons if I get a Gen 2 hub, as I have a non-PD/non-charging much simpler USB-C 3.0 hub that I got for free several years ago. For all intents and purposes, USB 3.0 is the same as 3.1 Gen 1 and 3.2 Gen 1, and all three are rated at 5 Mb/s. There are so many factors that can affect speed, I'll certainly be curious what the result is, but as I said, even if a Gen 2 hub won't be faster with my current devices' bandwidth limits, that may change.
roirraW edor ehT said:
Although I am motivated to buy a hub as a result of my pre-ordering the Tab S8 Ultra, even if its USB-C port is also limited to 3.1/3.2 Gen 1, I would still prefer a 3.2 Gen 2 hub as there may be other devices in the next five years which would employ 3.2 Gen 2 or faster, that I would also want to use the hub with.
I don't plan on buying another hub for at least five years unless there is a very strong reason to - such as USB 4.0's fastest generations and Thunderbolt 4+ compatibility - if I manage to obtain any combination of devices and accessories that will support the same fast speed.
I can even do speed tests and comparisons if I get a Gen 2 hub, as I have a non-PD/non-charging much simpler USB-C 3.0 hub that I got for free several years ago. For all intents and purposes, USB 3.0 is the same as 3.1 Gen 1 and 3.2 Gen 1, and all three are rated at 5 Mb/s. There are so many factors that can affect speed, I'll certainly be curious what the result is, but as I said, even if a Gen 2 hub won't be faster with my current devices' bandwidth limits, that may change.
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Much agree with your forward-looking analysis, and only meant to clarify that the speed advantage isn't relevant to mobile phones at this time. Also, it is indeed infuriating that the standards committee mindlessly keeps rebranding the USB tiers with no rhyme or reason, as if trying to punish consumers and damage retail sales.
hpmoon said:
Much agree with your forward-looking analysis, and only meant to clarify that the speed advantage isn't relevant to mobile phones at this time. Also, it is indeed infuriating that the standards committee mindlessly keeps rebranding the USB tiers with no rhyme or reason, as if trying to punish consumers and damage retail sales.
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Yeah, the USB 4 naming structure, even worse than 3.x, is frustrating.
hpmoon said:
Also, it is indeed infuriating that the standards committee mindlessly keeps rebranding the USB tiers with no rhyme or reason, as if trying to punish consumers and damage retail sales.
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USB 3.1 Gen 1 is basically the EXACT same as USB 3.0, but it sounds much cooler from a marketing perspective!
skrowl said:
USB 3.1 Gen 1 is basically the EXACT same as USB 3.0, but it sounds much cooler from a marketing perspective!
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And here's the irony: your correction is actually out of date. USB 3.1 Gen. 1 doesn't exist anymore. Now it's USB 3.2 Gen. 1.
hpmoon said:
And here's the irony: your correction is actually out of date. USB 3.1 Gen. 1 doesn't exist anymore. Now it's USB 3.2 Gen. 1.
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Not entirely correct. Out of date, yes, as the current spec is USB4, but....
USB 3.1 was indeed absorbed into 3.2; whereas 3.1 had two variants, Gen1 and Gen2, 3.2 has three - Gen 1 for 5Gbps, Gen 2 for 10Gbps, and Gen 2x2 for 20Gbps. Thunderbolt is mechanically and electrically compatible with USB type C, and is compatible with USB 3.1/3.2, but supports 40Gbps.
There's a lot of 1.x and 2.0 devices still in use, and contemporary hardware is still being sold with Type A connectors alongside Type C/Thunderbolt connectors....
V0latyle said:
Not entirely correct. Out of date, yes, as the current spec is USB4, but....
USB 3.1 was indeed absorbed into 3.2; whereas 3.1 had two variants, Gen1 and Gen2, 3.2 has three - Gen 1 for 5Gbps, Gen 2 for 10Gbps, and Gen 2x2 for 20Gbps.
There's a lot of 1.x and 2.0 devices still in use, and contemporary hardware is still being sold with Type A connectors alongside Type C/Thunderbolt connectors....
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Disagree, but it's all fruitless/irrelevant as we agree. If not just by mere logical deduction, since USB 3.2 Gen. 1 is exactly the same as USB 3.1 Gen. 1 and USB 3.0 Gen. 1 as previously (hilariously) branded, then the last incarnation of the same tech is the final branding for that generation. USB 4.0 didn't "deprecate" 3.2, it's just the better (and currently almost non-existent) option.
I ordered the Anker 555 for my Tab s8. I know it might not meet all your requirements but I bought it because of the 4k 60hz hdmi output.
This Pluggable Dock just popped up on Amazon. It's expensive, but $100 off for launch discount https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NQQ1G1N