USB-C and USB 3 are two different specifications that refer to distinct aspects of a USB connection. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between USB-C and USB 3:
USB-C: USB-C, also known as USB Type-C, is a physical connector and cable standard. It features a small, reversible connector that can be plugged into a USB-C port on a device. One of the key advantages of USB-C is its versatility. It can support various types of data transfer protocols, including USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, Thunderbolt 3, and DisplayPort.
USB-C connectors are increasingly common in modern devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and peripherals. The symmetrical design of the USB-C connector allows for easy and reversible connections, meaning you don’t have to worry about which way you insert the cable.
USB 3: USB 3 is a specification that defines the data transfer capabilities of a USB connection. It is an upgraded version of the older USB 2.0 standard and offers significantly faster data transfer speeds. USB 3 is backward compatible with USB 2.0, which means you can still use USB 2.0 devices and cables with a USB 3 port, albeit at slower speeds.
USB 3 introduced a new transfer mode called SuperSpeed USB, which greatly improves data transfer rates. USB 3.1 and USB 3.2 are subsequent revisions of the USB 3 standard, offering even higher transfer speeds and improved performance.
To summarize, USB-C refers to the physical connector and cable design, while USB 3 refers to the data transfer capabilities of the USB connection. USB-C can support various versions of the USB 3 specification, enabling faster data transfer speeds when used with compatible devices and cables.