The standard iPhone 15 marked Apple’s historic switch from Lightning to USB-C across the entire iPhone lineup. Data transfer is limited to USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps), which can feel slow when offloading 48MP photos or lengthy 4K videos. Despite the USB 2.0 data cap, the port supports native DisplayPort output up to 4K HDR for connecting to external monitors and TVs. Fast charging reaches about 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W+ USB-C power adapter.
phone Devices
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (2023)
Apple’s 2023 flagship was the first iPhone with USB-C and USB 3 speeds, delivering 10 Gbps data transfer through its USB 3.2 Gen 2 port — a game-changer for ProRes 4K video workflows. Native DisplayPort alt mode outputs up to 4K HDR to external displays directly over USB-C. The included USB-C cable only supports USB 2.0 speeds, so you’ll need a separate USB 3 cable to unlock full transfer performance. Fast charging reaches 50% in about 35 minutes with a 20W or higher USB-C adapter.
The standard iPhone 16 brings USB-C to Apple’s mainstream lineup with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and the A18 chip. Data speeds are capped at USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) — a frustrating bottleneck when transferring large 48MP photos or 4K video. Despite the slow data speed, the USB-C port does support native DisplayPort output up to 4K HDR for connecting to external displays. Fast charging reaches 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W+ USB-C power adapter.
The smaller Pro model packs the same A18 Pro chip and USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity as the Pro Max into a more pocketable 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display. Data transfers hit 10 Gbps over USB-C — twenty times faster than the standard iPhone 16 — making it practical for offloading 4K ProRes video to a Mac. Native DisplayPort output pushes up to 4K HDR to external displays via a single USB-C cable. You’ll need to buy a USB 3 cable separately, as the one in the box only supports USB 2.0 speeds.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (2024)
Apple’s largest flagship phone features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display and the A18 Pro chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. The USB-C port runs at USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds (10 Gbps), making large ProRes 4K video transfers practical — but you’ll need a USB 3 cable since the included one is USB 2.0 only. Native DisplayPort output over USB-C pushes up to 4K HDR to external monitors without an adapter chip. Fast charging hits 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W+ USB-C adapter.
Apple iPhone SE 4th Gen (2025)
Rebranded as the iPhone 16e, this budget-friendly iPhone finally brings Face ID, a 6.1-inch OLED display, and USB-C to Apple’s most affordable smartphone. The USB-C port runs at USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps) and notably lacks DisplayPort video output — making it the only current USB-C iPhone that cannot connect to external displays. It’s powered by the A18 chip with 8GB RAM, enabling full Apple Intelligence features. Fast charging reaches 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W+ adapter.
Google's budget-friendly Pixel 8a uses a USB-C 2.0 port for charging and data, with 18W Power Delivery support keeping charge times modest but reliable. DisplayPort Alt Mode was enabled via a software update, allowing wired screen mirroring to external displays over USB-C. Data transfer speeds are limited to 480 Mbps over USB 2.0 despite the video output capability. The headphone jack is absent, so a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter or Bluetooth headphones are needed for wired audio.
Google's standard Pixel 9 features a USB-C 2.0 port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode for screen mirroring to external displays straight out of the box. Charging tops out at 27W with a compatible USB-C PD charger, reaching about 55% in 30 minutes. Despite the USB 2.0 data speed limitation of 480 Mbps, the video output works well for presentations and media playback on big screens. No headphone jack is present, so a USB-C adapter or Bluetooth earbuds are required.
Google's largest Pixel 9 variant packs a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with DisplayPort Alt Mode for wired output to any external display. Fast charging hits 37W but demands a PPS charger delivering 18V — not every USB-C charger will reach full speed. Screen mirroring works out of the box over a simple USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter. No headphone jack is included, so a USB-C audio dongle or wireless headphones are essential.
The Nothing Phone (2a) is a sub-flagship with a 6.7-inch 120 Hz OLED and the Glyph LED interface on its transparent rear. Its USB-C port runs at USB 2.0 speed (480 Mbps) and does not expose DisplayPort Alt Mode — wired display output requires a casting adapter, not a simple USB-C-to-HDMI cable. Wired charging tops out at 45 W USB PD/PPS; there is no wireless charging on this generation. There is no 3.5 mm headphone jack and no microSD slot, so Bluetooth or a USB-C DAC/dongle is required for wired audio.
The OnePlus 13 is a 2025 global flagship running Snapdragon 8 Elite with a 6000 mAh silicon-carbon battery. Its USB-C port runs USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) and supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, so connecting to a TV or USB-C monitor uses a standard USB-C-to-HDMI or USB-C-to-DisplayPort cable — no docking software required. Wired charging is 100 W SUPERVOOC in most regions (limited to 80 W in North America); the phone also negotiates USB Power Delivery, so a PD laptop charger will still deliver useful speed. No 3.5 mm headphone jack and no microSD slot — all audio and storage is onboard or over USB-C.
Samsung's popular mid-range phone relies on a single USB-C 2.0 port for all wired connections, with charging maxing out at 25W via USB Power Delivery. There is no DisplayPort Alt Mode, so wired video output to a TV or monitor is not possible with this device. The headphone jack was dropped, meaning a USB-C audio adapter or Bluetooth earbuds are needed for wired listening. Wireless charging is not supported on this model either.
Samsung's Fan Edition offers a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port with DisplayPort Alt Mode, letting you connect directly to monitors and TVs with the right USB-C cable or adapter. Wired charging tops out at 25W via USB Power Delivery, reaching about 50% in roughly 30 minutes. There is no headphone jack, so plan on wireless earbuds or a USB-C audio adapter. Samsung DeX desktop mode works over the same port for a PC-like experience on a big screen.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (2024)
Samsung’s 2024 premium flagship sports a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and a built-in S Pen. The USB-C port runs at USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds (5 Gbps) with DisplayPort 1.2 alt mode for connecting external monitors and running Samsung DeX. Wired fast charging maxes out at 45W with a compatible PD charger, though Samsung doesn’t include one in the box. There’s no headphone jack or microSD card slot — a trade-off for the titanium frame and IP68 build.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (2025)
Samsung’s 2025 flagship packs a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display and the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with an upgraded USB-C port running at USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds (10 Gbps) — double the transfer rate of its predecessor. DisplayPort 1.2 alt mode lets you connect to external monitors for Samsung DeX desktop mode over a single cable. There’s no headphone jack, but the USB-C port supports OTG for connecting wired accessories. The built-in S Pen slots into its own dedicated bay beside the USB-C port.
The Xperia 1 VI is a classic-style Sony flagship with a 6.5-inch 120 Hz OLED and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 silicon. Unlike most 2024 flagships it keeps a 3.5 mm 4-pole headphone jack on the top edge — useful for wired IEMs with microphones — and a microSDXC slot supporting cards up to 1 TB sits inside the dual-SIM tray. Its USB-C port runs at USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) with DisplayPort Alt Mode, so a plain USB-C-to-HDMI adapter drives an external display. USB PD 3.1 charging is rated at 30 W; this is not a fast-charging phone by current Android flagship standards.
