USB versions and speed standards refers to the generation and the speed at which data can be transferred through the USB port or cable.

First generation

The first version is the USB 1.0. It was released in 1996 and it is ancient by modern standards. It is very slow, with data transmission speeds of just 1.5 Mbps. You will hardly find any device using this version of USB today. If you do, that device is most likely in a museum. Due to it’s shortcomings, a minor upgrade called the USB 1.1 was released in 1998. USB 1.1 had speeds of up to 12Mbps and performed better than the 1.0.

Second generation

In 2001, the second USB version called USB 2.0 (High Speed) was released. USB 2.0 is still the version used on many smartphones today. USB 2.0 had three speed tiers. It transmitted data at 1.5Mbps (low speed) for low powered peripherals like wired keyboards, mice etc. 12Mbps (Full speed) was used for printers, photocopiers, flash drives, phones etc. 480 Mbps (High speed) was mostly used for data transfer.

USB 2.0 introduced many modern USB norms, including support for Mini and Micro USB cables, USB OTG, USB hubs and more. It is the slowest speed of USB still used today. You’ll find it used on cheap flash drives, devices like mice and keyboards, and similar. Most phones and computers today use USB 2.0 ports.

Third generation

USB 3.0 (Super speed) is the current standard for USB speeds. It was introduced in 2011. It is much faster than USB 2.0, and thus recommended for devices like external hard drives. USB 3.0 runs at a blazing 5Gbps. In 2014 and 2017, USB 3.1 and 3.2 (Superspeed+) were released as updates to the standard 3.0 and they were even much more faster.

You can typically identify a USB 3.x port or connector by its blue coloring. Many USB 3.0 ports also have an SS symbol (which stands for Super Speed). Most new computers have at least one USB 3 port, and all good-quality flash drives use this standard.

Fourth generation

USB 4.0 (Superspeed+ and Thunderbolt 3) was released last year (2019) and it transfers data at double the speed of USB 3.2. USB 4.0 transfers data at 40Gbits per second. It can only be found on the high end PCs, laptops and smartphones (probably).

Below are the various USB versions and speed standards in tabular form.

https://inquisitiveuniverse.com/2020/10/08/usb-versions-and-speed-standards/

visit my telegram channel for free smartphone tutorial if you are a smartphone novice and YOU'RE WILLING TO LEARN. (t. me/inquisitiveuniverse)

Wonder why most OEMs have stuck with 2.0, didn't even know there was 4.0

Hakeem12:
Wonder why most OEMs have stuck with 2.0, didn't even know there was 4.0

It's cheaper lol, and it still supports most of the new USB tech.

The only problem 2.0 has is it's speed deficiency.

atheistandproud:


It's cheaper lol, and it still supports most of the new USB tech.

The only problem 2.0 has is it's speed deficiency.

That makes sense

Hakeem12:
That makes sense

Who knows?
Maybe one day, new USB tech will no longer be backwards compatible with 2.0.
Then they'll force us all to upgrade.
These pipo can be mad at times.
Boss mi, I salute.

atheistandproud:


Who knows?

Maybe one day, new USB tech will no longer be backwards compatible with 2.0.

Then they'll force us all to upgrade.

These pipo can be mad at times.

Boss mi, I salute.

lol sure, nothing is guaranteed in the tech scene.

You either keep up or get left behind.

Na you be boss o. Serving us content back to back.

Hakeem12:
lol sure, nothing is guaranteed in the tech scene.

You either keep up or get left behind.

Na you be boss o. Serving us content back to back.

I am loyal.

Meanwhile I'm here chilling with my 3.1 USB-C data cable

Honestly never knew Thunderbolt 3 was the same as USB 4.0
But those data speeds are rad, especially if you using eGPUs.

KrazyDave16:
Meanwhile I'm here chilling with my 3.1 USB-C data cable

Honestly never knew Thunderbolt 3 was the same as USB 4.0
But those data speeds are rad, especially if you using eGPUs.

They're very fast.

Speed Is what matters alot oo..
Good writeup bro

Nice writeup. Keep educating us, we're your students

engaging.
As usual

One of my major dislikes about Redmi phones is the outdated USB 2.0 they put in almost all their phones. Even rn9pro get am


I know their phones are cheap but still.

Olamyyde:
One of my major dislikes about Redmi phones is the outdated USB 2.0 they put in almost all their phones. Even rn9pro get am


I know their phones are cheap but still.

Dk you have a pc with USB 3.0 to take advantage of it.? My laptop has two USB 3.0 blue ports. Looking to order an lg v30 from aliexpress since it has USB 3 and an external hdd with USB 3.0 as well.

Johnxyz:
Nice writeup. Keep educating us, we're your students

Thank you bro

Topmaike007:
Speed Is what matters alot oo..
Good writeup bro

In this internet age, speed is king.

SweetBuns:
engaging.
As usual

Thank you dear.

Olamyyde:
One of my major dislikes about Redmi phones is the outdated USB 2.0 they put in almost all their phones. Even rn9pro get am


I know their phones are cheap but still.

USB 2.0 is old but not necessarily outdated.

To be honest sha, how many people still transfer movies and heavy heavy files using USB? How many people actually have new PCs or laptops to take advantage of the 3.0 or even 4.0?

atheistandproud:


USB 2.0 is old but not necessarily outdated.

To be honest sha, how many people still transfer movies and heavy heavy files using USB? How many people actually have new PCs or laptops to take advantage of the 3.0 or even 4.0?

I transfer heavy files to my laptop frequently. I don't joke with backups at all. My main issue with usb 2.0 is that you can't connect to TV directly with an Hdmi to usb c cable.

Qsand:


Dk you have a pc with USB 3.0 to take advantage of it.? My laptop has two USB 3.0 blue ports. Looking to order an lg v30 from aliexpress since it has USB 3 and an external hdd with USB 3.0 as well.

I have an external HDD with usb 3.0 but my laptop supports only 2.0.

Olamyyde:

I transfer heavy files to my laptop frequently. I don't joke with backups at all. My main issue with usb 2.0 is that you can't connect to TV directly with an Hdmi to usb c cable.

It doesn't support it unless you're using an MHL cable.

Can can one differentiate which type of USB?

Kunja2:
Can can one differentiate which type of USB?

If you mean the USB versions, then you can simply do that by checking up the phone's specs online via their website or on third party websites like GSMARENA, Device Specifications and Kimovil.

The type of USB terminal used (micro USB or Type C) does not determine the version. for example, a micro USB phone could have 3.0 and a type C could have 2.0.

You can never be sure till you look it up online.

should have showed pictures

OneKinGuy:
should have showed pictures

on the blog sir

atheistandproud:


If you mean the USB versions, then you can simply do that by checking up the phone's specs online via their website or on third party websites like GSMARENA, Device Specifications and Kimovil.

The type of USB terminal used (micro USB or Type C) does not determine the version. for example, a micro USB phone could have 3.0 and a type C could have 2.0.

You can never be sure till you look it up online.

alright. Thanks for the info

Kunja2:
alright. Thanks for the info

You're welcome

Are you confused about the difference between USB 2.0 vs 3.0? Know which is suited for your needs by learning all about the differences of each here. This guide will explain the difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0.

https://www.novabach.com/what-is-the-difference-between-the-usb-2-0-and-3-0/