General
Devices that supports Video over USB C – Compatibility
Aug
USB-C is a mess of confusion that can leave even the savviest tech geek scratching their head. Even though it’s been around for a few years, there’s still a lot of confusion surrounding USB-C. It was supposed to be a universal connector, bridging together phones, computers, power supplies, and accessories. But there’s one big issue holding it back. The number of hardware manufacturer in a rush for competition just replaced the connector but left the backplane on older USB and even 2.0 The protocol, or specification, determines what the cable can transfer and how fast it can send it.
We at PIBOX India are often faced with questions related to compatibility and this article will attempt to comprehensively address the same.
USB C – Its just a connector. The actual speeds depends on the backplane your device supports and hence the funcionality.
There’s one big issue holding it back. The USB-C name refers to the physical shape of the connector, not the protocol. Even though two cables can have the same physical connector, what’s happening on the inside can be very different. The protocol, or specification, determines what the cable can transfer and how fast it can send it. Type C is just the shape of the connector, not the USB standards and protocols. This doesn’t be get into the face that Type-C can be USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1Gen1, 3.1Gen2 or Thunderbolt 3. All with different data transfer rates and power capabilities.
Below is a easier method to find out if your Phone / Laptop has the required ability for supporting Video out, Power Delivery and newer features.
This document will help you understand if your device supports USB C features and if our PiBOX India connectors will be useful.
Jump to the respective device section to validate your capability.
MOBILE PHONES / TABLETS
Below steps will help you understand if your mobiles have the USB capability.
Lets address some common assumptions before we get started:
- If a smartphone has a USB C connector – Will HDMI or USB C features work – NO. It will depend on the your devices backplane – motherboard capability. (More Details below on how to check your device capabielities)
- Can you update your phone / Install an APP to get the functionality – Unfortunately NO. Its a hardware capability to support USB 3.1 to get the video out.
SMARTPHONES & TABLETS - Capability Check Steps
A number of mobile manufacturers are adding USB C port for better compatibility but they have not updated the backplane to USB 3.1 speeds. Infact a number of mobile manufacturers have a very very old USB 2.0 speed which does not support video out. [ This is a old 2004 technology and still manufacturers use them]
Your Mobile has a USB C port – Does it mean it supports USB C Features such as Video Out(USB-C to HDMI, Ethernet & Power Delivery?
NO. Only flagship models of Samsung Galaxy S8 or above (Non lite version), Samsung Note 8 or above, One plus 7 or higher models supports video out via usb c as they have USB C Back-plane.
phones models of: REDMI, xiaomi, POCO, REALME,, OPPO, VIVO,Lenovo, LG, Motorola, HTC, nokia (oTHER MANUFACURERS NOT IN THIS LIST- CHECK BELOW) –NOT capable of Video out /USB C features.
Oneplus – 6T or lower versions – are NOT capable of Video out / USB C features
Samsung – Lite version of Galaxy S10, other Non flagship models – M series(M31,M40 etc), A-series(A31,A21 etc) – are NOT capable of Video out / USB C features
SEE DETAILED procedure to validate compatibility BELOW
Manufacturers do not disclose the information on the motherboard straight there are a lot of resources available where we can see the capabilities of the mobile if its capable of USB C(3.1 or higher) or if its older USB 2.0.
Method1:- GSMARENA specification site
- Go to https://www.gsmarena.com/
- Search your phone model on the site and go to specifications
- Scroll to: COMMS section- Look for USB: If its 2.0 then your phone has USB 2.0 backplane. Please note that the connector type might show as C which is the metal connector and not the back-plane as mentioned above)
Method2:-https://www.devicespecifications.com/ site:
- Go to https://www.devicespecifications.com/
- Search your phone model on the site and go to specifications
- Go to USB Section and look for the version. If its 2.0 then your phone has USB 2.0 backplane. Please note that the connector type might show as C which is the metal connector and not the backplane as mentioned above)
(To cross verify you can search for Oneplus 7 or Samsung 8 on the same site to compare the outcome)
You can also see the full list of phones that supports video out via USB c from the wiki site that’s available.
Smartphones: (Data from: https://en.everybodywiki.com/index.php?title=List_of_devices_with_video_output_over_USB-C§ion=3#Smartphones)
As Android and the now-defunct Windows 10 Mobile are mobile operating systems, most manufacturers do not include support for wired video output. Even if support is present, it may not be prominently indicated on a device’s specification list.
HTC, Samsung, Huawei have supported DisplayPort on most of their flagship HTC U series, Samsung Galaxy S series, Samsung Galaxy Note series, Huawei Mate series, Huawei P series phones.
LG formerly supported DisplayPort on their LG G series and LG V series phones, but dropped support in the G6, G7, V35, V40 phones. With the December 2018 software update, LG enabled DisplayPort output in G7, V35, V40 phones.
Samsung’s DeX mode, Huawei’s Easy Projection, and Microsoft’s Continuum allow phones to offer a PC-like experience. In addition to regular screen mirroring, they allow apps to be used in multiple windows with a desktop-like interface when connected to an external display with keyboard and mouse.[24][25]
The gaming-oriented smartphones, ROG Phone and Razer Phone, support DisplayPort. The ROG Phone, when connected to the Mobile Desktop Dock, outputs 4K UHD video through HDMI and DisplayPort. Razer’s Project Linda, a work-in-progress concept, allows a docked phone to power a laptop and run apps on a larger screen, with the phone acting as a touchpad or second screen for custom interfaces.
The upcoming Android Q will introduce a native desktop mode.[26]
A bug introduced in Android Oreo has resulted in performance issues (unreliable video/audio). This bug affects phones running stock Android (Razer Phone and Essential Phone) that have been updated from Android Nougat to Oreo.[27]
On devices with no native DisplayPort support, the DisplayLink Presenter app, when used with adapters and docking stations with DisplayLink chipsets, can provide limited screen mirroring functionality.[28] However, as a third-party solution, playback of HDCP-encrypted video content might be disabled.[29]
| Brand | Initial support | Models | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTC | 2016 | U series | Early adopter. Provides consistent support (at least 3 flagship models). |
| LG | 2016 | G series, V series | Early adopter. Dropped support in 2017-2018, but re-enabled support in 2019. |
| Huawei | 2017 | Mate series, P series | Provides consistent support (at least 3 flagship models). Has desktop mode. |
| Samsung | 2017 | Galaxy S series, Galaxy Note series | Provides consistent support (at least 3 flagship models). Has desktop mode. |
| Asus | 2018 | ROG Phone series | Provides consistent support on ROG Phone series (at least 3 flagship models), but little support on other series. |
| OnePlus | 2019 | OnePlus series | Late adopter. Currently support – 7/7 Pro, 8/8 Pro (as of Aug 2020) |
| Sony | 2019 | Xperia 1 series, Xperia 5 series | Late adopter. Little support on other series. Currently support – Xperia 1, 5, 1 II (as of Aug 2020) |
| Oppo | 2018 | (see below) | Irregular, little to no support for both flagship & non-flagship series. |
| Xiaomi | – | (see below) | Has not supported any flagship or non-flagship series. (need to check support for Black Shark series) |
| Device name | Desktop Mode | Device type | Operating system | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asus ZenFone 3 Ultra [31] | – | smartphone | Android | 2016 |
| Asus ZenFone AR Asus ZenFone Ares (rebranded Taiwan variant of ZenFone AR) [32] |
– | smartphone | Android | 2017 |
| Asus ROG Phone | Mobile Desktop Dock, TwinView Dock, WiGig® Dock | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| Asus ROG Phone II | Mobile Desktop Dock, TwinView Dock, WiGig® Dock | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| Asus ROG Phone II | Mobile Desktop Dock, TwinView Dock, WiGig® Dock | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| Asus ROG Phone 3 | Mobile Desktop Dock, TwinView Dock, WiGig® Dock | smartphone | Android | 2020 |
| BlackBerry Key2 [33] | – | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| BQ Aquaris X2 [34] | – | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| Essential Phone [lower-alpha 1] [35] | – | smartphone | Android | 2017 |
| HTC 10 [36] | – | smartphone | Android | 2016 |
| HTC U Ultra [37] | – | smartphone | Android | 2017 |
| HTC U11 HTC U11+ [38] |
– | smartphone | Android | 2017 |
| HTC U12+ [39] | – | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| HTC U19e [40] | – | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| HTC Exodus 1 | – | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| Huawei Mate 10 Huawei Mate 10 Pro [41] |
Easy Projection | smartphone | Android | 2017 |
| Huawei Mate 20 Huawei Mate 20 X Huawei Mate 20 Pro |
Easy Projection | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| Huawei Mate X | Easy Projection | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| Huawei Mate Xs | Easy Projection | smartphone | Android | 2020 |
| Huawei P20 Huawei P20 Pro |
Easy Projection | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| Huawei P30 Huawei P30 Pro |
Easy Projection | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| Huawei P40 Huawei P40 Pro |
Easy Projection | smartphone | Android | 2020 |
| Huawei Honor Note 10 [42] | Easy Projection | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| Huawei Honor View 20 [43] | Easy Projection | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| LG G5 | – | smartphone | Android | 2016 |
| LG G6 LG G6+ (with Dec 2018 update) |
– | smartphone | Android | 2017 |
| LG G7 LG G7+ (with Dec 2018 update) |
– | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| LG G8 | – | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| LG Q8 | – | smartphone | Android | 2017 |
| LG V20 | – | smartphone | Android | 2016 |
| LG V30 LG V30+ |
– | smartphone | Android | 2017 |
| LG V35 LG V35+ (with Dec 2018 update) |
– | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| LG V40 (with Dec 2018 update) | – | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| LG V50 | – | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| LG V60 | – | smartphone | Android | 2020 |
| OnePlus 7 | – | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| OnePlus 7 Pro[44] | – | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| OnePlus 8 | – | smartphone | Android | 2020 |
| OnePlus 8 Pro[45] | – | smartphone | Android | 2020 |
| OPPO R17 Pro (OPPO RX17 Pro in Europe)[46] | – | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| Oppo Reno 10x Zoom[47] Oppo Reno 5G[48] |
– | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| Razer Phone [lower-alpha 1] | – | smartphone | Android | 2017 |
| Razer Phone 2 [lower-alpha 1] | – | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| Samsung Galaxy S8 Samsung Galaxy S8+ [49] |
Samsung DeX | smartphone | Android | 2017 |
| Samsung Galaxy S9 Samsung Galaxy S9+ [50] |
Samsung DeX | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| Samsung Galaxy S10e Samsung Galaxy S10 Samsung Galaxy S10+ [51] |
Samsung DeX | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 Samsung Galaxy S20+ Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra [52] |
Samsung DeX | smartphone | Android | 2020 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 8 [53] | Samsung DeX | smartphone | Android | 2017 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 9 [54] | Samsung DeX | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ [55] |
Samsung DeX | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra [56] |
Samsung DeX | smartphone | Android | 2020 |
| Samsung Galaxy Fold | Samsung DeX | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip | Samsung DeX | smartphone | Android | 2020 |
| Sharp Aquos R5G [57] | – | smartphone | Android | 2020 |
| Smartisan R1 [58] | – | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| Sony Xperia 1 [59] | – | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| Sony Xperia 1 II [60] | – | smartphone | Android | 2020 |
| Sony Xperia 5 | – | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| Xiaomi Black Shark 2 | – | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| ZTE Axon 9 Pro | – | smartphone | Android | 2018 |
| ZTE Axon 10 Pro | – | smartphone | Android | 2019 |
| Microsoft Lumia 950 Microsoft Lumia 950 XL [61] |
Continuum with Microsoft Display Dock | smartphone | Windows 10 Mobile | 2015 |
| HP Elite x3 [62] | Continuum with HP Desk Dock, HP Lap Dock | smartphone | Windows 10 Mobile | 2016 |
| Acer Liquid Jade Primo | Continuum with Acer Display Dock | smartphone | Windows 10 Mobile | 2016 |
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-large is-style-default”><img src=”https://pibox.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/image.png” alt=”” class=”wp-image-6675″/></figure>
LAPTOPS
- If a Laptop / Tablet has a USB C connector Will HDMI or USB C features work – NO. It will depend on the your devices backplane – motherboard capability. (More Details below)
- What is the easiest method to see if the laptop supports video out:- You should see a thunderbolt ⚡ or
“DP” icon on your laptop usb c port. Check the Logo next to your USB C port. If its just a USB icon or SS icon then it will not support usb c features. (More information below)
(General – MAC books since 2017 support Thunderbolt, Laptops that has the icon matching above supports video out and newer features but check the below steps to validate your device capability also)
Laptops and Notebooks - Capability Check Steps
A number of laptop manufacturers are adding USB C port for better compatibility but they have not updated the back plane to higher speeds that support video out.
You should see a thunderbolt ⚡ or “DP” icon on your laptop usb c port. Check the Logo next to your USB C port. If its just a USB icon or SS icon then it will not support usb c features. (More information below)
Below Chart explains the capability for your laptop: 
Manufacturers do not disclose the information on the motherboard straight there are a lot of resources available where we can see the capabilities of the mobile if its capable of USB C(3.1 or higher) or if its older USB 2.0.
Method1:- Laptoparena specification site
- Go to https://www.laptoparena.net/laptop-finder
- Search your Laptop model on the site and go to specifications
- Scroll to: section- Look for PORTS & INTERFACES:
- Check for Thunderbolt option or USB Type-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode
Example Below for Dell G3 3590: The port below is USB 3.1 (Gen1) which means it will not support high end features as MST / Gigabit ethernet etc but it supports Video out as it supports Alt DP.
Method2:– https://noteb.com/ site:
- Go to https://noteb.com/
- Search your laptop model on the site and go to specifications
- Go to Chassis section
- Look for Thunderbolt or USB 3.2 or ALT+DP function.
Example Below: for Apple MacBook Pro 15 (2019): The port below is Thunderbolt which means it will support high end features of USB C and Gigabit ethernet etc.
You can also see the full list of laptops that supports video out via USB c from the wiki site that’s available.
LAPTOPS: (Data from: https://en.everybodywiki.com/index.php?title=List_of_devices_with_video_output_over_USB-C)
Below list is incomplete but will give you a guidance and use the DIY method above using LaptopArena and its more reliable.
Desktops:
| Device name | Device type | Operating system |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iMac (Mid 2017) and newer | All-in-one PC | macOS |
| Apple iMac Pro | All-in-one PC | macOS |
| Apple Mac Mini (Late 2018) and newer | Mini PC | macOS |
| Intel NUC[lower-alpha 1] | Nettop | Windows |
| ASRock Thunderbolt 3 AIC | AIC | Windows 8-10[2] |
| Asus ThunderboltEX 3 Thunderbolt 3 AIC | AIC | Windows 8-10[3] |
| Gigabyte GC-ALPINE RIDGE (rev. 1.0) | AIC | Windows 8-10[4] |
| Gigabyte GC-ALPINE RIDGE (rev. 2.0) | AIC | Windows 8-10[5] |
| Gigabyte GC-TITAN RIDGE (rev. 1.0) | AIC | Windows 10 RS3 or later[6] |
| MSI Thunderbolt M3 Thunderbolt 3 AIC | AIC | Windows 8-10[7] |
- ↑ The low-cost Intel i3 model (NUC7i3) supports just DP alternative mode and not both DP and TB3.
Laptops:
| Device name | Device type | Operating system |
|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Pro (Late 2016) and newer | laptop | macOS |
| Apple MacBook Air (Late 2018) and newer | laptop | macOS |
| Razer Blade Stealth Series (All) | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Dell Latitude 7373, Dell Inspiron 5570 | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Dell Latitude 5490,5400 (2019) | laptop | Windows 10/Linux >= 4.19 |
| Dell XPS 12 (9250) Dell XPS 13 (9350, 9360, 9370) Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9365) Dell XPS 15 (9550, 9560, 9570) Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 (9575) |
laptop | Windows 10/Ubuntu |
| HP EliteBook Folio G1 | laptop | Windows 10 |
| HP Spectre 13 | laptop | Windows 10 |
| HP Zbook | laptop | Windows 10 |
| HP Zbook Studio | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Lenovo Thinkpad E580[8] | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Lenovo Thinkpad T470 | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Lenovo Thinkpad T470s | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Lenovo Thinkpad T480 | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Lenovo Thinkpad T480s | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon (2017) | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon (2018) | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon (2019) | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Asus Zenbook 3 | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Acer Swift 5 | laptop | Windows 10 |
| MSI GS60 6QE | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Gigabyte Aero 15x | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Gigabyte Aero 15 x9 | laptop | Windows 10 |
| Gigabyte Aero 15 y9 | laptop | Windows 10 |
2-in-1 PCs:
| Device name | Device type | Operating system |
|---|---|---|
| HP Spectre x360 | 2-in-1 convertible | Windows 10 |
| HP Zbook Studio x360 | 2-in-1 convertible | Windows 10 |
| Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9365) Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 (9575) |
2-in-1 convertible | Windows 10/Ubuntu |
| Huawei MateBook | 2-in-1 detachable | Windows 10 |
| Medion Akoya s4403 | 2-in-1 convertible | Windows 10 |
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-large is-style-default”><img src=”https://pibox.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/image.png” alt=”” class=”wp-image-6675″/></figure>
Conclusion:
We at PIBOX India believe that you must get what you paid for and we understand that you may not have had the time to do all the research before your purchase and we hope this article helped you with the understanding. We truly hope that Mobiles and Laptops natively support USB C and we go to the good old days of USB – “If it fits, it works“.
You can return the unit for a full refund or you can contact pibox india support via whatsapp – 8072238441
Some useful Resources about USB C:
- https://www.androidauthority.com/state-of-usb-c-870996/
- https://www.zdnet.com/article/usb-c-power-for-laptops-is-still-complicated-and-heres-why/
Does realme x2 pro support type c to hdmi?
No. It wont. Please check pibox.in/willcwork
PiBOX India USB C to HDMI Adapter:
I like PiBOX India very much and for me, it worked perfectly good the way I wanted. May you manufacture new item and progress. Thanks to PiBox India.
PiBOX India USB C to HDMI Adapter:
I also like the bag, mobile phone stand and also the USB C cap very much.
Thanks to PiBOX India.
As I opened the box, I am surprised to read the box outside and find extra pleasant things inside. The adapter is supplied with a neat carry pouch and a small stand on which you can keep your adapter or the cell phone. A wonderful way to attend video calls on mobile in landscape format.
The adapter works well and is available at about 1/7th of the cost of the same in the Apple Store. Yes. about 85% discount than the same adapter price in Apple. What’s more. The adapter is delivered to me fast on a Sunday even though it is a Deepavali celebration time.
Once I move from WFH to office working, I am going to order one more of this so that I can connect the two HDMI monitors at the office on cable rather than wirelessly. I can use one or both USB-C to charge fast. The two USB (-1) connectors I can use to connect to USB headphones and charge mobile. Excellent value for money.
Great Indian Product – Product Quality is Very Good
Is Samsung Tab A7 is compatible for video over USB C.?
No. A7 does not have usb c capability on its backplane. But please check the smartphone section with your model and you can see that yourself.
Will this support lenovo Chromebook duet for connecting external harddisk?
Check the laptop section above. You can see that for yourself.
iPad Air 2020 model will it work
Yes.
Is there any converter from usb c 2.0 male to usb c 3.0 female
It’s not USB c 2.0. its old USB 2.0 with c type connector. This cannot work.
Dear All,
I found this article link on Amazon India. I found this article excellent and useful for all. I have bought a new Laptop and want to know the capabilities of USB Type C port on it which is marked as Type-C USB3.2 Gen1.
BTW, I have got some new information here : https://www.msi.com/blog/new-usb-standard-usb-3-2-gen-1-gen2-explained
Hope the Article is updated for all of us after reviewing the information.
Nice article and very glad to see that you guys are very transparent in providing such info for the customers. I very much liked the STOP Check compatibility first idea!!!!