Devices that supports Video over USB C – Compatibility

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. 

SEP 2023: UPDATE: For devices with USB C 2.0 Please check the following product: HERE

Check below for a quick self assesment:

(See Mobile / Laptop section for detailed information)
USB C Compatibility Check

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:

  1. 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)
  2. 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.

SEP 2023: UPDATE: For devices with USB C 2.0 Please check the following product: HERE

 

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

  1. Go to https://www.gsmarena.com/
  2. Search your phone model on the site and go to specifications
  3. 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:

  1. Go to https://www.devicespecifications.com/
  2. Search your phone model on the site and go to specifications
  3. 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&section=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]

 

The Samsung Galaxy S8 plugged into the DeX docking station. Monitor is displaying the PowerPoint and Word Android applications.
Comparison of support for DisplayPort Alt Mode by various brands
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

  1. 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)
  2. 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

  1. Go to https://www.laptoparena.net/laptop-finder
  2. Search your Laptop model on the site and go to specifications
  3. Scroll to:  section- Look for PORTS & INTERFACES:
  4. 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:

  1. Go to https://noteb.com/
  2. Search your laptop model on the site and go to specifications
  3. Go to Chassis section
  4. 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]
  1.  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.PIBOX.IN

 

 

97 thoughts on “Devices that supports Video over USB C – Compatibility

  1. Subra Velu says:

    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.

    • PiBOX India
      PiBOX India says:

      No. Display link is a old but proprietary technology and cannot be used. We can tell that the FPS with display link devices are slow and good for powerpoint presentation and not beyond.

  2. Srikanth says:

    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!!!!

    • PiBOX India
      PiBOX India says:

      Yes. It will work with samsung tab S7+. Note: As of APR,2021 – Lite versions does not support DEX/Video out via usb c. But it will on future which is still not clear.

  3. Abdulaziz says:

    Does this work with Samsung A20S. I won’t use the HDMI adapter. I’ll only use the charging port (to charge phone) and USB A female port (to record voice in phone through an external mic)?

  4. Anand says:

    Hi Bhaskar/Team,

    Can I connect a Wired/Wireless (using USB Receiver) Keyboard & Mouse to “PiBOX 8 in 1 adapter” to use it with Samsung Galaxy M31 mobile? Is this adapter compatible with M31 mobile?

    Thank you for your help in advance.

      • Anand says:

        Please note, I’m “”Not”” looking for Video out, as I’m “Able” to get screen mirror/Video out for M31 using Google Chromecast on TV.

        What I’m looking for is to connect a Keyboard & Mouse using “USB A” port of the the PiBox “8 in 1” adapter with Galaxy M31 Mobile. So will it work with M31 mobile per the below?
        1) Wired – connect M31 Mobile with > PiBox 8 in1 adapter USB A port > connect wired keyboard & mouse & use it?
        2) Wireless – Connect M31 Mobile with > PiBox 8 in1 adapter – USB A port > connect wireless USB Receiver of keyboard & use it. Thanks.

  5. Anand says:

    Please note, I’m “”Not”” looking for Video out, as I’m “Able” to get screen mirror/Video out for M31 using Google Chromecast on TV.

    What I’m looking for is to connect a Keyboard & Mouse using “USB A” port of the the PiBox “8 in 1” adapter with Galaxy M31 Mobile. So will it work with M31 mobile per the below?
    1) Wired – connect M31 Mobile with > PiBox 8 in1 adapter USB A port > connect wired keyboard & mouse & use it?
    2) Wireless – Connect M31 Mobile with > PiBox 8 in1 adapter – USB A port > connect wireless USB Receiver of keyboard & use it. Thanks.

  6. Arun says:

    Could you please let me know the product “USB C to HDMI VGA USB Adapter, PiBOX India Aluminium Type C USB hub 3.1 to HDMI 4K/VGA/USB 3.0/USB C Converter Cable” will support HP Probook laptop. My requirement is to connect to an external monitor with the laptop.

  7. SV says:

    C connector (Male port) with HDMI (female port) will not show on Dell P2017H monitor. My laptop is Lenovo Yoga 920-13 IKB.
    Please help.

  8. Milind Mahajan says:

    My phone has usb 2 type c connecter. Will I be able to use it to access pendrive and SD cards using this extension?

  9. Abhineet says:

    I have a samsung tab galaxy s8+ it shows couldn’t switch hosts when I try and make my tab the controlling device. Help please.

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