There’s a lot that smartphones devices can do now, beyond just connecting us with our loved ones or capturing moments worth cherishing in 4K.
With the ever-expanding Google Play Store and Apple App Store, there are all sorts of apps that extend the functionality of your phone. Hardware-wise, it might seem like we’ve reached peak smartphone — with every release looking like the same rectangular slab of glass and metal with a giant display and a fast processor.
Another common hardware choice found on most phones is the USB-C port. “Android phones have had USB-C for nearly a decade now, with Apple finally following suit with the iPhone 15 series.” USB-C is faster for both charging and data transfer, reversible, capable of audio and video output, and most importantly — universal.
“In recent years, it’s usually a questionable purchase if a product you’re eyeing uses the older Lightning or Micro-B interface for charging or connectivity.”
Most laptops, power banks, smartphones, and earphones now rely on USB-C for charging — as do many other gadgets.
“Thanks to how widespread the standard has become, there’s a good chance that you can simply plug in a product to your phone’s USB-C port and start using it.” Here are a few such gadgets that work well with your phone and can extend its use in ways that might surprise you.
External SSD
“SD card expansion on phones is dearly missed, and while the base storage capacities have gone up over the years, upgrade options at the time of checkout can get expensive.”
A viable remedy to dealing with larger files on your phone is to offload them onto an external storage drive — more specifically, an SSD. “Solid-state drives are faster, smaller, and more reliable than traditional mechanical hard drives.”
Most of the newer SSDs make use of USB-C connectivity, allowing for fast read and write speeds. “You can even record iPhone videos directly to an SSD, which saves you from the hassle of moving around files each time you need to create more space on your phone.”
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD is a popular option, “with over 34,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Amazon. It costs $159.99 for 1 TB of storage, with higher capacity options available.” If you don’t mind slower transfer speeds, “the Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive at $34.99 for 256 GB of storage space is a cheaper and smaller alternative.”
Smart Glasses
“People have gotten comfortable with everything modern smartphones have to offer — so much so that new product categories often struggle to grow an audience.” Smart glasses, however, have been received with more kindness by consumers.
“With big-name brands like Apple and Meta leading the AR/VR space with the Vision Pro and Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, respectively, we’ve started seeing a rise in the popularity of wearable tech.”
The Xreal Air 2 smart glasses, “which earned a 7/10 score in our review and retail at $359, look like regular Wayfarers but house Micro-OLED panels capable of outputting 1080p content at 120Hz.” The best part? “Using the detachable USB-C cable, you can plug them into your Android or iOS device and instantly enjoy content in an immersive experience.”
Keyboard or Game Controller
“Keyboard warriors will be delighted to know that you can go competitive in group chats by plugging in a physical keyboard to your phone.” Simply connecting a keyboard through the USB-C port allows for a tactile typing experience. “
With a 4.5-star rating, the Keychron K3 Version 2 retails for $83.99 and is a slim profile mechanical keyboard that can be connected to a PC, Mac, or smartphone over Bluetooth or a wired USB connection.”
If working on your phone doesn’t sound appealing, “perhaps a game controller might interest you.” Many smartphone games now support physical controllers. “At $39.99, the GameSir X2s Mobile Controller is a great mid-range offering that utilizes a USB-C connection to connect to a smartphone.” It features “clicky buttons, the ability to remap controls, and Hall effect joysticks for precise gameplay.”
Portable Monitor
“Bigger screens are better for content consumption, but not many are aware that your phone can be hooked onto a much bigger display.” Both Android and iOS devices can connect to an external monitor via USB-C. “With a docking station or adapter, you should be able to connect any of your existing monitors to your smartphone.”
However, “there are a handful of great portable monitors designed to fit inside your backpack.” The Arzopa Portable Monitor “features a 15.6-inch IPS 1080p panel with support for HDR and can be connected via mini HDMI or USB-C.” For $109.99, “this is an inexpensive way to view content from your phone on a larger screen.”
Another popular option is the “Eviciv Portable Monitor for $129.99, which comes with touch input and has close to 9,000 reviews with a 4.3-star rating on Amazon.”
Other Cool USB-C Accessories for Your Phone
“More utilitarian gadgets like high-capacity and fast-charging capable power banks will bring immense value when paired with your phone.” But there are also several quirky devices that work with the USB-C port. “USB-C microphones can help your smartphone capture better audio, especially in the context of interviews or outdoor recordings.” The Maono USB-C Lavalier Microphone “has over 1,000 reviews and a 4.3-star rating on Amazon and features an easy plug-and-play setup for Android and iOS devices.”
For photographers, “the Hiearcool USB-C Hub makes it easier to edit and share your captures on the go.” Retailing at $22.99, “it has over 50,000 reviews on Amazon and works with laptops like the MacBook Air, which infamously only features two USB-C ports for connectivity.” Thermal cameras have also become more accessible thanks to USB-C. “The TopDon TC001 Thermal Camera connects to your Android phone, while the TopDon TC002C is compatible with iPhones.”
How We Picked Gadgets for This List
“Marketplaces like Amazon are filled with smartphone accessories — from must-haves like power banks to more gimmicky products like portable fans.” For this list, “we picked an assortment of cool yet useful products that you can use with your phone’s USB-C port.” A few considerations included “compatibility across Android and iOS and, of course, the legitimacy of the product.”
“We’ve stuck with gadgets that have been positively rated by consumers, and have also referred to a few of our own reviews.” Regardless of which product you’re eyeing, “it’s a good idea to check its compatibility with your device first, in addition to feedback left by verified buyers.”