Comparison Frime FH-20050 vs BASEUS Lite Series 5-in-1

— USB A. A classic, mainstream USB port that has recently been losing ground to the more advanced USB-C port.

— USB-C. This connector differs from the classic, full-sized USB in much smaller dimensions, as well as a two-sided design that allows you to insert the plug in either direction. This interface is rarely found in desktop PCs, but is becoming increasingly popular in laptops, tablets, and phones. Note that the Type C standard only describes the connector design; The USB version (interface) is described in the paragraph below.

— Lightning. Apple's proprietary interface used in its compact devices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch) since 2012. In terms of application features, it is completely similar to the microUSB described above, adjusted for the fact that it is found only in “apple” gadgets and is not used by other manufacturers.

— Internal USB. A variation of the USB standard used to connect internal card readers (see "Type", "Destination"). It differs from external USB in a connector; you can connect a card reader with such a connection only to the connectors on the motherboard; it is not compatible with external USB ports. Other characteristics are completely similar to the corresponding external USB standard (see above).

— microUSB. A reduced version of the external USB interface (see a...bove): the dimensions of such a connector are several times smaller than those of a full-sized one, which allows it to be used in portable equipment, in particular smartphones and tablets. Actually, card readers and hubs that use this interface to connect are usually designed for such equipment. Note that normal operation is possible only if the main device is capable of operating in USB host mode (this function is called USB On-the-Go).

— Wi-Fi. A wireless standard originally developed as a technology for building computer networks; later, Wi-Fi Direct technology appeared, which allows you to connect devices directly to each other. In card readers and hubs, this technology is found mainly among models designed for use with mobile devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets) that have a built-in Wi-Fi module. At the same time, the advantage over wired interfaces is not only the absence of wires and the corresponding freedom of movement, but also the possibility of simultaneously connecting several devices and exchanging data with them. And some models with Wi-Fi can even be connected to computer networks as full-fledged network drives. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting the need for its own power source — either connecting to the network, which accordingly limits freedom of movement, or a battery that has a limited battery life (within a few hours).

— ExpressCard. A standard for connecting compact peripherals, mainly used in laptops. ExpressCard devices are usually 75x34x5 mm in size and are installed in a special slot in the computer case. Depending on the features of the system, it can provide speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, but in general it is less versatile and convenient than USB, due to which it is much less common and continues to lose popularity. Found exclusively in card readers (see "Type").

— Corporate outlet. Connecting external card readers (see "Intended use") through the original connector, which is usually used in the technique of a single manufacturer and does not comply with common standards like USB (see above). The scope of such models is quite limited, most often they are produced as additional accessories for certain models of portable equipment (for example, tablets).

The number of USB inputs located on the case of the card reader or hub (see "Type"). The number of USB ports that you will have at your disposal after connecting the device depends on this parameter. "Pure" card readers and combined models, usually, have 1, 2 and even 3 USB inputs, while hubs have 4 or more ports.

The number of USB Type C ports for connecting peripherals provided in the design of the hub (or card reader with the hub function — see "Type").

The port itself is small — only slightly larger than microUSB — and has a reversible design, thanks to which the plug can be inserted in either direction. That is why he has exacted respect and is actively replacing the classic USB port.

Despite its small size, USB Type C is used both in portable technology and in desktop PCs and peripherals for them. However, there are still few such devices available; because of this, hubs usually provide 1 USB-C port or 2 type C inputs.

The USB connector interface (version) primarily characterizes the speed.

- 2.0. The outdated version 2.0 provides data transfer rates up to 480 Mbps. Found only in USB A ports.

— 3.2 gen1. Previous standard names are 3.1 gen1 and 3.0. This version provides up to 10 times the maximum speed (4.8Gbps) as well as higher power capacity, which allows you to connect power-hungry devices and large splitters.

- 3.2 gen2. Further improvement of the 3.2 gen1 standard (and, as is customary, the previous name more than once renamed 3.1 gen1 and simply 3.1), which made it possible to achieve a maximum speed of 10 Gbps and even higher power for external devices.

However, the final speed depends not so much on the input connector, but on the USB version of the hub (card reader) connection to the PC.

HDMI is the most popular of today's multimedia digital interfaces. It is specifically designed for HD content and delivers high-definition video and multi-channel audio over a single cable. HDMI outputs are found mainly in hubs connected via USB Type C and compatible with the Thunderbolt interface (see "Connection"). Actually, to use HDMI, you will need to connect the device to the Thunderbolt v3 connector — "pure" USB Type C does not provide video transmission. This feature can be useful if the external screen is designed for HDMI connection, but there are no such connectors in the PC or laptop itself, they are busy or unavailable for another reason. At the same time, HDMI can be a different version, which affects the throughput. So to transfer video in 4K at 60 fps, you must have HDMI v 2.0 or 2.1.

The presence of a switch that allows you to turn off the power supply to the USB ports. This function can be implemented either by one common switch for all ports at once, or by personal buttons for each port.

The technology allows you to work at higher voltage, thereby increasing the transmitted power. USB hubs with Power Dlivery can not only charge smartphones faster, but also power more power-hungry devices, such as laptops.

A special compartment on the case of the card reader or hub (see "Type"), in which the USB cable is placed during non-working hours. Such models are compact and easy to transport due to the fact that the wire, which tends to get confused and interfere, is hidden inside the device. For objective reasons, only devices with an external connection can have a cable compartment(see "Intended use").

Light indicator, indicating that data is currently being exchanged between the memory card and the computer to which the card reader is connected. This allows you to avoid disconnecting the card reader during operation, which is fraught not only with data loss, but even damage to the device.