Micro USB is still found on budget smartphones, power banks, Bluetooth speakers, Kindles, GPS units, drones, smart home sensors, and older gaming controllers — but it is being phased out in favour of USB-C across most new devices.
- You need basic charging or USB 2.0 data transfer
- You are using older or budget accessories with existing Micro USB cables
- You need fast charging or high-speed data on a modern device
- Your new phone or tablet uses USB-C and you have no adapter
Devices That Still Use Micro USB
Micro USB did not disappear overnight. Many product categories kept the connector because it is cheap to manufacture and good enough for low-power use.
- Budget smartphones — Models like the Xiaomi Redmi 12C (2023), older Samsung Galaxy J and A series, and various Alcatel handsets still ship with Micro USB.
- Power banks — Many portable battery packs use Micro USB as the input charging port.
- Bluetooth speakers and earbuds — Low-cost audio accessories rarely need more than USB 2.0 speeds.
- E-readers — Older Kindle models charge via Micro USB.
- GPS units — Standalone navigation devices often retain Micro USB for firmware updates and charging.
- Drones — Entry-level drones and their controllers frequently use Micro USB.
- Smart home devices — Plugs, sensors, and hubs often use Micro USB because power draw is minimal.
- Gaming controllers — Several older console controllers and budget gamepads still charge via Micro USB.
- Digital cameras and camcorders — Many mid-range and older cameras use Micro USB for data transfer.
- Arduino boards and portable hard drives — Developer boards and some external drives ship with Micro USB ports.
Quick Compatibility Reference
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget phone + Micro USB charger | Yes | Standard Micro USB cable | No fast charge support |
| Power bank charging via Micro USB | Yes | Micro USB cable | Common input port on older banks |
| Modern USB-C phone + Micro USB cable | No | USB-C cable or adapter | Connector will not fit |
| Kindle (older model) + Micro USB | Yes | Micro USB cable | Check your Kindle generation first |
Why Micro USB Is Fading Out
Micro USB is not reversible, charges more slowly than USB-C, and tops out at USB 2.0 data speeds. EU regulations now require USB-C on all new phones and tablets sold in Europe from 2024, with laptops following in 2026. This is accelerating a global shift away from Micro USB even in budget segments. The USB-IF legacy connector spec confirms Micro USB’s formal classification as a legacy standard.
If you are buying new accessories, USB-C is the safer long-term choice. For guidance on what USB-C can do beyond charging, see our article on whether USB-C supports video output. If you ever want to connect a USB-C device to a display, check out how USB-C connects to HDMI for a full breakdown.
Bottom line: Micro USB survives in power banks, budget phones, speakers, Kindles, smart home gadgets, and older accessories — but it is a legacy connector. If your device already has it, standard Micro USB cables work fine for basic charging and data. For anything new, expect USB-C and plan your cables accordingly.