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HDMI vs. Mini HDMI vs. Micro HDMI: What's the Difference?



When it comes to video and audio connections, HDMI has emerged as a popular and acceptable connection port. However, many people do not know that there exist HDMI connectors of different types and models.

Many of you might know the regular HDMI port that is used with TVs and video gaming systems. But you may have found Mini HDMI and Micro HDMI floating around; these are its smaller sizes. That is why these compact connectors can be observed in cameras, tablets, and smartphones.


Their sizes differ in appearance and intended usage, even though all cables are meant to transmit audio and video, preferably in high quality. This knowledge will enable you to select the appropriate cable or adapter for the devices in question. So, let’s start with HDMI, Mini HDMI, and Micro HDMI to find out what makes the difference.


Difference Between HDMI, Mini HDMI, and Micro HDMI

Comparison of HDMI Types

Feature

HDMI (Type A)

Mini HDMI (Type C)

Micro HDMI (Type D)

Connector Size

13.9 mm x 4.45 mm

10.42 mm x 2.42 mm

6.4 mm x 2.8 mm

Primary Use Case

TVs, monitors, gaming consoles, projectors

Tablets, DSLR cameras, small laptops

Smartphones, GoPros, very compact devices

Pins

19

19

19

Compatibility

Direct connection to most displays and devices

Requires an adapter to connect to standard HDMI ports

Requires an adapter to connect to standard HDMI ports

Signal Quality

Supports high-resolution video (up to 8K) and high-speed data transfer

Supports the same high-resolution video as HDMI, but the cable length is usually shorter due to smaller connectors

Supports high-resolution video like HDMI, typically used for short-distance connections due to smaller size

Cable Length

Can support longer cable lengths (up to 15 meters for 1080p signals)

Shorter cable lengths recommended (usually up to 5 meters)

Shorter cable lengths recommended (typically up to 3 meters)

Durability

More durable due to larger size and thicker connectors

Less durable than HDMI due to smaller size

Least durable, prone to damage due to small and thin connectors

Backward Compatibility

Compatible with older HDMI versions through the same Type A connector

Requires adapters to connect with standard HDMI Type A ports

Requires adapters to connect with standard HDMI Type A ports

Availability of Cables

Widely available, various quality and length options

Less common, specific to devices with Mini HDMI ports

Least common, typically provided with compatible devices or bought separately

Data Transfer Rates

Supports up to 48 Gbps (HDMI 2.1)

Supports the same data rates as full-size HDMI

Supports the same data rates as full-size HDMI

Ethernet Channel Support

Yes (HDMI 1.4 and above)

Yes (HDMI 1.4 and above)

Yes (HDMI 1.4 and above)

Audio Return Channel (ARC/eARC)

Yes (ARC in HDMI 1.4, eARC in HDMI 2.1)

Yes (ARC in HDMI 1.4, eARC in HDMI 2.1)

Yes (ARC in HDMI 1.4, eARC in HDMI 2.1)

CEC (Consumer Electronics Control)

Yes

Yes

Yes

3D Video Support

Yes (from HDMI 1.4 onwards)

Yes

Yes

HDR Support

Yes (from HDMI 2.0 onwards)

Yes

Yes

Usage in Devices

Most common in TVs, monitors, home theater systems

Used in compact laptops, tablets, and some cameras

Used in smartphones, action cameras, and very compact devices

 

Read origina fulll blog on HDMI vs. Mini HDMI vs. Micro HDMI

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