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

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