Question about
Why do phones have microUSB ports on the side?
Lately, I've noticed that a lot of Android phones have microUSB ports on the side rather than on the bottom. I find this to be a major hindrance when I need to use the phone while it's charging. Aside from the new Motorola devices that dock, is there a particular reason for devices to have this port on the side? Perhaps it's a physical design limitation on certain phones (both the DROID and T-Mobile G2 have it on the side and they are sliders)?
top answers
JasonTsay's pick
I actually prefer the side port, because I can sit my phone in the coin or cup holder in my car while it is charging. With the EVO, which had the port on the bottom, I had to leave it sitting on the passenger seat while it was charging, which always made me nervous. Granted, I could have just set it in upside down, but my OCD tendencies would be bothered the whole. :)
mark as good answer
8 people like this answer
Clicking the mark as good answer button helps us highlight the best answers.
JasonTsay's pick
Most likely due to phone docks. So many phones are coming out with some sort of dock and manufactures are opting for horizontal over vertical.
mark as good answer
7 people like this answer
JasonTsay's pick
I don't know the technical answer, but I have to imagine it's so it can dock in something. I mean, I know the Motorola devices have special docks, but I'm pretty sure I've seen other Android phones with simple cradles that charge the device while it's horizontal.
Maybe there's some sort of circuitry limitation with slider phones, or maybe they think since it is a horizontal slider phone, that the side is actually the bottom.
Someone else might be able to shed more light on this, but those are my guesses.
Maybe there's some sort of circuitry limitation with slider phones, or maybe they think since it is a horizontal slider phone, that the side is actually the bottom.
Someone else might be able to shed more light on this, but those are my guesses.
mark as good answer
4 people like this answer
Recent phones have charging ports on the side so they can be docked in Landscape mode, to watch HD movies. If you truly have OCD tendencies, use a bluetooth headset/earphones. Wireless keeps your phone cleaner.
mark as good answer
0 people like this answer
Honestly when you compare mini-usb to micro-usb there is not much difference.. Micro is thinner, which is probably the REAL reason. However, micro is also WIDER.. So really, I think the reason is just to PISS ME OFF, and make me have to buy 5 more $10 cords to be able to charge and connect my phone all over the place.
mark as good answer
0 people like this answer
follow this question
share:
Related questions
6 users following this question:
This question has been viewed 223 times.
Last activity .
Tips for giving the best answers
Sometimes it's just little details that separates a great and not so great answer! Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
- 1
- Be complete and thorough. Don't skimp on the details!
- 2
- Try not to answer with a question. Because that's not really an answer, right?
- 3
- A little research goes a long way. Back up your claims and assumptions!
- 4
- Try to be patient, tech questions can be complicated.
- 5
- You are awesome for both reading this and answering questions.