Many of us won’t settle for anything less than full HD 1080p nowadays when streaming. To support such high-quality digital audio and video, we need HDMI.
Which is better for smaller devices, mini HDMI vs micro HDMI? And which is the better in all aspects? Follow our experts’ guide to find out.
What is Mini HDMI?
First, our experts are going to dissect the Mini High Definition Multimedia Interface, to clarify a few things such as the digital video and quality, among others.
The mini HDMI type C measures in at 10.42 mm x 2.42 mm and is compatible with HDMI 1.4 specification. The HDMI mini is prevalent in cameras and connection to PCs. It’s very similar to the standard HDMI connector, with the only difference being the smaller mini connector. The standard, or the type A HDMI cable is much larger measuring in at 14 mm x 4.45 mm with a total of 19 pins.
Is the small size the only difference between these two HDMI connector options? Essentially, yes. You might be wondering what advantages a smaller HDMI connection provides compared to the standard option.
For one thing, a smaller HDMI is better for smaller portable devices such as tablets, phones, DSLR cameras and more. This is not always the case, but it is for the most part. The smaller connectors will leave more room for other connection standards such as USB.
If your device still features the standard HDMI connector, you will need to purchase an adapter to work with your mini HDMI and micro HDMI connectors.
What is Micro HDMI?
Now that we know what a mini is, let’s dive into the micro HDMI connection standards. It’s currently the smallest option and is about 70% smaller than the standard HDMI cables. It measures in at 6.4 mm x 2.8 mm and is often found on phones like Motorola Droid X and other portable devices.
Also referred to as a type D HDMI connector, it still has the original 19 pins as the type C design, unlike the CEC, which is a pin 14. Also like the USB type C, you will need to invest in an adapter for your mini and micro HDMI if your device only features the standard HDMI cable connector.
While most phones used to feature the micro type due to its smaller profile, micro has been abandoned in many smartphones because of mirroring, casting and streaming services for video and audio.
However, for cameras’ 4K video playback, it’s hard to provide the same quality the micro HDMI cables can. Our experts believe that USB type C might eliminate the need for micro connectors, but it is very useful for now in more compact devices.
Difference Between Mini HDMI vs Micro HDMI
Other than the size or the length of an HDMI cable, what other differences are there between the Mini HDMI and Micro HDMI? The micro is super small and is similar in size to a mini USB and is less seen in devices today.
The HDMI mini on the other hand, is much more commonly used and is compatible with different types of media devices.
Some may think smaller is better or larger is better, but our experts are here to say that there is no better connector than the other. It’s just a matter of compatibility. What HDMI port does your device use and do you have that cable?
If we had to choose a winner, our team would probably say it’s the mini because it’s more prevalent. One thing is for sure no matter which one you use–HDMI connectors support the highest quality digital content that fit the standards of today’s society.
When to Use Mini HDMI vs Micro HDMI
Is there a standard rule on when to use which version? Not really, our experts say it’s just a matter of what is available. To make sure you are getting a device that can link to your other products without issue, look into the types of ports it provides to be sure.
All the HDMI cables have a standard 19-pin design. The number of pins is the same but the only distinguishable part is the size, which we will dive into more detail on later. HDMI is now the standard of connection, so these standard HDMI or mini and micro [1] cables are very affordable and easy to find.
When you know which type of HDMI cable you need, you can match it with available devices like DVD players, video players, tablets, phones, cameras and more.
No matter which types of HDMI ports or cables you use, the industry standard for their performance is the same.
Basics of HDMI
First, there was the standard HDMI. From that stemmed the HDMI 2.0 cable, which can support HDMI Arc and HDMI eArc, the two connection standards that are better for more advanced home theater setups. Then came the potential HDMI type B.
The type B was supposed to be revolutionary, but it never came to fruition. This is because the type B was quickly rendered obsolete thanks to the HDMI 1.3.
On the market today, we are looking at HDMI type C, also known as the HDMI mini. Then there is an even smaller version called the HDMI type D, or better referred to as the HDMI micro. There is also a HDMI type E, but we are only focusing on the mini and micro options today.
(If you want to learn more about HDMI, knowing directional HDMI cable and its corresponding advantages is a great start)
Sizes and Types of Cables
The types of HDMI connectors we can see on the market today include the standard HDMI cable or type A, the mini cable or type C, and the micro or type D. The sizes rank from the largest standard HDMI cable, to the mid-sized mini to the smallest micro.
Other than the sizes, there are also different types of cables known as A, B and C. For type A HDMI cables, we most often see USB type connectors on one end, and standard connectors on the other. PCs and standard chargers often have this type of HDMI port.
The type B cables have USB type connections that are mostly compatible with computers and their surrounding accessories. Lastly, the type C HDMI cables have a USB connector on either side of the cable. This type is ideal for faster data transfers.
(Having an excellent cable can make your device perform better, in case you have some cable issues, you can check this quick guide on how to troubleshoot HDMI cable problems, too)
FAQ
What is the difference between micro HDMI and mini HDMI?
The difference between HDMI micro and mini is the size. The micro measures in at 6mm x 2.3 mm and the mini is 10.5 mm x 2.5 mm. Another difference is how common they are among media units, with the mini being used more.
What is a mini HDMI used for?
The mini is used for smaller devices. We often see the HDMI mini integrated into tablets, and DSLR cameras. To know what your device has, look on the user manual for more information.
What does a micro HDMI port look like?
The HDMI port of a micro looks like a mini USB port but more compact. It only measures at 6mm x 2.3mm and takes up less space than other HDMI ports such as the standard and mini size. Even though it’s tinier, the micro can still support the same high quality digital content.
What is a mini HDMI called?
The HDMI mini is called the Type C HDMI cable connector. There are three main types of HDMI ports and connectors that include the standard type A, the mini type C, and the micro type D. Each of them meets the standards for high quality audio and video data processing and signal relays.
Can micro HDMI connect to TV?
Yes, micro HDMI cables can connect to TV if there are compatible connections. Look at the ports, all you need is a single micro HDMI port to get it to work. If not, at least make sure your devices are compatible with an HDMI adapter. An adapter is a bridge between two otherwise incompatible connection standards.
Experiencing poor sound quality? Check out the signs of bad and damaged HDMI cable and tips on how to fix it here.
Conclusion
For our micro HDMI vs mini HDMI explanation, our team gave a clearer idea on the differences of the two. One of which is the difference in size of the two cables, but one can support the same video quality, signal processing and data transfers as the other.
Another disparity is the prevalence. We see the mini HDMI a lot more than we do the micro. The invention of more compact connections results in space-saving designs, but for video and audio quality, the standard HDMI is still the winner.
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